WILLIS BLAKEWELL / VINE CLIFF WINERY ALTERATION / USE
PERMIT FOR EXCEPTION TO CONSERVATION REGULATIONS
NO. P25-00161 AND USE PERMIT MINOR MODIFICATION NO.
P24-00191
B.
CEQA status: Based on the proposed project as described further below,
the project meets the criteria for eligibility as Categorically Exempt from
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and will not have a
significant impact on the environment. [See Class 1 (“Existing Facilities”),
Class 2 (“Replacement or Reconstruction”), Class 3 (“New Construction
or Conversion of Small Structures”), Class 4 (“Minor Alterations to
Land”), and Class 11 (“Accessory Structures”), which may be found in the
guidelines for the implementation of the California Environmental Quality
Act at 14 CCR §15301, §15302, §15303, §15304, and §15311; see also
Napa County’s Local Procedures for Implementing the California
Environmental Quality Act, Appendix B.]
Request: Approval of a Use Permit for an Exception to the Conservation
Regulations for development activity on slopes over 30 percent, and
approval of a Use Permit Minor Modification to remodel and expand a
winery cave for Type III occupancy with the addition of a fire water
storage area and fire pump room, relocate production to the second cave
portal, add a covered crush pad, remodel and relocate expanded guest
restrooms, add a commercial high-risk kitchen, remodel and relocate
offices, laboratory, breakroom and other accessory uses, create a garden
plaza by removing 10,000 square feet of impervious surface, and widen
access roads to meet county standards.
The winery is on an approximately 99.59-acre parcel located at 7400
Silverado Trail, Napa. The parcel is within the AW (Agricultural
Watershed) zoning district, with a General Plan designation AWOS
(Agriculture, Watershed and Open Space). APN: 032-030-027-000.
Staff Recommendation: Find the project categorically exempt from
CEQA, approve an Exception to Conservation Regulations No. P25-00161
and approve Use Permit Minor Modification No. P24-00191 as
conditioned.
Staff Contact: Andrew Amelung, Planner II, 1195 Third St, Suite 210,
Napa, CA 94559; (707) 253-4307; andrew.amelung@countyofnapa.org
Applicant Contact: Willis Blakewell, 7400 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA
94558; (707) 480-9250; willis@blakewellconsulting.com
Applicant Agent: Kirsten Shinnamon Baker, Signum Architecture, 1675
