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Council debate fails to secure majority for proposed cannabis distance increase
Summary
Staff proposed an amendment to the municipal code to raise the minimum separation between cannabis retailers and sensitive uses from 600 to 1,000 feet; councilmembers debated separating retail and non‑retail uses and whether to send the item to committee. A motion to proceed with the amendment failed to achieve the required majority.
City staff presented a proposed zoning amendment to Chapter 5.67 and Title 19 that would increase minimum separation distances for cannabis retailers and add neighborhood‑specific restrictions. Presenter Kao Berzynski told the council the amendment would increase the buffer between retailers and sensitive uses "de 600 pies a 1000 pies" to prevent concentration and ensure compatibility.
Public callers raised procedural concerns about the application process and possible exclusions of applicants; an on‑line speaker said applicants felt they had not been given full opportunities to respond. Councilmembers debated whether to separate non‑retail uses (manufacturing, testing) from retail rules or keep the code changes bundled. Several members said state guidelines constrain local flexibility for non‑retail uses, while others supported splitting the measures for consistency.
A motion to amend or move the item as proposed failed for lack of the four votes required by council rules. Staff noted the city manager retains discretion to extend permit timeframes for previously identified sites, and members discussed returning the measure to committee for further review.
Because the motion did not garner the required majority, the ordinance change did not advance at the June 17 meeting; councilmembers asked staff to refine options and provide additional information to the council and affected applicants.
