SLO County waives $20,000 in permit fees for Pismo Preserve

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday waived as much as $20,000 in permit fees for the Pismo Preserve, in its latest effort to help establish the 880-acre open-space area on the hills east of Pismo Beach.

The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County plans to open the property to the public by the end of the year. The permits the group needs are for two parking lots off Mattie Road, restrooms, picnic facilities and a bridge for a hiking trail.

This was not the first time the county supported the Pismo Preserve conservation effort. In 2014, the county contributed $1.5 million toward the conservancy’s purchase of the $12 million property.

Supervisor Adam Hill, whose district includes Pismo Beach, said the preserve will provide a significant public benefit. Trails now being established in the preserve will provide access and spectacular ocean views for hikers, runners, bikers and equestrians. The preserve will also protect grasslands and oak woodlands.

The fee waiver required approval by the Board of Supervisors because the county planning director can only waive fees up to $5,000.

Conservation of the Pismo Preserve is the latest in a series of land conservation successes for the Land Conservancy. The group has restored the Octagon Barn in south San Luis Obispo and recently acquired an agricultural easement on 3,255 acres of the Eagle Ranch south of Atascadero.

This story was originally published April 5, 2016 at 3:35 PM with the headline "SLO County waives $20,000 in permit fees for Pismo Preserve."