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Earlier editions: 2026-09

Title 21 — ZONING›Article 3 — ZONING DISTRICTS, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Paso Robles Municipal Code § 21.32.010 Land use regulations in zoning districts

Paso Robles Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Paso Robles

Cite as: Paso Robles Municipal Code § 21.32.010 · Text as of 2026-10-04

21.32.010 - Land use regulations in zoning districts.

A. Allowed Uses. Table 21.32-1 (Zoning District Use Regulations) indicates the uses allowed within each zoning district and any permits required to establish the use, pursuant to Article 2 (Code Administration and Permits). Land uses are defined in Chapter 21.91 (Land Use Definitions). Uses defined in Chapter 21.91 (Land Use Definitions) and not listed in Table 21.32-1 (Zoning District Use Regulations) are prohibited. Additional permits may be required for development projects and construction.

B. Zoning Administrator Determination. Land uses are defined in Chapter 21.91 (Land Use Definitions). In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the zoning administrator shall assign the land use or activity to a classification that is substantially similar in character. Land uses not listed in the table or not found to be substantially similar to the land uses listed in the table are prohibited.

C. Specific Use Regulations. Where the last column in Table 21.32-1 (Zoning District Use Regulations) includes a chapter, section, subsection, or paragraph, the regulations in the referenced chapter, section, subsection, or paragraph shall apply to the use. Additionally, there may be limits and restrictions within overlay zoning districts and specific plan areas.

D. Abbreviations of Zoning Districts in Table 21.32-1. The first row in Table 21.32-1 includes all zoning districts by abbreviation. The full name of each zoning district is:

  1. R-A: Residential Agriculture.

  2. R-1: Single Family Residential.

  3. R-2: Low Density Multi-Family Residential.

  4. R-3: Medium Density Multi-Family Residential.

  5. R-4: Medium High Density Multi-Family Residential.

  6. R-5: High Density Multi-Unit Family Residential.

  7. OP: Office Professional.

  8. CP: Neighborhood Commercial.

  9. C-1: General Retail Commercial.

  10. C-2: Highway Commercial.

  11. C-3: Commercial/Light Industrial.

  12. RC: Regional Commercial.

  13. RL: Resort/Lodging.

  14. M: Industrial.

  15. PM: Planned Industrial.

  16. AP: Airport.

  17. AG: Agricultural.

  18. POS: Parks and Open Space.

  19. OS: Open Space.

  20. PF: Public Facilities.

Table 21.32-1: Zoning District Use Regulations

EXPLANATION OF CODES USED IN THIS CHART

A (administrative use) denotes a land use which requires approval of an administrative use permit per Chapter 21.19 (Conditional Use Permits and Administrative Use Permits).

P (permitted use) denotes a land use that is permitted.

C (conditional use) denotes a land use that requires approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) per Chapter 21.19 (Conditional Use Permits and Administrative Use Permits).

— (non-permitted use) denotes a land use that is not permitted.

T (temporary use) denotes a land use that requires approval of a temporary use permit per Chapter 21.20 (Temporary Use Permits).

* A specific use regulation applicable only to the zoning district in which the * (or **, or ***) is listed.

