TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Sheryl L. Bratton, County Counsel
REPORT BY: Chris R.Y. Apallas, Deputy County Counsel
SUBJECT: Hillwalker Vineyards Winery Appeal - Findings of Fact
RECOMMENDATION
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Consideration and adoption of a Resolution of Findings of Fact and Decision on Appeal regarding an appeal filed by Appellant Water Audit California (Appellant or WAC) concerning the Napa County Planning Commission’s decision on August 21, 2024 to: 1) Adopt the revised Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and 2) Approve Use Permit No. P23‐00101‐UP, Use Permit No. P23-00239-UP (an Exception to the Conservation Regulations), and an Exception to the Napa County Road and Street Standards (RSS) filed by Kevin Morrison (Applicant) for the Hillwalker Vineyards Winery Project. (No Fiscal Impact; Mandatory)
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BACKGROUND
At the appeal hearing on February 25, 2025, the Board heard and considered evidence submitted from the Applicant, Appellant, Staff, and members of the public regarding the appeal. After considering all of the evidence presented, the Board closed the public hearing and adopted a motion of intent to: 1) deny the appeal in its entirety; 2) adopt the revised Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program prepared for the Project; 3) uphold the Planning Commission’s approval of the Hillwalker Vineyards Use Permit Application Use Permit No. P23‐00101‐UP, Use Permit No. P23-00239-UP (an Exception to the Conservation Regulations), and an Exception to the Napa County Road and Street Standards (RSS); 4) adopt the Findings as attached as Attachment A; and 5) approve the Hillwalker Vineyards Winery Project subject to the Revised Conditions of Approval attached as Attachment B.
The Board directed staff to return on April 8, 2025, with a Resolution of Findings of Fact and Decision on Appeal. Staff has prepared a proposed resolution that reflects the Board’s intent as expressed on February 25, 2025. As a courtesy, the resolution was shared with the Applicant’s counsel and Appellant’s counsel in advance of today’s meeting solely for the purpose of confirming that the resolution accurately reflects the Board’s intent of its tentative decision. No timely comments on the resolution were received. The public hearing is closed. Staff believes the resolution accurately reflects the Board’s intent and recommends the Board adopt the resolution. The Board’s action today results in final approval of the Hillwalker Vineyards Winery.
Requested Action: Consideration and adoption of a Resolution of Findings of Fact and Decision on Appeal regarding an appeal filed by Appellant Water Audit California (Appellant or WAC) concerning the Napa County Planning Commission’s decision on August 21, 2024 to: 1) Adopt the revised Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and 2) Approve Use Permit No. P23‐00101‐UP, Use Permit No. P23-00239-UP (an Exception to the Conservation Regulations), and an Exception to the Napa County Road and Street Standards (RSS) filed by Kevin Morrison (Applicant) for the Hillwalker Vineyards Winery Project.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Adoption of a revised Mitigated Negative Declaration and the MMRP. According to the proposed revised Mitigated Negative Declaration and MMRP, the proposed project would not have any potentially significant environmental impacts after implementation of mitigation measures. Mitigation measures are proposed for the following areas: Agriculture and Forest Resources and Biological Resources. The project site is not included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5.