EVERETT — Land-use rules intended to shape the framework for operating craft breweries, distilleries and wineries in rural Snohomish County are headed back for further study.
The County Council had appeared ready to adopt the new rules on Wednesday, but instead referred the proposal back to the planning commission. They had been deterred in part by 19 proposed amendments dealing with 10 different aspects of the legislation.
As is, small-scale alcohol ventures are allowed in rural and agricultural areas under the county’s rules for home-based businesses. That often creates ambiguity about which activities are allowed. As those businesses grow, neighbors sometimes are left without safeguards against noise and traffic.
The new rules would apply to agricultural land, as well as rural areas zoned for residential, business and industrial use in unincorporated areas. That includes R-5 zoning, which typically allows one house per five acres.
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