SVCAC approves goat cheese, wine and Mayacamas Ordinance

The Sonoma County Citizens Advisory Commission discussed at length Wednesday night the “Mayacamas Ordinance,” which would, if adopted by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, govern the visual impact of building in the area east of Sonoma Mountain, above the junction of Dunbar Road and Highway 12. “We’ve been at this for four years,” said commissioner Ig Vella. “The real step has not been taken. It’s time to push it in the right places: go to the planning commission and supervisors, put pressure in the right place to get this ordinance passed.” It was agreed to request a county representative attend the next meeting to discuss the ordinance.
The application that generated the discussion was for construction of a 640-square-foot guesthouse on a 60-acre parcel at 12890 Maple Glen Road in Glen Ellen. The commission had some big concerns about the project, which might eventually include a larger house. The proposal was presented by commissioner Garry Baker, who stepped down from the commission during the consideration of this proposal, in order to act as its proponent.
“There are many issues,” explained commissioner Jeff Baptista. “I’d like to see the whole project proposed, not just the guesthouse. It’s the size and the flow into the landscaping. It is such a barren site that it must be done right. This is not the time or place to do it. We must see what the Mayacamas ordinance guidelines are and see a better proposal.” The commission voted to recommend relocation of the guesthouse and the addition of specific landscaping in order to screen the structure from view.
The commission unanimously endorsed a request for a use permit for a winery within an existing barn structure on 2242 Nelligan Road in Glen Ellen. No tasting room, sales or special events would be allowed on site. Aside from concerns about water use, the commission was pleased that the applicant had gone through the correct channels in getting the proposal approved. “Thank you for going through the process,” said commissioner Garry Baker. “Most people would just do the project without any approvals.”
A request for design review for a new 41,000-square-foot goat cheese processing facility was also approved by unanimous vote. The facility, owned by Clover Stornetta Farms, will be located at 22085 Carneros Vineyard Way in the Carneros Business Park and will produce goat cheese and milk. Commissioners were assured that there would be no increase in odor, as goat cheese is a high moisture cheese and is only aged for 10 days, and only a minimal increase in water use, as the cheese uses the moisture from the milk. The new facility would employ 12-20 employees and have no retail outlet on site.
Commissioner Mark Bramfitt, who also serves on the board of the Valley of the Moon Water District, had a general concern about the area’s water. “I will warn you, there is a huge bulge of saltwater coming up under Eighth Street East. This is an issue we need to confront in the valley and you need to be aware of it.”