Blindman Brewing wants a bigger taproom but will need council’s approval to expand it beyond the maximum area allowed under the Land Use Bylaw.

The microbrewery is located in an I2 Heavy Industrial District, which allows for an ancillary use up to 50 square metres. Blindman is seeking permission to expand its taproom to 140 square metres.

Council gave first reading to the application and set the public hearing date for March 26.

Deb Bonnett, the city’s planning and development manager, said council will have to consider if a taproom of that size is appropriate in that part of the city.

“With the I2 district, you can have the transportation and the storage of dangerous goods and some of the uses that could be right beside it,” Bonnett said.

“They’re appropriate for an I2 district but not necessarily appropriate right next to a taproom, a public assembly use. You don’t normally have those uses in a heavy industrial district.”

Since the microbrewery was established in 2015, it has been granted variances for ancillary use.

Currently, the main floor tap room, two bathrooms and an outside seasonal patio take up 86 square metres of accessory space.

If council approves this request, it could be for the last time.

“If they were to approve this, we would recommend that no further expansions take place,” Bonnett said.

“If they need to expand again, the taproom may be more appropriately located in another district, not necessarily in the I2.”