Despite objections to change the city’s retail marijuana ordinance last month, municipal leaders could amend a distance requirement tonight.
Last month, the Cortez City Council refused to modify the law to allow commercial marijuana grow operations inside the industrial park, but they later decided that altered zoning restrictions were needed to accommodate a marijuana dispensary operating close to Parque de Vida.
City leaders could revise the setback requirement after a public hearing tonight at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
At question is whether a licensed medical marijuana dispensary at 1104 E. Main St. should be allowed to apply for a retail marijuana license at the same location. Language contained in Ordinance No. 1192 requires a 1,500-foot setback from public parks.
After learning of the zoning requirement, business partners Jonny Radding and Aaron Mills requested a waiver. Before legalizing retail marijuana in August, city officials told the ganjapreneurs a recreational operation would be permitted.
Officials said the 1,500-foot provision was inadvertently included when the 2014 retail marijuana law was drafted.
Instead of offering a waiver, City Attorney Mike Green suggested the council amend the current retail marijuana law to remove the parks setback requirement.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com
