Chapter 21.20 — TEMPORARY USE PERMITS
Paso Robles Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Paso Robles
21.20.010 - Purpose and applicability.¶
A.
Purpose. This chapter establishes a process for review and approval of certain uses that are intended to be of limited duration of time and will not permanently alter the character or physical facilities of the site where they occur.
B.
Applicability. For purposes of this chapter, a temporary land use activity is defined as a land use that is interim, non- permanent, and/or seasonal in nature, located on private property, and lasting from one to thirty days, and generally not more than thirty consecutive days in duration. Temporary uses shall consist of the following categories:
Exempt Temporary Uses. Exempt temporary uses, as identified in Section 21.20.020 (Exempt Temporary Uses), that do not require issuance of a temporary use permit.
Allowed Temporary Uses. Non-exempt temporary uses, including special events, as identified in Section 21.20.030 (Allowed Temporary Uses), that require a temporary use permit.
(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)
21.20.020 - Exempt temporary uses.¶
The following uses do not require a temporary use Permit:
A.
Seasonal stands (such as pumpkin and Christmas tree sales) without a caretaker unit lasting up to ninety days.
B.
Construction offices in conjunction with construction of a building or other approved development project.
C.
Parking lot sales and other promotional events where only on-site businesses are participating and lasting no more than seven days.
D.
Garage and rummage sales (subject to Section 21.20.040).
E.
Single food truck operating in one location less than seven days (subject to Section 21.69.120).
F.
Temporary food service (such as barbecues) when located at the business's permanent location or in conjunction with a non-profit fundraising event lasting less than seven days.
G.
Sidewalk vending (subject to Subsection 21.20.040(B)).
(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)
21.20.030 - Allowed temporary uses.¶
A.
The following activities may be approved by a temporary use permit:
Real estate sales offices (within approved development projects).
Parking lot sales and other promotional events where only on-site businesses are participating and lasting seven or more days (if less than seven days, no temporary use permit is required).
Trailers/temporary buildings in conjunction with an existing on-site business and remaining no more than twelve months.
Single food truck operating in one location seven or more days but not more than one year (subject to Section 21.69.120).
Temporary food service (such barbecues) when located at the business' permanent location or in conjunction with a non-profit fundraising event lasting seven or more days.
Seasonal stands (such as pumpkin and Christmas tree sales) with a caretaker unit lasting up to ninety days.
Circuses, carnivals, fairs, festivals, and concerts lasting up to thirty days.
Off-site construction yards with a valid building permit (no temporary use permit is required if on an immediately adjacent property).
Similar temporary uses as determined by the zoning administrator.
B.
Temporary Uses Requiring an Administrative Use Permit. Other temporary events and special events, outdoor sales, and displays may be allowed with the approval of an administrative use permit pursuant to Chapter 21.19 (Conditional Use Permits and Administrative Use Permits) so long as they are determined to not impact neighboring uses or otherwise create significant impacts.
(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)
21.20.040 - Uses requiring special regulatory provisions.¶
Because of the temporary nature and unique aspects of certain activities, special regulatory provisions are established for the following:
A.
Rummage Sales. Rummage sales are expressly prohibited within the city limits, except when conducted by a charitable or nonprofit organization within a completely enclosed permanent building or structure, or when located on the site of an existing church, social hall, school, clubhouse, auditorium, recreation building, theater, or a location of similar nature.
B.
Garage or Yard Sales.
Garage or yard sales may be conducted at dwellings throughout the city; provided, that the merchandise which has been placed on sale is the result of the normal accumulation of used items acquired by a single family or group of families, and is not in any way connected with an established business.
The occupants of a dwelling shall be limited to two garage or yard sales per year, each having a duration of no more than two consecutive days.
Signs advertising garage or yard sales shall not be posted on public property. Signs on private property shall be removed within twenty-four hours after the sale.
C.
Food Trucks. See Section 21.69.120 (Food Trucks and Food Truck Courts).
D.
Sidewalk Vending. Sidewalk vendors are subject to the following provisions:
Sidewalk vending is permitted only on paved sidewalks within the public right-of-way and city parks.
