The Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission voted to rezone about 0.48 acres at 1066 South Second Street from Central Business to a Planned Development District (PDP 192) to permit a distillery. The owner is Lloyd Ivester; staff presented the request as Z 2025-02 and recommended approval subject to the applicant’s submitted plan of operation.

Planner Mason Teegarden told the commission the parcel consists of a parking lot, a vacant lot and a parts store and that the city sent notices within a 200-foot buffer; staff received one response in favor (the property owner) and no opposition. Teegarden said the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan and the Land Development Code.

Larry Sanders, chief financial officer for West Texas Spirits, spoke during the public hearing and offered to answer questions about the intended use, saying the company had undergone a similar rezoning four years earlier for a different location and that neighbors at the prior site had been supportive.

Commissioners discussed and said the proposed use fit the building and area. A motion to approve the rezoning carried with recorded yes votes by Commissioners Barnett, House, Halliburton, Lewis and Benham. The approval is conditioned on the plan of operation submitted by the applicant.

The rezoning changes the property’s allowable uses as described in PDP 192 and will allow the owner to pursue permits and operational approvals related to distillery production and associated entertainment or tasting areas, subject to the conditions the commission adopted.