Report Prepared by: Michael Hren, Principal Planner, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Public Hearing - Adoption of a Categorical Exemption (Environmental Review #19-01) and Introducing an Ordinance Amending Section 20.44.170 "Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activities - Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Required" of the Merced Municipal Code
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the review of proposed updates to Section 20.44.170 of the Zoning Ordinance, pertaining to modifications and clarifications of the regulations on commercial cannabis business permits, including the addition of a new license for a retail sales dispensary.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving a Categorical Exemption (Environmental Review #19-01) and introducing Ordinance 2498, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending Section 20.44.170, "Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activities - Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Required," of the Merced Municipal Code.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the Ordinance, as recommended by Planning Commission and staff; or,
2. Approve the Ordinance, subject to modification by City Council (identify specific items to be amended in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items (to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to a future City Council meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code Section 20.80, "Zoning Ordinance Amendments" spell out procedures for amending the Zoning Ordinance.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
The City of Merced's regulations regarding commercial cannabis businesses have been in effect since January 3, 2018. In order to ensure that the City's process continues to function in an effective and timely fashion, amendments to the language are proposed. These amendments are based on a number of factors, including observation of the process since the initia...
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