This Chapter provides general requirements for the approval of proposed development and new land uses. Land use permit requirements for specific land uses are in Article 4 (Standards for Specific Land Uses) and Article 9 (Community Planning Standards).

The land use and development regulations of this Title are applied to property based on the land use categories and combining designations established by the Land Use Element of the General Plan. These land use categories and combining designations are incorporated into this Title by Section 22.01.030 (Maps and Text Included by Reference), and are shown in Table 2-1.

All uses of land and/or structures shall be established, constructed, reconstructed, altered, or replaced, in compliance with the following requirements.

A.

Allowable use. The use of land shall be identified by Chapter 22.06 and any applicable provision of Article 9 (Community Planning Standards) as being allowable in the land use category applied to the site. The Director may determine whether a particular land use is allowable, in compliance with Section 22.06.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements).

B.

Permit/approval requirements. Any land use permit or other approval required by Section 22.06.030 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements) shall be obtained before the proposed use is constructed, otherwise established or put into operation, unless the proposed use is listed in Section 22.06.040 (Exemptions from Land Use Permit Requirements).

TABLE 2-1
LAND USE CATEGORIES AND COMBINING DESIGNATIONS

C.

Development standards. The use of land and/or structure shall comply with all applicable requirements of this Title, including the provisions of Article 3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards), and Article 9 (Community Planning Standards).

D.

Conditions of approval. The use of land and/or structure shall comply with any applicable conditions imposed by any previously granted land use permit or other approval.

E.

Legal parcel. The use of land and/or structures shall only be established on a parcel of land which has been legally created in compliance with the Subdivision Map Act and Title 21 of this code (Subdivisions), as applicable at the time the parcel was created.

(2015; Ord. 3291; 2024, Ord. 3509; 2025, Ord. 3531)

Where a site is divided by one or more land use category boundaries, the site shall be developed in compliance with the requirements of each district, as applicable. For example, if a site is designated both commercial and residential, the portion of the site designated commercial shall be developed in compliance with the regulations of this Title applicable to commercial uses, and the portion designated residential shall be developed in compliance with the requirements of this Title applicable to residential uses.

An allowed land use that has been granted a land use permit, or is exempt from a land use approval, may still be required to obtain County permits or approvals before the use is constructed, or otherwise established and put into operation. Nothing in this Chapter shall eliminate the need to obtain any permits or approvals required by:

A.

Other County Code provisions, including: building, grading or other construction permits if they are required by this Title or Title 19, or a business license if required by this Title or Title 6, county health permits, or permits required by the County Public Works Department; or

B.

Any applicable state or federal agency regulations.

All necessary permits shall be obtained before starting work or establishing new uses.

[22.01.031]

This Chapter determines what uses of land may be allowed, and the type of land use permit required to authorize each proposed development and new land use, within the land use categories established by the Land Use Element. (See Section 22.04.020 - Applicability of Land Use Categories and Combining Designations.)

A.

Requirements established by this Chapter. Each proposed development and new land use shall comply with the permit requirements established by this Chapter, except where a different permit requirement is established by:

1.

Chapter 22.14 (Combining Designation Standards) for a specific Combining Designation applicable to a site; or

2.

Chapter 22.58 (Oak Woodland Ordinance);

3.

Article 9 (Planning Area Standards) for a land use and/or site within a specific area.

4.

Article 10 (Community Planning Standards) for a land use and/or site within a specific community or village.

B.

Requirements established by Articles 9 and 10.Articles 9 and 10 of this Title may not allow the same land uses in the applicable land use categories as this Chapter, and/or may establish different land use permit requirements for allowable uses. For convenience, the following tables note where Article 9 and 10 requirements differ from this Chapter. In the event of any conflict between the requirements of Articles 9 and 10 and the information in this table, the requirements of Articles 9 and 10 shall control.

[Amended 2014, 3256; 2017, Ord. 3346]

ALLOWABLE LAND USE AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
ESTABLISHED BY ARTICLE 9

ALLOWABLE LAND USE AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY ARTICLE 10

Table 2-2 identifies the uses of land allowed by this Title in each land use category, and the land use permit required to establish each use, in compliance with Section 22.04.030 (General Requirements for Development and New Land Uses).

A.

Permit requirements. Table 2-2 provides for land uses that are:

1.

Allowed subject to the approval of the land use permit required by Section 22.08.030 (Project-Based Permit Requirements). These are shown as "A1" uses in the table;

2.

