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Wise Consultant Group

Specializing in the Heart of the Silicon Valley

Premier Santa Clara County Land Use Expert

Why us?

Born and raised in San Jose, California the owner Sylvia Ornelas-Wise has a passion for the City she loves. She loves people and making a positive difference in the community.

 

Before receiving her Masters degree in Urban and Regional City Planning from San Jose State University she working for a nonprofit housing developer and later began working as a Planner with the County of Santa Clara Planning and Development Department were she spent almost 10 years.

 

During that time she reviewed countless building permits, land use entitlement applications, wrote varies environmental documents and studies, worked on subdivisions, rezoning, variance and other complex land use projects.

 

She also managed over 350,0000 acres of land within Santa Clara County, restricted by the land conservation Williamson Act contract and Open Space Easement Agreement preserving our beautiful hillsides. She worked closely with the local politicians and various government agencies to review and approval land use applications.

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After meeting her husband at work and having a beautiful baby girl she decided to start Wise Consultant Group and do Real Estate so she would have more flexibility and spend more time with her Family all while doing what she loves to do. Helping others make positive change within the community.

sylvia

Planning & Development Expertise

Over 7 Years of Experience

  • Urban Planner & Program Manager, Santa Clara County Planning Department

  • Managed the Land Conservation Williamson Act and Open Space Easement Agreement Program

  • Extensive work with local wineries and land use applications

Education

  • B.A. – UC Santa Barbara

  • Master’s Degree – Urban & Regional City Planning

Specialized Knowledge

  • Firsthand experience reviewing and processing winery & land use applications for Santa Clara County

  • 7+ years collaborating with county and state agencies on approvals

Additional Strengths

  • Bilingual – English & Spanish

  • Employee Excellence Award – Santa Clara County Planning Department

Our Services

Winery Consulting Services

Helping local wineries begin and expand today.

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Comprehensive Report

In depth property summary report detailing any major development proposal. We will create an in-depth property summary report that details major aspects of development and working with local government offices and public officials.

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Preliminary Report

Have more specific questions or a proposed Planning and Development project you want to explore? We will provide a preliminary review of your project: scope, overarching consideration, and next steps to take. 

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Express Report

 Have several Zoning or Planning Questions that need immediate attention? Submit here and we will get back to you right away.

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Request a Service

To request a service package or one of the options above, please call or email us with details about your project. Share as much information as possible, and we’ll provide you with a customized estimate based on your scope of work.

Additional Services​​

  • Remodeling & Rebuilding Questions

  • Drafting & Design Services

  • Government, Planning, & Development Project Liaison

  • Code Enforcement Resolution & Assistance

  • Decoding Government Rules & Regulations for Proposed Developments

  • Land Conservation Expertise: Williamson Act & Open Space Easement Agreements

  • Licensed Real Estate Services in collaboration with Intero Real Estate, Silicon Valley

Winery Consulting Services

Helping local wineries start and grow, turning dreams into reality.

Through our Seven Simple Steps, we guide you from idea to operation:

Researching the right property & zoning requirements

Providing an overview of the land use approval & permitting process

Guidance on obtaining the correct liquor license

Finding faster, easier ways to jump start your winery

Step by step assistance with County departments: Environmental Health, Fire Marshal, and more

Reviewing plans to ensure compliance with zoning ordinances

Maximizing your winery’s potential & sharing Santa Clara County’s best kept secrets

Common Winery Questions We Can Help Answer

  • Can I open a winery on this property?

  • Is there a minimum lot size requirement?

  • What zoning allows a winery?

  • What are the requirements for small vs. large wineries?

  • Which liquor license do I need, and what are the options?

  • Do I need additional permits? (Often 4 or more may apply)

  • Can I convert an existing barn into a winery, or do I need new construction?

  • Are events, receptions, or public tastings allowed on the property?

  • What are the storage requirements?

  • Does this process require a public hearing?

  • How many County agencies must review my request?

  • What is the full review and permitting process?

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