Pine Island approves cannabis ordinance, zoning amendments and public-smoking rule

The Pine Island City Council moved forward with a package of local rules for cannabis businesses and public smoking during its final meeting of 2024.

On a second reading, the council approved Ordinance 173, which sets buffer distances and local licensing rules for cannabis businesses. Staff explained the council's packet proposes 500-foot buffers around schools, park features, daycares and residential treatment facilities; Planning & Zoning recommended a larger 1,000-foot buffer around schools. "We are looking out for the best interest of the community," a council speaker said while relaying a conversation with a pastor who wanted council to consider the state's developing guidance.

Council also approved Ordinance 174 to add the 13 different cannabis business license types into the city's zoning code, with staff explaining how cultivation, manufacturing and retail might be placed in appropriate districts (for example, light industrial for cultivation and manufacturing). The council adopted Resolution 2462 and Resolution 2463 to allow summary publication of the ordinances in the newspaper and to make the full ordinances available at City Hall and the library and online.

Separately the council approved Ordinance 175 to regulate public smoking (the rule targets smoking as a method of consumption in parks, recreational facilities and near building entrances). Council members said the ordinance is focused on smoking specifically and does not attempt to regulate other consumption methods. All motions were moved, seconded and approved by the council members present.