Agenda Date: 12/01/2020
Subject:
Title
Ordinance 48-2020: An ordinance on second reading amending Chapter 21, of Title 3, of the Littleton City Code regarding retail marijuana establishments
Body
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Prepared by: |
Reid Betzing, City Attorney |
PURPOSE:
To approve on second reading an ordinance amending Chapter 21, of Title 3, of the Littleton City Code regarding retail marijuana establishments.
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): Reid Betzing, City Attorney and Colleen L. Norton, City
Clerk
Additional Presenter(s): N/A
SUMMARY:
Citizen initiated ballot measure 300 went to the registered electors of the City of Littleton on November 3, 2020.
“Shall existing medical marijuana center licensees in the City of Littleton be permitted to sell retail marijuana on and after January 1, 2021?”
Election Results: Yes: 17,057 (64.8%)
No: 9,260 (35.1%)
In order to effectuate the vote of the citizens prior to January 1st it is necessary to make certain amendments to our licensing code concerning retail marijuana establishments.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
A study session occurred on November 10, 2020 to discuss and get direction of some of the changes that would need to occur.
This ordinance passed on first reading on November 17, 2020.
ANALYSIS:
Staff Analysis
Based on the passage of the ballot measure amendments to the existing retail marijuana ordinance need to occur.
Currently, retail marijuana establishments are not allowed pursuant to the City’s Code, nor is there any licensing procedure. The changes proposed to Chapter 21 of Title 3 are in many respects the same applicable provisions to medical marijuana centers.
Key changes: MMC’s seeking to do both retail and medical in their existing locations are deemed in conformance with existing business licensing code as well as by use.
Added licensing clarification that allows a licensee to transfer their license.
Council Goal, Objective, and/or Guiding Principle
Littleton will remain ENGAGED and civic-minded in all matters affecting the direction and
priorities of city government and the community.
Fiscal Impacts
The allowance of retail marijuana establishments has been posited to generate additional sales tax revenue for the City.
Alternatives
To not amend the City Code which would put the City at high risk of litigation and at risk for having no regulations in place by January 1, 2021.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff believes the proposed changes are necessary to effectuate the vote of the people.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the ordinance on second reading amending sections of Chapter 21, of Title 3, of the Littleton City Code regarding retail marijuana establishments.