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Grand Junction planning commission forwards zoning changes to allow regulated "natural medicine" facilities
Summary
The commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of a zoning text amendment (city file ZCA 2024702) that would create local use categories and standards for "natural medicine" healing centers, cultivation, manufacturing and testing facilities—aligning local code with recent state law while imposing a 1,000-foot buffer from schools and daycares and excluding residential zones.
GRAND JUNCTION — The City of Grand Junction Planning Commission on Thursday unanimously voted to forward a recommendation of approval to City Council for a zoning text amendment that would add "natural medicine" uses, including licensed healing centers and related production and testing facilities, to the city's zoning and development code.
Staff planning manager Nikki Gailhouse, the city's presenter, told the commission the state legislature authorized regulated access to psilocybin and psilocin in 2023 and the Division of Natural Medicine will begin accepting license applications Dec. 31, 2024. Gailhouse said the draft ordinance would create local use categories and zone permissions so the city can allow the new state-authorized businesses while managing location and operating standards locally.
The staff proposal would treat healing centers as part of the medical and dental clinic use category, allowing them in mixed-use and industrial zones (MU1 through I1) but not in residential zones (including RH24). Cultivation facilities, products manufacturers and testing laboratories are proposed to be governed under an industrial-light use category (MU2 through I2). The draft also includes a 1,000-foot separation requirement from any child daycare center or public or private school; staff said that reiterates a state standard and provides local clarity.
Gailhouse said the city is limited by state preemption from prohibiting the use entirely but can adopt reasonable, nonconflicting local standards to protect public health and safety. She summarized the review criteria under the Grand Junction zoning and development code (citing section 21.02.050) and recommended the commission forward approval based on consistency with the comprehensive plan and responsive regulatory practice.
Commissioners asked several technical and safety questions during the hearing. One commissioner asked whether the only substantive difference between a healing center and an ordinary clinic would be the separation buffer; Gailhouse confirmed the exclusion from residential zones and the buffer are key local distinctions. Commissioners raised safety concerns about clients who may remain on-site for lengthy supervised sessions — commissioners referenced a roughly 10-hour window used in supervision models — and whether clients leaving a facility while under the influence could pose risks to nearby residences, schools or daycares.
Gailhouse and other participants emphasized that operational and licensing details will be set by state regulators. The meeting record noted that the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is proposing protocols that include a requirement for facilitators to remain with a person while they are under the influence and, if a person leaves, the facilitator may be required to notify authorities. Gailhouse also noted that if an applicant sought to combine a healing center with an overnight retreat component, that lodging element would require a separate lodging license and applicable use approvals.
No members of the public testified in person or online. After discussion, Commissioner (Speaker 6) moved "on the request to amend Title 21 Zoning and Development Code of the Grand Junction Municipal Code, city file ZCA 2024702, I move that the planning commission forward a recommendation of approval to city council with the findings of fact listed in the staff report." Commissioner (Speaker 3) seconded the motion, the commission recorded affirmations and the motion passed 6-0.
The commission also welcomed a new member, Ian Thomas, and staff discussed possible January workshop and meeting dates. The Planning Commission's recommendation will be considered by City Council at a future date; the city file cited during the hearing is ZCA 2024702.
