31A - CUP - 1409 E WARNER AVE - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Conditional Use Permit No. 2014 -04 April 14, 2014 Page 2 Cismontane Brewery will occupy an existing 8,342 square foot tenant space that is located towards the back half of the building, furthest from Warner Avenue. Physical improvements include the installation of brewery equipment, office space, a warehouse area, and 407 square foot tasting area. Cismontane Brewery will operate as a micro - brewery and distillery as well as allow the tasting of specialty craft and experimental alcohol produced on the premises. This establishment will have a small retail component consisting of t- shirts, mugs and small sundry items that include the logo and /or name of the micro - brewery. The manufacturing operation is anticipated to operate weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. but could extend during peak production times. The production operation will require up to 15 employees. The tasting area will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 9 :00 p.m. (Exhibits 4, 5 and 6). The conditions of approval allow the hours of the tasting area to be consistent with The Good Beer Brewery (CUP 2013 -01). Project Background The applicant, Evan Weinberg, representing Cismontane Brewing, is a co -owner of the company. A Cismontane Brewing facility is currently located in Rancho Santa Margarita where both a production and retail components are in operation. The location proposed in Santa Ana is a duplication of their existing facility other than the distillery function. The proposed location would add additional features such as office space and distilling equipment. The tasting area allows the customer and the staff to interact. A tasting counter will create an environment for customers to enjoy the various beers that are made on the premises, have growlers filled and purchase other merchandise. The tasting room staff will be on one side of the counter for access to the taps, bottles, merchandise, sinks and equipment and the customers on the other, The tasting /retail area will be used for staging equipment as needed and general tastings. The square footage for the tasting /retail area is 407 square feet which is less than five percent of the total square footage. General Plan and Zoning Consistency The General Plan land use designation for the site is Industrial (IND), The Industrial districts of the City are vital to its economic health. These areas provide employment opportunities for local residents, and generate municipal revenues for continued economic development. As one of the County's oldest cities, Santa Ana has long been an industrial center for the region. The City's goal is to maintain this strong industrial base by setting land use policies which preclude the intrusion of less intensive commercial or residential uses. Typical uses found in this district include light and heavy product manufacturing and assembly. The proposed project, a micro - brewery and distillery, is consistent with this General Plan land use designation. 31A-4