Land Use R-A R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 OP CP C-1 C-2 C-3 RC RL M PM AP AG POS OS PF Specific Use Regulations
Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses
Accessory dwelling unit P P P P P P P — — — — — — — — — P P — — See Chapter 21.58 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Multi-family dwelling — — P P P P C — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Mobile home park — — — — C — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — See Section 21.69.140 (Mobile Home Parks)
Single-family dwelling P P P P P P P* — — — — — — — — — P P** — — * Development review committee approval required. See Subsection 21.34.050 (C) (Additional Development Standards and Regulations in OP zoning district) ** C if lot less than 20 acres. See Section 21.35.060 (Additional Development Standards and Regulations in POS zoning district).
Urban Dwelling Unit P P — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Per California Government Code Section 65852.21. See Chapter 21.65 (Urban Dwelling Units)
Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses Special Residential Uses
Caretaker residence
One per business — — — — — — P P P P P P P P P — P P — —
More than one per business — — — — — — C C C C C — — C C — C C — —
Communal housing — — C C C C — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Employee housing—Small P* P* P P P P — — — — — — — — — — P* — — — * Employee housing is not permitted on properties within the airport land use plan
Employee housing—Large P* P* — — — — — — — — — — — — — — P* — — — * Employee housing is not permitted on properties within the airport land use plan
Family day care home P P P P P P P — — — — — — — — — P P — — In permitted residential units.
Home occupation business P P P P P P P P — — — — — — — — P P — — See Chapter 21.21 (Home Occupation Permits)
Residential care—General — C C C C C — — — — — — — — — — — — — — See Section 21.69.200 (Residential Care Facilities)
Residential care—Limited P P P P P P P — — — — — — — — — P P — —
Residential care—Assisted living — — C C C C C — — — — — — — — — — — — — See Section 21.69.200 (Residential Care Facilities)
Senior housing — — P P P P C — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Supportive housing P P P P P P C — — — — — — — — — P — — C
Transitional housing P P P P P P C — — — — — — — — — P — — C
Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses Commercial—Retail and Restaurant Uses
Certified farmers market and year-round roadside produce stands — — — — — — — — — C C C C C C C C C — —
Cocktail lounges and bars — — — — — — — C C C C C C C — C — — — —
Commercial kitchen — — — — — — — P P P P P — P P P — — — —
Food and beverage sales — — — — — — P* P P P P P P P P P — — — — * Prohibited on 12th Street
Mobile home sales — — — — — — — — — — C C — P — C — — — —
Nurseries and garden centers - Heavy equipment — — — — — — — — — — C C — C — — C C — — See Section 21.69.170 (Outdoor Sales, Displays, and Storage)
Nurseries and garden centers - Retail — — — — — — — P P P P P — P — — C C — — See Section 21.69.170 (Outdoor Sales, Displays, and Storage)
Restaurants — — — — — — P* P P P P P P P P P C — — — * Prohibited on 12th Street
Restaurants—Drive-through — — — — — — — — C P* P* P* — P* P* P* — — — — * P if more than 300 feet from the nearest residential zoning district; C if 300 feet or less from the nearest residential zoning district
Retail—General — — — — — — P* P P P P P — P — P — — — — * Prohibited on 12th Street See Section 21.69.170 (Outdoor Sales, Displays, and Storage)
Retail—Restricted — — — — — — — C C C C C — C — C — — — — See Section 21.69.210 (Retail - Restricted)
Retail—Secondhand goods with donation drop off — — — — — — — — — C C C* — C — — — — — — * Facilities shall be located no closer than 1,000 feet from each other
Tasting rooms C — — — — — — — P P P P P P P P C C — —
Vehicle charging station — — — — — - P* P P P P P P P P P — — — P * Prohibited on 12th Street
Vehicle fuel sales and accessory service — — — — — — C C C C — — — C C — — — — See Section 21.69.50 (Vehicle Fuel Sales and Accessory Service)
Vehicle sales — — — — — — — — C C C C — C — C C — — — Including auto service as accessory use
Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation Commercial—Services and Recreation
Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services Animal care services
Commercial animal keeping P* — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — P* P* — — * Administrative use permit and conditional use permit as required by Section 21.69.050 (Animal Keeping, Commercial)