Allowed subject to the approval of the land use permit required for the particular use by Article 4 (Standards for Specific Land Uses). These are shown as "A2" uses in the table;

3.

Permitted subject to the approval of a Zoning Clearance (Section 22.62.030). These are shown as "P" uses in the table;

4.

Permitted subject to the Site Plan Review approval (Section 22.62.040). These are shown as "SP" uses in the table;

5.

Allowed subject to the approval of a Minor Use Permit (Section 22.62.050). These are shown as "MUP" uses in the table; and

6.

Allowed subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (Section 22.62.060). These are shown as "CUP" uses in the table.

Note: where the last column ("Specific Use Regulations") in Table 2-2 includes a section number, the regulations in the referenced section apply to the specific use; however, the provisions of Article 3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards) shall also apply.

B.

Multiple uses on a single site. Where a proposed project includes multiple land uses, and Table 2-2 requires different land use permits for some of the uses, the permit process shall be subject to Section 22.60.030 (Consolidated Processing).

C.

Uses not listed. A land use that is not listed in Table 2-2 or is not shown in a particular land use category is not allowed, except follows, or as otherwise provided by Section 22.06.040 (Exemptions from Land Use Permit Requirements).

1.

Where a proposed land use is not specifically listed in Table 2-2, the Director will review the proposed use when requested to do so by letter and, based upon the characteristics of the use, determine whether any of the listed uses is equivalent to that proposed.

2.

Upon a written determination by the Director that a proposed unlisted use is equivalent in its nature and intensity to a listed use, the proposed use will be treated in the same manner as the listed use in determining where it is allowed, what permits are required, and what standards affect its establishment.

3.

Determinations that specific unlisted uses are equivalent to listed uses will be recorded by the Department, and will be considered for incorporation into the this Title through amendment as soon as is practical.

4.

At the discretion of the Director, allowable use interpretation requests may be forwarded to the Commission for determination. Determinations by the Director may be appealed to the Commission in compliance with Section 22.70.050.

5.

If a proposed use is found by the review authority to not be equivalent to any listed use, the proposed use shall be deemed not allowed.

[22.01.041.d]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

;sz=8q;KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

See NOTES on next page.

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

NOTES (The following notes apply only to these two facing pages)

(1)

See Article 8 for definitions of the listed land uses.

(2)

See Article 9 for any restrictions or special permit requirements for a listed use in a specific community or area.

(3)

L.U.C. means "land use category." See Section 22.04.020, Table 2-1, for a key to the land use category abbreviations.

(4)

Business License Clearance may also be required; see Section 22.62.020.

(5)

Use allowed on private land with Site Plan Review only when authorized by a recorded open space easement executed by the property owner and the County. Use allowed on public land subject to Conditional Use Permit approval.

(6)

Licensing of all kennels by the County Tax Collector is required by Section 9.04.120 of this code.

(7)

Use limited to non-commercial kennels as defined by Section 9.04.110(t) of this code.

(8)

Land uses on property under Williamson Act Contracts must adhere to the County's Rules of Procedure to Implement The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Table 2), individual Contracts, the provisions of the Williamson Act itself and any changes that may be made to it.

(9)

This use may not be allowable in every land use category. Refer to the standards in Chapter 22.32

(10)

Tree removal in an Oak Woodland may require a land use permit pursuant to Chapter 22.58.

(11)

Limited to Cannabis Transport Facilities only.

(12)

Allowable uses limited to wineries, distilleries, and olive oil processing facilities where the majority of the production is for on-site retail.

See KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS on previous page.

[2007, Ord. 3136; 2015; Ord. 3291; 2015, Ord. 3308; 2017, Ord. 3346; 2017, Ord. 3358; 2018, Ord. 3377; 2020, Ord. 3414; 2022, Ord. 3483; 2023, Ord. 3484; 2023, Ord. 3500]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

See NOTES on next page.

[2015, Ord. 3292; 2017, Ord. 3346; 2024, Ord. 3509]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

NOTES (The following notes apply only to these two facing pages)

(1)

See Article 8 for definitions of the listed land uses.

(2)

See Article 9 for any restrictions or special permit requirements for a listed use in a specific community or area.

(3)

L.U.C. means "land use category." See Section 22.04.020, Table 2-1, for a key to the land use category abbreviations.

(4)

Business License Clearance may also be required; see Section 22.62.020.

