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Commission approves text amendment to loosen farm‑winery rules, allow limited off‑site food and capped non‑on‑site alcohol sales
Summary
The commission approved a text amendment to Lincoln Municipal Code to give farm wineries more flexibility—permit limited on‑ or off‑site food sales, allow limited sale of alcohol not produced on‑site (capped at 25% of sales), and permit renting the on‑site dwelling—while keeping social hall permit requirements separate; applicant Desiree Ball of Capitol View Winery supported the change.
The Planning Commission voted to approve a text amendment to the municipal code governing farm wineries that adds flexibility for operations in AG zoning.
Ben Callahan of Planning and Development Services said the amendment would allow a farm winery with a special permit to sell food prepared on‑ or off‑site in conjunction with its sales and to seek a Class I state liquor license to sell some alcohol not produced on site, with such additional alcohol sales capped at 25% to keep the use "in nature with the farm winery" rather than operating as a restaurant or bar. Callahan said the amendment also allows dwellings on a farm winery site to be rented, including short‑term rental uses, and permits a farm winery special permit and a social hall special permit to be granted on the same property (social hall remains a separate special permit with its own conditions).
Desiree Ball of Capitol View Winery said the business grows grapes and makes wine and would like the flexibility to bring in limited additional alcohol choices (for example, some beer for guests) and to renovate an existing barn in the future as a social hall for events. "Nothing we're planning to produce ourselves, but just smaller options, offerings like maybe some beer for guests who are on‑site for events," she said.
Planning staff and commissioners clarified that social hall permits have separate conditions: social halls in AG zoning require the operator to live on‑site and some social‑hall provisions (for example, being on a paved road) differ from farm winery rules. Commissioner Ball had earlier declared a conflict of interest on this item and recused herself; the vote was recorded as 6‑0 in favor of the amendment.
Next steps: Approved text will move forward under the city's ordinance update procedures; applicants seeking expanded operations (social hall, Class I license or short‑term rentals) still must secure state licensing and any separate special permits required by code.
