Board of Supervisors Reduces Groundwater (GSA) Fee Burden; Directs County Staff to Advance Zoning Ordinance Updates

T​he Napa County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to reduce the proposed Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) fees by 55%. The Board's action delivers meaningful cost relief for Napa Valley agriculture.

Together with our industry partners (Napa County Farm Bureau, Napa Valley Grapegrowers and Winegrowers of Napa County), we requested relief for the agricultural community consistent with the joint industry policy proposal presented to the Board of Supervisors in April. We appreciate the Board of Supervisors’ positive response to this request.

Zoning Ordinance Modernization and Process Improvements
Yesterday, the Board of Supervisors also directed County staff to advance several recommendations from the Joint Wine Industry Request letter.
The County staff report prepared for the Supervisors' agenda highlighted a number of areas identified for improvement, including:

• Marketing plan flexibility for wineries
• Employee and visitation flexibility
• Removal of the requirement to obtain an Administrative Winery Permit to install EV charging stations and bike racks
• Expansion of existing winery commercial kitchens
• Elimination of the "Tours and Tastings by Prior Appointment Only" signage requirement

​Additionally, as requested by the industry groups, the County will look into adjustments related to the implementation of AB 720 (the Estate Tasting Event Permit) and explore ways to potentially reduce frivolous project appeals. County staff will also work to simplify the Micro-Winery Ordinance and update the Use Permit Standard Conditions of approval.

These actions represent significant progress on priorities NVV and industry partners have been advancing with the County to reduce costs and create a more workable regulatory environment for Napa Valley wineries. Thank you to our industry partners and County leadership for this major step forward for our wine community.

Read the Article on SF Gate