Commission approves conditional use permit for cannabis distribution at 855 Marriott Way

The Sparks Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit to establish a cannabis distribution facility as an unlisted use at 855 Marriott Way.

Hannah Reed, filling in for Scott Carey, told commissioners the applicant purchased an existing, unused state distribution license and seeks to relocate distribution operations into a 5,000-square-foot tenant space within an industrial building constructed in 1968. The proposed facility would be closed to the public; state regulations limit on-site storage to no more than 72 hours without written consent from a state agent, require licensed employees and specify that products be transported in unmarked passenger vans.

Staff recommended approval of the CUP after concluding the distribution use is materially similar to permitted warehousing and wholesale uses in the industrial zone and noting that state Cannabis Compliance Board regulations impose strict operational controls. Staff also proposed limiting hours of operation to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and required two additional street trees on the Marietta Way frontage.

The staff report summarized technical findings: the building has 32 on-site parking spaces (the distribution use requires three under a warehousing rate), proposed operations would not be within the separation distances cited in code for schools or nonrestricted gaming, and the city received no public comments on the item. A trip-generation letter accompanying the application estimated about 48 daily trips and 11 peak-hour trips; engineering staff did not require off-site improvements.

Alicia Ashcroft, attorney for the applicant, thanked planning staff for their responsiveness. Commissioner Pritzos moved to approve CU25-0004 (PCN25-0004) based on findings C1-C5 and nine conditions of approval; Commissioner Kramer seconded. The motion passed unanimously.