For the first time in decades, Los Osos might see new construction— that’s if a building ban issued by the state is lifted.
If the California Coastal Commission approves a land use document, developers will be able to build in Los Osos again. The document was created by the San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors in 2020. Construction has been prohibited since 1988 because of water supply issues.
The community mostly relies on groundwater as a resource, which has been scarce for decades. However, Ron Munds with the Community Services District said water conservation efforts have improved its supply.
“Coastal has been looking at our water monitoring documents and this year decided, well, we've made enough progress to allow some development,” said Munds.
He also said the document would limit how much can be built in the coastal community.
“I think it's important for residents of Los Osos to understand, you know one, this isn't unconstrained growth by any means. It's going to be very metered and slow roll out. It's going to have very close monitoring,” said Munds.
Munds said that the California Coastal Commission will likely approve the land use document with modifications, including a one percent growth cap per year for developments.
The commission will review the document at a meeting on June 13. The document will then need approval from the Board of Supervisors.
