AMENDING
TITLE 9 OF THE
MUNICIPAL
CODE TO
INCLUDE PARK
REGULATIONS
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
BACKGROUND
Park rules last updated in 1994,
never codified
Current regulations: outdated, limited
scope, limited enforceability
Paso Robles: one of only 2 SLO
County cities without codified park
regulations
PURPOSE
Updates and standardizes rules for City
parks and recreation facilities
Ensure safety, cleanliness, and fair access
for all residents
Establishes clear special event permitting
procedures
Protects public health, safety, and welfare
PROCESS
Over the past year, feedback from customer inquiries, needs, and transactions informed the process
Current practices, policies, relevant case law, and comparative municipal codes were reviewed to ensure both legal compliance and practical applicability
The proposed Ordinance and associated amendments were developed in close coordination with the City’s legal counsel
INTENTION
Provide a balanced approach that protects our
treasured spaces without unduly restricting
public access
SECTIONS WITHIN THE CHAPTER:
9.55.010-
Definitions
9.55.020 – Duty
to Comply
9.55.030 –
Authority
9.55.040 –
Protection of Park
Property
9.55.050 –
Disorderly
Conduct
9.55.060 –
Parking
Regulations
9.55.070 – Hours
of Operation
9.55.080 –
Closed Areas
9.55.100 CitySponsored Uses
and Waivers
9.55.110 –
Permits for
Special Events
9.55.120 Facility
Use Permits
9.55.130 Action
by City
9.55.140 Permit
Denial,
Suspension, or
Revocation
9.55.150 Notice
to Applicant of
Action on
Application
9.55.160 City
Manager Action
on Requests for
Review
9.55.170
Departmental
Service Fees
9.55.180
Insurance and
Indemnity
Requirements
9.55.190 Ejection
from Park
9.55.200
Violations
Update to
Section 9.04.120
Public Urination
and Defecation
KEY PROVISIONS
Duty to Comply All visitors must follow posted regulations Park Protection No vandalism, damaging land, unauthorized structures, or pollution of waters
Disorderly Conduct Prohibited Dangerous activities, harassment, alcohol use without permit, illegal drugs, unpermitted fires, or
unauthorized vending
Parking Rules Parking is only allowed in designated areas; vehicles in violation may be towed
Hours of Operation Parks closed 11:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. unless permitted Closed Areas Director may close sections for safety or maintenance Inflatables and Ground Covering Devices Use of inflatables, awnings, stages, or similar equipment in City parks requires a City-issued permit
and insurance
Urination and Defecation Expands existing ordinance to include defecation making it illegal to urinate or defecate on streets,
sidewalks, alleys, parks, parking lots, or any public
area
SPECIAL EVENTS AND FACILITY USE PERMITS
Special Events
• Private event by invitation for more
than one hundred (100) guests, or a
public event open to the general public
• Permit Application Timeline
• General Parks: 60-180 days in
advance
• Downtown City Park: 90-180 days in
advance
• Unpermitted special events are subject
to abatement/ fines
Facility Use Permits
• Optional to secure outdoor space for
smaller organized activities
• Required for indoor spaces
• Fee based classes require a business
license and a facility use permit
• Applicants may be required to provide insurance and indemnification
VENDORS
Hosts may include vendors as part of
permit process
No vending allowed within 100 ft. of
a permitted event unless authorized
FEES
Applied for special event permits, facility use permits, and reservations Amounts are set by City Council resolution and may be updated over time Example: Reserving a picnic area for a birthday party would require a modest fee
Reservation &
Permit Fees
Covers the City’s actual costs (personnel, traffic control, cleanup, etc.) Paid in advance, based on estimates, with reconciliation after the event Example: An event that requires additional restroom cleaning must cover associated staff costs
Departmental
Service Fees
May be required to cover potential damage or cleanup
Example: A refundable deposit for using a picnic area ensures it’s left in good condition
Deposits
Eligible for waivers or fee reductions if the event provides a direct public benefit Example: An animal vaccination clinic offering free or reduced cost vaccination services could apply for a waiver of fees
Nonprofits
Exempt from fees, deposits, and permit costs
Example: A City-run summer concert is free from rental fees CitySponsored
Events
VIOLATIONS
Infractions (Within same year): 1st=100, 2nd=$200, 3rd=$500 Misdemeanor: Up to $1,000 or 6 months in jail; may be reduced to infraction
Ejections and Abatement: Unpermitted special events can be abated (Does not apply to First Amendment activity)
IMPACT TO USERS
Safer, cleaner, more predictable park
experience
Clearer conduct rules reduce conflicts
Fair and transparent event permitting
process
Better protection of landscaping, utilities,
and amenities for long-term use
Consistency across parks
IMPLEMENTATION
Staff/ Park Ambassadors
Update park signage with
municipal code references
($1,500)
Revise website & bilingual
applications
Provide bilingual user guides
& policies
Develop new policy for
inflatables & temporary
structures
RECOMMENDATION Introduce for first reading by title only, Ordinance No. XXXX amending Chapter 9.04 and adding Chapter 9.55 to Title 9 of the City of Paso Robles Municipal Code to include Park Regulations