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Weld County commissioners adopt zoning rules to allow state-licensed natural medicine facilities
Summary
The Weld County Board of County Commissioners approved second reading of Ordinance 2024-18 to add state‑licensed natural medicine facilities to chapter 23 (zoning) and place them in certain industrial zones, following brief commissioner debate and no public comments.
Weld County commissioners on Monday approved second reading of Ordinance 2024-18, which adds state‑licensed natural medicine facilities to chapter 23 (zoning) of the Weld County Code and permits those facilities in specified industrial zone districts.
The ordinance implements local zoning rules tied to the 2022 state ballot measure, Proposition 122, which decriminalized certain natural psychedelic plants and fungi for adults 21 and older. Staff recommended allowing such facilities in industrial zones and reported no changes at second reading; the board voted to adopt the ordinance after a motion by Commissioner Scott James and a second from Commissioner Kevin D. Ross.
Why it matters: County leaders said the ordinance is intended to preserve local land‑use control by setting where state‑licensed natural medicine facilities may locate, rather than leaving siting entirely to state action. The item drew several statements of opposition from commissioners who said they personally oppose the policy but felt obligated to follow the voter‑approved state law.
Commissioner Scott James said, "I disagree with it, but voter has spoken in the state of Colorado." Commissioner Cross added that, despite personal objections, commissioners "have to follow through with the law" and that local zoning is the appropriate place to determine where the facilities may be sited. No members of the public spoke during the allotted public comment period.
The ordinance was presented to the board and recommended by county staff; the board previously recommended approval at first reading on Dec. 16, 2024. On Monday the board approved second reading without amendment.
Action and next steps: The board’s motion to approve second reading was made by Commissioner Scott James and seconded by Commissioner Kevin D. Ross; the second reading carried with all commissioners saying "aye." The ordinance will be incorporated into the Weld County Code as amended at second reading.
Additional context: The presenters told commissioners this measure applies only to natural (non‑synthetic) substances regulated under Proposition 122. The county’s approach confines facilities to industrial zones rather than residential or commercial districts, a restriction staff said was intended to limit neighborhood impacts while complying with state law.
The county did not identify any immediate implementation deadlines tied to the ordinance during the meeting; staff said they had no changes to report at second reading and offered to answer follow‑up questions.
