Perrysburg council opens debate on medical and adult‑use marijuana zoning; three readings set

Perrysburg City Council members on the floor discussed and formally introduced a package of zoning ordinances to allow medical and adult‑use marijuana businesses in parts of the city, sending the measures forward for three readings and public outreach.

Council members and staff said the proposed ordinances would permit marijuana‑related commercial uses in certain commercial zoning districts (C‑2, C‑3 and C‑4 under the city’s zoning code as discussed) and would include statutory buffers discussed in state law that limit proximity to schools, churches and libraries and require distance between like uses. Council members asked administration and planning staff to publish explanatory materials and maps so residents can provide informed public input during the next two readings.

The council’s action is an initial step: the ordinances were introduced so the council could solicit comment over the required three readings rather than adopt final regulations tonight. Multiple council members said they want to hear from the school district and other community stakeholders before taking a final vote. One council member asked administration to post explanatory text and the maps used by the planning and zoning department to clarify where uses would be allowed and which downtown areas would be excluded by state buffers.

Discussion touched on land‑use options beyond street‑front retail. One council member proposed exploring a special approval path for “planned business parks” so that retail or cultivation could be concentrated in non‑streetfront, planned industrial/commercial areas rather than dispersed into downtown or high‑visibility corners.

Council and staff also noted fiscal uncertainty: participants said the state budget proposal could change how tax revenue from marijuana sales is shared with local governments, which affects the projected local revenue benefit of allowing retail. Council members asked staff to gather more information on potential local revenue, and to return with clearer estimates before later readings.

No final votes on adoption were taken tonight. The ordinances were introduced and the council voted to suspend rules to allow first readings by number and title only; the measures will return for at least two more readings and a public comment period, and the administration was asked to publish summaries and maps to increase public awareness.