The San Luis Obispo City Council values public participation in local government and encourages all forms of citizen involvement. Chapter 1.20 and Chapter 17.126 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code sets forth procedures for the appeal of decisions made by a public official or advisory body. Title 10 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code sets forth regulations related to parking restrictions and associated fines.

Administrative Citation Appeal 

To contest an Administrative Citation (such as screening, noise disturbance, urinating in public, open container, etc.) you may file an Administrative Citation Appeal Form with the City Clerk’s Office. Appeals may be submitted to: cityclerk@slocity.org or mailed/delivered in person to: City Clerk's Office, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. This appeal must be submitted within ten (10) days of the violation date and be in accordance with San Luis Municipal Code Chapter 1.24. If you have any questions regarding this process, please call the City Clerk's Office at (805) 781 – 7114.

Parking Citation Appeal

To contest a parking citation you must submit a Citation Review Form form. The request for citation review must be received within 21 calendar days of receiving the citation or within 14 days of receiving the delinquent notice. Visit the Parking Services page for more details. Citation review forms may be submitted online or mailed to: City of San Luis Obispo-Parking Services, 1260 Chorro Street, Suite B, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Appeal to the City Council 

In accordance with Chapter 1.20 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, the Appeal to the City Council Form must be completed and filed with the City Clerk to appeal the decision of a public official, committee, or commission to the City Council, except where an appeals procedure is otherwise specifically set forth, or such decision is ministerial and thus does not involve the exercise of administrative discretion or personal judgment. Appeals shall be filed with the City Clerk within 10 calendar days of the rendering of a decision which is being appealed. If the tenth day is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the appeal period shall extend to the next business day. The required filing fee must be accompany the appeal form. Mail completed appeal forms to: City Clerk's Office, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Planning Division Appeal

In accordance to Chapter 17.126 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, the City's Planning Appeal Form must be completed and returned to appeal the decision of the Community Development Director or the Zoning Hearing Officer. Appeal forms and applicable fees shall be submitted with the Community Development Department within ten calendar days of the rendering of a decision which is being appealed. If the tenth day is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the appeal period shall extend to the next business day. Forms and payment may be submitted in person, by email to planning@slocity.org or by mail to the Community Development Department, 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. If you have questions regarding the Community Development appeal process please call (805) 781-7180.

Request for Community Development Department Director's Review

To appeal a Notice to Correct or Notice of Violation from the Community Development Department, submit a Request for Director's Review. Mail completed forms to: Community Development Department, 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.