Sidewalk vending shall not block the accessible path of travel nor curb ramps.
Sidewalk vending is not permitted within parks with a concession agreement.
Stationary vending is not permitted in residential zoning districts.
Sidewalk vendors shall have a valid city of Paso Robles business license.
No motorized vehicles are permitted on city sidewalks or within parks.
Carts, tables, and other equipment and supplies shall not be left unaccompanied nor stored in the public right-of-way or parks overnight.
(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)
21.20.050 - Application processing.¶
An application for a temporary use permit shall be filed and processed on the prescribed application forms in accordance with the procedures in Chapter 21.09 (Application Processing and Common Procedures). An application for a temporary use permit for a seasonal stand with a caretaker unit, circus, carnival, fair, festival, and concert shall be filed no less than sixty days prior to the date on which the temporary use is planned to commence. An application for a temporary use permit for all other allowed uses shall be filed no less than two weeks prior to the date on which the temporary use is planned to commence. The zoning administrator may waive this time period requirement based on circumstances which prevent a timely filing.
(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)
21.20.060 - Action by the zoning administrator.¶
All requests for temporary use permits on private property may be approved, conditionally approved, or denied by the zoning administrator (subject to agreement by other affected departments). The zoning administrator may refer applications to the planning commission or its designated subcommittees.
(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)
21.20.070 - Findings for approval and revocation.¶
A.
Required Findings. The review authority may approve or conditionally approve a temporary use permit application only if it first makes all of the following findings:
The proposed use is temporarily permitted within, and would not impair the integrity and character of, the subject zoning district and complies with all applicable provisions of the building and fire codes.
The subject site is physically suitable for the type and density/intensity of the proposed use.
The location, size, design, and operating characteristics of the proposed temporary use will not adversely impact surrounding properties.
The proposed temporary use will not adversely impact the public health, safety, or welfare.
There will be no potentially significant negative impacts upon environmental quality and natural resources that could not be properly mitigated and monitored.
There are adequate provisions for public access, parking, water, sanitation, and public utilities and services to ensure that the proposed use would not be detrimental to the public health and safety.
B.
Revocation. A temporary use permit may be revoked or modified by the zoning administrator if any one of the following findings can be made:
That circumstances have changed so that one or more of the required findings can no longer be made;
That the temporary use permit was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation;
That one or more of the conditions of the temporary use permit have not been met; and
That the use is in violation of any statute, ordinance, law, or regulation.
(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)
21.20.080 - Conditions of approval.¶
A.
General. In approving a temporary use permit, the review authority may impose conditions deemed necessary to ensure compliance with adopted standards or the findings required in Subsection 21.20.070(A) (Required Findings) and may require reasonable guarantees and evidence that such conditions are being, or will be, complied with.
B.
Conditions. Conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: hours of operation, provisions for parking areas, lighting and signage, traffic circulation and access, performance standards, and other measures necessary to not adversely impact surrounding properties.
(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)
21.20.090 - Permit duration.¶
In no case shall a temporary use permit be approved for longer than twelve months. Approval of a temporary use permit shall not be an entitlement that runs with the land and shall not be assignable or transferable to any other person.
(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)
21.20.100 - Condition of site following temporary use.¶
Each site occupied by a temporary use shall be cleaned of debris, litter, or any other evidence of the temporary use upon completion or removal of the use and shall continue to be used in compliance with this title.
