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Planning Commission unanimously recommends cannabis consumption lounge at 2701 Columbus Drive
Summary
The Needles Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that city council amend a conditional use permit to add a 2,399-square-foot cannabis consumption lounge at 2701 Columbus Drive, approving recommended conditions including 21+ age limits, odor-control systems and a physical door separating retail from the seating area.
The Planning Commission on a unanimous vote recommended that the City Council approve an amendment to Conditional Use Permit 10-19-2022-1 PC to add a cannabis consumption lounge to an existing 2,399-square-foot retail cannabis business at 2701 Columbus Drive.
Planning staff told commissioners the lounge is tied to a previously approved retail dispensary and that the project has been before the commission multiple times as it evolved. Staff said the applicant will retain the two existing buildings, pursue tenant improvements for the lounge area and comply with operational conditions that include a separate entry between retail and seating areas and odor-control systems intended to prevent odor beyond the property line.
The applicant, Cheryl Montanez (27 87 Sidewheel Drive, Bullhead), answered questions on parking and layout. She said the site plan has been revised to add side parking, move the trash enclosure and fence a gated lounge entrance so patrons can park and access the lounge without crossing the front of the building. Staff said the design includes the code-required door between retail area and customer seating, and reiterated recommended conditions related to age limits (21 and older) and odor mitigation.
Resident Joanne Polk of 2004 Cortez Street spoke during public comment and urged caution on safety, saying, “You go buy your pot, sit in there and toke up, get high, and get behind the wheel of your car.” Commissioners discussed parking and operational flow with the applicant and staff before the motion.
A commissioner moved to recommend approval of Planning Commission Resolution 10-4-2023-2 PC to add cannabis consumption to the permitted retail business at 2701 Columbus Drive; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.
Next steps: The item is scheduled to go to the City Council; staff will transmit the recommended resolution and conditions for council review.
