Council approves first reading of ordinance clarifying industrial‑zone uses, adds beverage‑production and limits certain retail

The Westminster City Council on Aug. 13 voted unanimously to introduce for first reading a zoning code amendment clarifying permitted and conditional uses in the city’s industrial districts. Staff and the planning commission recommended the change to make the code clearer for business owners and to protect scarce industrial land.

Why it matters: The amendment responds to repeated inquiries about which types of businesses are appropriate in industrial zones, and it aims to protect industrial land by limiting general retail and full‑service restaurant uses that staff said are better sited in commercial areas.

Key changes: Staff said the rewrite does not add uses that could not have been allowed previously through other code interpretations but makes them explicit. Notable additions are brewery, distillery and cidery; added clarity was also provided for commercial kitchens and bakeries. Key removals from industrial zones include self‑storage, full‑service restaurants (restaurants with more than 10 seats), general retail stores and unscreened cellular sites.

Planning commission and staff process: The zoning amendment was initiated by the Planning Commission in May and recommended for approval at a July public hearing. Staff said the revisions were intended to protect industrial land and provide clarity to potential business applicants; the council introduced the ordinance and waived further reading.

Vote: The council voted 5–0 to introduce the ordinance for first reading and waive further reading. The item will return for subsequent readings as required by law.

Ending: The measure aims to keep industrial property available for manufacturing, production and other compatible uses, while steering commercial retail and dining to established commercial zones.