Commerce City adopts zoning rules for natural-medicine businesses after calls for indigenous consultation

Commerce City Council adopted Ordinance 2656 on second reading, revising the city's land-development code to regulate where and how natural-medicine facilities may operate within city limits.

The ordinance updates local land-use rules for three categories: natural-medicine healing centers, cultivations, and manufacturing/testing facilities. Final approval came after public comment from Indigenous and environmental-justice advocates who urged the council to require deeper consultation, equity analysis and stronger local protections before allowing manufacturing or cultivation operations near vulnerable neighborhoods.

Why this matters: Colorado's 2022 ballot changes and subsequent state rulemaking authorize a new sector of licensed natural-medicine activities. Local governments do not license providers; instead, locals can adopt time, place and manner regulations through zoning. Those decisions affect where commercial cultivation, testing and healing centers may locate and what local land-use conditions apply.

Public testimony: Indigenous leaders and advocates argued the city's draft rules did not adequately protect native stewards, cultural practices and communities that have historically been subjected to environmental harms. Gabriela Galinda said the statewide process had "steamrolled" Indigenous communities and urged the council to "pause, slow down, and invest in a culturally responsive equity analysis with the communities of Commerce City." Carissa Garcia, an Iraq War veteran and member of Denver's Natural Medicine working group, told council that licensing costs alone are not the main barrier for Black and Indigenous people; she urged programs to help BIPOC entrepreneurs access vacant city-owned properties and respect religious protections.

City staff and legal context: City Clerk Dylan Gibson and city staff repeatedly told council that Colorado state agencies (Department of Regulatory Agencies and Department of Revenue) will handle licensing and most technical regulation, and that local government authority is limited to zoning/time/place/manner. Gibson summarized that "the city is just here to regulate where these facilities can and when they can operate within the city." Council and staff said local rules must therefore be careful to stay within state-authorized limits while protecting sensitive receptors such as schools and childcare centers.

Council action: On second reading the council approved Ordinance 2656 (amending sections of the land development code to add rules for natural-medicine healing centers and cultivation/manufacturing/testing facilities). The council later directed staff to schedule a study-session briefing with state regulators and community stakeholders to discuss environmental-justice concerns and community outreach. The ordinance was approved on second reading by a unanimous roll call vote.

What proponents and opponents said: Supporters of local rules argued that sensible zoning can both implement voters' intent and protect neighborhoods. Speakers for Indigenous communities said local rules should not be a substitute for consultation, and they urged the city to ensure compliance with the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and Colorado's Environmental Justice policies.

Next steps: Staff will coordinate a study session involving state regulatory staff and local community groups to discuss outreach, cumulative environmental impacts and potential local conditions that are legally permissible. Applicants for new facilities will still need state licenses; local permits will control whether a use is allowed in a given zone or requires additional review.

Ending note: The council's ordinance establishes local zoning rules to control time, place and manner for natural-medicine activities; Indigenous advocates and several council members signaled they will press for continued, targeted community outreach and environmental-equity review.