SU0009195 (3) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Comment Letter Si Jorge Frrnery "Site Approval Application"PA-1200063 3. There is a History of Non-Compliance This Comment Letter,the Development Department's enforcement action, and letters in the Development Department's record from the Vierras'neighbors in May of 2012 have all demonstrated that the St.Jorge Winery has a history of non-compliance with their 2005 permit. Further,at least one letter exists from prior to the 2012 Expansion Application,written to the Department's Rick Griffin on February 20,2007,outlining failures of 2005 permit compliance. If there has been a failure of compliance,then"this approval will expire,and the proiect cannot proceed" E. The Vierras Have Violated All of the St.Jorge Winery 2005 Permit's Pertinent Terms The Vierras have violated every one of the permit terms they sought,and more,in the operation of their St.Jorge Winery business since 2005. This is a serious matter, as these operations have been carried out in a manner calculated to flout the law. Their unpermitted business conduct has already changed the very character of the quiet community in which they are located and operate. The St.Jorge Winery's illegal business operations blaze a path for further outlaw business activities,challenging those San Joaquin County winery operations conducted legitimately. If allowed to operate unchecked and unpunished,these types of illegal business operations will continue to undermine the authority of the County to properly govern and control land use,and will fruther corrupt the marketplace for law-abiding wineries. III• THE VIERRAS'APRIL 2012 EXPANSION APPLICATION In April,2012,the Vierras applied for a permit to expand their"small winery." By its terms, the application seeks approval for construction of a: • 5,652 sq.ft.wine garden; • 300 sq.ft. commercial kitchen; 1,600 sq. ft storage building; • 336 sq,ft.wine storage building; • 288 sq.ft. covered patio; and a • 420 sq. ft.restroom facility (Totaling 8,596 sq.ft.,adding— 125%of the currently-permitted buildings;see"IV.B.," below) A. The Community Development Department's April 2012 Enforcement Action 1. The Enforcement Action is for the Vierras'Construction of Facilities "Without Benefit of Proper Permits" A week and a day earlier that same month(April 12'),the San Joaquin County Community Development Department had instituted an enforcement action against the St.Jorge Winery"for the construction of the wine garden without the benefit of proper permits. A commercial kitchen was also constructed without benefit of proper permits." (Development Department staff"Memorandum"of June 7,2012 for the 2012 Expansion Application,pg, 1. Case#EN-1200170.) 8