SUBJECT: Zoning Ordinance Amendment #21-02, initiated by the City of Merced, Amending Section 20.44.170 “Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activities - Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Required” of the Merced Municipal Code and Amendment of Merit-Based Selection Criteria for Cannabis Dispensaries. *PUBLIC HEARING* ACTION: PLANNING COMMISSION: Recommendation to City Council 1) Environmental Review #21-21 (Categorical Exemption) 2) Zoning Ordinance Amendment #21-02 3) Draft Resolution re: Merit-Based Criteria CITY COUNCIL: Approve/Disapprove/Modify 1) Environmental Review #21-21 (Categorical Exemption) 2) Zoning Ordinance Amendment #21-02 3) Resolution re: Merit-Based Criteria SUMMARY On March 15, 2021, the City Council directed staff to make updates to the regulations regarding commercial cannabis businesses. The changes include expanding the zones that allow cannabis businesses, expanding operating hours for dispensaries, and several changes regarding the merit-based selection criteria for dispensaries. Staff is recommending approval. RECOMMENDATION Planning staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval to the City Council of Environmental Review #21-21 [Categorical Exemption], Zoning Ordinance Amendment #21-02, and the draft Resolution regarding the Merit-Based Criteria (per the Planning Commission Resolution at Attachment A).

Committee

Planning Commission

Introduced

July 19, 2021

On agenda

August 4, 2021