A decision on the continuing saga of Leal Vineyards’ use permit
and its neighbor’s appeal was pushed back a third time Tuesday to
the Sept. 14 meeting by the San Benito County Board of
Supervisors.
A decision on the continuing saga of Leal Vineyards’ use permit and its neighbor’s appeal was pushed back a third time Tuesday to the Sept. 14 meeting by the San Benito County Board of Supervisors.
The postponement came after Interim Planning Director Cathy Woodbury gave examples how owner Frank Leal is getting his winery under compliance, but he needs more time to complete the work.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the board of supervisors granted Leal a six-week extension because of the “extensive” work he already has done to the area. There still were some questions about the property, though.
The board called for a complete plan by Sept. 14 and a decision regarding the building permits for a residential house and “workshop” on the property. Leal has expressed interest in hosting a bed and breakfast, but the house and “workshop” would need building and commercial use permits.
The “workshop” is not in compliance because of a kitchen that does not have a proper permit, county counsel Matt Granger said.
Leal representative Matt Kelley, a local engineer, said Leal still is weighing his options regarding the buildings – realizing that he could miss the opportunity to expand his business.
Leal could add the buildings to the current use permit and set up a development timeline to get the building under compliance, Granger said. But Leal also hoped to have the bed and breakfast separate from the winery.
“He has been informed of all this information,” Granger said. “We have had in-depth discussions with Mr. Leal’s representatives.”
See the full story in the Pinnacle on Friday.
