On May 18, 2020, the Kalamazoo City Commission approved zoning, licensing, and social equity components to permit adult use marihuana in the city. Ordinances will take effect on May 28, 2020. Additional information, applications, and licensing requirements will be posted here shortly.
Chapter 50, Zoning of Marihuana Businesses
Chapter 20B, Marihuana Commercial Business Ordinance
Adult Use Marihuana Social Equity Policy (43 KB) Draft (pending City Commission Approval)
Information about the development of the ordinance is available below.
On October 7, 2019, the City Commission adopted Ordinance 2000 to delay the City’s opt-in of permitting commercial adult-use marihuana establishments in the City until June 1, 2020. Adoption of this ordinance permitted City staff to bring proposed zoning and licensing ordinances to the City Commission in conformance with the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, which was adopted by voter initiative in November 2018.
In January 2020 a public participation plan was developed along with a timeframe for the process of crafting an Adult Use Marihuana Ordinance and Social Equity Policy. Several public meetings were held throughout February, March, and April to obtain feedback from the public on the development of an Adult Use Marihuana ordinance and a social equity policy. Meeting topics included legislation, differences between medical / adult use facility types, and the social equity program at the State level.
Draft ordinances and policies are available below as well as potential land use maps, and other resources. A first reading of the proposed ordinances is expected at the May 4 City Commission meeting, as is scheduling a public hearing to occur on May 18. Following the public hearing, the City Commission will consider the proposal for approval.
Adult Use Marihuana Town Hall Q&A (136 KB)
Planning Commission Meeting Packet, April 15, 2020 (without maps) (646 KB)
Proposed Land Area Maps for Facility License Types in Proposed Ordinance:
Consumption Lounge, Potential Land Map (1.58 MB)
Safety Compliance, Potential Land Map (1.91 MB)
Microbusiness, Potential Land Map (1.92 MB)
Retailer, Potential Land Map (1.65 MB)
Grower, Potential Land Map (1.57 MB)
Completion of Adult Use Marihuana Ordinace Due is expect by June 1. For questions related to adult use marihuana, please contact Pete Eldridge, Assistant City Planner, EldridgeP@kalamazoocity.org.
PROJECT MANAGER:
Pete Eldridge, Assistant City Planner, EldridgeP@kalamazoocity.org
OBJECTIVES
Create an ordinance for Adult Use (Recreational) Marihuana based on community input.
Develop a social equity policy to assist local entrepreneurs.
Develop local licensing process for Adult Use Marihuana Facilities
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN
The City will consult with citizens and those in the industry to obtain valuable feedback. In addition to this outreach staff will also be attending neighborhood meetings in late February and March.
STAFFING
Community Planning & Economic Development, City Attorney’s Office, City Clerk’s Office
CONSISTENT WITH PLANS
Master Plan, Strategic Vision, Public Participation Plan
VISION
To put in place a framework of regulations to allow a balanced implementation of Adult Use Marihuana facilities in Kalamazoo. This is what the citizens voted in favor of in 2018. This will allow another component of the marihuana industry to legally begin operating in the City of Kalamazoo.
STRATEGIC VISION GOALS
Shared Prosperity, Economic Vitality
METRICS
Completion of Ordinance
BUDGET
Staff Time