Design Guidelines

Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan

These design standards apply to areas of Downtown Paso Robles and the West Side Historic District as identified in the Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan. The content of the guidelines may vary dependent upon the intensity of the proposed development. The guidelines address building types by zone, general requirements, and landscaping standards.

These guidelines should be reviewed in conjunction with the Main Street Guidelines for properties located within both districts.

Illustration of future Uptown/Town Centre development

Design Standards

  1. Architectural Guidelines - Appendix 2 (PDF)
  2. Architectural Style Standards and Signs - Section 5.5.3 (PDF)
  3. Building Form Guidelines - Section 5.5 (PDF)

Development Standards

  1. Building Standards - Section 5.4 (PDF)
  2. Frontage Standards - Section 5.5.2 (PDF)
  3. Uptown Town Centre Specific Plan Architectural Standards (PDF)

Main Street Design Guidelines

These design guidelines for areas of Downtown Paso Robles and the West Side Historic District were formulated by Paso Robles Main Street and have been adopted by the City Council. The content of the guidelines vary as to geographic location/neighborhood context.

The guidelines establish a set of expectations in terms of urban design and are intended to assist the Development Review Committee (DRC) and the Planning Commission in their evaluation of projects that require their consideration.

In addition, to Main Street Guidelines, for properties located within the Uptown/Town Center Specific Plan, please review additional Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan Architectural Standards (PDF).

Boundaries & Districts

The Downtown Guidelines apply to the properties that are located in the area bounded by:

  • 17th Street on the north
  • 4th Street on the south
  • Highway 101 on the east
  • Oak Street on the west

The Downtown Guidelines are divided into districts (see Index Map (PDF)):

Map of Downtown Districts

Commercial & Industrial Design Guidelines

The Commercial and Industrial Design Guidelines (PDF) were formulated by the Planning Commission and City staff, based in part on design standards applied in communities with successful economic development programs; the guidelines have been adopted by the City Council.

As with the Main Street Design Guidelines, the Commercial and Industrial Design Guidelines are intended to assist the Development Review Committee (DRC) and the Planning Commission in their evaluation of projects that require their consideration. These guidelines would apply wherever commercial and/or industrial development is permitted.

Coverage Overlaps

Wherever there is an overlap with the geographic coverage of the Main Street Design Guidelines, the more restrictive set of guidelines would apply.

Landscape & Irrigation Design Requirements

Consistent with California State Law, and the State's Model Water Use Efficiency Ordinance (MWELO), the City's Zoning Code (Chapter 21.22B) requires the following:

  • A Landscape Documentation Package conforming to the City's requirements shall be submitted in conjunction with, or prior to, the submittal of construction drawings for building plan check.
  • A Certificate of Completion needs to be issued by the City prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy of the associated project/building.

For more information, view the Landscape and Irrigation Design Guide (PDF).