Winery Ordinance Update
Background
The County’s Land Use and Development Code currently regulates allowable winery uses and sets standards for development for special uses at wineries, such as wine-tasting, food service and events. Section 35.42.280 of the existing ordinance sets a three-tier permit track for such uses.
The project includes a review and potential amendments to permit requirements and development standards for wineries and associated activities. The project would more clearly define standards for (1) allowed tasting room and event activities; (2) food service, including the permitting of kitchen facilities in wineries; and (3) sale of wine related items. Ordinance revisions could also establish standards for reporting and monitoring, minimum premise size and planted vineyard acreage for wine tasting rooms and/or events, and parameters for assessing cumulative effects of proposed wineries.
Contacts
Jeff Hunt, Deputy Director: jhunt@co.santa-barbara.ca.us
David Lackie, Supervising Planner: dlackie@co.santa-barbara.ca.us
Stephanie Stark, Agricultural Planner: phone: 805.568.2048 or email: ststark@co.santa-barbara.ca.us
Join our mailing list to receive important updates regarding the Winery Ordinance.
Documents
Summary of Comments from the August 23, 2012 PDF
Existing Winery Ordinance and Winery Related Definitions PDF
Fact Sheet PDF
Budget Summary PDF
Public Participation
Santa Barbara County Planning and Development invites all interested persons to participate in the next phase of the Winery Ordinance Update project. Five topic-based public meetings have been scheduled to discuss the pros and cons of various options for each key topic. The meetings are intended to be informal and interactive. Similar to the August 2012 community meeting: Interested persons can participate in three ways: 1) Comment in person at a meeting, 2) Fill out a comment card at the meeting, or 3) Send your comments via email. You do not need to attend a meeting to provide comment. Regardless of whether it was spoken at a meeting, written on a comment card, or written in an email, all comments will be considered and are public record. The meetings will be led by a facilitator and held November 2012 through February 2013 throughout different parts of the County. The meeting agenda and materials will be posted on our website one week prior to each meeting, and a reminder email will be sent to all persons on our Winery Ordinance Update email distribution list when the meeting materials and agenda are posted on the website. For more information, please contact Stephanie Stark – ststark@countyofsb.org or (805) 568-2048.
| Date | Meeting Topic | Meeting Location | Meeting Agenda & Material | Public Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Meeting 1: |
Tasting Rooms |
Board Conference Room |
||
Meeting 2: |
Food Service |
Santa Ynez Valley Marriott |
||
Meeting 3: |
Special Events |
Public Works Conference Room |
||
Meeting 4: |
Neighborhood Compatibility |
St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Church |
||
Meeting 5: |
Winery Ordinance Structure, Permitting, and Monitoring & Enforcement |
Board Conference Room |