Appeal proceeds on winery ordinance

As Ramona wineries continue to open tasting rooms, lawyers prepare for oral arguments on the legal challenge to the county’s tiered winery zoning ordinance.

San Diego Citizenry Group, represented by Coast Law Group, is appealing Judge Timothy Taylor’s April 15, 2011, ruling in favor of the ordinance and the nearly $16,500 the judge is requiring the group to pay for administrative costs.

Taylor’s ruling came after the citizenry group challenged the county supervisors’ approval of the Environmental Impact Report for the winery ordinance.

Both Coast Law Group and San Diego County Counsel have filed briefs and requests for oral arguments on the appeal.

James O’Day, San Diego senior deputy county counsel, said the case is at the point for the court to schedule oral arguments, but he said those might not be scheduled until the summer.

The tiered winery zoning ordinance and General Plan amendment, approved by the county supervisors on Aug. 4, 2010, allow boutique wineries by right to open tasting rooms on land with A70 or A72 agricultural zoning.