Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Annexation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council directs staff to move forward on enclave annexations for two retail marijuana stores and raises Longmont’s retail cap to six
Summary
Council voted 5–1 to proceed with city‑driven annexation ordinances for two enclave properties housing retail marijuana stores (JARS and Native Roots), to raise the city's retail cap from 4 to 6, and to allow a provisional license transfer during the transition.
Longmont city council directed staff to prepare ordinances to annex two county enclave properties that currently host retail marijuana businesses and to adjust Longmont’s licensing regulations so the stores can continue operating and be brought under city licensing and tax rules.
Staff identified the two properties as JARS at 250 S. Maine (just under 1 acre) and Native Roots at 19 S. Sunset (just under 2 acres). Grant Penland, director of planning and development services, said annexation would include a contemporaneous PUD (planned unit development) zoning to carry the properties in “as‑is” condition so existing improvements and operations can continue as nonconforming uses until any redevelopment. Dawn Quintana, city clerk, outlined proposed chapter 6.70 amendments to raise the retail cap from four to six and to allow the stores to keep the same license expiration and renew under city rules when their county renewal occurs. Native Roots submitted a letter requesting annexation be timed after an ownership transfer; council amended the draft to allow an exemption to the normal two‑year moratorium on license transfers to accommodate that sale.
Why it matters: Staff and several council members said annexation brings enclave properties under the city’s zoning and service agreements and ensures Longmont receives sales tax revenue rather than the county. Opponents said the step increases local sales taxes paid by cannabis purchasers and raised concerns that higher costs could redirect customers to neighboring dispensaries outside city limits.
The vote: Council directed staff to proceed with ordinances and code changes (motion carried 5–1, Council member Christ opposed). Council also approved a specific amendment to exempt the in‑progress license transfer from the city's two‑year transfer moratorium (carried 5–1).
Next steps: Staff will prepare annexation ordinances, revised licensing code and notice required for enclave annexations and return them for public hearings and readings. The city intends to maintain the businesses’ current operations pending formal renewal and licensing under city code.
