Council approves food truck operation updates
– The Paso Robles City Council met on Tuesday at its temporary meeting location of Centennial Park for a regular meeting.
The meeting began with presentations, including three that commemorated the upcoming retirements of Deputy Fire Chief Harris, Police Commander Tod Rehner, and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Richard Almendarez.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved.
Council approves food truck operation updates
The council unanimously approved a series of ad hoc committee recommendations related to food truck operations and directed staff to begin the zoning code amendment process.
Council accepted operational requirements that take effect immediately, including a requirement that food trucks use generator acoustic panels to reduce noise and comply with the city’s noise ordinance.
Under the approved recommendations, accessory furniture is not permitted in the public right of way, including sidewalks or parkways, or in locations that obstruct circulation, ingress, or egress. Permitted accessory furniture is limited to one shade structure no larger than 120 square feet, tables totaling no more than 24 square feet, and up to eight chairs.
Council also approved a minimum setback requirement of 9 feet for food trucks with service windows facing the public right of way. No setback is required for service windows facing internally into a commercial lot. Shade canopies, tables, and chairs are allowed within the setback area. The zoning administrator is authorized to increase or decrease setback requirements for individual temporary use permits to account for unique site configurations.
In addition, temporary use permits will not be granted for food trucks operating on private property within 100 feet of City Park.
Council directed staff to process zoning code amendments to enact two additional recommendations. The proposed amendments would require all food trucks operating in the city and vending to the public to obtain a temporary use permit, with an exception for food trucks operating as caterers for events. The amendments would also require on-site commercial businesses hosting more than seven events per year to obtain a temporary use permit for food trucks participating in recurring events.
The motion to accept the recommendations and initiate the zoning code amendment process passed unanimously.
Click here to view the staff report on the item.
Council reviews proposed countywide transportation sales tax
The council reviewed information about a possible countywide transportation sales tax that could appear on the November 2026 ballot.
The proposal, being developed by the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, would add a half-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects across the county for 30 years. If approved by voters, the measure is expected to generate about $35 million per year, or more than $1 billion over its lifetime. Under state law, the tax would need approval from at least two-thirds of voters countywide.
Money from the tax would be split into several categories. More than half would go toward local road repairs and safety improvements, with Paso Robles estimated to receive just over $2.1 million in the first year. Forty percent would fund larger regional corridor projects, while smaller portions would support mobility services for seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans. Administrative costs would be capped at 1%.
City officials were told the county faces a multibillion-dollar gap in transportation funding and currently lacks a dedicated local funding source, unlike many other California counties.
Council did not take a formal position on the proposal but provided feedback as part of a regional review process.
Click here to view this item’s staff report.
Council reviews Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the 2024–25 fiscal year
The council also reviewed the city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the 2024–25 fiscal year, which provides a detailed, independently audited look at the city’s finances.
State law requires cities to publish audited financial statements each year, and Paso Robles hired an independent accounting firm, Moss, Levy & Hartzheim, LLP, to conduct the audit. The auditors issued an unqualified opinion, meaning they found the city’s financial statements to be accurate and fairly presented. No problems or weaknesses were identified in the city’s accounting practices or internal controls.
City staff explained that the report shows how the city manages public funds and tracks financial changes over time. The audit reviewed financial records, accounting methods, internal controls, and estimates used by management to ensure there were no material errors or misstatements.
The financial report is organized into three sections. The introductory section provides background information about the city and its operations. The financial section contains the audited financial statements and supporting details. The statistical section offers long-term data on finances, demographics, and economic trends.
The council was asked to receive and file the document as required by law.
Click here to view this item’s staff report.
Council receives and files Police and Fire and Emergency Services Community Risk Assessment
The council also reviewed two major studies that evaluate the city’s police and fire services and identify long-term public safety needs.
The reports were prepared by an independent consulting firm and examine how police and fire services currently operate, the types of risks the community faces, and how those needs are expected to change as the city grows. The fire study looks at emergency response, wildfire risk, medical calls, and development trends, and identifies areas where response times, equipment, facilities, and training could be improved. It also outlines long-term needs such as an additional fire station and updated equipment.
The police study focuses on staffing levels, service demand, response performance, and facilities. It found that calls for service and traffic-related issues continue to increase and highlighted potential needs for additional staffing, supervisory support, facility space, and a possible future police substation to improve coverage, particularly on the east side of the city.
Both studies emphasize the importance of long-term planning and stable funding. A significant portion of police and fire services is currently funded by Measure J-20, a local sales tax that is set to expire in 2032. City staff noted that many of the recommended improvements depend on continued funding beyond that date.
Council was asked to endorse the reports and direct staff to return with an implementation and prioritization plan.
Click here to view the item’s staff report.
Click here to view the full agenda.
Watch the full meeting as streamed on YouTube below:
