County grapples with differing rules;may add layer to planning process

By JAY GOETTING, Register Staff Writer

Last week county officials approved a request to allow the Suscol Creek Winery in an industrial zone near the Napa County Airport, and that re-ignited a long-held concern of Napa County Planning Commissioner Terry Scott.

Wineries in industrial zones do not have to adhere to the same standards as those in agricultural areas, and he wanted to see that changed. Wines produced in agricultural areas of Napa County must contain at least 75 percent Napa Valley grapes to receive a county use permit. The five Napa County wineries in industrial zones are not held to the same standard.

At a joint meeting of planning commissioners and the Napa County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, Scott asked the other commissioners to consider making the 75-percent requirement apply to any winery in the county, regardless of location.

"What happens if we have many more" wineries come into the industrial zone, asked Scott. "It waters down the impact of the (county's) Winery Definition Ordinance. The inconsistencies could come back to haunt us."

His colleague David Graves, himself a vintner, said he appreciated Scott's concern, but didn't reach the same conclusion. Graves said that fewer restrictions in industrial zones may be OK, since the winery ordinance is meant to protect agricultural lands.

"Where grapes come from drives marketing," said Graves. Since it is against state law to put a Napa label on a bottle full of wine with grapes produced elsewhere, the wines made in industrial areas may pose little threat to local producers.

Scott's proposal died on the vine due to lack of supervisors' support.

Design review board

But another Scott proposal fared better. He suggested the county use a design review board when asked to approve new developments.

The plan could see an architect, landscaper, engineer and other professionals provide input before projects reach the commission or board. Scott said he had experience with the concept in another community, and it is not expensive to implement. "Nowhere in California does the public have a greater concern (regarding design and visual impact) than Napa," said Scott.

"Why not do it as good as it can be done?" asked board Chair Bill Dodd.

Planning Director Hillary Gitelman said the concept could become part of the general plan update currently underway, and reminded the board that revisions to the viewshed ordinance would be forthcoming.

The controversial viewshed law governs the building of new homes on ridge lines and other visually sensitive areas. It is going through a clarification process at the commission level.

At least one supervisor does not support increased design review. "I don't see anything wrong with houses in the hills," said Supervisor Harold Moskowite. "I don't know what the big fuss is all about."

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