Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: 10C
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: August 5, 2025
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Brad Raulston, Town Manager
PREPARED BY: Aaron Hecock, Planning & Building Director
RECOMMENDATION
Introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance Number 25-535 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).
DISCUSSION/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, which are larger scale (200 + persons) of a shorter duration (single-day, weekend, etc.).
The proposed Temporary Use Permit (TUP) ordinance continues the Town’s efforts to promote economic vitality and quality community amenities. 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.
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 Officer 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.
At the June 10, 2025 meeting of the Zoning & Design Review Board (ZDRB), the ZDRB unanimously recommended (4-0 vote with one member absent) that the Town Council adopt the Ordinance as presented (Resolution 25-029 attached to this report).
ANALYSIS
During the Goal Setting Meeting in April 2025, the Town Council identified the establishment of a TUP process as a staff priority in the coming year.
The use of TUPs is common in other jurisdictions 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.
FINDINGS
Pursuant to YMC § 17.184.060, upon receipt of the recommendation of the Zoning and Design Review Board, the Town Council may approve or approve in modified form the proposed amendment(s) if from the facts presented all the following findings can be made:
A. The proposed amendment would further the goals, objectives, policies and programs and is consistent with the intent of the General Plan;
Staff Finding: The proposed amendments are consistent with General Plan Policy QL-2.1 in that the Entertainment Zone will support events enhancing quality of life and Policy ES-1.1 in that it will support businesses and events that can enhance the Town’s reputation as a world-class destination.
B. The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the Town;
Staff Finding: The proposed amendments would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience or welfare of the Town as TUP applications would be processed, analyzed and conditioned similarly to Special Event Permits and Use Permits and the Town will maintain control over the type and location of proposed temporary uses.
C. For amendments involving a zoning or land use map amendment, the site is physically suitable, including consideration of physical constraints, access, compatibility with surrounding land uses, and provision of utilities, for the requested or potential land uses.
Staff Finding: The proposed changes do not include changing the land use designation for any site.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The adoption of the proposed ordinance establishing an administrative Temporary Use Permit process is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it is general policy and procedure making that has no potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment. (14 Cal. Code Reg. §§ 15378, subd. (b)(2); 15061, subd. (b)(3). To the extent the ordinance is a “project” subject to CEQA, it is categorically exempt from CEQA as a negligible expansion of existing uses and facilities (14 Cal. Code Reg. § 15301) and a minor alteration in land use limitations (14 Cal. Code Reg. § 15305).
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? No
Is it Currently Budgeted? N/A
Where is it Budgeted? N/A
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Discretionary
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? Nominal
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Is item Identified in Strategic Plan? Yes
If yes, Identify Strategic Goal and Objective. Premier Destination: The Town values its residents, rich history, natural environment, culinary excellence, arts, and distinguished businesses that make our home a place people love.
Briefly Explain Relationship to Strategic Plan Goal and Objective. The proposed Ordinance is consistent with General Plan Policy QL-2.1 in that the Temporary Use Pemit Ordinance will support uses that will enhance quality of life and the visitor experience; and Policy ES-1.1 in that it will support businesses and uses that can enhance the Town’s reputation as a world-class destination.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Ordinance No 25-535
2. ZDRB Resolution No 25-029