Grazing, temporary P — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — P P P P
Equestrian facilities C — — — — — — — — — C — C — — C C C — — See Section 21.69.110 (Equestrian Facilities)
Kennels C — — — — — — — — C C — — C — — C — — —
Veterinarian C — — — — — C* C C C C — — C — — P — — — * Small animals only. Prohibited on 12th Street
Amphitheaters/Stadiums — — — — — — — — — — C — C — — C — C — C
Business support services — — — — — — — — P P P P — P P P — — — —
Cemeteries — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — P* — — — C * Allowed outside Airport Land Use Plan Safety Zone 1 only
Commercial recreation facility—Indoor — — — — — — — P P P P P C* — — — — — — — * Accessory to a hotel/resort development only
Commercial recreation facility—Outdoor — — — — — — — — — C C C C* C — — C* C — C * Accessory to a hotel/resort development only
Cardrooms — — — — — — — — C C C — — — — — — — — —
Contracted services — — — — — — — — — P P — — P — P — — — —
Day care center C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C — C
Equipment rental — — — — — — — — — C* C — — C — C — — — — *Prohibited on Creston Road
Financial institution — — — — — — P* P P P P P C P — P — — — — *Prohibited on 12th Street
Funeral services — — C* C* C* C* — — C C C C — C — C — — — C * If located within 300 feet of existing cemetery
Hot springs resort/spa — — — — — — — — — — — — C — — — C C — C
Medical services—Doctor office — — — — — — P P P P P P — P C P — — — —
Medical services—Hospitals — — — — — — — — — — C — — — — C — — — —
Medical services—Clinic, urgent care — — — — — — C* — C C C — — — — C — — — — * Prohibited on 12th Street
Office—Professional/administrative — — — — — — P P P P P P — P P P — — — —
Personal services—General — — — — — — — P P P P P P* P — P — — — — * When accessory to a lodging use
Personal services—Restricted — — — — — — — C C C C C C* C — C — — — — * When accessory to a lodging use See Section 21.69.160 .
Tattoo parlor — — — — — — — — — — P — — — — — — — — — See Section 21.69.240 (Tattoo and Body Art Establishments)
Theaters — — — — — — — C* C* C* C* C* — — — — — — — — * With a finding that a theater will not be detrimental to the city's efforts to revitalize the downtown
Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses Educational Uses
School—Public C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C — C
School—Private — C C C C C — C C C C — — C C C — — — C
School—Business, trade — — — — — — — — P P P P — P P P C — — C
Industry, Manufacturing and Processing, Warehousing, and Wholesaling Uses
Composting, green waste facility — — — — — — — — — — C — — — — — C — — C
Crop production and processing P C — — — — — — — — C C C C C P P — — —
Food and kindred products processing — — — — — — — — — — P — — P P P — — — —
Industrial—Heavy — — — — — — — — — — C — — C C C — — — —
Industrial—Light — — — — — — — — — — P* — — P* P* P* — — — — * Subject to approval of a conditional use permit if includes outdoor activities
Industrial—Artisan — — — — — — — C C C P C C P P P — — — —
Recycling collection centers — — — — — — — — — — C — — C — C — — — — Shall not include collection of hazardous/toxic items
Resource extraction — — — — — — — — — — C C — C C — C C — — See Chapter 21.86 (Surface Mining and Reclamation)
Self storage facility — — — — — — — — — C* C — — C — — — — — — See Section 21.69.150 (Self Storage Facilities) * Prohibited north of Highway 46E
Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair Vehicle Services and Repair
Major repair/body work — — — — — — — — — C C — — C — C — — — —
Minor repair/maintenance — — — — — — — — — P P C — P — P — — — —
Vehicle rental and accessory services — — — — — — — — — P P P — P — P — — — —
Car wash — — — — — — — — — C C C — C — C — — — —
Warehousing, wholesale or distribution — — — — — — — — — P P — — P P P — — — —
Wineries, breweries, and distilleries C — — — — — — — — — P — C P P P P C — —
Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging Lodging
Bed and breakfast inns C C C C C C C — C C C C C C — C C — — — See Section 21.69.060 (Bed and Breakfast Inns)
Hotels and motels — — — — — — — — P P P C P P — P C — — —
Recreational vehicle parks — — — — — — — — — C C C C C — C C C — —
Rural recreation and camping — — — — — — — — — — — — C — — — C C — —
Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses Public and Quasi-Public Uses
Assembly facility—General (small) — — — — — — C C C C C C C C C C C C — C
Assembly facility—General (large) — — — — — — — C C C C C C — — — — — — C
Assembly facility—Religious C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C — C
