AGENDA DATE: 12/9/2015
TITLE: ZTA-2015-00002. Farm Distilleries, Farm Breweries, and Farm Wineries
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: ZTA-2015-00002. Farm Distilleries, Farm Breweries, and Farm Wineries
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Walker, Davis, Kamptner, McCulley, Cilimberg, MacCall
PRESENTER (S): Francis MacCall
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: Last year, the General Assembly adopted new legislation that limits a locality's ability to regulate activities associated with limited (farm) distilleries. Virginia Code ? 15.2-2288.3:2 became effective July 1, 2015 and is similar to prior statutes that apply to farm wineries and limited (farm) breweries.
In response, the Planning Commission adopted a Resolution of Intent in March to initiate zoning ordinance amendments to ensure compliance with this new legislation. The Commission held a work session in May regarding a proposed ordinance that would regulate farm distilleries in the County in a similar manner as farm wineries and farm breweries. At its meeting on June 2nd, the Commission adopted a Resolution of Intent (Attachment A) broadening the focus of this ordinance amendment to include farm breweries and farm wineries in addition to farm distilleries.
The Commission held another work session on this matter in August and decided to proceed to public hearing on the following: a) Proposed amendments to address events at farm winery, brewery, and distillery sites holding multiple ABC licenses; and b) Requiring a zoning clearance when there will be more than 50 vehicle trips per day, or a farm of less than 21 acres for events and activities at farm distilleries, and/or for new farm breweries and farm wineries established after the adoption of these revised regulations.
On October 20, 2015, the Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval of ZTA-201500002 (See Attachments B-G for the staff report, attachments and min...
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