Update zoning rules for commercial cannabis businesses and pause new approvals

CannabisGovernanceOrdinance

In Plain English

The city currently has no specific zoning rules for adult-use cannabis businesses like dispensaries and manufacturing facilities. This ordinance creates new standards for where these businesses can operate and what requirements they must meet. If approved, no new adult-use cannabis businesses can open until the city finalizes these regulations.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

To introduce said ordinance as drafted with the following amendment to Section 2: 'Notwithstanding the foregoing, currently permitted dispensaries shall be permitted to sell adult-use cannabis under their existing permits consistent with state law and with the required state license(s) for a temporary period from January 1, 2018, until the City's regulations regarding adult-use cannabis businesses go into effect at which time they must comply with the new regulations', and lay said ordinance over for two weeks

Passed

7 to 0

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Why This Vote Matters

The council unanimously approved the first step toward creating zoning rules for cannabis dispensaries and manufacturing facilities, which the city currently lacks. The ordinance will temporarily freeze new adult-use cannabis businesses from opening while allowing existing dispensaries to continue selling recreational cannabis under their current permits. This matters because it begins the process of regulating where cannabis businesses can operate in the city and what standards they must meet. The ordinance now goes through a two-week review period before final approval, which is standard procedure for new regulations.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.

Other motions

To maintain the status-quo of existing practices and reach out to stakeholders regarding a timeline and crafting an ordinance to preferably be adopted by the end of year 2017

Failed

To not introduce said ordinance and work with stakeholders to draft an ordinance for adoption by the Planning Commission and City Council

Failed

To not introduce said ordinance and continue to develop policies best for the City of Richmond, develop language that protects the city and its three existing cannabis dispensary businesses, and allow temporary permits for those existing dispensaries

Failed

To introduce said ordinance as drafted with an amendment from the city attorney to grandfather in the City of Richmond's three existing cannabis dispensary businesses for adult-use

Failed

Public Comments

2 people commented (2 spoke at the meeting).

Community Discussion

This discussion was submitted to the City Clerk as part of the public record.

Comments are submitted to the Richmond City Clerk before the meeting. By commenting, you agree to have your name and comment included in the public record.