TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Brian D. Bordona, Director of Planning, Building and Environmental Services
REPORT BY: Matthew Ringel, Planner III
SUBJECT: Arrow and Branch Winery Appeal
RECOMMENDATION
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Open and move to continue the public hearing for Arrow and Branch Winery (Steven Contursi) appeal, filed by Appellant Water Audit California (WAC or Appellant), concerning the Napa County Planning Commission’s decision on December 3, 2025, to adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration; and approve the Winery Use Permit Major Modification No. P23-00057-MOD submitted by Steven Contursi (Applicant or Arrow and Branch). (No Fiscal Impact.)
(APPELLANT, APPLICANT, AND STAFF REQUEST A CONTINUANCE TO JUNE 2, 2026, AT 9:00 AM.)
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BACKGROUND
The matter before the Board involves an appeal filed by Appellant concerning the decisions made by the Napa County Planning Commission on December 3, 2025, to: (1) adopt the Initial Study (IS)/ Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and (2) approve Winery Use Permit Major Modification No. P23-00057-MOD for Arrow and Branch Winery.
The approval of Use Permit Major Modification authorizes and includes the following:
(1) an increase in wine production from 30,000 gallons per year to 45,000 gallons per year;
(2) increase employment;
(3) increase daily tours and tastings by appointment only;
(4) increase marketing events;
(5) expansion of an existing winery building to create additional production and accessory space,
construction of an covered terrace with outdoor tasting, installation of an approximately 81,000 gallon process water storage tank; and
(6) reconfiguration of existing parking.
The project is located on an approximately 10.09-acre site within the Agricultural Preserve (AP) zoning district with a General Plan land use designation of Agricultural Resource (AR) at 5215 Solano Ave, Napa, CA 94558; APN: 034-190-040-000.
On December 3, 2025, the Planning Commission voted to approve the project. On December 17, 2025, a timely notice of intent to appeal was filed by Appellant and a timely appeal packet was submitted on January 9, 2026.
The hearing is being opened today to comply with the 90-day scheduling deadline in the County’s Appeals ordinance (County Code Chapter 2.88) and all parties request a continuance to June 2nd. Staff presentation and substantive public testimony will not occur at the March 10th meeting. Applicant, Appellant and Staff all support the continuance which will allow the parties an opportunity to explore whether a compromise can be reached that would resolve the appeal.
Documents associated with the Winery Use Permit Major Modification No. P23-00057-MOD and this appeal record (No. P26-00012-APL) are available for review in the Napa County Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services, and at: 1195 Third St, Ste 210, Napa, California.
PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Chair introduces and opens the public hearing.
2. Motion by a Board member, second by another Board member, and a vote by the Board to continue the hearing to June 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
All County staff costs associated with this Appeal will be fully reimbursed by the Applicant on a time and materials basis as set in County Fee Policy 80.060. |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Mandatory |
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Consequences if not approved: |
The Applicant and the Appellant will be unable to explore a potential resolution. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Consideration and possible adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration. According to the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration, the proposed project would not have any potentially significant environmental impacts after implementation of mitigation measures. Mitigation measures are proposed for the following areas: Biological Resources and Noise. The project site is not included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5.