Grover Beach Measures F-26 and A-26 Lead in Early Count; Height Limits Face State-Law Questions

GROVER BEACH, San Luis Obispo County — November 5, 2026. Grover Beach voters are considering two city governance measures with implications for development and local democracy. In the November 4 preliminary count reported by New Times SLO, Measure F-26, a proposal limiting building heights in the coastal city, had approximately 66% Yes; Measure A-26, a proposal to make the city clerk an elected rather than appointed office, had approximately 61% Yes. Neither measure had been certified at the snapshot date.

Why Measure F-26 is contested

Supporters argue the building-height limit would help protect ocean and dune views and the city’s existing character. Opponents and some city officials raise concern that the measure may conflict with California’s housing requirements. The state Department of Housing and Community Development previously warned that the city could face compliance problems if a restrictive local measure reduces its ability to meet housing goals. Whether and how the state would challenge an enacted measure remains a future legal question, not a decided court outcome.

What Measure A-26 would change

Measure A-26 would alter how the city clerk is chosen. Under the existing system the position is appointed; the initiative would make the role elective if it receives the required approval and takes effect. Supporters describe this as a shift toward direct accountability, while municipal officials would still need to plan for the role’s professional administrative responsibilities.

Mayor and council contests are separate

The same reported election snapshot showed Mayor Kassi Dee leading David Swift by roughly 200 votes; Shilo Terek led the District 1 Council race 355–291, and incumbent Jules Tuggle led District 2 377–259. These candidate races have their own counts and should not be conflated with ballot-measure totals.

What happens next

San Luis Obispo County officials will continue verifying ballots. A projected measure result is not evidence that zoning restrictions immediately took effect. Residents should watch for the official canvass and any subsequent city or state legal action.

Sources: New Times SLO, November 5, reporting the November 4 vote count and HCD dispute; SLO County Clerk-Recorder.

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