Just got back with the state of Iowa to see if I could start this whole thing off in my back yard where I currently have a nice shop already. They said the state has no codes saying that I can't but I will still need the Native Brewery License which is only 250 bucks. Also they said I need to check with the county and see if they have any codes at all. Well just got off of the phone with a lady and they said I was okay to have it in my back yard as long as I follow a few ordinances. It is called the Home Occupation Ordinance. It states many different things like: No signs, no more than 8 vehicles in and out, no more than 1 ton vehicle for the business, yada yada yada... Well good news is that there really isn't that much to it and I can and will abide by all the ordinances. They also said if we had a homeowners association that would not allow this then that would supercede any of the county laws. Well I don't have a homeowners association so I am clear to go! Getting with a few people today to see what kind of lay out I would need for all the fermenters, brew system, and all that. Then I plan to enclose some of the shop and insulate it that way I can control the climate in there. Things are starting to fall into place and they are really starting to come around.
Also I have built homemade items. If you would like to see how I have built my homemade wort chiller, keggles, and mash tun let me know. I have been keeping them off this page but I have been getting a lot of emails and page views I am considering opening a .com webpage instead of a free blog. This of course would be my home page for my business. Please email me and let me know!
Have you spoken with the TTB? I am pretty sure that such a scheme is illegal. When you operate a brewery the TTB basically has the right to come inspect the premises any time, day or night. Do you really want government inspectors crawling around your underwear drawer?
ReplyDeleteI went ahead and looked it up for you. Here is the relevant regulation.
CFR Title 27 - § 25.21
"A brewery may not be established or operated in any dwelling house..."
It would be a good idea for you to read and memorize the provisions of part 25. Here is a link.
Yes I actually have checked with TTB and yes you are right you can not operate one in any dwelling house. That is where you have to read between the lines. You can actually have one on your residential property but it has to be in a building other than where you stay at and live. Trust me I have asked the federal, state, and county and have recieved emails and calls stating that it is perfectly legal. I just cannot sell beer for pick up out of the building. There are other ordinances as well but just little pittly ones.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is possible, though I would say relatively unlikely, that such a facility could be approved.
ReplyDeleteHere is a good article on the subject: http://www.legallibations.com/2010/04/garage-wine-and-beer.html
I would love to see your gear. also who is the guy in Cal that got his brewery going. I'm thinking of doing the same. please email me with details on your gear and the brewery in Cal that is doing the same as you. My email is steveinsantarosa@comcast.net Any info would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Steve
I ran across your blog when I started doing research to do the same thing you are. I would like to talk to you and pick your brain. My email is cbstaub@yahoo.com. Chris
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you would be willing to share your pictures, and or any tips on building equipment that you have? I have started to build my own home brew system. I would love to start brewing on a somewhat larger scale. If you could help that would be awesome.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Jeremiah
I started a Nanobrewery on my property in a detached building with its own security and seperate entrance from the dwelling. The TTB is only "solely" concerned about the ability to NOT INHIBIT TAXABLE beverage by any means.
ReplyDeleteI have my TTB permit and my state liquor license. Getting my licensing was easy. Be aware that once you are approved you are to report your excise tax every two weeks, even if it is only 2bbls for 14bucks. You can get set up to pay online. You also have to submit a brewers report of operations once a month, you can request to be quarterly with your first monthly reporting.
Have any questions, I can help you.
craig@bricktownebeer.com
Hi Iam intrested in the below comment you made.I want to know more on thesedetails. my email is cordats@gmail.com.
ReplyDeletethank you
Dj
"""""""Also I have built homemade items. If you would like to see how I have built my homemade wort chiller, keggles, and mash tun let me know. I have been keeping them off this page but I have been getting a lot of emails and page views I am considering opening a .com webpage instead of a free blog. This of course would be my home page for my business. Please email me and let me know! """"""""""
I am looking to do the same thing you are in Des Moines. I have just started the process of gathering information so your comments are a huge help to me. Any links you can provide with information about rules and regulations along with what entities control what would be a HUGE help to me. I am in the same boat that you are I think. I don't have a huge desire to do a "Brew Pub" I just really want to get a nano system set up and start bottling for distribution while I work a day job. I am a graphic designer by trade so if you need any help with artwork or even just getting art you already have ready to be turned into labels or whatever I would be totally willing to trade some of my services for information.
ReplyDeletemattrulzu@gmail.com
Drop me a line if you have any interest in that.
Matt
have you put any thought into your building as of yet ? If im not mistaken the TTB will want specs on your building and system before you start the paperwork process. If your going to be doing 1 BBL batches a sloped floor with a drain would be good. What about fermentation temp. control ?
ReplyDeleteI am curious - how is your brewery going? I find your blog very interesting and have been thinking about a winery or brewery. Thanks for any info.
ReplyDeletegreat story so far. glad i found it even tho it is in the past. did you set up a site? I would like totake a loo kat the setup then and now if possible.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see pictures of the fermenters you built. I'm starting a nano brew in colorado.
ReplyDeleteHey there. I run a bar in Cedar Rapids, IA that only serves Iowa-made beer and wine. Let me know when you're ready to distribute. I'd be interested in picking up some of your product.
ReplyDelete