Planning agency unanimously approves zoning variance and special use for Bushrangers Brewery at Kookaburra site

The St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Agency unanimously approved a zoning variance (ZV2025‑535) and a special use permit (MAJ2025‑30) July 8 for Bushrangers Brewery, an expansion of the existing Kookaburra coffee roastery that will add a microbrewery, restaurant and storage space at the Dobbs Road/State Road 207 site.

Presenter Doug Burnett described the project as “a local business success story” that would expand operations at the roastery location and add a dining area and microbrewery. Burnett told the agency the team had secured a June 10 letter from Colonial Church senior pastor Matt McClory indicating the church did not oppose the variance or the special use; the site is separated from the church by existing industrial buildings and a railroad right‑of‑way.

Burnett walked the board through aerials, site plans and the zoning rationale, noting the property already carries industrial‑warehouse zoning and that microbreweries are allowed in the mixed‑use/industrial context with a special‑use approval. He described access improvements that move the driveway away from State Road 207 and emphasized existing commercial and light‑industrial uses at the corridor.

Board member Perkins moved to approve the variance and then the special use based on findings in the staff report; the chair conducted voice votes and announced both motions passed unanimously. No public opposition was raised in the hearing on the brewery items.

The approvals include findings and the conditions listed in the staff report; staff will complete the standard follow‑up tasks to record the approvals and notify the applicant.