Title
Staff Report for Amendments to the Medical Cannabis Dispensary Ordinance
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In order to implement the City Council’s direction, staff recommends that the City Council review proposed amendments to the previously adopted Medical Cannabis Dispensary Ordinance that allows a second dispensary permit to be awarded. In addition, staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed minor technical amendments that would incorporate industry best practices while allowing for more effective regulation of the two permitted dispensaries.
BACKGROUND & ANALYSIS
Following extensive dialogue with the community and numerous City Council discussions, on December 16, 2013, the City Council approved a medical cannabis dispensary ordinance to facilitate the approval, regulation and operation of medical cannabis dispensaries in San Leandro. Contained within that ordinance was Section 4-33-200(c), which states: “The City shall issue no more than one (1) valid permit for the operation of dispensaries in the City.”
Based upon subsequent City Council directions at its December 21, 2015 regular meeting, staff recommends that the City Council approve edits to the above-referenced section of the ordinance to eliminate the provision that the City shall issue no more than one (1) valid permit, and replace that provision to state: “The City shall issue no more than two (2) valid permits for the operation of dispensaries in the City.”
In addition, staff recommends that the City Council adopt several minor technical amendments to the adopted ordinance (identified with track changes), which have been identified by City staff to meet industry best-practices while ensuring the effective regulation of the permitted dispensaries.
ATTACHMENTS
• Amended Dispensary Ordinance
• Amended Dispensary Ordinance Showing Track Changes
PREPARED BY: Eric Engelbart, Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager’s Office