The zoning committee on Sept. 16 approved DCO 41-25, a request related to an adult-use cannabis dispensary, after staff confirmed the proposed tenant space met local distance requirements and described state limits on exterior cannabis advertising.

The matter is significant because state-mandated buffer distances and local zoning rules determine where dispensaries may operate, and community institutions sometimes object when a protected use (school, daycare, religious institution) is nearby. Staff said the Islamic Society of Addison did not file an objection and that practical buffers — two arterial roadways and large retail/commercial parcels — separate the dispensary from protected uses.

Member Martinez asked, “Were there any objections by the mosque, the Islamic Center of, Addison?” Staff (Paul) replied that the Islamic Society of Addison southwest of the subject property “did not put an objection in. They remain aware of it.” Paul said the measured distances vary by reference point: “the property line of the integrated shopping center where the cannabis dispensary will be located and the property line of the Islamic Society of Addison is 1,300. But from the tenant space within the shopping center to the property line is 1,700 feet, so beyond the requirement.”

Paul also summarized state restrictions on exterior activity and advertising for dispensaries: “By state law, dispensaries do not have any activities outside and you can't advertise, either through writing or through graphic depiction, any signs of marijuana or cannabis, on the outside of the building.” He added examples, saying the operator cannot display cannabis plants or related paraphernalia on the building’s exterior.

The committee voted to approve the zoning hearing officer’s recommendation. No written objections from the Islamic Society were entered in the record, and staff reported site visits and measurements to confirm distances to nearby daycare and school uses.

The approval was recorded in a voice vote; no additional conditions were noted in the transcript.