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Council advances first reading to rezone property for cannabis cultivation after neighbor questions odor and security
Summary
At the July 21 meeting the St. James City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 038 (4th series) to rezone a parcel to general industrial for a wholesale cannabis cultivation operation; the applicant described seed-to-product operations and OCM regulation, while a nearby resident said she had concerns about residential proximity, odor and waste disposal.
The St. James City Council on July 21 advanced a rezoning application on first reading that would change a property from B-2 Service Business to General Industrial to allow a cannabis cultivation operation.
The applicant, Bill, addressed the council and described the proposed facility as a cultivation site that will operate “seed to finished product,” with staggered plant stages and monthly harvests. Bill said the facility will be wholesale-only and will not sell to walk-up customers: “Nobody will be able to walk up to the building and buy anything directly from us.” He said processed plant material may be used for oils or other wholesale products sold to local dispensaries and that the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will regulate security and ventilation requirements.
A nearby resident and council member Mary raised concerns about the location within a residential area. Mary said, “I do have a a bit of an issue with it being located within, residential area and families,” noting homes and grandchildren within about 25 feet of the site. Council members and the applicant discussed odor control and waste processing; staff and the applicant said the OCM-required ventilation systems and fenced, limited access would be part of the facility’s compliance.
Council members asked whether retail sales would occur from the site; the applicant and staff said no retail sales would be allowed from the cultivation building under the current proposal. After questions and discussion, council member moved, seconded and the council approved the first reading of Ordinance 038 (4th series) to rezone the property; the council indicated the second reading will occur at the next meeting.
The item drew the meeting’s most sustained public questioning on land use, public-safety controls and neighborhood impacts. The council did not adopt final rezoning at this meeting — the ordinance passed first reading and will return for a second reading and final vote.
