Paso Robles Planning Commission
March 11, 2025
🏗️ Public Hearing #1: DAOU Winery – Time Extension for PD 22-09
Location: 5175 Airport Road
Request: A two-year time extension for a 157,000 sq. ft. wine production facility
- Original Approval Date: February 21, 2023
- New Expiration Date (if granted): February 21, 2027
- No project scope changes; strictly an extension due to ownership transfer
- Environmental Status: No new impacts; previously certified Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) remains valid
✅ Motion Passed Unanimously (5–0) to approve the two-year time extension
🏨 Public Hearing #2: Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites – Entitlement Refile
Location: Union Road (near Barney Schwartz Park)
Project Summary:
- 119-room hotel previously approved as a Marriott Residence Inn in 2016
- Revised to Fairfield Inn in 2017; all extensions now expired
- Refile required to reactivate expired entitlements despite active building permit on file
- Exterior architecture approved by DRC in 2022 remains unchanged
New Resolution Includes:
- Existing conditions reaffirmed
- Added conditions:
- Submit composite utility plan with agency sign-offs
- Landscape/irrigation plans for right-of-way require city approval
- Manage all stormwater on-site, especially if Union Road realigns in the future
Environmental Review:
- Still relying on 2016 MND; no new significant impacts identified
- Staff confirmed updated environmental data (via other Caltrans projects) supports continued validity
📣 Applicant Statement (Rob Miller & Neil Patel):
- Committed to moving forward post-completion of their Wilmar Street hotel
- Confident about coordination with Union Road realignment plans
✅ Motion Passed (4–0)
(Note: Commissioner Neil recused himself due to a previous financial relationship with the applicant)
📋 Consent Calendar
✅ Approved meeting minutes from previous sessions (5–0)
🧩 Committee Reports & Updates
- Housing Constraints & Opportunities Committee:
Formal bylaws are being adopted; new terms and appointment process forthcoming - Zoning Code Workshop:
March 25 meeting will feature a public workshop on Home Occupation Standards, following community pushback on earlier proposed restrictions
🎓 Planning Commission Academy Report
Commissioners Christensen and Rhoden attended the state Planning Commission Academy. Key themes included:
- Land use, zoning, and CEQA updates
- Objective development standards
- Affordable housing and RHNA compliance
- Infrastructure challenges in small cities
- Ministerial approvals and SB 35 implications
Commissioners noted Paso Robles is well-positioned due to proactive zoning code updates.