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Council introduces zoning text amendment clarifying industrial‑zone uses; first reading approved 5‑0
Summary
The council unanimously introduced (first reading) an ordinance to amend Section 17.23 of the Westminster Municipal Code to clarify permitted and conditional uses in industrial zones, adding explicit beverage‑production and commercial kitchen categories while removing certain retail and restaurant uses from industrial land.
The Westminster City Council on Aug. 13 introduced for first reading an ordinance amending chapter 17.23 (industrial zoning districts) of the municipal code to clarify which uses are permitted in industrial zones.
Staff told the council the amendment does not add new uses that could not otherwise be allowed, but it clarifies and narrows the code so industrial land remains available for industrial and production uses rather than general retail. Key additions to the permitted‑use table include brewery, distillery and cidery (beverage production) and commercial kitchens and bakeries; staff said those uses previously were ambiguous in the code. Key removals include self‑storage, full‑service restaurants (the code will still allow restaurants with 10 seats or fewer as accessory uses), general retail stores and unscreened cellular sites (cell sites would still be allowed if screened).
The planning commission initiated the zoning text amendment in May and held a public hearing on July 2 before forwarding a recommendation of approval. After a brief public comment period at the council meeting (one speaker expressed support for code cleanup), the council introduced the ordinance by a 5‑0 vote and waived further reading for the first reading.
Why it matters: Staff said the amendment aims to protect limited industrial land for production and industrial uses, avoid inappropriate conversion to general retail, and provide clarity for prospective business owners considering locating in Westminister’s industrial zones.
Next steps: The ordinance will return for a second reading and final adoption at a subsequent council meeting, consistent with standard ordinance procedures.
