Estate Tasting Event Permit (AB 720 / Type 93)

Guidelines and Requirements

This is a pilot program that shall become effective on April
21, 2026, and expire on December 31, 2027, unless extended by the
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. The purpose of this pilot program
is to allow the County to gain operational experience with the Type 93 permit
process and to evaluate the County Fire Marshal’s review and approval procedures.

Overview

The Estate Tasting Event Permit (AB 720 / 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

Where Events May Occur

Events must:

• Be
  conducted outdoors only
• 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. Fire and Life Safety Acknowledgement Form / Annual
Permit Application
Completed and signed by the property owner or authorized operator, including
primary and secondary contacts. The applicant must acknowledge and agree to
comply with all fire and life-safety requirements.
(Link to form)

2. Valid ABC License
Copy of a current Type 02 ABC license

3. 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

4. Online Application Submission
Apply through the San Luis Obispo County Planning and Building Department via
Energov:

• Upload
  all required documents listed above  (Application link here)

Online application submission
is not yet available. In the meantime, please submit your completed application
in person to the San Luis Obispo County Planning and Building Department, 976
Osos Street, San Luis Obispo

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:
  • April
    21, 2026 through June 30, 2026: $231
  • Beginning
    July 1, 2026: $281

Additional fees from the California Department of
Alcoholic Beverage Control (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