Paso Planning Commission approves assisted living facility 

The Paso Robles Planning Commission approved the revised plans for a three-story assisted living facility on South River Road in a 4-3 vote on Jan. 26.

The commission’s approval included a condition that the width of the top floor of the building’s south section be reduced by 70 linear feet, along with some other minor tweaks.

On Oct. 27, the Planning Commission delayed a decision on the assisted living facility, called “The Oaks at Paso Robles,” asking the applicant, Fresno-based firm B.A. Hoffman Holdings LLC, to reduce the building’s height and size.

“[The applicant] had done some of that to the extent that they thought was good, but the Planning Commission wanted more,” City Planner Susan DeCarli told New Times.

Eleven members of the public voiced their opinions at the Jan. 26 meeting, with nine of those speakers opposing the project. Some concerned residents take issue with the size of the facility and how it will impact traffic and pedestrian safety. Supporters of the project say it would provide a much-needed living situation for many elderly residents.

Since the applicant’s revised plans included reducing the maximum height of the building to less than 40 feet, which is the limit in the city’s zoning code, the plans will not require City Council approval.

But the prospect of an appeal by either the applicant or the public is still in play. DeCarli mentioned that the commission’s mandated 70-foot horizontal reduction would necessitate eliminating rooms in the facility, throwing a significant monkey wrench in the applicant’s plans.