Cultural institutions C C C C C C P* P P P P P P P P P C C — C *On 12th Street, shall be of a neighborhood scale and orientation with no open storage of materials or equipment
Government buildings and facilities C C C C C C — P P P P P P P P P C P — P
Emergency shelter - General — — — — — — — — — — C — — — P* — — — — C *Only in Commerce Industrial Park (on properties facing Sherwood Road, Commerce Way, Fontana Road, and Linne Road. See Section 21.69.090 (Emergency Homeless Shelters—General).
Emergency shelter—Low barrier navigation center — — — — — — P —* —* —* —* —* —* —* —* —* — — — — *P only on properties in the mixed-use overlay zoning district
Emergency shelter—Domestic violence — — P P P P — — — — — — — — — — — — — C
Public parks and recreation facilities P P P P P P — P P P P P P P P P — P P* P * Limited to passive recreation including pedestrian and equestrian trails
Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure Uses
Airport, landing strip, helicopter, spaceport operations — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — P — — — —
Broadcasting studios — — — — — — — — P P P P — P P P C — — —
Electrical generation and storage facilities — — — — — — — — — — — — — C C C C C — C See Section 21.69.080 (Electricity Generation and Storage Facilities)
Parking facilities — C C C C C C P P P P P C P P P — — — —
Transit facility — — — — — — P* P P P P P P P P P — — — — * Prohibited on 12th Street
Truck terminals — — — — — — — — — — C — — C — C — — — —
Truck stops — — — — — — — — — C C — — C — — — — — —
Public utilities facilities—Minor P C C C C C — P P P P P P P P P P P — P
Public utilities facilities—Major — — — — — — — C C C C C C C C C C C — C
Vehicle storage lots — — — — — — — — — — C — — C — C — — — —
Wireless communication facilities C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C — C Allowed with an administrative use permit in the ROW. See Chapter 21.66 (Wireless Communications Facilities)
Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses Specific Uses
Drive-Through or drive-up facilities — — — — — — — — P P P P — P P P — — — —
Outdoor storage as an accessory use
If property and adjacent streets are improved and storage is screened — — — — — — — P P P P P P P P P P — — — See Section 21.69.170 (Outdoor Sales, Displays, and Storage)
If property and adjacent streets are not improved and storage is screened — — — — — — — C C C C C — C C C P — — — See Section 21.69.170 (Outdoor Sales, Displays, and Storage)
Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses Temporary Uses
Circuses, carnivals, fairs, festivals, and concerts — — — — — — — — — — — — T — — — T T T T See Chapter 21.20 (Temporary Use Permits)
Mobile homes, as temporary caretaker units during construction of a permanent building T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T — — See Chapter 21.20 (Temporary Use Permits)
Outdoor temporary and/or seasonal sales — — — — — — T T T T T T T T T T T T — — May also include a temporary caretaker unit. See Chapter 21.20 (Temporary Use Permits)
Parking lot sales and other promotional events — — — — — — — T T T T T — T T T — — — — Where only on-site businesses are participating (if longer than 7 days) See Chapter 21.20 (Temporary Use Permits)
Temporary food service — — — — — — — T T T T T T T T T T — — — When located at the business's permanent location or in conjunction with a non-profit fundraising event (longer than 7 days) See Chapter 21.20 (Temporary Use Permits)
Food truck — — — — — — — P/ T* P/ T* P/ T* P/ T* P/ T* P/ T* P/ T* P/ T* P/ T* — — — — See Section 21.69.120 (Food Trucks and Food Truck Courts) *Permits for one year or more require a site plan review ( Chapter 21.17 )
Food truck court — — — — — — — C C C C C C C C C — — — — See Section 21.69.120 (Food Trucks and Food Truck Courts)
Temporary off-site construction yards T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T — T T In conjunction with a valid building permit See Chapter 21.20 (Temporary Use Permits)
Temporary real estate sales offices T T T T T T T T T T T T — T T T — — — — Within approved development projects See Chapter 21.20 (Temporary Use Permits)
Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use Trailer/Temporary Building Use
In conjunction with an existing on-site business (2 year maximum) T T — — — — — T T T T T — T T T T T — — See Chapter 21.20 (Temporary Use Permits)
In conjunction with the construction of a building and with available paved parking (maximum of 1 year) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T — T See Chapter 21.20 (Temporary Use Permits)

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

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