Community Development

The Community Development Department (CDD) consists of the Planning Division, Building Division and Code Enforcement team. From project design to construction and final improvements such as landscaping and signage, the CDD is involved to ensure that development in the City of Morro Bay is consistent with the community's desire to retain its reputation as a unique, eclectic community on the beautiful Central Coast of California while simultaneously enhancing the resiliency of the region and making strides to preserve and protect natural resources. 


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Planning Division

The Planning Division is responsible for the implementation of the General Plan and Local Coastal Plan (Plan Morro Bay), which involves periodic updates, revisions and amendments. Plan Morro Bay is also actualized in other planning documents such as the Zoning Code, Downtown Waterfront Strategic Plan, and Waterfront Master Plan. The management of the Plans and Codes is known as long-range planning and the application of the Plans and Codes is known as current planning. 

The Planning Division also coordinates closely with the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department to ensure that projects properly connect to City infrastructure (water, sewer, and storm drains) and ensure grading is properly done and required improvements (such as curbs, sidewalks and gutters) are installed.

Building Division

The Building Division ensures the health and welfare of the residents and businesses of Morro Bay through code enforcement and by regulating the construction, use, and occupancy of buildings and other alterations through the application of building codes. 

Code Enforcement/Community Enhancement Program

The City of Morro Bay's Community Enhancement Program ensures that nuisances and other code violations related to public health and safety are remedied efficiently and professionally.

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Regular public counter hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a business license? A business license is issued by the City of Morro Bay for all individuals and companies doing business within the City limits, regardless of where the individual or company is located. This includes, but is not limited to: general contractors, short term rental owners and sidewalk vendors. Business licenses are processed by the City's Administrative Services Department. 

When is a permit required? Property owners and business operators (or their agents) are required to obtain permits whenever specified in the City's Municipal Code. When in doubt, please contact the City to confirm whether or not a permit is required. Some examples of activities requiring permits include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Demolition when any of the following takes place at any time over a five-year period:
    • More than fifty percent removal of:
      • Structural elements of the roof or roof framing
      • Structural exterior walls, or when exterior walls are no longer a necessary and integral structural component of the overall building
      • Foundation, or when foundation is no longer a necessary and integral component of the overall structure
      • Additional information can be viewed in MBMC Section 17.23.030 - Demolition of buildings and structures 
  • Structures over 120 square feet and more than eight feet in height - Building Permit through the Building Division
  • Construction of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Junior ADU - Administrative Coastal Development Permit through Planning Division and Building Permit through the Building Division
  • Installation of new signs - See Sign Permit Application Guide and submit Sign Permit through the Planning Division
  • Encroachment into a public street or other right-of-way - Encroachment Permit through the Engineering Division
  • Tree removal if trunk is six inches or greater in diameter - Permission required through the Planning Division

Where can I find off-street parking requirements? The number of required off-street parking spaces is dependent on the type of use being proposed. Specific information regarding parking requirements can be viewed in MBMC Chapter 17.27 - Parking and Loading. 

Where can I find water and sewer information for a specific piece of property? Contact Rene Brill in the Engineering Division at 805-772-6285 or rbrill@morrobayca.gov 

What's my zoning? What are my setbacks? What are the fencing height requirements? Do I need a permit to build a patio cover or enclose my patio? Contact Lee Ackerman in the Planning Division at 805-772-6577 or lackerman@morrobayca.gov. 

How do I determine where my property line is? Assessor parcel maps provide general information regarding property lines and can be viewed online through the San Luis Obispo County Assessor's Office website. Property corners are often lost or buried and can be difficult to locate. When an accurate location of a property line is necessary, a licensed land surveyor may be hired to conduct the work. This service is not offered by the City.

How can I find out about a pending project I have heard about? Contact Lee Ackerman in the Planning Division at 805-772-6577 or lackerman@morrobayca.gov. 

I have another question that's not addressed above. Contact Lee Ackerman in the Planning Division at 805-772-6577 or lackerman@morrobayca.gov. 

Last updated: October 2025