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Sterling council approves marijuana tax and expands allowed marijuana sales zones
Summary
The Sterling City Council on Jan. 14 approved Ordinance No. 10 to implement the voter-approved marijuana tax and Ordinance No. 11 to add marijuana sales as a use by right in several zoning districts; citizens raised concerns about the zoning map’s transparency and the definition of residential areas.
The Sterling City Council on Jan. 14 approved two ordinances to implement a voter-approved marijuana tax and to expand where marijuana retailers may operate in the city.
Ordinance No. 10, described by City Manager Blankenship, adds Article VIII to Chapter 19 of the Sterling City Code to implement the marijuana tax approved by the Nov. 5, 2024 election. The ordinance specifies that net revenues derived from the tax will be deposited into the city’s general undesignated fund. City Clerk Forbes read the ordinance by title; with no public testimony the council approved the ordinance on a motion from Councilmember Haynes seconded by Councilmember Raffaeli. The motion passed by a seven-yes vote.
The council also approved Ordinance No. 11, which amends Appendix A (Zoning) to add “Marijuana Sales—Medical” and “Marijuana Sales—Retail” as permitted uses by right in the Community Business (CB), Central Business District (CBD), Light Industrial (LI) and Heavy Industrial (HI) zoning classifications, and to add related special regulations in Section 713. City Clerk Forbes read the ordinance by title. During the public hearing, citizen commenter Collin Mudd said the marijuana zoning map appeared more restrictive than the ordinance and asked for clearer definitions of “residential” and for improved transparency in application responses. Councilmember Wolf moved approval; Councilmember Haynie seconded. The motion passed by a seven-yes vote.
Why it matters: the tax creates a local revenue stream that the ordinance directs to the general undesignated fund; the zoning change allows dispensaries in additional commercial and industrial districts, which could affect where retailers locate in Sterling. Several public commenters asked the council to ensure the city’s zoning map and application materials match the ordinance language and to clarify how “residential” is defined for buffer or siting requirements.
Actions at the meeting included formal second readings and votes, each approved on a 7–0 tally. There were no recorded abstentions or no votes.
The council closed the public hearings with no further testimony and moved on to other business.
