FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Business Licenses
Do I need a Business License?
If you are charging a fee for a service such as yard work, bookkeeping, janitorial,
hair stylist, manicurist (even if you rent space from an established business), etc.
you are considered to be in business and would need a business license, whether or
not you have a fixed place of business or are working out of your home.
If you sell merchandise either retail or wholesale, whether from your home, a commercial business location or come into the City from outside of the City Limits of Paso Robles to conduct sales, you need a business license.
How do I get a Business License?
It’s simple to obtain a business license. You may either download the
Business License Application
from this website or pick up the form from Administrative
Services, located at 821 Pine Street. See the
Business License page for more details.
If I do business in other cities as well as Paso Robles, do I need a license in
each city?
Each incorporated city has its own regulations and you should contact each about
their requirements. However, as an example, if you have a valid business license for
City of Atascadero, you would also need one for Paso Robles.
If I have a County of San Luis Obispo business license, do I need one for Paso
Robles, too?
Yes, you do need a separate license if you are planning to do business in the City of
Paso Robles. A County of San Luis Obispo business license is only good in
unincorporated areas, such as Templeton, Creston and Shandon. It does not allow you
to operate in the City of Paso Robles.
Transit
Where can I purchase county Central Coast Area Transit (CCAT) tickets?
County bus passes and schedules are available at the Transit Center located at 800
Pine St., Paso Robles.
Where can I pick up bus schedules and other information for Dial-A-Ride and
PRCATS? Where do I buy ticket books?
City ticket books can be obtained at both the Transit Center, 800 Pine Street and at
City Hall Annex, 821 Pine Street Suite A . Bus schedules, fares and other pertinent transit
information are provided in the downloadable
Paso Express Riders Guide.
Water and Sewer
How is my water and sewer bill calculated?
The minimum monthly charge for residential water and sewer is
$43.86.
Water charges consist of a variable rate of $1.32 per unit (each unit is 100 cubic feet).
Nacimiento water charge is $18.00 per month.
Sewer is billed every month at a flat rate of $25.86.
When will I get my water and sewer bill?
Water and sewer service is billed on the 1st day of each month.
Bills are considered delinquent if not paid by 5:00 PM on the
5th day of the following month. Those accounts will be
assessed a 10% penalty. Those accounts not paid by the
15th of the following month will be subject to termination.
How do I start/stop service?
Call Administrative Services Department, Water Services Division of the City of Paso
Robles at (805) 237-3996 or come in to Administrative Services,
located at 821 Pine Street. Click here
for more information on How to Start or Stop
Service.
Why do I have to pay a sewer charge?
The sewer charge on your account is a sewer user fee to collect, treat and discharge
your wastewater.
Why do I have to pay a deposit if I am renting? I have had water service before
in the city.
City ordinance requires that all tenants pay a deposit and provide name and address
of the property owner/management company. The Water
Ordinance [pdf:48k/1pp] (Section 14.04.120 of the Municipal Code) is available
for viewing here.
Do you have direct debit for payment of my water bill?
The City offers a direct payment option from your checking
account. Click
here to download the form.
Can I pay my bill online?
Not at this time but the City anticipates this option in the
near future.
Do you have a low-income program for my water bill?
Yes, single-family dwelling units participating in the PG&E or Southern California
Gas Company Care program can apply for the City of Paso Robles low/fixed income
program. Simply mail a copy of your current bill showing participation in the CARE
program to City Water Services/Billing or phone (805) 237-3996 for assistance.
Qualified applicants are eligible for a 15% discount on the fixed rate portion of
their bill. For specific qualifying criteria, check the
Low/Fixed Income Program page.
I am installing a water softener. What is the hardness of the City’s water?
The City publishes an annual
Water
Quality Report [pdf:286k/6pp] that lists water hardness. You may also phone the
Administrative Services Department, Water Services Division at (805) 237-3996 to
obtain that information. For information on water softeners and their effects on the
City’s Sewer System, please visit the
Water Softeners page.
I am concerned about water quality and safety. Who do I contact to test my
water?
The U.S. EPA sets national limits for city water systems. The City’s
Water
Quality Report [pdf:286k/6pp]
conforms to these requirements. For additional questions you may call the EPA’s Safe
Drinking Water Hotline at 1-(800) 426-4791, or City Water Services at (805) 237-3996.
My water bill is incorrect. Whom do I contact?
Phone or e-mail the Administrative Services
Department, Water Services Division at (805) 237-3996 business days between 8:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. for any questions regarding your water bill, due dates and billing
schedules.
There is a leak at my water meter. Who do I contact?
For leaks and low water pressure calls during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.),
contact the Administrative Services Department, Water Services Division at (805)
237-3996. After hours, contact the Police Department at (805) 237-6464.
How do I read my water meter?
Are you curious how to read your own meter or check for leaks? Check out the Public
Works Water Division page on meter
information.
Does the City have a drop box to deliver after hour payments?
Yes, there are three drop boxes for water bills: one is located
in the drive through on 11th street (between Spring and Park),
and second drive up location is at 270 Scott Street at the west
end entrance to the Senior/ Veteran's Center. The third
location is a walk up in the lobby at City Hall (open during
City Hall and Library business hours).
How do I obtain a hydrant meter for construction water?
Call Administrative Services Department, Water Services Division of the City of Paso Robles at (805) 237-3996 or come in to
821 Pine Street.
Storage Units
How do I rent a unit at the Pine Street Storage?
Contact Administrative Services at 237-3999 and for unit availability and further
information. There are 26 units located at 624 Pine Street:
10 small units: 9' x 18'
Dirt floor rent for $80.00/month
Cement floor rent for $90.00/month
16 large units: 12' x 30'
Dirt floor rent for $100.00/month
Cement floor rent for $110.00/month
Required to rent: $50 deposit; first and last months rent.
