The ordinance amendment to Title 10 of the City Code proposes several changes due to the recent legalization of cannabis in the state. The Planning Commission has spent significant time in work sessions over recent months to develop a comprehensive approach to the regulation of cannabis businesses. The ordinance introduces new definitions for cannabis-related activities, including cultivation, manufacturing, and retail. It also sets zoning regulations, allowing these activities as conditional uses in specific districts such as industrial and mixed-use areas. This means businesses must receive approval from the Planning Commission before operating.

Operational standards are also outlined in the proposed ordinance. It mandates that cannabis businesses provide evidence of a state license and adhere to specific hours of operation, similar to alcohol-related businesses, to maintain consistency and enforceability. For retail cannabis outlets, hours are proposed from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, with slightly reduced hours on Sundays. The Planning Commission intends for these regulations to provide a framework that enables the city to monitor and control cannabis-related activities effectively.

In another item, the commission addressed a request for the continuation of a public hearing concerning the combined preliminary and final plat on Ain Road. The applicant requested an extension to the January meeting to finalize modifications to their plans, which the commission approved.