Minutes for April 19, 2018

Chairperson Vicky Farrow called to order the regular meeting of the Dry Creek Valley Citizens Advisory Council at 6:00 PM.

Council Chair Vicky Farrow explained that the DCVCAC Guidelines for Visitor Serving Uses will be reviewed tonight, and the council will be making additions to the Guidelines. Ruth explained the history and goals of the Guidelines project: James Gore requested that the council work on developing guidelines at about this time last year. There was nothing, in writing, for the council to go on prior to this. James gave them a very narrow focus for the guidelines, asking them to work specifically on Visitor Serving Uses. The goal was to make them clear and readable, and communicated in a way so that neighbors, applicants, and county officials would all have shared expectations. If an application falls within these guidelines, an applicant could be reasonably assured that their application would be considered favorably by the DCVCAC.

They started with information that had already been assembled: The DCVA has a Planning and Zoning Committee that had put information together. Also the Wine Group assembled by Mike McGuire (which is now the Government Relations Committee of the Sonoma County Winegrowers), had gathered information. The Wine Working Group met six times, and included people from the wine industry, the DCVCAC, and interested county residents. Their meetings discussed concerns of everyone regarding local issues.

Ruth explained that the recommendation standard for approval of a winery states that it must be on 20 acres (minimum). This is in keeping with LIA and the plan for our area. They also covered access and traffic issues. They agreed that new wineries should be on standard two‐ lane roads with enough access to park on the property without causing traffic tie‐ups. There is also a local focus proposal to use local grapes, which was deemed a positive. Siting, lighting, and food service, as well as events, were all covered.

The existing guidelines are posted on the county website. They learned, through this process, what matters most to local residents. Residents understand tasting and events, as well as supporting activities to support the businesses, are necessary. Residents want safe access.

Additions to the Guidelines:

1. Size of Facilities for Visitor Serving Uses.
2. Local sourcing of grapes. The final number was: 75% from Sonoma County, and a Dry Creek sourcing preference.
3. Productions/processing facility sizes. They wanted this to fit our area—80% currently fall between 600 and 30,000 cases for productions, so they have decided to stay within those parameters.

Council member Bill Smith congratulated Vicky and Ruth for their work, as well as the DCVA and Winegrowers, for coming to a compromise on the previously incomplete items. He also wanted to emphasize that if applicants reach out to neighbors, it is really helpful. He wanted to encourage this, as it brings about good results.

Council member Jenny Gomez believes it is so helpful to have a filter for doing their work on the council. They want to make informed, thoughtful decisions. She finds the guidelines very helpful.

Richard Kagle, President of the DCVA and a resident at 7005 Dry Creek Road—shared his address, because things are slightly different on West Dry Creek Road, and things can be viewed slightly differently depending on where folks live. Some feel this document doesn’t go far enough, and some feel it goes too far. For those in the first group, he mentioned a review that used the guidelines: Only one or two of existing wineries would have made it through based on these guidelines. He is happy with that and acknowledged that there is a fear of what would be coming in the future. For those that think these guidelines have gone too far, he mentioned the work and compromise that went into their creation. He mentioned that the largest tasting rooms in the valley are 500 sq. ft., but the document allows for larger spaces.

He believes we are looking for middle ground, and is very much in support of this document, as is the DCVA. There was generalized large support from their members. He believes it has met the goals that were set forth. Applicants, real estate agents, property buyers . . . all can look at this document and it will provide needed guidance.

Ann Peterson, Executive Director of Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley—spoke on behalf of their board. They are very much in support of this document and are happy to have something specific to Dry Creek Valley. In a time of uncertainty at the county level, they believe this will provide some consistency. She loves that we’ve taken our destiny into our own hands.

• Bill Smith: Aye
• Ruth Wilson: Aye
• Vicky Farrow: Aye
• Jenny Gomez: Aye
• Mike Tierney: Aye

• File Number: ZCE18‐0008
• Applicant Name: Olmsted and Associates, Jim Olmsted
• Owner Name: Kieran and Carol Harty, Trustees
• Site Address: 3300 Mill Creek Road, Healdsburg
• APN: 110‐060‐010
• Project Description: Request for a Zone Change on 13.73 acres from the TP (Timberland Production Zoning District), B^ 160‐acre density with VOH (Valley Oak Habitat Combining District) to the RRD (Resources and Rural Development) zoning designation on property located near Healdsburg.

The county hearing on UPE16‐0046 for Bella Winery at 9711 West Dry Creek Road will be heard on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at 8:45 a.m., in the BOS meeting room 102‐A, So. Co. Admin. Building, 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa. The council wanted everyone to know this was going forward.

The deferred referral for ZCE18‐0008. Ongoing discussion of the Guidelines document progress.

There being no other Council business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 6:42 pm; on a motion by Council member Bill Smith, seconded by Council member Ruth Wilson. The motion carried on a voice vote, (5‐0).