The Pontiac Planning Commission on Dec. 3 unanimously approved a special‑exception permit and a preliminary site plan allowing Botanical Greens to operate an adult‑use marijuana grower at 1651 East Highwood Boulevard.

Staff planner Michael Boettcher told commissioners that the site — an existing nearly 17,000‑square‑foot building on about 2.37 acres inside the Walton Boulevard adult‑use overlay — meets the zoning ordinance standards for a grower and the buffer requirements (no less than 1,000 feet from schools and no less than 500 feet from childcare, parks and religious uses). Boettcher recommended approval with the condition that outstanding site‑plan items be addressed, including rooftop screening, a photometric plan, color elevations and dumpster screening.

Applicant Salma Dajalic, who said the business currently operates as a medical Class C facility at the same address, told the commission she wants to keep product standards high: "We truly want to be able to produce something that we would feel comfortable enough to offer a family member," she said, adding the operation aims for limited visitors and tight security.

Commissioners asked staff to confirm whether the commission could reduce parking requirements; staff cited section 4.304(a) of the code allowing the commission to modify off‑street parking when the applicant provides evidence another standard is more reasonable. Applicant representatives said peak employment would be seven to eight people and supported reducing the required spaces to 42. The commission approved the site plan with the condition that applicants amend plans to address the outstanding zoning compliance items and that final drawings reflect the agreed 42 parking spaces.

Motion: Approve PSEP25‑014 (special exception permit) and PSPR25‑037 (preliminary site plan) for Botanical Greens at 1651 East Highwood Boulevard, based on staff findings and subject to the conditions listed in the staff report (including completion of the site‑plan items). Vote: unanimous.