Paso Robles City Council approves Trader Joe’s alcohol license

Posted: 7:12 am, April 25, 2026 by Editor Skye Pratt

Council also approves housing project, park plan, and policy updates

– Trader Joe’s is moving forward in Paso Robles after the city council unanimously approved a required finding allowing alcohol sales at a new store planned for 2457 Golden Hill Road at its regular meeting Tuesday at Centennial Park’s Norris Room, a temporary meeting location.

The council also approved a gas station alcohol license upgrade, a 154-unit housing development, updates to sign regulations, a retirement cost-sharing change for public safety managers, a park revitalization plan, and a regional homelessness agreement.

Presentations

The city council received presentations for Fort Hunter Liggett’s 85th anniversary, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Bike Month. The council also received updates from the Police Department and Homeless Services.

Consent calendar

The consent calendar was approved unanimously.

Public hearing 1: personnel vacancies report (AB 2561)

The council voted unanimously to receive and file the annual personnel vacancies report.

The City of Paso Robles is required by state law to report annually on job vacancies, hiring efforts, and recruitment challenges.

As of March 2026, the city has about 312 budgeted full-time positions, with 26 vacancies, a rate of 8.7%, which is below the 20% threshold requiring additional reporting. The vacancy rate has improved from about 10.3% the previous year.

In 2025, 28 employees left the city, including 13 resignations, nine retirements, and six terminations. The city conducted 41 recruitment efforts and hired or promoted 120 employees across full-time and part-time positions.

Although more than 1,700 applications were received, some positions remain difficult to fill due to competition and a limited pool of qualified candidates. The city has expanded hiring incentives, improved pay and benefits, invested in employee training, and updated hiring processes.

Public hearing 2: alcohol license for new grocery store

The council approved unanimously a required finding allowing a Type 21 alcohol license for a new grocery store at 2457 Golden Hill Road, expected to be operated by Trader Joe’s once construction is complete.

Because the area already exceeds the state’s recommended number of alcohol licenses, the city was required to determine whether the license serves public convenience or necessity.

Public notice was provided, and no objections were received. Staff found the request consistent with zoning and similar to nearby stores that already sell alcohol. The store will be able to sell beer, wine, and liquor, with a small increase in sales tax revenue expected.

Public hearing 3: alcohol license upgrade for gas station

The council approved 4-1 a request for a gas station at 2401 Golden Hill Road to upgrade its license to allow the sale of distilled spirits in addition to beer and wine. Councilman Fred Strong voted no.

Because the area already has a higher-than-average number of alcohol licenses, the city was required to make a public convenience or necessity finding.

Staff determined the change will not add a new alcohol outlet, since the business has sold alcohol for more than 20 years, and similar nearby businesses already hold the same type of license. Public notice was provided, and no objections were received.

Public hearing 4: sign ordinance update

The council voted unanimously to form an ad hoc committee and introduce an ordinance updating sign regulations for first reading by title only.

The council reviewed updates to the city’s sign regulations, which address temporary, prohibited, and nonconforming signs.

The changes are intended to clarify existing rules, improve enforcement, and ensure compliance with current laws, particularly regarding free speech. The update focuses on objective standards such as size, location, lighting, and duration, rather than sign content.

The proposal adds clearer definitions for certain sign types and reorganizes sections for better usability. It does not change the rules for portable sidewalk signs. The Planning Commission previously recommended approval, and the item had been continued for additional public review.

Public hearing 5: Oak at Ardmore housing project

The council approved unanimously the Oak at Ardmore project, a 154-unit residential development on about 13 acres along Union Road, following staff recommendation.

The project replaces a previously approved commercial and industrial development and includes townhome-style units, a clubhouse, pool, playground, walking paths, and open space. It also includes a $60,000 affordable housing contribution.

The developer requested several exceptions to standard development requirements due to site constraints, including reduced setbacks, smaller lot sizes, and modified design standards.

The project includes the removal of six oak trees in poor condition and replacement plantings, while preserving one existing tree. Environmental review found the project consistent with prior analysis, with no new significant impacts identified.

Discussion item 1: CalPERS contract amendment

The council unanimously adopted an ordinance amending its contract with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System to reduce retirement cost-sharing for certain police and fire managers.

Currently, those employees contribute an additional 6% to 10% toward retirement costs. The amendment reduces that amount by 3% starting May 24, 2026, and by an additional 2% in 2027, for a total reduction of 5%.

The change is intended to improve recruitment and retention by increasing take-home pay. The city will assume the additional cost, which has already been accounted for in the budget.

Discussion item 2: Larry Moore Park concept plan

The council approved unanimously a concept plan to revitalize Larry Moore Park; Councilman Strong was absent.

The plan includes lighted ball fields, a multi-use field, playgrounds, courts, fitness areas, picnic spaces, and improved parking. Design features address neighborhood concerns related to traffic, lighting, and safety, including added parking, lighting controls, and restricted access.

The city conducted multiple community outreach meetings and continues traffic and environmental studies. Construction is not yet approved.

Discussion item 3: regional homelessness compact

The council approved unanimously to join a countywide, non-binding agreement with the County of San Luis Obispo to improve coordination on homelessness and affordable housing; Councilman Strong was absent.

The agreement establishes shared goals and collaboration but does not require the city to spend funds or give up control over local decisions. The city will also receive a report summarizing homelessness services and efforts across the county.