East Wenatchee council cuts marijuana retail buffers to 100 feet; approves architect contract, traffic counters and grant-funded energy audit

East Wenatchee City Council on Jan. 7 approved changes to local rules for marijuana retail, awarded a design contract for City Hall improvements and approved several other resolutions, while debating whether to form a financial sustainability task force to study long-term revenue options.

The council voted to adopt Ordinance 2025-01, amending East Wenatchee Municipal Code 17.60.050 to reduce certain location buffers for marijuana retail establishments to 100 feet, the minimum allowed under state law. Council also approved Resolution 2025-01 to contract with Forte Architects for up to $40,710 to design safety and remodel work in the west wing of City Hall; Resolution 2025-02 to accept two Miovision Scout traffic counters from the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council; Resolution 2025-03 to adopt updates to the Capital Facilities Plan and Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program; and Resolution 2025-04 to accept a $20,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce for an investment-grade energy audit.

Why it matters: The marijuana buffer change narrows the distance retail outlets must be sited from listed sensitive uses — such as parks, libraries and day-care centers — from 1,000 feet to the 100-foot minimum allowed by RCW 69.50.331 for many of those uses, which could allow additional retail locations in the city’s commercial zoning districts. The energy grant and architect contract move the city closer to making building and HVAC upgrades at City Hall that the council has identified as priorities.

Marijuana buffers and the ordinance Community Development Director Curtis told the council that state law sets an initial 1,000-foot buffer but allows jurisdictions to reduce that buffer to as little as 100 feet for the listed uses other than schools and playgrounds. "RCW 69.50.331 states that there shall be a 1,000-foot buffer from the perimeter of elementary or secondary schools, playgrounds, recreation centers, child care centers, public parks, public transit centers, libraries, or any game arcade admission to which is not restricted to persons aged 21 years or older," Curtis said. He explained the code amendment process,…