Planning Commission Staff Report
Report Prepared by: Francisco Mendoza-Gonzalez, Associate Planner, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Zoning Ordinance Amendment #23-01, initiated by the City of Merced. This application involves changes to the Merced Zoning Ordinance (Title 20 of the Merced Municipal Code) which would amend Merced Municipal Code Section 20.44.170 (Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activities - Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Required). This amendment would increase the maximum number of retail cannabis dispensaries allowed within the City from five to up to ten, add a new section allowing Council consideration of alternative sites for retail cannabis business applications under appeal, include local ownership requirements for cannabis retail permits issued after November 3, 2021, and various other amendments.
ACTION: PLANNING COMMISSION:
Recommendation to City Council
1) Environmental Review #23-12 (Categorical Exemption)
2) Zoning Ordinance Amendment #23-01
CITY COUNCIL:
Approve/Disapprove/Modify
1) Environmental Review #23-12 (Categorical Exemption)
2) Zoning Ordinance Amendment #23-01
SUMMARY
The City is proposing modifications to the City's current cannabis ordinance found under Merced Municipal Code Section 20.44.170 - Regulations of Commercial Cannabis Activities - Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Required. During the City Council meeting of March 20, 2023, the Council discussed potential modifications to the ordinance and directed staff to modify various sections of the ordinance. This ordinance amendment would increase the number of retail cannabis permits from 5 to up to 10, allow Council to consider alternative sites for retail cannabis business permit applications under appeal, include local ownership requirements for cannabis retail permits issued after November 3, 2021, and other minor procedural clarifications and modifications.
RECOMMENDATION
Planning staff recommends that the Planning Commission rec...
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