Rangely council adopts emergency ordinance to regulate ‘natural medicine’ businesses

The Rangely Town Council voted Jan. 28 to adopt Emergency Ordinance 703, 2025, which adds local regulations governing so-called "natural medicine" businesses.

The ordinance, described at the meeting as an emergency measure, narrows where such businesses may operate — limited to industrially zoned areas — and establishes operational constraints the town says are compatible with state statute. Council members and staff repeatedly noted that state law constrains what the town may do and that the ordinance works within those limits.

"We're not allowed to say we don't want it here in town, but we can limit times and locations," said Council member Kyle (first reference: Kyle, council member). Hospital providers had flagged concerns about weekend operations and potential strain on emergency services, Kyle said. The council also discussed sewer and waste handling requirements; one member said the town could require specialized sewer or drainage systems paid for by the operator.

Council members cited a roughly 1,000-foot buffer in state rules that limits where businesses may be placed near sensitive uses. Multiple speakers said the town had limited discretion under state statute and that the ordinance attempts to define the "time, place and manner" of operations the state left open. The transcript records an operational-hours phrase rendered as "82 noon on weekdays," which the council characterized as daytime weekday hours; the council and staff said exact time-language in the municipal code can be amended later if needed.

The adoption drew an emotional comment from one council member who criticized state lawmakers for removing local control. "This is almost a power grab by our state legislators," the member said, adding they felt the change criminalized local officials who disagreed with the law. Other members responded that the ordinance represents the limits of what the town can legally impose and that passing rules now allows the council to tighten or revise them later if problems arise.

The motion to adopt the emergency ordinance was made, seconded and carried on a voice vote. The ordinance was introduced and approved in the same meeting under the town's emergency procedure; no formal roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

The council indicated staff will monitor implementation and may return with amendments if operational problems arise or further clarifications are needed. The ordinance text was described at the meeting as adding three regulated elements: where the businesses may locate, when they may operate and the manner of operation consistent with state statute.

The council adjourned at 7:37 p.m. after completing several other routine items.