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 the 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 Acknowledgment 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.

Click Here for Permit Information

Then search for Estate Tasting Event Permit (AB 720 / Type 93)

It will look like this, click Apply

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