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City Council adopts adult-use cannabis overlay zone; licensing process set for June
Summary
Ellsworth adopted an adult-use cannabis overlay zone and confirmed the licensing timeline — license applications opened April 14 and complete applications will go before council on June 15 with a conditional approval/drawing if more than three eligible applicants apply.
On May 18 the Ellsworth City Council adopted an adult‑use cannabis overlay zone within the Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 56), concluding a public hearing and the required noticing steps for the ordinance amendment. The overlay sets the geographic area in which adult-use retail cannabis stores may locate and is the final step needed to align the city’s zoning with voters’ November 2024 referendum that approved adult-use cannabis.
What council approved: Planning & Urban Development Director Danielle Gift summarized the process: the planning board recommended the overlay after public review and staff completed the required notices; the application period for city licenses opened on April 14 for 30 days. Councilor Smith moved to approve the overlay amendment effective immediately (May 18, 2026); the motion was seconded and carried.
Licensing next steps: Staff explained that any complete applications will be scheduled for council consideration at the June 15 meeting; if more than three complete applications are received, the council will conditionally approve all eligible applicants and then hold a lottery/drawing the following week to determine who receives the limited number of licenses. The planning board and staff materials (included in the council packet) describe performance standards and the link between Chapter 14 (licenses and permits) and Chapter 56 (zoning) for next-step compliance.
Why it matters: The adoption implements the November 2024 voter decision and establishes the zoning framework to manage where adult-use stores may open. The council preserved the oversight role of the city: completed applications will be evaluated publicly, and a lottery will determine winners if demand exceeds available allocations.
What to watch for: Applications deemed complete will appear on the June 15 agenda; community members and applicants should consult the city’s licensing criteria and planned timeline. The council directed staff to continue coordinating zoning and licensing rules and to publish the planning board materials and application instructions.
