Commission continues Felice Creek Vineyard rezone to May 14 to obtain archaeological survey report

The Mendocino County Archaeological Commission on April 10 continued consideration of General Plan Amendment and rezone application GPA 2024-0002 (Felice Creek Vineyard LLC) to its May 14 meeting to allow the landowner time to obtain and present a 2012 Northwest Information Center (NIC) archaeological survey report.

Shelby Miller, staff planner, told the commission the application seeks to change land classification on three parcels from rangeland to agricultural; no physical development is proposed as part of the rezone. "There is no development proposed at this time. However, once the rezone is approved, they want to expand their winery operations by...growing more grapes," Miller said, though the applicant disputed any plan to expand vineyard acreage.

Applicant Steve Amato said he had not received mailed notice initially because of an address error and said the owners are not planning to expand vineyard operations beyond existing plantings. "We're not looking to expand anywhere that has hasn't already been currently vineyard," Amato said.

Commissioners and public commenters noted the property's proximity to Feliz Creek and that the NIC had recommended further archaeological survey because parts of the area remain unsurveyed and the basin contains numerous historic and prehistoric sites. Assistant Director John Burks and commissioners discussed procedural limits on obtaining NIC reports: NIC will release survey reports to property owners but typically not to third parties; the commission urged the applicant to request the report and return with the results. The commission voted 4-0 to continue the matter to May 14 so the landowner can seek the NIC report and identify which parcels or areas require additional survey.

Action: Motion to continue to May 14, 2025 to allow the applicant to obtain the 2012 NIC report and present survey coverage passed by roll call vote 4-0.