Since the first public hearing on August 1, the ordinance has been amended to include additional uses and definitions that relate to the beer brewing industry including beer gardens, tap rooms, nanobreweries and breweries.  The distinguishing factors between all of the uses relates to the sales, consumption and manufacturing components.  Tap rooms and beer gardens are primarily restaurants or bars (sales and consumption use) and brewpubs are a mix of sales/consumption and ancillary manufacturing.  Nanobreweries, microbreweries and breweries are considered manufacturing uses; some also include the sales and consumption function.  The industry standards for nanobreweries are similar to microbreweries, although smaller in scale. 

For simplicity, the following table shows each use and where they are proposed to be permitted in the commercial, industrial and downtown zoning districts.  All districts permit sales and consumption, but only the intensive commercial and industrial districts permit the manufacturing component.

Consideration of nano or microbreweries in the Downtown zoning district requires amending the Downtown Core future land use category of the Comprehensive Plan for manufacturing use.

Staff reviewed regulations from cities within Pasco and Pinellas Counties, as well as each County, to determine the appropriate location for brewpubs and microbreweries in the City.  The City of Winter Garden, the Florida Brewer's Guild and Florida Brewer’s Association were also consulted.  Staff has also had many discussions with several prospective businesses planning to open in the Downtown.  The proposed standards are most similar to those in Safety Harbor.

The proposed new language is shown with underlining and deleted language is shown with strikethrough. 

Compatibility with Comprehensive Plan:

The proposal is consistent with the following Comprehensive Plan objectives and policies:

• Future Land Use Element Policy 1.1.2 - To implement this Comprehensive Plan, the City shall continue to implement land development regulations that contain specific and detailed provisions…

• Future Land Use Element Objective 1.3 - Design commercial development that is compatible with environmental and economic resources, enhances access and circulation, results in a positive and attractive built environment and will be in keeping with the needs and character of the community.

• Future Land Use Element Policy 1.3.2 - The City shall promote commercial development that serves to maintain or enhance the economic health of the City, and to increase job opportunities, per capita income and convenience for residents.