Business & Tech

Wildomar Welcomes Microbrewers

Wildomar is simplifying the process for craft beer makers to open up in the city.

Wildomar is putting out the welcome mat for microbrewers who might want to set up shop in the city.

In a 5-0 vote Wednesday night, the Wildomar Planning Commission agreed to drop the city's requirement that microbrewers obtain a conditional use permit in zones designated as “manufacturing services commercial (MSC).”

City Manager Frank Oviedo was on hand Wednesday, and he told the Planning Commission that he brought the CUP issue forward because in the last six months there have been three inquiries made to the city by microbrewers interested in opening their craft beer companies in Wildomar's MSC areas, including Interstate Business Park.

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Oviedo said that obtaining the CUP is unnecessary red tape that doesn’t fit current microbrew trends.

“The industry has really evolved,” he explained.

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According to Oviedo's staff documents provided to the commission, many microbrewers have left the beer-restaurant business model to become beer manufacturers and distributors. Restaurants, Oviedo said, are burdened with the CUP process that can take months.

The city manager likened the neo microbrew industry to nearby Temecula Wine Country, where vintners produce their product and allow onsite public tastings.

Oviedo suggested the winery model for microbrewers in Wildomar and said the industry could add to the local economy with “beer tourism.” He pointed to North County San Diego, where several micobrewers have established successful operations, including the popular Stone Brewing Company in Escondido.

Lake Elsinore and Temecula also feature microbrew businesses.

The craft beer industry – an industry that is thriving -- could bring jobs to Wildomar, Oviedo added.

“It’s one of the bright spots in our economy,” he said of the industry.

The commissioners posed few questions to Oviedo and instead moved to approve a resolution that strikes the CUP process.

Anything that can expedite the process, “I’m all for it,” said commissioner Stan Smith.


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