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Committee votes to remove numeric cap on local cannabis licenses; maps and setbacks to be shown to council
Summary
The Committee of the Whole voted 5–2 to remove the local ordinance language that capped retail cannabis licenses (the 'one to two' cap), effectively allowing the council to grant licenses subject to zoning setbacks; staff was directed to prepare maps showing how new setbacks affect locations.
The Committee of the Whole on Aug. 27 voted to remove a numeric cap in the local cannabis ordinance that had limited council-authorized retail licenses to one or two. Proponents said removing the cap would not automatically flood the city with new stores because existing zoning setbacks (schools, playgrounds) and B‑6 zoning would still constrain locations.
"What you're saying then is that must give two would be removed and there would be no limit or no cap on the number that the council could grant," one councilor summarized during discussion. Opponents urged a more deliberative work-session review before adopting change, arguing that evaluation criteria and the matrix used to score applicants remain subjective.
After debate the motion to strike the numeric limitation passed 5–2; councilors asked staff to provide maps showing the impact of the revised setbacks, particularly along Lincoln and B‑6 areas, before the council votes. Staff was asked to reflect the ordinance change in the draft for Tuesday night so the council can consider the updated language.
What’s next: the change will go to the City Council for a final vote; staff will prepare setback maps and the updated ordinance language for the council packet.
