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Springfield council adopts three amendments to marijuana zoning rules
Summary
The council approved three linked amendments to Article 4 governing marijuana dispensaries: aligning medical dispensary districts with adult‑use districts, revising school setback measurement, and allowing colocation of medical uses at permitted adult establishments.
The Springfield City Council voted on Monday to adopt three separate amendments to Article 4 of the municipal zoning code that affect registered marijuana dispensaries.
The first amendment allows registered medical marijuana dispensaries in the same zoning districts where adult‑use marijuana is permitted. The council president summarized the change as ‘‘allowing the medicinal uses in all of the same districts as adult use marijuana is allowed.’’ That first component passed on roll‑call vote.
The second amendment revises how setback distances from public or private schools are measured, clarifying measurement ‘‘by straight line from the nearest point of the property line in question to the nearest point of the property line where the adult [use]… is located’’ and further specifying entrance‑to‑entrance measurement in practice. Councilors discussed parking and traffic concerns but were reminded not to introduce new evidence after a hearing had been closed. The setback amendment was approved by the council.
The third component permits colocation of medical marijuana uses at existing permitted adult marijuana establishments, enabling medical operations to locate at sites already authorized for adult use. That measure also passed.
Taken together, the three actions change the municipal use table and allow more flexibility for medical operators to locate in the same areas as adult‑use businesses while clarifying measurement of school setbacks and permitting colocation at existing adult‑use establishments.
What happens next: The zoning amendments are adopted and will be implemented by city planning and permitting staff; businesses and applicants should consult the updated code when preparing applications or seeking permits.
