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The Community Development Department consists of the Planning, Engineering and Building Divisions, involving the Department in all aspects of development. From the grading of the lot to the construction of the building (pad, structure, electrical, plumbing), and installation of final improvements such as landscaping and signage. Department Overview

What's New?

Draft Circulation Element

This project is an update to the city-wide Circulation Element. The Circulation Element is one of the mandated elements of the General Plan. The Circulation Element identifies the city-wide transportation network. It is designed to support the City’s existing and future land use pattern, and contains policies specific to transportation and mobility to implement the circulation plan.

The City’s draft Circulation Element attempts a different approach to mobility than traditional circulation planning. It considers all aspects of the movement of people and goods, respects Paso Robles’ small town character and neighborhoods, while enabling residents and travelers to move about town at safe speeds and by various means. The Element emphasizes pedestrian, bicycle and transit systems, and focuses on increasing the efficiency of the vehicle network, with a de-emphasis on roadway widening. Alternative improvements such as narrower streets, roundabouts, and other design features are encouraged to mitigate traffic flows, with an emphasis on better connectivity, multi-modal movement, and controlling traffic speeds consistent with Paso Robles’ small town character.

Download the Draft Circulation Element

Historic Preservation Program

To help preserve the historic treasures that shape the community’s character, and to continue Paso Robles’ legacy, the City Council has established a goal to update the current City-wide Historic Inventory and establish a Historic Preservation Ordinance. Read more...

U.S. Highway 101/State Route 46 East Improvement Project

Caltrans proposes to provide operational and access improvements at the 13th Street Bridge over U.S. Highway 101, the U.S. Highway 101 ramp at 16th Street, and the westbound direction of State Route 46 East at and near the U.S. Highway 101/State Route 46 East interchange. The project would also construct an auxiliary lane along U.S. Highway 101 southbound between the on-ramp at State Route 46 East and off-ramp at 17th Street/Riverside Avenue, as well as a ramp meter at the southbound U.S. Highway 101 on-ramp at Spring Street. Read more...

Bike Master Plan

The City of Paso Robles has become aware of the growing interest in bicycle riding through local planning efforts such as new specific plans, trail planning, and regional bike programs. Excitement for cycling and recreational bike riding was also heightened when the City of Paso Robles hosted the Amgen Tour of California in 2009.

The Paso Robles Bicycle Master Plan is a comprehensive plan to address the needs of both recreational and commuter cyclists. The plan provides direction for City bike planning and improvements over the next 10 years. The plan includes goals that establish what the City would like to achieve, policies to provide the guidance on how to achieve the goals, and actions to direct the City’s efforts.

Download the Bike Master Plan [pdf:2.5mb/57pp]

Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan

On Wednesday, May 26, 2010, the City Council and Planning Commission conducted a public workshop meeting to discuss the recommendations of the three ad hoc committees and staff on the Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan. Click here for additional information.

Purple Belt Action Plan

The City of El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles) completed a General Plan update in 2003. One of the key goals included in the General Plan is the establishment of a “Purple Belt Program.” The main ideas behind the Purple Belt are to:

• provide tools and support to assist property owners that want to continue their agricultural operations;
• support the regions’ agricultural economy;
• and maintain the rural, agrarian landscape around the City.

Read more...

City Gateway and Design Standards

To preserve and strengthen the unique image, identity, and character of Paso Robles, the General Plan directs that design standards and guidelines be developed for key “Gateways” to the City. Through an initial process of urban design analysis and dialogue with the Gateway Ad Hoc Committee, two general types of Gateways have been identified in Paso Robles: the Central Gateway and the Town & Country Gateway. This document identifies the location, purpose and general design characteristics of each of the identified Gateways, highlights specific site conditions and, where applicable, recommends specific policies, design interventions and recommended implementation actions.

Download the City Gateway and Design Standards [pdf:2mb/36pp] Updated 9-2-08

U.S. HWY 101/46 West Interchange Modification Project

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), as delegated by the Federal Highway Administration, has determined that Build Alternative 2 will have no significant impact on the human environment. This Finding of No Significant Impact is based on the attached Environmental Assessment, which has been independently evaluated by Caltrans and determined to adequately and accurately discuss the need, environmental issues, and impacts of the proposed project and appropriate mitigation measures. It provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. Caltrans takes full responsibility for the accuracy, scope, and content of the attached Environmental Assessment and incorporated technical reports (and other documents as appropriate).

The environmental review, consultation, and any other action required in accordance with applicable federal laws for this project is being, or has been, carried out by Caltrans under its assumption of responsibility pursuant to 23 U.S. Code 327. Read more...

Hwy 46 East for the Future

"Population growth, both locally and statewide, has led to increased travel demand and congestion on Route 46 East. The primary purpose of the 46 East for the Future process is to generate public interest to assist partner agencies in the development of a 20-year improvement strategy for the section of Route 46 East from US 101 to Jardine Road.

Comprehensive Corridor Study [pdf: 4.7mb/106pp]

Parallel Routes Study [pdf:1.2mb/40pp]

Parking Management Plan

The City Paso Robles has commissioned Parking Design Group, LLP, to develop a Parking Management Plan for their downtown in order to ensure an adequate parking supply for the community, businesses, and patrons. By implementing the strategies recommended by Parking Design Group, LLP, the downtown will be equipped with the best possible comprehensive Parking Management Plan.

Download the Parking Management Plan
[pdf:1.4mb/64pp]

More Projects

Traffic Calming Program
The Traffic Calming Program, adopted by the City Council in January 2005, was developed to provide the means to address existing traffic calming problems and to use in new development. The purposes of "traffic calming" are aimed at reducing traffic congestion and to keep traffic moving. Learn more...

Salinas River Corridor Vision
The Salinas River, embraced by the citizens of Paso Robles, is a thriving corridor that enhances important habitat and open spaces, provides recreational and economic opportunities, ties to our heritage, and connects to our future. Follow The River, Follow The Dream. Learn more about the Salinas River Corridor.

Olsen Beechwood Specific Plan
City Council is taking action to actively encourage community development in mixed use, compact, interconnected, and pedestrian oriented form. Read more about the Olsen Ranch Beechwood Specific Plan.