Community Development Updates

Permit Statistics

In February, the City issued 37 building permits and received 7 new building permit applications.

The Community Development Department now publishes up-to-date building and planning permit statistics, as well as a list of active projects on the Department's "Current Permit Applications and Statistics" webpage: Current Permit Applications and Statistics | City of Morro Bay

Waterfront Master Plan Update

We’d like to thank everyone who participated in our community workshop on February 25. We had over 90 participants at the meeting and received great feedback. The presentation, poster boards, and images of the feedback are available now on the Waterfront Master Plan website.

Waterfront Master Plan | City of Morro Bay - Official Website

Community Development Director, Airlin Singewald, presenting to the attendees of the workshop.

This Thursday, the WMPAC will review a draft vision statement created from the feedback received at the workshop and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Strategies. Please join us in person at the Veteran’s Memorial Building or via Zoom at 3 PM. The agenda for the meeting is also available at the link below. 

Agenda: https://pub-morrobay.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=b1656a47-c3ce-4122-8daa6921d0c3d8a5&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English

Stay Tuned: At the next Community Workshop in May 2026, the City will present alternative concept plans for public input. 

On February 24, the City Council adopted an ordinance to approve various amendments to the Zoning Code / Implementation Plan (IP), Title 17 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code, to reinstate a setback adjustment for sloping residential lots; reinstate a blufftop height limit on Front Street between Beach Street and Surf Street; clarifying the sign code’s standards for electronic changeable copy signs do not apply to message boards displaying time, temperate, or fuel prices; amending the City’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to comply with State ADU law; and amending procedural requirements for amending the General Plan consistent with voter initiative A-24. This is one of the public views outside the Veteran's Hall on Surf Street to be protected by reinstating the bluff top height limit.

Image of Morro Rock from top of Surf St at sunset

The updated ADU and sign regulations take effect on March 26, 2026. The bluff top height limit and sloping lot adjustment amendments will take effect after they are approved by the Coastal Commission. Staff is working on sending these amendments to the Coastal Commission for consideration. A hearing date has not yet been set.

Last updated: February 2026