(5)

Use allowed on private land with Site Plan Review only when authorized by a recorded open space easement executed by the property owner and the County. Use allowed on public land subject to Conditional Use Permit approval.

(6)

Allowable use limited to manufacturing operations for which the raw materials are extracted on-site.

(7)

Allowable use limited to personal storage ("mini-storage"), primarily serving residents in the same land use category.

(8)

Allowable use limited to bakeries, ice cream and candy shops, and other similar uses, where the majority of production is for on-site retail.

(9)

Allowable use limited to "quick printing" services and newspaper publishers.

(10)

Use limited to facilities that support approved agricultural production or processing on the same site.

(11)

Allowable use limited to the processing of raw materials grown on the site of the processing facility or on adjacent parcels.

(12)

Land uses on property under Williamson Act Contracts must adhere to the County's Rules of Procedure to Implement The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Table 2), individual Contracts, the provisions of the Williamson Act itself and any changes that may be made to it.

(13)

Tree removal in an Oak Woodland may require a land use permit pursuant to Chapter 22.58.

See KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS on previous page.

[2007, Ord. 3136; 2015, Ord. 3292; 2017, Ord. 3346]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

See NOTES on next page.

[2017, Ord. 3346; 2024, Ord. 3509]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

NOTES (The following notes apply only to these two facing pages)

(1)

See Article 8 for definitions of the listed land uses.

(2)

See Article 9 for any restrictions or special permit requirements for a listed use in a specific community or area.

(3)

L.U.C. means "land use category." See Section 22.04.020, Table 2-1, for a key to the land use category abbreviations.

(4)

Business License Clearance may also be required; see Section 22.62.020.

(5)

Use allowed on private land with Site Plan Review only when authorized by a recorded open space easement executed by the property owner and the County. Use allowed on public land subject to Conditional Use Permit approval.

(6)

Use limited to organizations related to agriculture, including grange halls and farm bureaus.

(7)

Allowable use limited to high schools.

(8)

Use may be allowed only where facility is dependent upon a natural on-site resource such as a lake or hot springs.

(9)

Land uses on property under Williamson Act Contracts must adhere to the County's Rules of Procedure to Implement The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Table 2), individual Contracts, the provisions of the Williamson Act itself and any changes that may be made to it.

(10)

Tree removal in an Oak Woodland may require a land use permit pursuant to Chapter 22.58.

See KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS on previous page.

[2007, Ord. 3136; 2017, Ord. 3346]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

See NOTES on next page.

[2014, Ord. 3282; 2017, Ord. 3346; 2020, Ord. 3409; 2020, Ord. 3417; 2025, Ord. 3537]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

NOTES (The following notes apply only to these two facing pages)

(1)

See Article 8 for definitions of the listed land uses.

(2)

See Article 9 for any restrictions or special permit requirements for a listed use in a specific community or area.

(3)

L.U.C. means "land use category." See Section 22.04.020, Table 2-1, for a key to the land use category abbreviations.

(4)

Business License Clearance may also be required; see Section 22.62.020.

(5)

Use allowed on private land with Site Plan Review only when authorized by a recorded open space easement executed by the property owner and the County. Use allowed on public land subject to Conditional Use Permit approval.

(6)

No land use permit required for Residential Care facilities with 6 or fewer clients.

(7)

Use also requires authorization from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

(8)

Residential antennas may have different permit requirements. See Section 22.30.410.

(9)

Land uses on property under Williamson Act Contracts must adhere to the County's Rules of Procedure to Implement The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Table 2), individual Contracts, the provisions of the Williamson Act itself and any changes that may be made to it.

(10)

Tree removal in an Oak Woodland may require a land use permit pursuant to Chapter 22.58.

(11)

School district housing is allowed in PF when owned by a local education agency as defined in California Government Code. Dwelling units shall comply with development standards for residential use provided under Chapter 22.10, unless otherwise specified in Planning Area and Community Planning Standards.

See KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS on previous page.

[2007, Ord. 3136; 2014, Ord. 3282; 2017, Ord. 3346; 2020, Ord. 3409; 2020, Ord. 3417; 2025, Ord. 3529; 2025, Ord. 3537]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

;sz=8q;KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

See NOTES on next page.

[2017, Ord. 3346; 2024, Ord. 3509]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

NOTES (The following notes apply only to these two facing pages)

(1)

See Article 8 for definitions of the listed land uses.

(2)

See Article 9 for any restrictions or special permit requirements for a listed use in a specific community or area.

