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New Prague introduces cannabis zoning and business-code amendments; limits retail registrations and sets buffers
Summary
Council introduced two cannabis-related ordinances to align local rules with anticipated state licensing: a zoning amendment proposing a 250-foot school buffer and a City Code section limiting retail registrations to two and matching cannabis hours to liquor rules; both took first readings.
The New Prague City Council on Nov. 18 introduced two new ordinances regulating cannabis businesses ahead of expected state rules taking effect Jan. 1. City planning staff summarized the two-part approach: a zoning ordinance amendment and a new City Code section covering business registration, hours, compliance checks and limits on retail registrations.
Planning staff said the Planning Commission recommended a 250-foot buffer from schools for cannabis businesses (retailers, manufacturers, growers and entities facilitating large cannabis gatherings) and recommended permitting retail/office cannabis use in specified business districts, including downtown and business corridors. Staff noted that low-potency hemp products (previously regulated locally) will transition to state licensing, and the city’s role will be limited to zoning control for such retail once state rules are in effect.
The City Code addition would set operational rules intended to mirror liquor hours for parity, require an initial compliance check before opening (to confirm hours and age-verification practices), and cap the number of local retail registrations at two (the cap excludes low-potency hemp edibles). City staff emphasized the ordinances are a starting point and likely to be amended as state regulations arrive. The council approved the first readings of both the zoning ordinance (No. 354) and the City Code amendment (No. 355) by voice vote; the council indicated further adjustments may follow after state-level rules are published.
Staff and police representatives noted enforcement and compliance checks will be similar to those used for alcohol and tobacco.
