AB 720 INFORMATION

Estate Tasting Event Permit (AB 720 / Type 93)

Guidelines and Requirements

Overview

The Estate Tasting Event Permit (AB720 / Type 93) allows eligible winegrowers to host limited, temporary outdoor wine tasting events on qualifying vineyard properties they own or control.

These events are subject to approval by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and San Luis Obispo County.

Important:
Issuance of a State Type 93 permit does not guarantee local approval. All events must comply with County land use regulations, fire, and life-safety requirements, and all other applicable laws.

Who Qualifies

Applicants must:

  • Hold a valid ABC Type 02 Winegrower License
  • Own or control the vineyard parcel where the event will occur
  • Use a parcel that does not contain a winery production facility

Where Events May Occur

Events must:

  • Be conducted outdoors only
  • Take place on vineyard parcels without winery production facilities
  • Occur on roads that meet emergency access requirements

Events are not allowed:

  • Inside buildings
  • Under tents or structures that require permits

Event Limits

To ensure public safety and consistency with AB 720, the following limits apply:

  • Maximum Attendance: 49 persons per event (including staff and guests)
  • Annual Event Limit: 36 events per calendar year
  • Event Duration: Events must occur within a
    single day and during daylight hours

Traffic and Emergency Access Requirements

Events must:

  • Maintain low traffic volumes consistent with agricultural use (generally limited to approximately 40 vehicle trips per day)
  • Maintain unobstructed emergency access at all times

Minimum access requirements include:

  • 12-foot minimum clear road width
  • Required turnouts and turnarounds
  • Parking only in designated areas that do not obstruct fire apparatus access

“No Parking – Fire Lane” signage may be required where applicable.

Operational Restrictions

  • Events shall not be held during Red Flag Warning days or hazardous fire weather conditions
  • Operators are responsible for monitoring National Weather Service and CAL FIRE alerts
  • All events must be managed to ensure safe conditions for guests and emergency responders

What This Permit Does NOT Allow

This permit does not allow:

  • Large-scale events
  • Weddings, concerts, or festivals
  • Permanent tasting rooms or event venues
  • Use of buildings or structures requiring permits
  • Any activity that bypasses County permitting or safety requirements

Compliance with County and State Regulations

Approval of this permit by ABC and the County Fire Marshal:

  • Does not constitute approval of other required permits
  • Does not override existing use permits, entitlements, or zoning regulations

Permit Application Process

Applicants must submit the following to the San Luis Obispo County Planning and Building Department:

  1. Annual Permit Application
    Completed and signed by the property owner or authorized operator, including primary and secondary contacts.
  2. Valid ABC License
    Copy of a current Type 02 ABC license.
  3. Fire and Life Safety Acknowledgement Form
    Signed acknowledgment agreeing to comply with all fire and life-safety requirements.
    (Link to form)
  4. Aerial Site Map
    Must clearly show:
    • Property boundaries
    • Access roads
    • Emergency access routes (minimum 12 feet wide, 13’6” vertical clearance, with required turnouts)
    • Event activity areas
    • Parking areas outside fire lanes

(Application link here)

Permit Term

  • Permits are valid for one fiscal year (July-June)
  • Permits must be renewed annually

Modification, Suspension, or Revocation

The permit may be modified, suspended, or revoked if:

  • Site conditions change
  • Traffic limits are exceeded
  • Fire or life-safety requirements are violated
  • Events create unsafe conditions

Fees

  • San Luis Obispo County Fire Marshal Annual Permit Fee: $281

Additional fees from ABC or other agencies may apply.

Contact Information

For questions or to apply, please contact:

San Luis Obispo County Fire Marshal’s Office


📞 Phone: 805-593-3490