(3)

L.U.C. means "land use category." See Section 22.04.020, Table 2-1, for a key to the land use category abbreviations.

(4)

Business License Clearance may also be required; see Section 22.62.020.

(5)

Use not allowed within a central business district.

(6)

Minor Use Permit approval required if a public hearing is requested in compliance with Section 22.30.075.C.

(7)

Land uses on property under Williamson Act Contracts must adhere to the County's Rules of Procedure to Implement The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Table 2), individual Contracts, the provisions of the Williamson Act itself and any changes that may be made to it.

(8)

Tree removal in an Oak Woodland may require a land use permit pursuant to Chapter 22.58.

See KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS on previous page.

[2007, Ord. 3136; 2017, Ord. 3346; 2017, Ord. 3358]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

See NOTES on next page.

[2017, Ord. 3346; 2024, Ord. 3509]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

NOTES (The following notes apply only to these two facing pages)
See Article 8 for definitions of the listed land uses.
(2) ;hg;See Article 9 for any restrictions or special permit requirements for a listed use in a specific community or area.
(3) ;hg;L.U.C. means "land use category." See Section 22.04.020, Table 2-1, for a key to the land use category abbreviations.
(4) ;hg;Business License Clearance may also be required; see Section 22.62.020.
(5) ;hg;Use allowed on private land with Site Plan Review only when authorized by a recorded open space easement executed by the property owner and the County. Use allowed on public land subject to Conditional Use Permit approval.
(6) ;hg;Allowable use limited to sites with public airport or port facilities.
(7) ;hg;Allowable use limited to storage yards for recreational vehicles and boats.
(8) ;hg;Use also requires authorization from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
(9) ;hg;Land uses on property under Williamson Act Contracts must adhere to the County's Rules of Procedure to Implement The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Table 2), individual Contracts, the provisions of the Williamson Act itself and any changes that may be made to it.
(10) ;hg;Tree removal in an Oak Woodland may require a land use permit pursuant to Chapter 22.58.

See KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS on previous page.

[2007, Ord. 3136; 2017, Ord. 3346]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

;sz=8q;KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

See NOTES on next page.

[2017, Ord. 3346; 2024, Ord. 3509]

TABLE 2-2 - ALLOWABLE LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

NOTES (The following notes apply only to these two facing pages)

(1)

See Article 8 for definitions of the listed land uses.

(2)

See Article 9 for any restrictions or special permit requirements for a listed use in a specific community or area.

(3)

L.U.C. means "land use category." See Section 22.04.020, Table 2-1, for a key to the land use category abbreviations.

(4)

Business License Clearance may also be required; see Section 22.62.020.

(5)

Use allowed on private land with Site Plan Review only when authorized by a recorded open space easement executed by the property owner and the County. Use allowed on public land subject to Conditional Use Permit approval.

(6)

Allowable use limited to heliports.

(7)

Land uses on property under Williamson Act Contracts must adhere to the County's Rules of Procedure to Implement The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Table 2), individual Contracts, the provisions of the Williamson Act itself and any changes that may be made to it.

(8)

Tree removal in an Oak Woodland may require a land use permit pursuant to Chapter 22.58.

See KEY TO PERMIT REQUIREMENTS on previous page.

[22.01.041.d; 2007, Ord. 3136; 2016, Ord. 3338; 2017, Ord. 3346; 2017, Ord. 3358]

The land use permit requirements of this Title do not apply to the activities, uses of land and/or structures identified by this Section. However, nothing in this Section shall be construed as exempting construction activities from the necessity of obtaining grading, building, and/or other construction permits prior to starting any work.

A.

County projects. Public works projects constructed by the county or its contractors;

B.

Repairs. Ordinary repairs to buildings, provided that such repairs shall not include any change in the approved land use of the site or building, or increase in the total floor area of the building; or

C.

Walls and fences:

1.

Walls or fences of 6'-6" or less in height, located in compliance with Section 22.10.080 (Fencing and Screening); or

2.

Open wire fences of any height in the Agriculture and Rural Lands land use categories; or

D.

Minor construction. The erection, construction, enlargement, removal or conversion of any building or structure, where:

1.

The total valuation of work does not exceed $1,500 as determined by the county fee ordinance, and both the building or structure and the proposed expansion or modification are in conformity with all applicable provisions of this Title; or

2.

A one time expansion of the structure does not exceed 10 percent of the total floor area, and both the building or structure and the proposed expansion or modification are in conformity with all applicable provisions of this Title.

