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Grand Junction adopts zoning rules to allow state-licensed natural medicine centers
Summary
City Council adopted an amendment to Title 21 of the municipal code to allow state-licensed natural medicine healing centers, cultivation and testing facilities in specified commercial and industrial zones; the ordinance passed 7-0.
Grand Junction City Council adopted an ordinance amending Title 21 of the municipal code to add land-use provisions for state-licensed natural medicine facilities, finalizing the measure on a 7-0 roll call.
The code change, adopted as Ordinance No. 5244, creates a local use category that aligns with Colorado's recent legislation on natural medicine and sets where healing centers, cultivation operations and testing facilities may locate within city zoning districts.
Planning Manager Nikki Gailhouse told the council that the state law preempts local jurisdictions from banning natural medicine and from imposing regulations that conflict with state rules. "Local jurisdictions are preempted from 2 things. 1 is from prohibiting the use, and the other is from adopting unreasonable regulations or regulations that conflict with state law," Gailhouse said, summarizing why local zoning guidance was needed.
Under the ordinance, state-licensed healing centers will be treated under the same land-use category as medical and dental clinics and are allowed in mixed-use and nonresidential commercial zones up through I-1 (industrial light). Cultivation, product manufacturing and testing facilities are restricted to light-industrial zone districts (MU-2 through I-2). The amendment also includes a 1,000-foot separation standard from child daycare centers and public or private K–12 schools; the draft and staff recommendation exclude strictly residential zone districts such as RH-24 from hosting healing centers.
Gailhouse said the provisions track the state rules and were structured to allow the state licensing process to govern operational details while the city manages location and land-use impacts. She noted the Natural Medicine Advisory Board and Colorado Department of Revenue rulemaking establish licensing requirements at the state level that local applicants must meet.
The Planning Commission recommended approval 6-0 at its hearing. Mayor Pro Tem Wrights moved adoption on final passage and order of publication; Council Member Wynne seconded. The council adopted Ordinance No. 5244 by roll-call vote, 7-0.
No members of the public spoke during the ordinance public hearing. The ordinance will be published in pamphlet form as required by municipal procedure.
