Orlando Zoning for Micro-breweries, Brewpubs, and Craft Distilleries
Micro-breweries, brewpubs, and craft distilleries in the City of Orlando are classified as specific types of Alcoholic Beverage Establishments allowed in various commercial and industrial zoning districts. These facilities may operate as principal uses or as "Accessory Service Uses" in districts such as MU-1, MU-2, AC-N, AC-1, AC-2, AC-3, and I-C, provided they adhere to strict annual production caps and specific floor area distributions [Section 58.705, Section 58.913].
Facility Classification in the City of Orlando
The City of Orlando Code of Ordinances categorizes these facilities under the umbrella of "Alcoholic Beverage Establishments." Specifically, they are defined as Category 7 uses: "Micro-brewery, Micro-winery, Craft distillery, or Brewpub" [Section 58.705].
The classification of these entities is often determined by the majority use of the floor area. For example, a brewpub that maintains a restaurant as its primary activity in a commercial zoning district will be classified as a "Restaurant" for zoning purposes [Section 58.913].
Permitted Zoning Districts
Based on the City of Orlando's use tables and special plan regulations, these facilities are generally permitted or conditionally permitted in the following districts:
- Mixed Use Districts: MU-1 and MU-2 [Section 62.608].
- Activity Center Districts: AC-N (Neighborhood), AC-1 (Community), AC-2 (Urban), and AC-3 (Metropolitan) [Section 62.608].
- Industrial Districts: I-C (Industrial-Commercial) and I-P (Industrial Park), often as internal accessory service uses [Section 58.913].
- Special Plan Areas: In the SODO Special Plan area, manufacturing and processing related to these uses is permitted in the T-5 (Urban Center) and T-6 (Urban Core) transects, and is a conditional use in the T-4 (General Urban) transect, provided the site's Future Land Use is Industrial [Section 62.499, Figure 2].
Production Standards and Capacity Limits
To qualify as a micro-facility rather than a heavy industrial manufacturing plant, the City of Orlando imposes maximum annual production limits.
| Facility Type | Maximum Annual Production Limit |
|---|---|
| Micro-brewery | 15,000 barrels |
| Micro-winery | 100,000 gallons |
| Craft Distillery | 15,000 gallons |
| Brewpub | Subject to applicable State of Florida licenses |
[Section 58.913]
Accessory Service Use Requirements
In the City of Orlando, a micro-brewery or craft distillery may be allowed as an "Accessory Service Use" via a zoning official determination if it meets the following criteria:
- Floor Area in Non-Residential Districts: The production and related uses may occupy up to 50% of the floor area [Section 58.913].
- Industrial Zoning Exception: In industrial districts, up to 50% of the floor area may be dedicated to a restaurant, tasting room, or retail operation [Section 58.913].
- Internal Location: In the I-P (Industrial Park) district, the establishment must be located internally within the building site and cannot be located on a major thoroughfare [Section 58.913].
Operational Standards
The City of Orlando mandates specific standards for parking and hours of operation for these establishments.
Parking Ratios
| Use Component | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Eating/Drinking/Tasting Area | 5.0 spaces per 1,000 square feet |
| Manufacturing/Processing Area | 1.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet |
[Section 58.913]
Hours of Operation
Facilities located outside the Downtown Entertainment Area (DEA) or outside specifically defined commercial districts must be closed to the public between the hours of midnight and 6:00 AM [Section 58.913].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.705 - General Requirements (Alcoholic Beverage Establishments)
- Section 58.913 - Specific Accessory Service Uses
- Section 62.406 - Orange Blossom Trail Special Plan
- Section 62.499 - SODO Special Plan
- Section 62.608 - Designation of Streets in Mixed Use Corridor Districts and Activity Center Districts