County approves Walt Ranch vineyard project
One of Napa County's larger proposed vineyard projects in local mountains has won tentative county approval, though an appeal by opponents to the Board of Supervisors seems likely.
County Planning, Building and Environmental Services Director David Morrison on Monday released his decision on the Walt Ranch project. He approved the erosion control plan that under county law is needed to build hillside vineyards.
“The project is consistent with zoning and the general plan,” Morrison said. “It’s consistent with the general plan’s future expectations in terms of the vision of the general plan. And it takes all appropriate steps to minimize environmental impacts.”
He would have needed a “compelling and provocative reason” to deny the project, Morrison said. He found none.
Napa County will release the final decision and findings on Aug. 1. That will trigger a 15-day period — 10 working days — when opponents can appeal the decision to the county Board of Supervisors.
The 2,300-acre Walt Ranch is located in the mountains between the city of Napa and Lake Berryessa along Highway 121. The Hall family — owners of Hall Wines in St. Helena — asked to create 356 acres of vineyards with a 507-acre total development area. The development area includes such things as roads.
Morrison cut about 100 acres from those requested 507 acres to further protect rare plants, certain trees and wildlife habitat. This move wasn’t unexpected, given that county officials discussed the idea at an April 4 hearing.
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