§ 21.16 — Paso Robles Zoning Code

21.16.020 - Development plan modifications.¶

A.

Purpose. The development plan modification is established for the purpose of allowing development approaches that are not permitted as a matter of right but which may be considered compatible and appropriate if such uses or features are designed or arranged on a site or in a structure in a particular manner and in accordance with conditions imposed by the review authority, allowing the review authority to make minor deviations from the development standards applicable to a property in order to promote an integrated design approach and quality.

B.

Allowed Modifications by City Council. The city council shall be authorized to make modifications to zoning standards to allow for projects to exceed maximum height limits with habitable space as part of the development plan approval process.

C.

Allowed Modifications by Planning Commission. The planning commission shall be authorized to make modifications to zoning standards as part of the development plan review process as outlined in Table 21.16.020-1 (Development Plan Modifications).

Table 21.16.020-1: Development Plan Modifications

Table 21.16.020-1: Development Plan Modifications
Modification	Zoning Code Section
Detached Accessory Structures.
Modification to standards for large detached accessory structures (larger than 120 square feet) in R-A and R-1 zoning districts	Subparagraph 21.33.040(C)2.a.
Modification to standards for accessory structures larger than 120 square feet in multi-family zoning districts	Subparagraph 21.33.060(C)2.b.
Modification to standards for large canopies and detached patio covers (over 120 square feet)	Subparagraph 21.43.030(C)11.a.
Modification to allow RV/boat shelters in interior or rear setbacks or in required structure separation areas	Paragraph 21.43.030(C)12.
Fences.
Modification to allowed fence or wall height in the front yard for commercial or industrial uses (8 feet)	Subparagraph 21.44.030(A)1.b.
Modification to allowed fence or wall height (side and rear yards)	Paragraph 21.44.030(A)2.
Height.
Modification to allow height projections above height limits for architectural enhancements that do not include habitable space, including chimneys, architectural features, roof slope, elevator/stair towers, and water tanks and silos	Paragraph 21.41.040(A)2. (Table 21.41.040-1)
Modification to maximum height in the RL zoning district	Subsection 21.34.080(B)
Hillsides.

Modification to maximum vertical height of graded slopes	Section 21.81.050
Modification to retaining wall heights (2 ft or more)	Section 21.81.050
Modification to minimum distance between retaining walls	Section 21.81.050
Modification to allow individual pad grading for 15—35% slope	Section 21.81.050
Modification for minimum lot size and depth for lots with multiple slope categories	Subsection 21.81.060(B)
Lighting. Modification to lighting standards	Section 21.82.030
Lot Size. Modification to provide flexibility in minimum lot sizes and widths in R-A and R-1 zoning districts	Subparagraph 21.33.040(A)1.c.
Noise. Modification to noise standards	Section 21.83.120
Objective Design Standards. Modifications to objective design standards for multifamily and mixed-use development	Section 21.50.030
Setbacks.
Modification to required front setback in R-1 zoning district	Subparagraph 21.33.040(A)1.a.
Modification to allow reduced garage door setback on private streets in multi-family zoning districts	Subsection 21.33.060(K)
Modifications to setback, fencing, or landscaping requirements in nonresidential zoning districts adjacent to residential zoning districts	Subsection 21.33.040(D)
Modification to front or street side setback in C-2 and C-3 zoning districts with residential frontage on same block	Subsection 21.34.070(A)
Modification to setback requirements in public and open space zoning districts adjacent to residential zoning districts	Paragraph 21.35.040(B)
Modification to setback requirements in mixed-use overlay zoning district	Subsection 21.36.050(F)
Modification to determination of the front and side of a corner lot	Section 21.41.140
Signs. Modification to allowed number of signs and sign area/height for highway-oriented signs	Subsection 21.52.060(E)
Parking.
Modification to parking standards resulting in up to 20% reduction in required spaces	Subsection 21.48.040(D)
Modification to allow for non-permanent parking lot surfacing material for nonresidential uses	Subparagraph 21.48.100(B)3.c.
Nonconformities:
Modification to allow reestablishing nonconforming structures	Subsection 21.76.010(C)
Modification to allow restoration of nonconforming structures	Subsection 21.76.010(D)

D.

Required Findings. Before a development plan modification approval may be granted, the review authority shall make all of the findings set forth in this subsection and may impose conditions of approval as necessary to make these findings:

1.

All applicable findings of Subsection 21.16.010(C) (Required Findings) are made;

There are no alternatives to the requested modification, such as a modification allowed through a density bonus (Chapter 21.61), that could provide an equivalent level of benefit to the applicant with less potential detriment to surrounding owners and occupants or to the public.

3.

The modification will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of the persons within the vicinity.

4.

