Council seeks more information before referring cannabis microbusiness at 1698 Main St. to planning

Council discussed a proposal for a state-licensed cannabis microbusiness at 1698 Main Street and directed staff to provide additional information before moving forward with referrals or approvals.

Planning Director Carol Sammel said staff—s interpretation is that the proposed operation could qualify as a small manufacturing use under the C-3 zoning classification and therefore require a council special permit; she recommended referring the matter to the Planning Commission for an interpretation and input on special-permit conditions that would mitigate neighborhood impacts.

Councilors raised concerns about odors, ventilation and proximity to existing tenants (including youth programs and food producers in the same building). Sammel said the applicant provided hydroponic, sealed grow rooms and filtration plans and that the State—s license includes requirements for security, signage and air-handling; she said staff would circulate the state summaries and application materials to the council.

Some members asked that staff revisit the city—s cannabis zoning text and consider a text amendment to clarify allowed uses and conditions before sending the application on. Council also asked Corporation Counsel and staff to confirm whether a municipality—s opt-in/opt-out stance for dispensaries applies the same way to microbusinesses that do not sell on-site.

No special permit was approved; staff will provide the Planning Commission materials, one-page state summaries and legal guidance to help council decide next steps.