TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: David Morrison, Director of Planning, Building, and Environmental Services
REPORT BY: David Morrison, Director of Planning, Building, and Environmental Services
SUBJECT: Direction on Draft Micro-Winery Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION
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Director of Planning, Building and Environmental Services (PBES) requests direction on the attached draft ordinance amending Section 18.10.020 of Chapter 18.10 (Zoning Administrator), Section 18.124.130 of Chapter 18.124 (Use Permits), and adding a new Section 18.08.377 to chapter 18.08 (Definitions) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Napa County Code regarding issuance of Micro-Winery Use Permits and modifications to Use Permits.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Board of Supervisors has regularly expressed their concern for family-owned wineries and the need to take pro-active steps to ensure their continued survival. This concern has been reflected in the County Strategic Plan, the General Plan, the Agricultural Protection Advisory Committee, the Local Guidelines for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and the Process Improvement Study.
Families who own vineyards would like to create small amounts of wine to add value to their agricultural product, as well as provide on-site tastings so they may sell that wine directly to consumers. However, the impact of complying with complex Federal, State, and County regulations falls disproportionately on these family-owned businesses, who are less able to absorb the additional costs necessary to meet increasingly stricter standards.
In October 0f 2019, and again in September and December of 2020, the Board of Supervisors indicated their interest in a micro-winery ordinance, but indicated that disasters and other issues at that time took precedence. On March 2, 2021, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to prepare a draft micro-winery ordinance and return to the Board for further direction.
PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Staff reports...
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