Suzy Ageton George Karakehian KC Becker Tim ... - City of Boulder

consumed. The combination of manufacturing, tours and product tasting attracts visitors from
throughout the region and contributes to the city’s economic vitality. Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) policy 5.13, Responsive to Changes in the Marketplace, recognizes
that development regulations can impact the ability of businesses to respond to changes in the
marketplace and states that the city will work with local businesses to make sure regulations and
review processes provide a level of flexibility and are responsive to evolving industry sectors.
While the economic benefit of these uses remains important, it also must be balanced with the
city’s desire to encourage “eating while drinking,” consistent with responsible alcohol
consumption practices.
The following goals for the project were identified by staff to guide the analysis and
development of proposed changes to the land use code.
1. Support and accommodate the evolving nature of the microbrewery, distillery and winery
industry and acknowledge their role in promoting tourism;
2. Support and encourage food service as a complementary use to the consumption of beer,
wine and spirits;
3. Minimize impacts to adjacent residents and businesses;
4. Prevent non-industrial uses from dominating industrial zones;
5. Provide more clarity in the Land Use Code relative to uses; and
6. Align the Land Use Code with state liquor laws and licensing.
The proposed changes to the code include new definitions for these types of manufacturing uses,
restrictions on the size of tap and tasting rooms, and new standards for restaurants at the
manufacturing facilities. With these code changes, brewpubs in the commercial districts would
be allowed to distribute or sell some of their products off-site consistent with state law
(distribution is currently prohibited in commercial zone districts).
Key Issues
The following questions are suggested to help guide council’s discussion on this item:
1. Does council generally support the intent of the proposed Land Use Code changes to
allow food service in breweries, wineries and distilleries in the industrial districts as
detailed in the above goals?
2. Does council agree with the code changes as proposed? Or, would council want to
consider potential amendments related to the following:
� a maximum square footage of a restaurant in a brewery, winery or distillery
(see page 10 for potential size);
� a minimum separation requirement, or buffer, between a brewery,
distillery or winery and a nearby school? (see page 19 for potential language);
� other changes?
Agenda Item 5B Page 2