Paso Robles reports jump in building permits and ADU activity; preapproved ADU plans offered

Paso Robles — Community Development Director Warren Frates told the council on Feb. 4 that permit activity increased in 2024, driven in part by multiple residential projects and a rise in accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Frates said the city issued roughly 1,600 permits last year, a 5% increase, and permitted about 310 housing units — a 35% increase over the prior year. Inspections rose about 29% to nearly 7,000, driven by tract housing activity.

Large projects contributing to the uptick include the Olson Ranch specific plan, the Beachwood specific plan, Rolling Hills Apartments (a proposed 30‑unit complex), Riverwalk Terrace and ongoing phases at River Oaks 2. Frates said Sunrise Villas (Olson Ranch) is fully leased (69 low‑income units) and Riverwalk Terrace (79 low‑income senior units) is nearing opening spring 2025.

On ADUs, Frates said state law now allows ADUs on all single‑family lots, with units up to 1,200 square feet and fees reduced for smaller units. The city is making three preapproved ADU plans available (on the county website and linked on the city site) that include checklists for permits; rooftop solar is required under state rules for these units. ADUs must be rentals under local practice and the state has waived many parking requirements for ADUs.

Frates warned that concentrated ADU construction can strain sewer systems: the Olsen Ranch project had to redesign its sewer system to accommodate ADUs. Council members asked staff for income threshold tables used in housing classifications; staff agreed to provide the county’s monthly income chart.

Council members and audience commenters raised questions about whether mobile homes on wheels qualify as ADUs; Frates said RVs and typical mobile homes generally do not qualify unless they meet uniform building code modular construction standards.