TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Sheryl L. Bratton, County Counsel
REPORT BY: McKayla McMahon, Deputy County Counsel
SUBJECT: Adopt an Ordinance Amending Napa County Code Chapter 5.36 (Temporary Events)
RECOMMENDATION
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Adopt an Ordinance of the Napa County Board of Supervisors, State of California, amending Chapter 5.36 (Temporary Events) of the Napa County Code relating to application, processing, and noticing requirements for temporary events in Napa County; Section 18.10.020 (Duties - Specific Subjects) of Chapter 18.10 (Zoning Administrator) relating to the Zoning Administrator’s duties to hear and decide temporary event license applications; and Section 18.120.010 (Exception to Use Limitations) of Chapter 18.120 (Exceptions) to update the temporary event categories. (No Fiscal Impact; Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
The proposed ordinance was introduced at the Board of Supervisors’ August 25, 2026, regular meeting. The Board considered the ordinance and by unanimous vote, indicated its intent to adopt the Ordinance.
The effective date of the ordinance is January 1, 2027. Aligning the effective date with the start of the 2027 event season provides a smooth transition for event organizers who will plan and submit their 2027 events under a single, consistent set of regulations and minimum standards. To support this transition, staff will modernize the Temporary Event application to align with the new Manual and offer it as an online form that can be submitted through the County’s Online Permit Center. The updated Application and Temporary Event Manual (Minimum Standard Requirements) would be effective for any event that takes place in 2027, and a transition plan will be put in place for those 2027 applications submitted prior to January 1, 2027.
Staff is requesting the Board adopt the proposed ordinance as set forth in the item attachment.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
Temporary Event Ordinance and Manual have not been updated since 2006; Health and safety code requirements regulating events have changed at the federal, state, and local level for building, fire and environmental health. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
PBES would have to follow existing ordinance provision and minimum standard requirements. |
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Additional Information |
County Strategic Initiatives: Build Healthy, Connected Communities; Elevate County Service and Workforce Excellence |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: General Rule. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the proposed action may have a significant effect on the environment and therefore CEQA is not applicable. [See Guidelines For the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, 14 CCR 15061(b)(3)]