San Luis Obispo County held a public Housing Element Workshop Wednesday night at the public library.
The workshop allowed the county to receive input from the community on potential zoning and preferred housing types.
Garrett Philbin grew up in San Luis Obispo and is now struggling to find affordable housing. He says even with his and his girlfriends combine income, they can't afford to buy a home.
"We're talking about leaving. Going to a place like the southwest, being able to afford a house there… super easy. Rent it and earn some money to be able to save up for the down payment to be able to come back here… it just seems kind of crazy to have to leave for some years to be able to afford to come back," added Philbin
Tiny homes, accessory dwelling units, and mobile homes were at the forefront of the discussions.
Many who attended the workshop say the biggest issue is that residents are not making enough money to own a home in SLO county.
According to the county planning and building department, 31% of renters pay more than 50% of their income on rent.
The state requires the housing element planning to have an 8-year time frame. It also requires the plan be adopted by December 31, 2020.
The next public draft for the housing initiative will be held in February 2020.
