Los Osos: Starting an Airbnb
- Tiana
- Aug 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Los Osos is a laid-back, friendly community, nestled between the Morro Bay and the majestic Montaña de Oro State Park, and visitors would be fortunate to get to stay in this slice of paradise. But before you start, there are some strict regulations for vacation rentals to protect the integrity of the Los Osos community. Being compliant with local regulations in so important, so read this all the way through!
Understanding the Regulations
In Los Osos, vacation rentals are regulated to maintain the community’s character and ensure they don’t negatively impact the housing market or the neighborhood’s charm. Here’s what you need to know:
The Ordinance and Permit Limits
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors has approved an ordinance that governs vacation rentals in Los Osos, setting a cap at 55 permits within the Los Osos Urban Reserve Line (URL). This area is defined as the zone outside the “urban services line,” where future extensions of services like water and sewer might occur.
Steps to Obtain a Vacation Rental Permit
Verify Vacation Rental Eligibility
Ensure your property is within the Coastal Zone of Los Osos.
Check if your property is eligible by contacting the San Luis Obispo County Planning & Building Department or using their online tools.
Application Process
Minor Use Permit: Unlike other areas that might require just a zoning clearance, Los Osos demands a Minor Use Permit. This is due to the need for community review and ensuring the vacation rental won’t adversely affect the neighborhood.
Business License and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration: Alongside the Minor Use Permit, you’ll need a business license and must register for the TOT.
Neighbor Notification
As part of the application, notify your neighbors. This involves sending letters to property owners within a 200-foot radius of your proposed vacation rental. The County provides a standard notification letter template to assist you.
Code Enforcement Inspection
Your property will undergo an inspection to ensure it meets health and safety standards. This includes checking for water conservation measures.
Key Guidelines and Restrictions
Density Control
To prevent the over-concentration of vacation rentals, there must be a minimum of nine lots (or a 500-foot radius) between vacation rental properties. This helps maintain the residential character and reduces potential nuisances.
Cap on Total Number of Short Term Rentals
Los Osos has a strict limit of 55 vacation rentals. This ensures that STRs don’t overwhelm the community, preserving housing for long-term residents.
Ownership and Zoning Requirements
Single Ownership: Each owner can only hold one vacation rental permit. This restriction aims to prevent large-scale investors from dominating the market.
Zoning: Vacation rentals are permitted only in single-family dwellings. Multi-family units and mobile homes are excluded to protect lower-income housing options.
Detailed Application Process
Prepare Your Documents:
Grant Deed: Proof of property ownership.
Land Use Consent Form: If you’re not the property owner, obtain written consent from the owner.
Site Plan and Floor Plan: These can be hand-drawn and should show parking spaces and the layout of the house.
Will-Serve Letter: Confirmation from your water and sewer providers that they can accommodate the increased usage
.
Submit Your Application:
Apply online via the PermitSLO platform.
Upload all required documents and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Pay Fees:
Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive an invoice for the application fee. Pay this promptly to avoid delays.
Water Conservation
Each vacation rental must display water conservation notices in bathrooms and kitchens. This is part of Los Osos’s efforts to manage its limited water resources effectively.
Noise and Parking Regulations
Noise: Tenants must adhere to local noise standards. No loud or unreasonable noise should disturb the neighbors.
Parking: All parking must be on-site. On-street parking is not allowed to ensure minimal disruption to residential areas.
Local Contact Person
Designate a local property manager who can respond to tenant and neighborhood concerns 24/7. Their contact information must be provided to local authorities and neighbors.
That's It!
Starting and permitting a vacation rental in Los Osos requires careful adherence to local regulations, but it’s a manageable process with significant rewards. Maintaining transparency and compliance with local regulations and having good relationships with your neighbors will ensure a smooth operation.
For detailed guidelines and assistance, you can contact the Los Osos Community Advisory Council at locacinfo@gmail.com or the SLO County Planning & Building Department at (805) 781-5600.
Helpful Links
Feel free to reach out if you need any more tips or have questions about the process. And, of course--if you're looking for someone to manage and do everything for you, I'd be so happy to help! 😉 🌊🏡
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