Introduce Ordinance #22-11 Amending City Code Sections 117-116, 117-117, 117-118, and 117-124 to Allow Taprooms, Breweries, Microbreweries, and Brewpubs

Taprooms and breweries have been on the rise over the last few years in surrounding communities, and generate new visitors to cities while creating a fun environment. The attached Ordinance #22-11 proposes allowing taprooms and breweries as a conditional use for the E-1, E-2, and E-3 industrial districts, as well as the COR-1, COR-2/2b, and COR-3 districts of the City of Ramsey. Staff is open to alternative districts and/or types of uses for specific districts (i.e. permitted, conditional, not allowed).

Research was conducted by City Staff to determine what districts in surrounding cities allow taprooms and breweries. A copy of the research conducted by our Planning Intern, Grady Timmerman, is attached to this case. The ordinance has been reviewed by the Planning Commission, with the recommendation to include the mixed-use and commercial districts of the COR to allow taprooms and breweries as a conditional use - which has been incorporated into the ordinance.

Notification was provided in the City's Official Newspaper, the Anoka County UnionHerald. 

Planning Commission 1/27/22
The Planning Commission recommended introduction of Ordinance #22-11 at their regular meeting on January 27, 2022 with the incorporation of the mixed-use and commercial districts of the COR to allow brewpubs and taprooms as a conditional use. The changes have been made to the ordinance that is attached to this case.

Inclusion of the B-2 District
Since the Planning Commission case was presented on January 27, 2022, members of City Staff have generated the idea of adding the B-2 Business District to some or all of these uses as a conditional use. Based on discussion, if there is a desire to include breweries/microbreweries/taprooms/brewpubs in the B-2 District, this should be included with the motion for introduction of the ordinance.

Alternatives
Alternative 1: Introduce Ordinance #22-11 as prepared. Staff and the Planning Commission recommend this alternative.
Alternative 2: Introduce Ordinance #22-11 with proposed feedback or revisions. Staff is open to this alternative.
Alternative 3: Deny Ordinance #22-11. Staff does not recommend this alternative.

Staff is handling this case as part of regular duties.

The Planning Commission recommends introduction of Ordinance #22-11 Amending City Code Sections 117-116, 117-117, 117-118, and 117-124 to Allow Taprooms, Breweries, Microbreweries, and Brewpubs

Motion to introduce Ordinance #22-11 Amending City Code Sections 117-116, 117-117, 117-118, and 117-124 to Allow Taprooms, Breweries, Microbreweries, and Brewpubs as a Conditional Use

- and, if desired - 

A motion that Ordinance #22-11 also amend City Code Section 117-115. B-2 Highway Business District to Allow taprooms, breweries, microbreweries, and brewpubs, or a combination of the uses, as a Conditional Use