Southbury Zoning Commission Amends Regulations To Allow Breweries, Wineries And Distilleries

Press release from Town of Southbury:

October 21, 2020

The Southbury Zoning Commission unanimously approved amendments to the town’s zoning regulations opening the opportunity for breweries, wineries and distilleries in selected zones, subject to acquisition of a Special Exception, and will go into effect November 15th.

In a public hearing on October 14th the Zoning Commission voted to amend the zoning regulations by adding new definitions for “Brewery”, “Distillery”, “Farm Brewery/Farm Winery/Farm Distillery”, “Microbrewery”, “Microdistillery”, “Microwinery”, and “Restaurant-Brewery”. The permitted uses, all subject to acquisition of a Special Exception, of Farm Brewery/Farm Winery/Farm Distillery were added in all zones. The permitted use of Restaurant Brewery, Microwinery, Microbrewery, Microdistillery were added in the B2A, B2B, B2C, B2D, B2E, B2F, B3, B3B and B3C zones, and the permitted use of Breweries and Distilleries in the M-2A and M-5 zones.

“I applaud the decision of the Zoning Commission to amend these regulations, as well as the Planning Commission who supported these changes,” said Southbury Economic Development Director, Kevin Bielmeier. “This is a good first step toward paving a path for interested developers and encourages investment in a potential new sector for our local economy. It sends a signal that Southbury is open for new kinds of business.”

This press release was produced by the Town of Southbury. The views expressed here are the author’s own.