Paso Robles Planning Commission
March 25, 2025
🛠️ Public Workshop: Home Occupation Standards
The Planning Commission hosted a public workshop to revisit home business regulations in Paso Robles. This discussion follows last year’s citywide zoning code update, during which City Council chose to retain the original home occupation rules, citing public confusion over proposed changes.
🧾 Current Home Business Overview:
- 675 active home businesses citywide
- Majority are non-disruptive, home-office-based
- Very few code enforcement cases reported historically
- Current code includes a short list of allowed and prohibited uses, with vague language (e.g., “similar uses”), leading to interpretation challenges
Staff Goals for the Workshop:
- Determine if updates are necessary or if current standards suffice
- Get input on possible changes such as:
- Expanding allowed or prohibited uses
- Adding performance standards (e.g., number of visitors, commercial vehicle rules, business hours)
- Defining clearer enforcement mechanisms
- Improving transparency and consistency for applicants and neighbors
📣 Public Feedback Summary:
- Linda George (Spring Street): Confused by lack of clarity; asked if there were new pet sitter regulations.
- Jeff Carr (Paso Robles): Supports current “lean” standards; warned against banning long-standing businesses; encouraged regulations that keep home businesses discreet (e.g., limits on parking, visibility).
- Maria (caller): Wanted to stay informed and emphasized changes should benefit small business owners.
💬 Commissioner Discussion Themes:
🔹 Common Concerns:
- Ambiguity in existing code leads to inconsistent enforcement
- Visitor traffic, parking, and vehicle size/location cited as key friction points in neighborhoods
- Pet sitting and personal service businesses like massage, haircuts, tutoring, and swim lessons should be better defined
- Commercial vehicle storage needs clearer rules and size thresholds
🔹 Suggestions & Insights:
- Define a clear limit on number of daily customers/visitors
- Consider requiring plot plans with business applications showing equipment or vehicle storage
- Add a structured process for hardship exemptions or appeals
- Collect and review more data:
- List of current and denied home business licenses
- Common code violations
- Review and update application forms
✅ Consensus & Action:
Commissioners voted unanimously (6–0) to:
Request staff return with a revised draft ordinance incorporating workshop feedback and enhanced specificity — including clearer allowed/prohibited use lists, potential visitor limits, and vehicle regulations — for further discussion at a future workshop.
📋 Administrative & Committee Updates:
- No Consent Calendar items
- Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee: Bylaws going before City Council April 15
- Niblick Road Bikeway Ad Hoc Committee: First meeting in early April; design review underway
- Creston Auto Repair CUP: Still under review for code compliance
- Skeleton Decorations (Union Road): Determined not in violation of city nuisance code
- Flamson-Area Eyesore Building: Abandoned construction under legal review; city seeking inspection warrant
- Food Pop-Ups: Code enforcement monitoring unpermitted vendors; stricter enforcement being evaluated