Planning commission approves marijuana retail conditional use permit at 9701 East Palmer Highway

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission voted Aug. 17, 2026 to approve Resolution 26-12, granting a conditional use permit for a marijuana retail facility proposed at 9701 East Palmer Highway. Wade Long, Development Services Manager, told commissioners the application met the applicable standards in MSB code and that staff received no public comments during the notice period. "Staff respectfully recommends approval of the conditional use permit to operate a marijuana retail facility at 9701 East Palmer Highway with conditions," Long said.

Attorney Jana Welton spoke for the applicant and introduced owner-operator Olivia Willis, who the attorney said has managed multiple retail stores since 2015 and has a strong compliance record. "Olivia has many, many years of experience in this industry," Welton said, describing Willis's familiarity with seed-to-sale tracking systems. The applicant said the proposed operation will occupy a newly constructed commercial building of about 1,632 square feet; staff added a condition requiring submission of an approved State of Alaska DOT driveway permit prior to operation.

Commissioner McCabe moved to approve the resolution and Commissioner Fonoff seconded; with no objections the commission approved Resolution 26-12 as written. Because the public hearing drew no testimony, commissioners relied on staff findings and applicant statements; the condition on the driveway permit remains a gating requirement before the business may open.