Napa County Code Compliance Program

Background

The Board of Supervisors has been discussing the creation of a phased, code compliance program since March 2016. In August 2017, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to develop a comprehensive Land Use Compliance Program.  The Board provided further direction in September 2017 and a draft resolution was prepared for consideration in October 2017.  

The 2017 Napa Fire Complex started on October 8, 2017, and the County delayed consideration of the implementation of a code compliance program for one year. During this time, staff from the Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services met with various stakeholder groups regarding the code compliance resolution and distributed draft documents for public comment and review.  The County has now adopted the program and implementing it.

  1. What does the Code Compliance Program seek to accomplish?
  2. Is the Code Compliance program just for wineries and vineyard production?
  3. I own property in the unincorporated County, what do I need to do?
  4. I am having difficulty understanding my permit, what should I do?
  5. What is the process for applying for a permit for voluntary compliance?
  6. What happens after I submit an application for a use permit modification prior to March 29, 2019?
  7. If I submit an application to voluntarily comply with my use permit, am I exempt from penalties?
  8. How long does the use permit process take?
  9. Why should I go through the status determination process?
  10. How long does a status determination take?
  11. How much does a status determination cost?
  12. Does a status determination require a hearing?
  13. Is a status determination an approval?
  14. Am I allowed to continue my current level of operation while I go through the use permit or use permit modification process?
  15. What happens if I am out of compliance with my use permit and do not apply for voluntary compliance by the March 29, 2019 deadline?
  16. Whom do I call with questions?