Findlay Council narrows where cannabis dispensaries may locate, adopts zoning overlay

Findlay City Council on March 18 adopted a zoning ordinance that creates a conditional-use overlay for retail cannabis dispensaries in designated commercial areas and sets local controls on how and where dispensaries may operate.

The ordinance, cited as Ordinance 2025-016 during the meeting, designates portions of existing C-2 commercial zoning as eligible for dispensaries, requires a conditional-use review by the City Planning Commission, and limits the total number of dispensaries in the city. Council members said the overlay is intended to give the city more control than would exist if the moratorium simply expired.

The city attorney summarized state restrictions that remain in force, including state-mandated buffer distances from schools, parks, day-care centers and other sensitive sites. Council members and supporters stressed that the conditional-use process allows the city to attach conditions and to revoke approval if an operator fails to meet standards. Opponents warned about traffic, increased exposure to youth and odor impacts in nearby neighborhoods.

Public comment stretched across a crowded meeting room. Robin Welly, a Ward 5 resident, told council that dispensaries she had visited in other Ohio towns presented a secure, low-profile retail model and said patients and veterans rely on access. Steve Delich, regional manager for Curaleaf, described retail security practices including ‘‘24-hour surveillance’’ and an ID check at entry. Josh Black, regional security manager for Columbia Care Ohio and a retired law-enforcement captain, said retailers use external analytics and monitored call-down speakers to deter after-hours trespass.

Those opposing the overlay raised concerns about proximity to residential neighborhoods and schools and distributed maps showing proposed sites they said would put dispensaries near Western Meadows and other homes. Several speakers who said they work in education said local employers already have trouble finding workers who pass drug tests and urged caution.

Council votes were recorded by name. The roll call recorded the following votes: Councilman Ed Wolpzer — aye; Councilman Gary Bauman — aye; Councilman Dan DeArmond — aye; Councilwoman Holly Frisci — nay; Councilman Matt Greenough — nay; Councilman Scott Niemeyer — aye; Councilman Brian Palmer — aye; Councilman Grant Russell (presiding as president pro tem) — aye; Councilwoman Megan Wernicke — aye. The ordinance was adopted.

Council members and staff noted that the city's existing moratorium would expire in August; supporters of the ordinance said acting now preserves local zoning control and keeps a 500-foot (state-required) buffer and additional local protections in place. Opponents said the city should pause and study longer-term impacts before permitting retail outlets.

Council president pro tem Grant Russell said the zoning overlay provides ‘‘maximum control’’ for the city while remaining consistent with the statewide legalization approved by voters in 2023. Several council members said the conditional-use process lets the city require specific security, parking and nuisance mitigation measures.

The ordinance is effective in accordance with the city’s zoning procedures; any legal deadlines for referendum or petition were noted by the law director during the meeting.