(Ord. No. 1144 N.S., § 3(Exh. A), 10-1-2024)
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code▸Contents — Paso Robles Municipal Code
- Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 2.04 — COUNCIL MEETINGS
- Chapter 2.20 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.24 — EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS
- Chapter 2.28 — CITY MANAGER
- Chapter 2.34 — CITY CLERK
- Chapter 2.40 — BONDS AND SALARIES OF OFFICERS
- Chapter 2.44 — PERSONNEL PLAN—RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Chapter 2.58 — POLICE RESERVES
- Chapter 2.60 — POLICE TRAINING
- Chapter 2.62 — TRAINING STANDARDS OF PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHERS
- Chapter 2.65 — ELECTIONS
- Title 3 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
- Chapter 3.01 — ASSESSMENT, LEVY AND COLLECTION OF TAXES BY COU…
- Chapter 3.08 — UNIFORM SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.10 — GENERAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.11 — SUPPLEMENTAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.12 — SPECIAL GAS TAX STREET IMPROVEMENT FUND
- Chapter 3.20 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 3.21 — VISUAL ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
- Chapter 3.22 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
- Chapter 3.26 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.28 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX
- Chapter 3.30 — DENIAL OR REVOCATION OF A BUSINESS LICENSE TAX …
- Title 5 — PERMITS AND REGULATIONS
- Chapter 5.02 — PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA
- Chapter 5.08 — CARD AND BILLIARD ROOMS
- Chapter 5.12 — CLOSING OUT SALES
- Chapter 5.28 — PRIVATE PATROL
- Chapter 5.36 — SOLICITORS
- Chapter 5.38 — MASSAGE THERAPY AND MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 5.40 — TAXICABS
- Chapter 5.45 — ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 5.50 — STATE VIDEO FRANCHISES
- Chapter 6.04 — PURCHASING AND PAYMENT PROCEDURES
- Chapter 7.12 — FOOD AND DRINK ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 7.16 — GARBAGE
- Chapter 7.30 — UNDERGROUND STORAGE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
- Chapter 7.40 — RECYCLING AND ORGANIC WASTE COLLECTION
- Chapter 7.50 — CAMPING
- Title 8 — ANIMAL CONTROL
- Chapter 8.04 — GENERAL
- Chapter 9.02 — EMERGENCY REGULATIONS
- Chapter 9.03 — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
- Chapter 9.04 — MISCELLANEOUS MISDEMEANORS
- Chapter 9.05 — SKATE PARK AND PUMP TRACK FACILITIES
- Chapter 9.06 — NUISANCE ABATEMENT
- Chapter 9.07 — PROHIBITED CONDUCT
- Chapter 9.12 — GAME RESTRICTIONS FOR MINORS—HOURS
- Chapter 9.16 — BINGO
- Chapter 9.32 — CURFEW
- Chapter 9.36 — PINBALL MACHINES
- Chapter 9.38 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.40 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
- Chapter 9.41 — SMOKING PROHIBITED IN PUBLIC PLACES
- Chapter 9.42 — SWIMMING AND WATER SPORTS PROHIBITED IN CERTAIN…
- Chapter 9.45 — FILMING ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 9.50 — PROHIBITION ON AGGRESSIVE SOLICITATION
- Chapter 9.51 — PSYCHOACTIVE HERBAL INCENSE, PSYCHOACTIVE BATH …
- Chapter 9.55 — PARKS AND RECREATION
- Title 10 — VEGETATION
- Chapter 10.01 — OAK TREE PRESERVATION
- Chapter 10.04 — STREET TREE PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE
- Title 11 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
- Chapter 11.02 — ALLEYS
- Chapter 11.04 — PRECISE STREETS AND HIGHWAY PLAN
- Chapter 11.08 — STREET ADDRESSES AND HOUSE NUMBERS
- Chapter 11.12 — CONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALKS, CURBS AND GUTTERS
- Chapter 11.20 — STREET EXCAVATIONS
- Chapter 11.24 — DISCHARGE OF WASTE WATER INTO STREETS
- Article I — Purpose
- Article II — Definitions
- Article III — Approval of Location Permits
- Article IV — General Pushcart Regulations
- Article VI — Enforcement
- Chapter 11.30 — STREET FURNITURE
- Chapter 11.35 — NEWSRACKS
- Chapter 11.40 — MODIFICATIONS ON STREET IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 12.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 12.08 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 12.12 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 12.16 — TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 12.18 — TRAFFIC FEES
