HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-29-04 Brewery Memo 4811 Dusharme DriveMEMORANDUM
TO: Planning Commission Members
FROM: Ronald A. Warren, Planning Commission Secretary
SUBJECT: Request to Amend Zoning Ordinance
DATE: April 26, 2004
Attached is a written proposal from Mr. Omar Ansari, Sparky Abrasives, 4811 Dusharme Drive, Brooklyn Center, requesting an amendment to the City’s Zoning Ordinance to allow the operation
of a microbrewery in their building. The property in question is zoned I-2 (General Industry) and is located at the northwest end of the Dusharme Drive cul de sac, which is an extension
of 48th Avenue North.
Attached for the Commission’s review is an area map showing the I-2 zoning district, highlighting the Ansari property and also an aerial photo of the site. Attached as well are copies
of Section 35-330 and 35-331 regarding the allowable uses in the I-1 and I-2 zoning distrits.
Mr. Ansari believes their family owned building would be an excellent location for a microbrewery where they would manufacture and distribute beer to local restaurants. He notes that
their business has changed over time from a manufacturing operation that at one time employed 80 people to one that is currently downsizing to the point where they have space available
where a microbrewery could be operated. The problem is the Zoning Ordinance does not allow a brewery use in the I-2 zoning district. In fact, the zoning ordinance specifically excludes
the manufacturing of malt or malt liquors in both the I-1 and I-2 zones. Nowhere in the city is such a use allowed. The wholesale distribution of beer, wine and distilled alcoholic
beverages is allowed in the I-1 and I-2 zones, but not the manufacturing of these items.
The reason manufacturing of these beverages is not allowed anywhere in the city is not clear, however, it was noted that when this ordinance was written, almost 40 years ago, microbreweries
did not, for the most part, exist. Breweries generally require large areas of land, a large supply of water and sewage system capable of handling their discharges. Odors and smells
associated with the industry might also have been considered a negative. These may have been the reasons why such a use was not authorized anywhere in the City of Brooklyn Center.
Mr. Ansari, in his written submission, reviews the manufacturing process and brewery issues relating to water usage, sewer capacities and odors. The Public Works Director, Community
Development Director and City Manager have been provided with the written proposal and have been requested to provide their comments. None have been received to this date.
It should be noted that any such operation would be required to meet PCA, EPA and other environmental, noise or odor regulations. It appears our utility system could handle such an
operation.
If a brewery is to be allowed anywhere in the city, the I-2 (General Industry) zoning district, and perhaps the I-1 (Industrial Park) district, would be the appropriate zones. An argument
could be made that the City should accommodate such a use somewhere in the city.
The Planning Commission should review the written material presented and make a recommendation to the City Council regarding this matter. Because Mr. Ansari has made a formal request
to modify the Zoning Ordinance, the City must respond to this request within 60 days. The proposal was received on April 15, 2004, therefore, a disposition should be rendered no later
than June 14, 2004 by the City Council.
Attached is an Ordinance Amendment that would allow the manufacturing of beer, wine and distilled alcoholic beverages in the I-2 (General Industry) zoning district for the Commission’s
consideration if the Commission is inclined to make a favorable recommendation.
We will be prepared to discuss this matter further at the April 29, 2004 Planning Commission meeting.