TITLE
Recommendation to direct staff to work with City Attorney and the Planning Commission to review the implementation of the recently adopted Alcohol Beverage Manufacturing ordinance and provide a written report on the progress of permitting breweries and brew pubs under the terms of the ordinance. The report should also consider adding language to LBMC Section 21.45.114 to provide staff the ability to recommend waivers of special development standards based on findings.
DISCUSSION
On April 7, 2015, the City Council adopted an Ordinance amending Title 21 (Zoning) of the Long Beach Municipal Code related to Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturing and Accessory Tasting Rooms. This Ordinance was in response to the significant growth in the industry and resulting economic benefits to many communities and local governments across the state in the form of investment, jobs, and tourism. To facilitate the creation of neighborhood-friendly establishments, special development standards were created, with the intent that they would reduce the time and expense required to open a new ABM business. The most significant change was removing the requirement for a Conditional Use Permit, and allowing this use in commercial districts (as opposed to restricting it to industrial districts only) throughout the City with implementation of special development standards.
Given that Long Beach now has a number of ABM businesses either proposed or under review, and we have a better feel for them from an administrative and regulatory perspective, it is appropriate that the City review the overall process. This includes ensuring that flexibility exists for staff and/or the Planning Commission to allow waivers of various special development standards within the ABM ordinance.
Once the Planning Commission has studied the issue and made recommendations, staff should agendize the matter for City Council consideration, and complete any recommended amendments to the Ordinance. It is recommended...
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