- Chapter 12.19 — BRIDGE DEVELOPMENT FEE
- Chapter 12.20 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Chapter 12.24 — MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
- Chapter 12.28 — PEDESTRIANS
- Chapter 12.32 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
- Chapter 12.36 — LOADING AND UNLOADING
- Chapter 12.37 — VALET
- Chapter 12.38 — PARKING RESTRICTIONS
- Chapter 12.43 — RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS
- Chapter 12.45 — PARKING BENEFIT DISTRICT
- Chapter 12.46 — TRUCK ROUTES
- Chapter 12.50 — ONE-WAY TRAFFIC
- Chapter 12.54 — SPEED LIMITS
- Chapter 12.58 — BICYCLES
- Chapter 12.90 — SCHEDULES
- Chapter 12.92 — OPERATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
- Chapter 13.01 — MUNICIPAL AIRPORT OPERATIONS
- Chapter 13.02 — AIRPORT COMMISSION
- Title 14 — WATER AND SEWERS
- Chapter 14.02 — WATER CONSERVATION AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGE…
- Chapter 14.04 — WATER RATES AND REGULATIONS
- Chapter 14.06 — REGULATION OF WELL CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR, MODIF…
- Chapter 14.07 — NON-POTABLE WATER SERVICE
- Chapter 14.08 — SEWERAGE SYSTEM OPERATIONS
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II — Sewer Connection
- Article III — Private Wastewater Systems
- Article IV — Violations and Penalties
- Chapter 14.10 — SEWER USE
- Article I — Purpose and Policy
- Article II — Prohibitions and Limits on Discharges
- Article III — Hauled Waste
- Article IV — Small Winery and Small Brewery Program
- Article V — Fats, Oils and Grease Control Program
- Article VI — Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permits
- Article VII — Pretreatment
- Article VIII — Compliance Monitoring
- Article IX — Reporting Requirements
- Article X — Public Participation
- Article XI — Fees, Rates, and Charges
- Article XII — Liability and Enforcement
- Article XIII — Affirmative Defense to Discharge Violations
- Article XIV — Miscellaneous Provisions
- Chapter 14.12 — CONNECTIONS TO MAINS WHERE STREETS TO BE IMPRO…
- Chapter 14.16 — SEWER CHARGES
- Chapter 14.18 — CROSS-CONNECTIONS CONTROL AND INSPECTIONS
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II — Prohibitions
- Article III — Reduction of Pollutants in Storm Water
- Article IV — Construction Activities
- Article V — Post-Construction
- Article VI — Inspection, Monitoring, and Data Collection
- Article VII — Enforcement
- Title 15 — PUBLIC UTILITIES
- Chapter 15.04 — UNDERGROUND UTILITIES DISTRICTS
- Title 16 — FIRE
- Chapter 16.04 — FIRE LIMITS
- Chapter 16.08 — FIRE DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 16.10 — ABATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS FUELS AND RUBBISH
- Title 17 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 17.04 — UNIFORM CODES
- Chapter 17.08 — MOVING BUILDINGS
- Chapter 17.12 — SECURITY OF BODIES OF WATER TO BE USED FOR THE…
- Chapter 17.16 — DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
- Chapter 17.18 — AMENDMENTS TO THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING…
- Chapter 17.20 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS
- Chapter 17.25 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
- Title 19 — BILLBOARD SIGNS
- Chapter 19.01 — PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
- Chapter 19.02 — REVIEW PROCESS
- Chapter 19.03 — ALLOWED LOCATIONS
- Chapter 19.04 — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR BILLBOARDS
- Chapter 19.05 — NONCONFORMING BILLBOARDS
- Chapter 20.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 20.08 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 20.12 — PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 20.16 — GRADING REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 20.20 — CONTROL OF DRAINAGE, EROSION AND DUST CONTROL
- Chapter 20.24 — VIOLATIONS AND APPEALS
- Title 21 — ZONING
- Chapter 21.01 — PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY OF THE ZONING CODE
- Chapter 21.02 — INTERPRETATION OF THE ZONING CODE
- Chapter 21.03 — ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 21.04 — SPECIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS ESTABLISHED
- Chapter 21.05 — SPECIFIC PLANS ESTABLISHED
