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Planning commission weighs allowing second cannabis retailer, urges mayoral guidance
Summary
Commissioners discussed whether to change the city ordinance that limits Ocean Shores to a single cannabis retail license; they agreed to have the chair consult the mayor and requested staff research on locations, social-equity considerations, and state LCB constraints before drafting any code change.
The Ocean Shores Planning Commission on March 24 discussed a request to permit a second cannabis retail business in the city and outlined the procedural steps and constraints for allowing an additional license.
Commissioners were told the current city ordinance limits the city to one cannabis retail license. The commission heard that changing that limit would require a local code amendment; an applicant would additionally need to obtain a business license, pass planning review for spacing and location (school and park buffers were cited), and then petition the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board for a state retail license.
Commissioners and staff raised social-equity concerns and cautioned against drafting code changes tailored to a single applicant. Staff urged the commission to identify a reasonable cap for retail outlets (for example, considering whether the city could support five shops) and to avoid changes that would appear to benefit one party. A staff planner said, "We don't generally change code for 1 person."
The chair described potential public benefits — including medical access for seniors — noting that some local patrons use cannabis products for medical reasons. Commissioners asked staff to identify feasible locations under current code, and to check state LCB constraints. The commission gave the chair consensus to consult the mayor about whether the mayor would prefer the commission draft proposed changes or have the mayor's office present draft language to council.
Next steps: the chair will speak with the mayor; staff will do soft research on potential locations and the commission will return to the matter after the mayor's direction and additional staff analysis.
