Update zoning rules for commercial cannabis businesses and pause new approvals
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
7 to 0
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
FailedTo not introduce said ordinance and work with stakeholders to draft an ordinance for adoption by the Planning Commission and City Council
FailedTo 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
FailedTo 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
FailedPublic Comments
2 people commented (2 spoke at the meeting).
Similar Discussions
5 related items found by meaning
Add new zoning rules for adult-use cannabis businesses
Adopt revised law allowing commercial marijuana businesses and personal cannabis use
Update zoning laws to regulate adult-use cannabis businesses
Amend medical marijuana law to clarify dispensary rules and remove location limits
Update marijuana business rules and add personal use regulations
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