The county Board of Supervisors Wednesday unanimously approved zoning ordinance updates to allow live music at boutique wineries and a longer permit period for medical trailers in unincorporated areas.
The updates will take effect in 30 days, according to the county Land Use and Environment Group.
Supervisors voted after hearing a Planning and Development Services presentation on the changes, which for wineries also clarify site occupancy, required property line setbacks (in connection with the noise ordinance) and licensing through the Sheriff’s Office.
According to the county, the amendment “aims to boost the economic viability of wineries in unincorporated areas by enhancing visitor experiences while maintaining compatibility with surrounding rural communities.”
Officials said clear limits on licensing, noise, occupancy and other requirements “will ensure these changes balance business growth with community standards.”
The ordinance update “will strengthen the rural economy and workforce, helping boutique wineries remain financially sustainable amid challenges such as drought, high water costs and economic uncertainties,” they added.
The ordinance update will also allow healthcare trailers to sit on a property for up to five years, and require a septic system if a sewer connection is not available.
The county describes healthcare trailers as a temporary dwellings on a lot used by medical providers or people receiving care, as a way to provide “greater stability and convenience by eliminating unnecessary regulatory hurdles.”
As requested by Supervisor Joel Anderson, PDS staff will return with options on square footage for indoor tasting and retail sales, excluding outdoor tasting areas, for wineries.
Staff will also work on re-evaluating a noise study, and a possible waiver to allow live music to be performed at a closer distance than the 200-foot setback, if the property owners or tenants approve.
According to Anderson’s office, his request stems from work the supervisor has done in terms of gathering community feedback, including from vintners and winery owners.
During the Wednesday meeting, Anderson praised county staff for developing the zoning upgrades.
“This is very important to my district,” he said, adding that healthcare trailers “are making differences in people’s lives.”
The trailers mean fewer 911 calls in rural areas “because they’re getting the health care at their door,” he added.
Anderson said Ramona is a state-recognized wine region, just like Napa and Sonoma.
“This is an economic engine,” he said, generating revenue for the county, along with more business opportunities.
Anderson also said music performances at wineries tend to be more low-key affairs, in terms of noise concerns.
Supervisor Paloma Aguirre said the healthcare trailers are important, as they lower the burden for residents caring for seriously ill family members.
Supervisor Jim Desmond said the ordinance upgrade strikes a balance between businesses and the public.
Desmond also noted that in 2021, he introduced a board letter instructing staff to return with options to expand wineries in rural-residential zones, “and we’re still waiting for that.”
Desmond he would like to see his proposal move forward before the year ends.
According to LUEG, Anderson’s proposed ordinance amendments “will be factored in when staff returns in 2027 and presents options for wineries in rural-residential areas.”
During public comment, several agriculture representatives spoke in favor of the zoning upgrades.
Sue Robinson, president of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association, said her group had worked hard with county officials on the ordinance change.
“It is moving us forward, and allowing our small wineries to have music, which is a huge enhancement,” she said.
Andy Lyle, of the San Diego County Farm Bureau, said boutique wineries “show the charm and great atmosphere we have here” for agricultural tourism and small family businesses.
“We would really like to see these expand,” he added.
Mike Mellano, a flower farmer, thanked supervisors for their efforts to help expand agriculture.
“We all recognize today that the economy is suffering,” said Mellano, who also described himself as an aspiring vinter. “The hills are not covered with the avocado and citrus trees as they have been in the past, and the only way we can expand and continue be impactful in agriculture is to look at these new endeavors.”
