August 5, 2025
Temporary Use Permit Ordinance
Background
• The Town has taken a number of actions to encourage economic recovery and growth, including but not limited to, the establishment of the Economic Recovery Program in response to the COVID 19 pandemic and the Washington Street Activation Zone to permit business owners to host accessory uses and outdoor seating on and near Washington Street. The Town also regulates and permits special events.
• The proposed Temporary Use Permit (TUP) ordinance continues the Town’s efforts to promote economic vitality and quality community amenities.
• The use of TUPs is common in other jurisdictions throughout the state including but not limited to Napa, St. Helena, Calistoga, Sonoma, Marin, Mountain View, etc.).
Background
The ordinance would authorize staff to permit certain short-term activities administratively, in any zoning district of the Town, if they meet certain standards. Examples of allowed temporary uses subject to a Temporary Use Permit include:
Outdoor events, festivals, markets, and exhibits for up to 14 consecutive days or 6 weekends;
Pop-up retail sales, museums, outdoor movies, and outdoor dining; Seasonal sale activities (e.g., holiday tree lots, etc.) Temporary structures and off-site storage; and
Similar temporary activities that the Planning Officer determines are compatible with the underlying zoning district and surrounding land uses.
Temporary uses, activities, and events may be allowed within specified time limits and parameters and in no case for more than 12 months at a time.
More Information
• A TUP application will be reviewed in light of its type of use and duration, input from Town departments and local law enforcement and safety personnel, Title 17 standards and requirements, event site restoration, and measures to ensure the activity will not present a nuisance or safety concerns. The Planning Dept. may condition approval of a TUP as necessary to ensure compatibility with surrounding uses, including but not limited to conditions addressing hours of operation, parking, fencing, trash or litter control, and public safety.
• TUPs are used throughout the state as they provide a flexible and faster method to establish uses compared to the traditional discretionary use permit process which can take several months from application to ultimate decision. It also gives both the applicant and the Town the ability to “test drive” a use before establishment of a permanent use permit. This can bring unforeseen issues to light or show that a use is a good fit and compatible with the surrounding area. • At their April 2025 Goal Setting Meeting, the Town Council identified the establishment of a TUP process as a staff priority in the coming year.
Recommendation
Introduce and waive first reading of an Ordinance adding Chapter 17.202 (Temporary Use Permits) to Title 17 of the Yountville Municipal Code establishing an administrative process for temporary uses and finding the code addition exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA).
Questions?