Lakewood planning commission approves zoning changes for alcohol production and sales

The Lakewood Planning Commission voted Dec. 3 to approve Resolution 2025-06, which clarifies where alcohol production and retailing activities — including breweries, wineries, tasting rooms and distilleries — may operate in the city and adds a parking standard for those uses.

City staff introduced the item as a packet attachment ("In the packet, you see the draft resolution 2025 06," City staff said) and noted the proposed map and table identify which zones will allow those uses as permitted or conditional. Staff also said the draft carries forward changes discussed at a prior commission meeting and that no one signed up to speak at the public hearing.

Commissioners emphasized neighborhood compatibility while supporting broader opportunities for small, home-operated and neighborhood-scale commercial enterprises. One commissioner said the change "makes sense" and another argued allowing more types of local businesses could help revitalize struggling longtime businesses.

A motion to approve Resolution 2025-06 was made and seconded; the commission approved the resolution by voice vote with 'aye' recorded and no opposition on the transcript. Staff noted the zoning table explicitly excludes R1–R4, MR1–MR2 and MF1–MF3 residential zones from the proposed alcohol-related uses.

The approval implements the redlined changes in Attachment A of the meeting packet and adds a specific parking requirement for brewery, winery and distillery tasting-room operations. The commission took no other formal action on the item tonight.