COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater City Council introduced an ordinance on Monday evening that would delay the acceptance of recreational marijuana retail establishment license applications in the Central and General Business Districts for 45 days.
This would give city staff time to present possible solutions to the Planning Commission and the Council concerning a 1,000 foot separation distance in the two districts.
City Attorney Megan Angell said in addition to the separation distances, the zoning ordinance provided that all establishments must be at least 500 feet from schools and property in any residential zone. Due to the space limitations in the C-2 Central Business District with the setbacks and the separation distance, Angell said it appears that there is only the potential for a single marijuana retail establishment in this district.
Angell feared legal action would be taken against the city if the matter is not taken care of.
If the ordinance is passed by the City Council during their August 24 meeting, the first day license applications in the Central and General Business Districts can be accepted would be pushed back from September 1 to October 16.
The original September first application acceptance date for establishments in the D-2 Heavy Industrial District would remain in place.
