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Chairman Day read the following into record: <br />B. Bhakta Farms: Request for major site plan and special exception use approval for a <br />farm based rum distillery (agricultural industry) with associated accessory residential <br />units. Bhakta Farms, LLC, Owner. Mills, Short & Associates, LLC, Agent. Zoning: A-2, <br />Agricultural -2 (up to 1 unit per 10 acres). Land Use Designation: AG -2, Agriculture -2 (up <br />to 1 unit per 10 acres). [SP -SE -20-07-26 / 2004020221-869551 (Quasi -Judicial) <br />Chairman Day asked if any members had any ex -parte communication or conflict that <br />would not allow them to make an unbiased decision. There were none. <br />Mr. Brandon Creagan, IRC Senior Planner, reviewed information regarding Bhakta <br />Farms, LLC's request for major site plan and special exception use approval for a farm <br />based rum distillery with associated rental units and gave a PowerPoint presentation, <br />copies of which are on file in the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) Office. Mr. <br />Creagan described the special exception process and said that staff has determined the <br />project is appropriate and meets the land use criteria. Mr. Creagan noted there are two <br />public hearings scheduled; one taking place tonight and one at the BCC at a later date. <br />Mr. Creagan explained that tonight the Planning and Zoning Commission is asked to <br />make their recommendation to the BCC for an approval request, an approval request with <br />conditions, or a denial request for the plan. <br />Mr. Creagan showed an aerial map and described the site location is a 900 acre farm <br />located in the A-2 zoning district west of Interstate 95, north of the intersection of Route <br />60 and 130th Avenue. Mr. Creagan ended his presentation by recommending the Planning <br />and Zoning Commission recommend the BCC grant major site plan and special exception <br />approval for the proposed Bhakta Farms, LLC distillery with conditions listed in the staff <br />report. <br />The commissioners inquired about the necessity of the proposed residential housing <br />units. Mr. Sweeney responded by explaining there is not a change in zoning, but that a <br />special exception approval is being granted for the distillery portion of the agricultural <br />industry and that the residential units are considered a related use or accessory. Mr. <br />Sweeney said that the 3 employee housing units and 4 guest cottages planned are not <br />intended for rental or vacation purposes, and noted that A-2 zoning allows 1 unit per 10 <br />acres. When asked if the expansion of housing would be possible, Mr. Sweeney <br />responded it would not be allowed without a revision of the site plan. <br />Chairman Day asked if the distillery operation would be similar to a winery and whether <br />or not tours, tastings, or a gift shop ...etc. would be allowed. Deputy County Attorney Mr. <br />William DeBraal clarified that any business taking place on site would have to be directly <br />related to the distillery activities. <br />Mr. Mucher asked about the number of employees and if there would be seasonal workers <br />for the sugar cane farm mentioned. Mr. Sweeney said the applicant has grown some test <br />crops but it is still unknown. Mr. Polackwich asked if the definition of "agricultural <br />Attachment 1 <br />PZC Unapproved Draft Minutes 1 April 28, 2022 <br />177 <br />