Jefferson City proposes zoning regulations for medical marijuana

By Brandon Dunn

On May 20, the Jefferson City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a proposed zoning code amendment that was unanimously recommended for approval by the Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Commission at a hearing in April.

The proposal amends the city zoning code and outlines regulations for medical marijuana facilities within city limits.

The proposal applies only to cultivation, testing, and manufacturing facilities. The proposed amendment replicates the 1000 foot buffer zone for existing elementary and secondary schools, child care centers, and churches found in Amendment 2.

The proposal provides that medical marijuana cultivation facilities, testing facilities, and infused products manufacturing facilities, would only be permitted in M-1 Light Industrial and M-2 General Industrial districts within the city.

Commissioner Blake Markus openly questioned whether the 1,000-foot buffer could create legal issues since the proposal did not include a measurement method, the commission took the proactive step of recommending approval of the code amendment to align the method of measuring the 1,000-foot separation with Department of Health and Senior Services’ rules.

City Planner Ahnna Nanoski said that city staff will present a separate proposal for ordinances related to medical marijuana dispensaries at a later date.