Title
Briefing and Public Hearing on Proposed Permanent Retail Cannabis Regulations
Recommended Action
Conduct a Public Hearing on the proposed permanent retail cannabis regulations and keep the public record open until 5:00 PM, September 3, 2014. Provide direction to staff on any additional amendments to the regulations.
Issue:
On October 22, 2013, Council approved temporary interim regulations regarding the retail production, processing, and sales of I-502 recreational marijuana. This Public Hearing is part of the Planning Commission process to gather public input prior to deliberation and formulating a recommendation to the City Council on permanent regulations.
Staff Contact:
Chris Grabowski, Code Enforcement Officer, CP&D, 360.753.8168
Presenter(s):
Chris Grabowski, Code Enforcement Officer
Darren Nienaber, Deputy City Attorney
Background and Analysis:
In response to voter approved Initiative 502, the Washington State Liquor Control Board adopted regulations for the licensing of recreational marijuana production, processing and retail. The Liquor Control Board has begun processing applications for production, processing and retail establishments. However, the Liquor Control Board does not have control over or enforce local zoning regulations. Accordingly, the Olympia City Council considered the appropriate location of such uses, as well as appropriate conditions of approval, within the City of Olympia.
At its May 7, 2013 meeting, the City Council adopted a moratorium on all new cannabis related land uses, and directed staff to conduct research and develop interim zoning regulations. Subsequently, the United States Department of Justice issued a memorandum indicating that those jurisdictions which allow the use of recreational cannabis do so with the "expectation that states and local governments...will implement strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems that will address the threat those state laws could pose ...
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