Planning Commission approves new downtown bar

By Camille DeVaul · Tue Apr 21 2026

Updated food truck regulations move forward to City Council for final approval

PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles Planning Commission came together on Tuesday, April 14, to consider two items. During the meeting, commissioners held public hearings on a proposed new downtown bar and a citywide update to food truck regulations.

The first item centered on a request from local business owner Jeff Root to establish “Jan’s Place,” a bar planned for an existing tenant space in located at 842 Norma’s Alley. Root owns his first location of Jan's Place in San Luis Obispo and is hoping to open his second location in Norma's Alley. Jan’s Place is an intimate, vinyl-focused bar and listening lounge.

Root shared with commissioners, "Business has been going very well and this opportunity presented itself in Downtown Paso and we're just super excited to try this up here."

Commissioners unanimously approved the project with no objections or comments.

The second public hearing focused on a broader policy discussion: updating the city’s zoning code for food trucks.

In October 2024, the Paso Robles City Council approved updates to the city’s zoning code, including regulations governing food trucks. These rules formalized policies that had been in place since 2019, outlining permitting requirements and operational standards for food trucks operating within city limits. All food trucks are required to maintain a valid city business license and a San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Permit. Additionally, vendors operating at a single location for more than seven days per year must obtain a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) and meet specific approval criteria.

In August 2025, the City Council revisited these regulations, citing challenges with enforcement and unclear language in the code. An ad hoc committee was formed to gather public input and develop recommendations. Over the following months, the committee held public meetings, reviewed complaints, and explored issues such as generator noise, fire inspection requirements, and rules for seating, shade structures, and event operations. Based on this process, the City Council issued updated guidance in December 2025, including stricter noise control measures, limitations on accessory furniture, setback requirements, and restrictions on food truck operations near City Park.

The council also directed staff to draft formal amendments to the municipal code, including requiring Temporary Use Permits for most food truck operations and for businesses hosting recurring food truck events.

Paso Robles Planning Commissioners unanimously approved to repeal and replace the section pertaining to "Food Trucks and Food Truck Courts" of the Paso Robles Municipal Code.