TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Thomas Zeleny - Interim County Counsel
REPORT BY: Jason M. Dooley - Deputy County Counsel
SUBJECT: Walt Ranch Appeal Findings of Fact
RECOMMENDATION
title
SET MATTER - 2:00 PM (Walt Ranch)
County Counsel requests consideration and adoption of a Resolution of Findings of Fact and Decision on Appeal regarding an appeal filed by Center for Biological Diversity (Appellant) to a decision by the Director of the Napa County Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services on October 6, 2021, to approve a revision to Mitigation Measure 6-1 and to incorporate the revised mitigation measure into the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan applicable to the Walt Ranch Vineyards Agricultural Erosion Control Plan - File No. P11-00205-ECPA submitted by Hall Brambletree Associates, LP (Applicant) to allow earthmoving associated with the development of approximately 209 net acres of vineyard (?316 gross acres)(the Project).
body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the appeal hearing on April 19, 2022, the Board heard and considered evidence submitted from Appellant, the Applicant, Staff and members of the public regarding the appeal. After considering all of the evidence presented, the Board closed the public hearing and continued the matter requesting an advisory report from the Director of Planning, Building and Environmental Services addressing three issues raised during the appeal hearing: (1) contiguity of the preserved area and potential impacts of edge effects on the viability of conserved woodland for GHG mitigation; (2) the qualifications for a biologist required to assist in identifying the specific boundaries of the conservation areas; and (3) the specific requirements for monetary security needed to ensure the management and protection of the conserved areas. On May 17, 2022, the Board reopened the public hearing to consider the advisory report and testimony from the parties and the public. After considering the additional evidence,...
Click here for full text