SU0009186 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES 2. SITE APPROVAL APPLICATION NO. PA-1200063 OF VERNON AND JENISE VIERRA(C/O ST.JORGE WINERY)to expand an existing small winery and increase the number of marketing events and attendees per marketing event. (Use Type:Wineries and Wine Cellars—Winery, Small) The expansion includes the construction of a 5,652 square foot wine garden comprised of a stage, dining, and seating area, a 300 square foot commercial kitchen, a 1,600 square foot storage building, a 336 square foot wine storage building, a 288 square foot covered patio, a 420 square foot restroom facility, and increase the number of marketing events from the previously approved four marketing events to twenty-four marketing events per year and increase the number of attendees from the previously approved 25 people to 150 people per marketing event. The project site is located on the west side of Bender Road, 375 feet north of Taddei Road, northwest of Lodi (Supervisorial District 4). Mo Hatef, Senior Planner, introduced the staff report into the record. Alex Chetley, representing Public Works, said Public Works has reached out to the Wine Commission to start dialogue regarding traffic solutions for industry wide events. Not related to the project being heard but wanted to make a general statement. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: PROPONENTS: Mike Hakeem, representing the owners of St. Jorge winery, said this project is not a revocation hearing but a hearing for the expansion of the winery. Owners understand they had made mistakes and the owner now understands what is permitted. Commissioner Mom asked how many acres of vineyards are at the site. Vern Vierra, owner of the winery, said 10 acres. Jack Helm, lives next to winery. Lived at property for over thirty years and has seen many changes to neighborhood. Thinks compromises should be reached and need to continue to monitor the noise level. Mark Kidd, lives near winery and has lived there for twenty-six years. He believes the ten o'clock curfew is a good idea for marketing events. He gets more noise from parties along the river than weddings and is in support of the application. OPPONENTS: Paul Hagen, representing neighbor adjacent to the winery ,Romano and Judy Isola, said there are several advertisements on the winery's website that show the winery is in violation of their current land use permit. He is asking Planning Commission to investigate enforcement action because applicant is seeking after the fact legitimization. Judy Isola, the winery is less than 115 feet from her residence. For the past five years, the winery entertainment center has changed their lives. Music was played every day, not only at events. On the weekends, heard loud noises from wedding events, such as announcement of brides and grooms and first dance. The wine garden is actually an amphitheater with concerts as advertised in magazines and websites. The applicant also hosts events more than the permitted 25 people. The website advertises events for 200 people. Also, all events are not related to marketing the wine, such as a prom dinner held at the property. Adele Liebelt, lives near winery and asked to be in her shoes. There are 27 residences in the area, 15 along Taddei Road. Vern is a contractor, should know the rules. PC MINUTES 1 PC: 9-20-12