Title
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING DIVISION 3 OF ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 8 OF THE COMMERCE CITY REVISED MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO MARIJUANA BUSINESSES BY ADDING NEW SECTIONS RELATED TO SECURITY AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Body
Summary and Background Information:
On May 13, 2024, the City Clerk presented an overview of the marijuana moratorium that was enacted in 2023 and set to expire on July 31, 2024. During the study session, the City Council expressed interest in extending the moratorium so a number of items related to the licensing and regulation of marijuana stores such as the installation of concrete bollards to prevent vehicle break-ins, increased security standards for the storage of products, and exploring potential caps on the number of stores in the City.
On July 15, 2024, City Council passed Ordinance 2567. This ordinance extended the moratorium on new retail and medical marijuana store license in Wards I and II in the City by another six months to allow staff to continue to explore the ideas proposed above. Staff has drafted proposed increased security and design standards for new marijuana businesses that would open after the moratorium expired (the regulations would not be retroactive for existing licensees).
On November 25, 2024, City Council heard a presentation on draft security standards and had no objection to the standards as drafted. Those standards are incorporated into this ordinance for official adoption by Council.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Dylan A. Gibson, City Clerk
Staff Member Presenting: Dylan A. Gibson, City Clerk
Financial Impact: None.
Funding Source: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Approve the ordinance
Suggested Motion: I move to introduce Ordinance 2565 by Council as seated and approve on first reading.