E.

Agricultural uses:

1.

Agricultural accessory buildings. Structures designed and built to store farming implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or horticultural products (not including commercial greenhouses or buildings associated with agricultural processing activities (Section 22.30.060)), in which there is no human habitation and which is not used by the public, are not required to have a land use permit unless the structure meets one or more of the following criteria:

a.

The structure is proposed in an area designated other than Agriculture or Rural Lands by the Land Use Element; or

b.

Is located within an airport review or flood hazard area combining designation; or

c.

Is located on a site of less than 20 acres; or

d.

Is located within 100 feet of any adjacent property or public road; or

e.

Has a gross floor area exceeding 5,000 square feet or contains more than a single story plus storage loft; or

f.

No existing or apparent agricultural use on the property.

An agricultural accessory building that satisfies any of the above criteria shall require a Zoning Clearance. An agricultural accessory building that is not required to have a land use permit is still subject to the standards of Section 22.30.060 B., C. and D. (Agricultural Accessory Buildings) and any other applicable provisions of this Title.

2.

Crop production and grazing. No land use permit is required for crop production, provided that industrial hemp cultivation is subject to the standards of Section 22.30.244, and where an Agricultural Offset Clearance is required for New or Expanded Irrigated Crop Production using water from the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin (excluding the Atascadero Sub-basin), as shown in Figure 6-1. No land use permit is required for grazing activities where allowable, provided that feedlots are subject to the standards of Section 22.30.100 (Livestock Specialties - Intensive).

[2015, Ord. 3308; 2020, Ord. 3414; 2020, Ord. 3422; 2022, Ord. 3483; 2023, Ord. 3484][22.01.031]

This Chapter establishes land use permit requirements for proposed development and new land uses based on characteristics of the use or project that may create environmental impacts and/or need particular attention in project design to ensure compatibility with adjacent land uses.

[22.03.010]

The permit requirements of this Chapter apply to development and new land uses identified by Chapter 22.06 (Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements by Land Use Category) or Chapter 22.30 (Standards for Specific Land Uses) as being subject to the permit requirements of this Chapter.

Table 2-3 determines the type of land use permit required to authorize proposed development or a new land use, based on project characteristics.

A.

To determine what land use permit is required to establish an allowable use, a proposed project must be compared with each land use and development characteristic listed in the left column of Table 2-3.

B.

When a project involves more than one use listed in the left column of the table, or both a listed land use and a listed development characteristic, the most restrictive permit requirement shall apply. (Example: if a commercial building (included under "Retail Trade, Services and all other non-residential use groups") is proposed with 2,300 square feet of floor area, and will include a proposed paved area ("Impervious Surface") greater than one acre, a Minor Use Permit is required even though the floor area of the building itself would otherwise require a Zoning Clearance).

C.

The permit requirement criteria shall be applied to the entire project site, regardless of intervening lot lines.

[22.03.040]

TABLE 2-3
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS BASED ON PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS

Notes:

(1)

All criteria are cumulative for a single site (e.g. a proposed 3-unit expansion of an existing 39 unit apartment requires Conditional Use Permit approval).

(2)

Or number of dwellings proposed to be constructed by a single developer, in a single subdivision that was recorded before March 19, 1962.

(3)

Includes all uses listed under the Manufacturing & Processing land use group by Table 2-2, and the specific use identified by Table 2-2 as Storage Yards and Sales Lots.

(4)

Includes all uses listed under the Retail Trade, Services, and all other land use groups by Table 2-2, except Residential, Manufacturing & Processing, and Outdoor Storage.

(5)

When an allowed use (an "A1" use in Table 2-2) in an existing building is to be replaced with another allowed use that is required by Chapter 22.18 to have equal or less parking than the use being replaced, approval of a Zoning Clearance is required regardless of what permit was necessary for the original building, provided the building satisfies all applicable provisions of Chapter 22.72 (Nonconforming Buildings, Structures, Parcels, and Signs).

(6)

Permit requirements and site disturbance characteristics for energy-generating facilities are identified in Chapter 22.32 (Energy-Generating Facilities).

(7)

A grading permit, drainage plan review, or erosion and sedimentation plan review may be required by Chapter 22.52 (Grading and Drainage); and/or construction permits may be required by the Building and Construction Ordinance, Title 19 of this code.

[Amended 1992, Ord. 2553; 1995, Ord. 2714; 2015, Ord. 3291; 2025, Ord. 3537] [Table 3-A]