Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health And Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City council adopts commercial cannabis rules after public opposition and public comment
Summary
After extensive public comment and questions from residents, Redondo Beach’s City Council voted to adopt amendments to the municipal code enabling limited commercial cannabis activity; the council approved multiple related ordinances on second reading and adoption.
The Redondo Beach City Council on second reading adopted a package of ordinances to permit and regulate commercial cannabis activity in portions of the city, after an extended public comment period and council discussion.
Dozens of residents turned out or submitted comments opposing retail cannabis storefronts, citing concerns about youth exposure, product safety and public health. Public commenters included Rachel Shekar, Nikki Vasquez, Mary Claire Scanlon, Melissa Deschamps and others, who urged council members to pause action and allow the incoming council to reconsider proposals. Speakers cited recent reporting on testing failures and public health concerns and asked the council either to delay or to reject retail cannabis zoning.
Supporters and industry representatives also spoke at the meeting, saying illegal retail outlets are currently operating and that regulated storefronts can include youth‑prevention programs, security and community agreements.
Council discussion noted prior votes and local zoning decisions. After debate the council moved forward on the drafted ordinances. At the conclusion of the agenda item the city clerk read a group of ordinance/resolution titles: Ordinance No. 3280.25 (amending Chapter 6 to regulate commercial cannabis businesses), Ordinance No. 3288.25 (amending Title 10 inland zones) and Ordinance No. 3289.25 (amending Title 10 coastal zones), among other implementing provisions. The council then voted; the clerk recorded the outcome as unanimous approval for the listed ordinances.
The ordinances will become effective after the standard 30‑day period for adoption of municipal ordinances and, for coastal‑zone amendments, in accordance with coastal permitting rules. Council members emphasized that any subsequent administrative steps — for example, issuing requests for applications or authorizing retail licensing — would be a separate decision and that the newly elected councilmembers will have an opportunity to weigh in on next steps.
City staff indicated they will process the codified ordinances for final publication, complete any required coastal notifications and return to council with administrative procedures required to implement the new regulations.
