Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Ordinance Amendment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Muskegon Planning Commission declines to recommend extended late-night drive-through hours for marijuana retailers
Summary
The Planning Commission considered an amendment to Section 23.31 of the zoning ordinance to allow marijuana retailers with approved drive-throughs to sell by drive‑through only between midnight and 2 a.m.; the commission did not recommend approval and the item will go to the City Commission July 22.
The City of Muskegon Planning Commission on July 10 reviewed a staff‑initiated request to amend Section 23.31 of the zoning ordinance to allow marijuana retailers and provisioning centers with approved drive‑through access to remain open for drive‑through sales only between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m.
Staff planner Mike (last name not specified in the record) told commissioners the proposal would keep the existing 8 a.m. to midnight hours for most retail operations but add a two‑hour, drive‑through‑only window for retailers with approved drive‑throughs. Mike said three drive‑throughs are currently approved in the city and that additional locations could be allowed if they meet special‑use permit standards.
Ben Ryder, an attorney with Primary Law representing the applicant identified as Grama Knoll, said the business is seeking relief for customers who arrive after midnight. Ryder said the team revised earlier language that had asked for 24‑hour operation and limited the request to drive‑through service between midnight and 2 a.m. Fred Cini, identified as the property owner, told commissioners that staff and police have worked with the applicant on safety and operational protocol and that the business has removed social‑media advertising that implied otherwise. Cini said, “we typically have to tell people we’re sorry we’re closed.”
One caller from the public, identifying herself as a downtown business owner and resident, spoke in support of the request, describing the owners as “good, hardworking people” and urging flexibility for people who work nontraditional hours. No in‑person public commenters spoke at the hearing.
Commissioners asked whether other Michigan communities allow late hours; Mike said Kalamazoo allows 24‑hour operation at some retailers but that 2 a.m. hours were not commonly found in his research. Commissioners also noted that non‑dispensary drive‑through businesses in the city have no special hour limitations now; the proposal would add two extra hours only for marijuana retailers with approved drive‑throughs.
A motion to recommend approval of the zoning amendment to the City Commission failed on a roll call vote. The motion will be considered by the City Commission at its July 22 meeting.
Votes at a glance: Motion to recommend approval — failed (see actions for detailed vote record).
