Council schedules public hearings Feb. 10 for ordinances allowing temporary marijuana events at fairgrounds

At its Jan. 27 meeting the Allegan City Council received first readings of two ordinances that would allow temporary marijuana events under a regulated permit process and set public hearings and a second reading for Feb. 10.

Joel (city staff member) described Ordinance 5-25 as a zoning-text amendment that would permit temporary marijuana events through a Planning Commission special-use permit on privately owned parcels larger than 50 acres; staff said that, if adopted, the practical location for such events would be the Allegan County Fairgrounds. Joel said the ordinance would require consumption and sales areas to be screened from view of the right-of-way and adjoining parcels, maintain a 100-foot buffer from property lines and nonassociated dwelling units, limit event hours to 8 a.m.–11 p.m., and prohibit overnight storage of marijuana products or waste on site unless kept inside a locked building or secured dumpster.

Ordinance 5-26 is an administrative companion that authorizes the city clerk to issue permits for temporary marijuana events consistent with the standards in 5-25. The staff report noted the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed changes at its Jan. 21 meeting and voted unanimously to forward the measures to council.

Council moved, seconded and voted to schedule public hearings and the second readings of both ordinances on Feb. 10. No final action was taken on the ordinances that night; the public hearing at the Feb. 10 meeting will be the next formal opportunity for public input and council action.