On June 13th, 2024, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) unanimously certified an amendment to the Estero Area Plan (EAP) with suggested modifications, based on the Los Osos Community Plan. The new policies and regulations of the amendment do not take effect unless the Board of Supervisors takes action to accept the suggested modifications and the CCC subsequently takes final action, recognizing the Board of Supervisors’ acceptance of the suggested modifications.

Key policies and regulations from CCC’s June 13th action:

• Residential growth rate cap to be 1% of total residential dwelling units
• Requirement for development to comply with the community-wide Los Osos Habitat Conservation Plan (LOHCP) and Incidental Take Permit
• Requirement for development to be served by a sustainable wastewater treatment system (such as the Los Osos sewer)

Other key upcoming activities:

• BMC and water purveyor staff will be working with the County to develop amendments to the Growth Management Ordinance for Los Osos that will include the continuation of the water neutral development requirements (2:1 offset per Title 19) and other safeguards to ensure the sustainability of the groundwater basin.

It is anticipated that the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing in October 2024 to consider the CCC suggested modifications for the Estero Area Plan amendment and an associated growth rate implementation approach. If the modifications are approved by the Board of Supervisors, the final plan will return to the CCC for final action, probably sometime before the end of 2024.

For general Los Osos inquiries and as it relates to LOCP, please use the below general contacts. Inquiries and questions will be routed to the appropriate County staff for follow up and/or answers.

      Email: planning@co.slo.ca.us

      Phone: (805) 781-5600