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Washington council approves special‑use permit for adult‑use cannabis dispensary at 2961 Centennial Drive
Summary
After extended debate about youth exposure and revenue uses, the Washington City Council voted to approve a special‑use permit allowing an adult‑use cannabis dispensary at 2961 Centennial Drive, subject to conditions on hours, signage, landscaping and nontransferability.
The Washington City Council on May 18 approved an ordinance granting a special‑use permit to allow an adult‑use cannabis dispensing organization at 2961 Centennial Drive, the site proposed by Zeppelin Enterprises LLC (doing business as Keith Cannabis).
City Administrator Fagan Shue summarized the ordinance and its conditions, saying the operation would be subject to state law, limited to patrons 21 and older, restricted to hours between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and would have no outdoor seating or drive‑through service. Signage must avoid plant imagery and slang, and landscaping minimums and a nontransferability clause were included in the ordinance.
The council debated the proposal at length. Preston Schluter said he had reviewed public feedback and would "more than likely be a no" on this matter. Alderson Mike McIntyre said he would vote no based on personal values though he acknowledged the business met technical criteria. Alderson Bobby Martin argued the dispensary could serve medical needs and suggested council consider directing tax revenue to lower the property‑tax levy and to sidewalks and community safety. Aldersons Jamie Smith and Michael Ernst said regulation, age limits and tracking reduce certain risks and cited the potential revenue stream to help pay for municipal needs.
Smith made the motion to approve the ordinance; John Blundy seconded. The roll call recorded three nays—Brandon Moss, Mike McIntyre and Todd Sluder—and affirmative votes from Bobby Martin, Jamie Smith, Michael Ernst, Paula Johnson and John Blundy; the motion carried and the ordinance was adopted. Mayor Liliya Stevens said she would have voted yes in the event of a tie.
Council members said they plan to return in June to debate a policy framework for allocating any future cannabis tax revenue; City Administrator Shue said revenues likely will not be collected until 2027 and staff will present options for targeted use.
The ordinance includes the explicit operational limits and design standards described by staff; the adoption allows the business to operate subject to compliance with state requirements and the conditions set by the city.