The modification results in a superior project (such as more usable open space, more creative design, better interface with neighboring properties and/or public realm, less grading or a less exposed public view of grading, protection of oak trees, provision of deed-restricted affordable housing, etc.).

5.

The characteristics of the project and the degree of potential for the project to negatively impact neighboring properties justify the modification.

6.

The modification does not preclude or prevent adequate fire protection.

7.

The modification does not impair the sight distance of vehicles on the street or on the driveway of adjacent lots.

8.

For parking reductions, the parking reduction is supported by a parking demand study that outlines the unique characteristics of the proposed use, trip reduction or alternative parking measures, and evidence that the reduction with not be detrimental to surrounding properties. Based on the parking study, the planning commission may impose conditions deemed necessary to ensure that the appropriate parking demand is maintained as set forth in the parking demand study.

9.

The modification complies with any additional findings or conditions for the individual modification.

E.

Filing of Application. An application for a development plan modification shall comply with Chapter 21.09 (Application Processing and Common Procedures) and shall contain a description of the modification and a justification for the request including specific facts to support the required findings and any additional information or materials necessary for processing and review of the application that may be requested by the review authority to facilitate review of the application.

(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)

21.16.030 - Master development plan.

A.

Definition. A master development plan is a conceptual development plan that contains the same or similar elements as a development plan in a more conceptual format. The master development plan shall govern all use and

development of properties within the bounds of that master development plan.

B.

Purpose. The specific purposes of the master development review process are to:

1.

Promote excellence in site planning and design and the harmonious appearance of buildings and sites;

2.

Ensure that new and modified uses and development will be compatible with the existing and potential development of the surrounding area;

3.

Allow approval of larger projects without finalizing all development details; and

4.

Supplement other city regulations and standards to ensure control of certain aspects of design that are not otherwise addressed.

C.

Applicability. In lieu of a development plan (Section 21.16.010), an applicant can request approval of a master development plan for the following types of development projects:

1.

When identified in a specific plan (Chapter 21.14) or special planned development (Chapter 21.11) applicable to the project location.

2.

When identified in legislative actions or entitlement conditions of approval applicable to the project location.

3.

For large-scale and phased development projects as determined by the zoning administrator. Generally, these are projects with a projected buildout of five or more years where project information and designs are conceptual.

Process.

1.

A master development plan shall be processed in the same manner as a development plan (Section 21.016.010) and is eligible for development plan modifications (Section 21.16.020).

2.

Before issuance of building or grading permits, approval of a development plan (Section 21.16.010) with final details shall be required unless an alternative development review process is specified in the specific plan (Chapter 21.14),

special planned development (Chapter 21.11), or master development plan.

(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)

Chapter 21.17 - SITE PLANS

21.17.010 - Site plan review requirements.

A.

Development Review Committee Meeting. A site plan is a review process of minor development projects by the development review committee that includes a public meeting and is consistent with Chapter 21.15 (Development Review).

B.

Projects Subject to Site Plan. The following types of development projects shall be subject to development review committee approval of a site plan:

1.

Single-Family Residential.

a.

Dwellings within the planned development overlay zoning district.

b.

Dwellings within the special planned development overlay zoning district if referred from a higher review authority;

c.

Dwellings requesting a site plan modification allowed by Section 21.17.020 (Site Plan Modifications).

2.

Multi-Family Residential.

a.

Housing development projects with two to ten dwelling units per lot that are defined as a "housing development project" by the Housing Accountability Act (California Government Code Section 65589.5(h)(2)).

b.

Room additions, accessory buildings, and exterior alterations to multi-family housing developments that are visible from public streets and other public vantage points.

3.

Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional.

Construction of buildings with less than ten thousand gross square feet if all necessary infrastructure has been installed, all necessary dedications have been made, and no special conditions are necessary.

b.

A mid-size addition that expands the size of the building by up to ten percent or ten thousand gross square feet, whichever is greater, and not exceeding one such addition in any twelve-month period, provided that all necessary infrastructure has been installed, all necessary dedications have been made, and no special conditions are necessary. (See exception for small additions not visible from public streets and other public vantage points in plot plans [Section 21.18.010].)

c.

Accessory buildings up to ten thousand square feet provided that all necessary infrastructure has been installed, all necessary dedications have been made, and no special conditions are necessary.

d.

Exterior alterations to existing buildings that are visible from public streets and other public vantage points.

e.

Fences, walls, and screening for outside storage and display areas.

4.

Pregrading. Pregrading of a site (without any accompanying development plans) where the surface area is twenty thousand or less square feet.

5.

Signs. All signs, except signs implemented as part of an approved sign program and that are not visible from a public right-of-way, change of copy within existing sign structures, and directional signs.

(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)