Planning commission gives favorable recommendation to town council for zoning amendment to allow cannabis retail in General Business
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Summary
The commission voted to recommend that the town council adopt Ordinance 2025‑23, which would add cannabis retail as an allowed use in the General Business zone with separation distances and supplementary regulations; staff characterized the draft as a conservative approach and the board voted in favor.
The Coventry Planning Commission voted Dec. 17 to give the town council a favorable advisory recommendation for Ordinance 2025‑23, which would amend the zoning code to allow retail cannabis in the General Business zone under new supplementary regulations.
Applicant Joseph Bruce of the Permature Cooperative said the proposal is aimed at locating retail operations in the GB zone – rather than industrial zones – because the use presents as a retail activity with trip generation and pedestrian/vehicle traffic characteristics. He said placement in GB would help keep the use away from residences while providing a commercially appropriate location.
Planning staff said the draft ordinance takes a conservative posture on separation distances from residences, schools, parks and places of worship and generally aligns with approaches other municipalities have used. The board discussed where the use would or would not be eligible under the proposed language and noted that some General Business parcels will not meet separation requirements.
After taking testimony and reviewing the planning department memorandum and findings required under state law, the commission voted to forward a positive recommendation to the town council; the council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Jan. 13, 2026.