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Clifton forms ad hoc committee to challenge Fairfax County interpretation of farm-brewery law
Summary
Following concerns from residents about water use and zoning consequences, the Clifton Town Council unanimously formed an ad hoc committee (chair Don Byrne, member Eric Hencken) to oppose Fairfax County’s interpretation of the state Farm Brewery law and to pursue county or legislative remedies; Kathy Kalinowski will advise on water-quality issues.
At its May 5 meeting the Clifton Town Council discussed the withdrawn Loudmouth Brewery proposal and persistent resident concerns about Fairfax County’s interpretation of Virginia’s Farm Brewery law. Council members and residents said the county appears to treat a farm brewery much like a winery and that could allow brewery-type operations in Residential Conservation (RC) zones near Clifton and the Occoquan Watershed.
Don Byrne, a Clifton resident, and other speakers warned that brewery operations can use large quantities of water and generate substantial wastewater, raising local groundwater and septic concerns in a community that relies on wells. Planning Commission Chair Kathy Kalinowski emphasized the town’s interest in protecting the down-zoned Occoquan Watershed and advised that technical review on water-quality impacts would be appropriate.
The council voted unanimously to form an ad hoc committee "to establish that the Town is strongly opposed to the County’s interpretation of the Farm Brewery law to include location of farm breweries in the entire down-zoned area in the Occoquan Watershed." The committee was proposed to be chaired by Don Byrne with Eric Hencken as a member and Kathy Kalinowski to advise. The minutes record potential next steps including asking consultant Joe McClellan to review water-quality implications and the possibility of seeking support from Fairfax County or the state legislature.
The minutes reference the state Farm Brewery law (Senate Bill 430, Virginia Code § 15.2-2288.3:1) and a Herrity report circulated as supplemental information describing citizen concerns and county responses. The council directed formation of the committee and authorized it to pursue the issue with county staff, residents and legislators as appropriate.
