SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider Potential Introduction of an Ordinance for 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 Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Merit-Based Selection Criteria for Cannabis Dispensaries REPORT IN BRIEF On March 15, 2021, the City Council directed staff to make updates to the regulations regarding commercial cannabis businesses, including expanding the zones that allow cannabis businesses, expanding operating hours for dispensaries, and several changes regarding the merit-based selection criteria for dispensaries. This Ordinance and Resolution will implement those changes. RECOMMENDATION City Council- Adopt a motion: A. Approving Environmental Review #21-21 (Categorical Exemption); and, B. Introducing Ordinance 2532, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending Section 20.44.170, “Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activities- Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Required,” of the Merced Municipal Code; and, C. Adopting Resolution 2021-82, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Approving Updated Merit-Based Selection Criteria for Scoring Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Applications for which there are a Limited Number of Permits Available.

Public Hearing Item Passed Introduced August 5, 2021

Committee: City Council/Public Finance and Economic Development Authority/Parking Authority
Introduced: August 5, 2021
On agenda: September 20, 2021
Passed: September 20, 2021