- Chapter 21.06 — ZONING MAP
- Chapter 21.08 — PLANNING AUTHORITIES
- Chapter 21.09 — APPLICATION PROCESSING AND COMMON PROCEDURES
- Chapter 21.10 — AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN, ZONING CODE, A…
- Chapter 21.11 — SPECIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS (SPD)
- Chapter 21.12 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
- Chapter 21.13 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS ESTABLISHED
- Chapter 21.14 — SPECIFIC PLANS
- Chapter 21.15 — DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
- Chapter 2.16 — DEVELOPMENT PLANS
- Chapter 21.17 — SITE PLANS
- Chapter 21.18 — PLOT PLANS
- Chapter 21.19 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND ADMINISTRATIVE USE…
- Chapter 21.20 — TEMPORARY USE PERMITS
- Chapter 21.21 — HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS
- Chapter 21.22 — VARIANCES
- Chapter 21.24 — ENTITLEMENT IMPLEMENTATION, EXTENSIONS, AMENDM…
- Chapter 21.25 — APPEALS AND CALLS FOR REVIEW
- Chapter 21.26 — PUBLIC HEARINGS AND NOTICE
- Chapter 21.27 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
- Chapter 21.32 — LAND USE REGULATIONS IN ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 21.33 — RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS (R-A, R-1, R-2, R…
- Chapter 21.34 — COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND AIRPORT ZONING DIS…
- Chapter 21.35 — PUBLIC FACILITIES, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE, OPEN …
- Chapter 21.36 — OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICTS (HOS, HP, MU, PD, L, …
- Chapter 21.41 — RULES OF MEASUREMENT
- Chapter 21.42 — ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
- Chapter 21.43 — AWNINGS, CANOPIES, AND PATIO COVERS
- Chapter 21.44 — FENCES, WALLS, AND HEDGES
- Chapter 21.45 — LANDSCAPING AND OPEN SPACE
- Chapter 21.47 — MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND SCREENING
- Chapter 21.48 — PARKING AND LOADING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 21.50 — OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MIXED-USE AND M…
- Chapter 21.51 — REFUSE AND RECYCLING AREAS
- Chapter 21.52 — SIGNS
- Chapter 21.53 — SWIMMING POOLS
- Chapter 21.54 — UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
- Chapter 21.55 — VISIBILITY AT INTERSECTIONS
- Chapter 21.56 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
- Chapter 21.58 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
- Chapter 21.59 — ADULT BUSINESS USES
- Chapter 21.60 — CANNABIS
- Chapter 21.61 — DENSITY BONUS
- Chapter 21.62 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
- Chapter 21.63 — MURALS
- Chapter 21.64 — SHORT-TERM RENTALS
- Chapter 21.65 — URBAN DWELLING UNITS
- Chapter 21.66 — WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
- Chapter 21.69 — STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES AND ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 21.74 — GENERAL NONCONFORMING PROVISIONS
- Chapter 21.75 — NONCONFORMING LOTS
- Chapter 21.76 — NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES
- Chapter 21.77 — NONCONFORMING USES
- Chapter 21.78 — OTHER NONCONFORMING PROVISIONS
- Chapter 21.80 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 21.81 — HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT
- Chapter 21.82 — LIGHTING AND ILLUMINATION
- Chapter 21.83 — NOISE
- Chapter 21.84 — OAK TREE PRESERVATION
- Chapter 21.85 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS—GENERAL
- Chapter 21.86 — SURFACE MINING AND RECLAMATION
- Chapter 21.90 — PURPOSE
- Chapter 21.91 — LAND USE DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 21.92 — GENERAL DEFINITIONS
- Title 22 — SUBDIVISIONS
- Chapter 22.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 22.08 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 22.12 — TENTATIVE MAP
- Chapter 22.14 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAP PROCEDURES
- Chapter 22.16 — FINAL MAP
- Chapter 22.18 — LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT PROCESS
- Chapter 22.20 — DESIGN OF IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 22.24 — CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 22.28 — EXCEPTIONS
- Chapter 22.32 — APPEAL
- Chapter 22.34 — URBAN LOT SPLITS