New San Luis Obispo Courthouse Project

The Judicial Council of California is undertaking the design and construction of a new approximately 145,000-square-foot, five-story courthouse in San Luis Obispo to replace the existing Courthouse Annex and consolidate court operations currently spread across off-site locations. The project will be delivered using a design-build method and includes the demolition of two existing structures, the construction of a modern, secure facility with twelve courtrooms—four large and eight multipurpose—and the integration of seventeen secure parking spaces, fifteen for judicial officers and two for executive staff, while public, juror, and staff parking will continue to utilize nearby city garages. The site, located at 1144 Monterey Street and identified by assessor parcel numbers 002-326-021 and 002-326-012, will undergo phased construction beginning with demolition in April 2027, followed by site work and foundations from January 2028 through late 2028, and building construction from November 2028 through September 2030. All work must comply with stringent environmental, safety, and cultural resource regulations, including adherence to California’s CEQA requirements, the California Building Code, CalGreen standards, and LEED Silver certification targets. Hazardous materials such as asbestos must be managed under CARB ATCM and OSHA HAZWOPER protocols, with a certified VOC vapor barrier installed beneath the foundation, a HASP implemented for worker safety, and a SWPPP enforced for stormwater management. Groundwater discharge is prohibited without explicit permitting, and any discovery of human remains or Native American cultural resources triggers mandatory work stoppage and consultation with the Native American Heritage Commission and state agencies. Compliance with the California Integrated Waste Management Act and RCRA is required for soil classification and disposal, with Class I and Class II waste handled accordingly. Financial obligations include payment of a $3,049.75 environmental filing fee and “fair share” contributions to the City of San Luis Obispo for sewer infrastructure upgrades. The project is led by the Judicial Council of California, with Kim Bobic serving as the primary point of contact and Tom Engels of Montrose Environmental as the technical reviewer. While the total contract value is not disclosed, procurement is governed through a state-level process under SCH #2025050800 with submission deadlines and electronic delivery protocols in place, and no standard FAR clauses, federal contracting formats, or pricing structures are