Council approves variance for retail cannabis store at North Main; 5–2 vote after public hearing

The council approved a zoning change and conditional-use permit allowing The Greenhouse Roswell to open a retail cannabis store at 3107 North Main Street (suites B/C) after a public hearing and debate over proximity to residential areas. Planning staff presented the application and noted the Planning & Zoning Commission had voted 4–1 to recommend denial, citing proximity to a residential district. Staff summarized the ordinance standard that cannabis establishments must generally meet distance requirements measured from exterior property line to exterior property line and that council discretion is limited to established criteria: time, place and manner restrictions, eligibility under state law, and whether the location would be detrimental to public health, safety or welfare. Applicant representatives said they had searched for multiple locations and that, given prior variances granted to other dispensaries, the city had effectively established a precedent. Scott Raymond, a Greenhouse owner, said the site sits across the street from a recently closed dispensary and argued the commercial corridor, alley separation and the practical walking route created greater separation than a simple straight-line measurement would suggest. He said the store would employ 8–12 full-time workers drawn from the local labor market and that renovations would use local contractors. Two neighbors and a representative of a neighborhood association spoke in opposition, urging councilors to uphold the existing 300-foot residential buffer and to protect neighborhood quality of life. Councilor Moore and other councilors debated whether repeated variances had undermined the ordinance; Deputy Chief Taylor said police had not seen a pattern of public-safety incidents tied to marijuana retailers and described only one unrelated disturbance referenced in staff remarks. After the public hearing, the council voted to grant the variance and approve the conditional use permit. The roll call showed five votes in favor and two opposed; Councilor Halverson recused herself from the vote. The council also discussed pursuing a code review to align zoning rules with local practice; at least one councilor said he would place review of chapter 27 on the legal committee or planning work program. Ending — conditions and appeals The council’s approval included standard conditions: the business must obtain city and state cannabis operation permits before opening; hours were set in the staff recommendation (10 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday) unless state law or city ordinance sets different limits. The decision may be appealed to district court within 30 days by the applicant or a property owner who received notice under the zoning code.