Alameda County Board of Supervisors Approves Amendments to East County Area Plan to Support Future of the South Livermore Wine Region
New land use policies will strengthen the economic viability of the Livermore Valley wine industry while permanently protecting agricultural land and open space.
Photo Courtesy of Spencer DeMera
Livermore, Calif. – Today the Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved key amendments to the East County Area Plan (ECAP) and South Livermore Valley Area Plan (SLVAP), marking a major milestone for the future of Livermore Valley wine country. The changes and the corresponding amendments to the Cultivated Agriculture zoning district clarify and modernize land use policies in the region to encourage investment in agriculture-related tourism while safeguarding the area’s farmland in perpetuity.
“These amendments are critical to the long-term success of Livermore Valley’s wine industry and the local economy,” said Rebecca Spector, executive director at Tri-Valley Conservancy. “They create the conditions for sustainable economic growth while ensuring that the land remains protected and in agriculture for generations to come.”
The amendments update outdated zoning provisions and complete long-overdue planning requirements first envisioned in the original South Livermore Valley Area Plan, which was adopted in 1993. The changes define allowable visitor-serving uses, such as tasting rooms, small-scale lodging, and destination restaurants, and establish parameters for clustered development that will maximize the degree to which agricultural land is protected while amenities are enhanced.
The updated policies respond directly to findings from the 2021 UC Davis “Realizing the Heritage” study, which identified key barriers to economic viability in the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area. The study noted that limited visitor infrastructure and fragmented vineyards had constrained growth, leaving many small vineyards vulnerable to conversion to other uses. By clarifying zoning rules and expanding options for compatible agritourism, the amendments aim to attract needed investment and draw more visitors to the area to support economic viability and raise the region’s wine growing profile.
“We want to realize the full potential of Livermore Valley as a world-class wine region,” said Brandi Lombardi, executive Director of Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association. “These zoning changes support the vitality of mid-sized wineries, which are critical to our area, and strengthen our rural economy. Most importantly, they keep agriculture at the heart of South Livermore.”
The amendments were developed through a multi-year public process with input from Tri-Valley Conservancy, landowners, and community stakeholders. Environmental review was completed through an Addendum to the original 1993 SLVAP Environmental Impact Report. The analysis concluded that the new policies would not result in new environmental impacts.
Tri-Valley Conservancy will continue to work with partners to ensure that implementation of these zoning changes reflects the community’s shared commitment to agriculture, conservation, and a thriving regional economy.
More information and frequently asked questions.
About Tri-Valley Conservancy
Tri-Valley Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to protecting and promoting the agricultural and natural lands that sustain the Tri-Valley region’s economy, environment, and quality of life. Since its founding in 1994, the Conservancy has protected over 5,000 acres of farmland and open space through voluntary conservation easements, land stewardship, and community partnerships. Learn more at trivalleyconservancy.org.
Contact
Victoria Tichy, Communications Manager, +1 925 449 8706 Ext 5