SUBJECT: Introducing Zoning Ordinance Amendment #23-01, Initiated by the City of Merced this Application Involves Changes to the Merced Zoning Ordinance (Title 20 of the Merced Municipal Code) Which Amends Merced Municipal Code Section 20.44.170 (Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activities - Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Required); This Amendment Increases the Maximum Number of Retail Cannabis Dispensaries Allowed Within the City from Five to Up to Ten, Add a New Section Allowing Council Consideration of Alternative Sites for Retail Cannabis Business Applications Under Appeal, Include Local Ownership Requirements for Cannabis Retail Permits Issued After November 3, 2021, and Various Other Amendments REPORT IN BRIEF Considers introducing an Ordinance amending Section 20.44.170 of the Merced Municipal Code Regarding Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activities - Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Required, which would increasing the number of cannabis retail permits (from 5 to up to 10), allow alternative sites for retail cannabis business applications under appeal, and including local ownership requirements for commercial cannabis retail permits issues after November 3, 2021. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Adopting a Categorical Exemption (Environmental Review #23-12); and, B. Introducing Ordinance 2550, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, CA, amending section 20.44.170 “Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activities - Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Required” of the Merced Municipal Code.

Public Hearing Item Passed Introduced June 29, 2023

Committee: City Council/Public Finance and Economic Development Authority/Parking Authority
Requested by: Development Services Department
Introduced: June 29, 2023
On agenda: July 17, 2023
Passed: July 17, 2023