Council introduces zoning amendment to regulate cannabis dispensaries as conditional use

The Shaker Heights City Council on July 13 introduced a zoning text amendment to add cannabis dispensary regulations to Part 12 of the city's zoning code, classifying dispensaries as a conditional use in commercially zoned districts.

Director Braverman, presenting the Planning Commission's recommendation, said the proposal would require dispensaries to comply with state licensing rules, maintain safety and security plans, and meet local design standards. Under the proposal, dispensaries could not be within 500 feet of a "sensitive use" (defined to include schools, libraries, parks, playgrounds and places of worship) and could not be located within one mile of another dispensary. Braverman summarized state and local requirements: "The state code also requires good lighting and surveillance cameras...and all logos and advertisements have to be approved by the state." He noted that no drive-through facilities would be permitted and that clear-vision glass would be required on storefronts.

Council members sought clarification on apparent tensions in the proposed standards—one council member noted the ordinance says activities "cannot be seen by the public" but also requires that windows not be blocked or tinted. Director Braverman explained the typical design approach: "So, there's a dispensary, let's say, on Coventry in Cleveland Heights with a big open storefront, but there's a false wall like 10 feet back, so you cannot see into the store." He said consultants who helped draft the code researched practices used in other communities.

Braverman said the ordinance is on first reading tonight; the second reading is scheduled for July 27 and a public hearing for Aug. 10, with third-reading action possible after that. The council left the item on first reading.