7.7. SR 07-18-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 7.7 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Public HearingsJuly 18, 2016Zack Carlton, Planning Manager Item Description Reviewed by City of Elk River Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner  Ordinance Amendment Relating to Reviewed by Distilleries in Industrial and Commercial Cal Portner, City Administrator Zoning Districts Action Requested Adopt, by motion, the Ordinance Amendment to allow micro distilleries and cocktail rooms in the City of Elk River. Background/Discussion Case No. OA 16-06 In 2015, the City Council adopted an ordinance amendment to allow craft breweries and tap rooms in a number of commercial and industrial zoning districts. This change was in response to the growing industry within the state, and the city’s desire to attract new businesses. Since the adoption of that ordinance, staff has been approached by a craft distiller to establish a distillery within the city. This industry has not experienced the same level of growth as brewing, primarily due to federal regulations and the barriers to entry, but the state and region have seen a significant increase in new operations in the last few years. To allow, and encourage, a distiller to open a new business in Elk River, an amendment to our zoning ordinance is required. Analysis Parking Parking for micro distilleries and associated cocktail rooms will be reviewed using the manufacturing, restaurant, or bar requirements as outlined in city ordinances. The parking requirements will be calculated based on the associated areas within the facility. Odor Manufacturing processes, like distilling, can create noxious odors that may be detected beyond the property lines of the facilities. However, staff has not found any evidence that small distilleries regularly generate complaints based on odor. Depending on the proposed siting and scope of the operation this could become an issue for neighbors, and for that reason staff recommends allowing them as a conditional use. The potential for noxious odors occurs when the drying or rotting byproducts are not properly disposed of. Provided the waste products are removed promptly, staff does not expect odor to be an issue for a majority of facilities.