Title
Approval of Interim Ordinance on Proposed Zoning and Buffer Changes for Cannabis Land Uses
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee recommendation is to adopt an interim zoning ordinance to allow cannabis sales in High Density Corridor - 3 and Medical Services zones, reduce buffers on restricted land uses (except schools and playgrounds) from 1,000 feet to 500 feet, and forward to Olympia Planning Commission.
City Manager Recommendation:
The City Manager makes no recommendation.
Report
Issue:
The City currently allows sales of recreational cannabis in High Density Corridor-4 (HDC-4) and General Commercial (GC) zones, in conjunction with 1,000 foot buffers separating such uses from the following: schools, playgrounds, licensed daycares, parks, arcades, libraries, and public transit centers. Should the City consider an interim ordinance expanding its zoning to include High Density Corridor-3 (HDC-3) and Medical Services (MS) zones, and/or reduce certain buffers?
Staff Contact:
Chris Grabowski, Lead Code Enforcement Officer, CP&D, 753-8168
Presenter(s):
Chris Grabowski, Lead Code Enforcement Officer, CP&D 360.753.8168
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis have not changed from first to second reading.
The City Council referred this issue to the Land Use and Environment Committee at its Nov. 10, 2015, meeting.
The City of Olympia allows the sale of recreational cannabis in its High Density Corridor-4 and General Commercial zones, subject to Hearing Examiner approval. Two such retail stores exist at present.
The Washington State Legislature passed comprehensive legislation (2SSB 5052 & HB 2136) creating new regulations for the largely unregulated medical cannabis collectives and establishing a system that will be overseen by the Liquor and Cannabis Board and the Department of Health. The legislation was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee on April 24, 2015. ...
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