VINEYARD VOTE TODAY.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

AGUA DULCE - A conditional use permit that would allow the Agua Dulce Vineyards to increase its annual production and hold a dozen special events annually, among other requests, is expected to be authorized today by the county's Regional Planning Commission.

The commission will hold a public hearing to discuss the terms of the 15-year conditional use permit, which would include authorization of the existing winery to be relocated from an existing building to a new one, and to increase production from 15,000 gallons to 50,000 gallons.

Winery tours and tasting, wine bottling, retail sales, social events for a maximum of 200 guests, a sports and activities field, a water well to serve two parcels and the sale of beer and wine for on- and off-site consumption also would be included under the permit.

``The facility has a history of zoning enforcement violations but has remained in compliance with the most recent clean hands waiver since it was issued,'' according to a staff report prepared for today's meeting. ``If approved, staff recommends that, at a minimum, annual zoning enforcement inspections be conducted to ensure compliance with the conditions of approval.''

The clean hands waiver was issued in July 2003, after the winery was shut down by the county earlier. Residents of the neighboring Sierra Colony Ranch development complained the business was out of compliance with the county waiver.

Sierra Colony residents had become concerned that the 90-acre business had failed to address zoning violations while waiting for the county to approve the conditional use permit.

They also questioned land-use permits and water availability. More than a dozen letters of concern were submitted last year while the conditional use permit was in review. Among the concerns were amplified sound during special events and incompatibility of the business with surrounding uses.

Commissioners believe the winery will meet all of the mitigations set forth in the permit.

Several Sierra Colony residents who had sued the vineyard developers - who also developed their million-dollar Sierra Colony tract homes - alleged that vineyard owners rigged illegal water pipes to irrigate the vineyard, leaving residents' taps dry. Owners of the winery agreed to conduct a water survey of the area to prove that the property has enough water to sustain Sierra Colony and the vineyard.

The results of the water survey were reviewed by the Department of Public Works, which has recommended an annual groundwater extraction limit of 57 acre-feet, or about 18.5 million gallons.

County planners do not believe that the levels of water used will adversely affect the surrounding community, according to an analysis.

Susan Abram, [phone]

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com

IF YOU GO

The Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 9 a.m. today at the Hall of Records, 320 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, Room 150.

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IF YOU GO (see text)