Paso Robles Planning Commission
July 08, 2025
📌 Public Hearing #1: 2550 Spring Street — Rezoning, General Plan Amendment, Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan Review
Applicant: Gregory B. Becker, represented by Kirk Consulting
Request:
- Rezone from T4F (Flex) to TC2 (Town Center 2)
- General Plan Amendment from Mixed Use to Community Commercial
- Site Plan Review and CUP for:
- Private meeting facility (~1,500 sq ft) with rear outdoor deck
- Small food deli, specialty retail, and multiple small wine/beer tasting spaces
- Architectural renovations and multiple patios
Key Features:
- Activation of a long-vacant strip mall building north of 24th Street
- Shared access with southern parcel, already zoned TC2
- Architecture modernized with new signage, patios, and a contemporary façade
Planning Commission Discussion:
- Staff recommended denial, citing that expanded TC2 zoning north of 24th was inconsistent with the Uptown Neighborhood’s intended scale, and concerned about proximity to Flamson Junior High School
- Applicant argued for alignment with adjacent uses, a need for affordable tasting/retail spaces, and that surrounding uses (including nearby industrial and vacant parcels) are more intensive than staff perceived
- Commissioners favored the applicant’s proposal, emphasizing:
- Minimal visual or functional impact of expanding TC2 by ~73 feet
- Shared access and parcel orientation logically aligned with TC2
- Clear need for affordable, flexible retail/tasting spaces
- Project would catalyze further revitalization of Uptown
Amendments to Conditions of Approval:
- Extended rear patio hours from 8 PM to 10 PM (consistent with city noise standards)
- Discussion on signage: original allowance of 9 wall-mounted signs deemed appropriate; staff approval of future signs permitted if consistent with master sign program
- Screening of rooftop equipment accepted as proposed
✅ Vote: 4–0 to recommend approval of both the General Plan Amendment and rezoning, the Conditional Use Permit, and the Site Plan Review with amended patio hours.
Next Step: City Council review and final approval decision.
📌 Public Hearing #2: Firestone Walker Solar Project — Phase 2 Time Extension
- Location: Adjacent to Phase 1 solar array at Firestone Walker Brewery
- Request: Two-year time extension for permits to construct a 1.2 MW solar array on 4.84 acres
- Reason for Delay:
- PG&E study and interconnection delays amid statewide energy policy changes
- Permit updates are progressing, with interconnection agreement recently signed
✅ Motion Passed 4–0: Two-year extension granted for the Firestone Phase 2 solar project.
🗂 Consent Calendar
✅ Approved unanimously (4–0).
🧩 Committee & Staff Updates
- Housing Constraints & Opportunities Committee: Bylaw updates complete; recruitment for additional members in fall 2025.
- Zoning Code Updates:
- Home occupation revisions expected to return to Planning Commission in August
- Food truck regulations update will go to City Council for briefing before Commission review
📆 Future Development Updates
Boy School project EIR & development agreement aiming for Planning Commission review by end of 2025
Riverwalk Terrace Ribbon Cutting: July 18, 1:30 PM (Affordable housing at Walmart/JCPenney site)
Olsen-South Chandler Specific Plan:
First single-family homes occupied this week
Sherwood Road opening to public access soon
Model home complex launching via shuttle until full road access available
New parks, pickleball courts, and roundabouts near completion
Upcoming Projects:
Creston Road development project coming in August
Sensario project update also anticipated