June 15, 2019
June 27, 2019 Article has been revised to read: *In addition to 1,000-foot buffer between churches, schools and daycares, which would be measured by the shortest legally available walking path, the city plans to limit the hours of operation to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for customers.
Mallory Herrmann
citydesk@lstribune.net
In another step toward availability of medical marijuana in Lee’s Summit, the city council’s community and economic development committee (CEDC) has recommended new unified development ordinance (UDO) regulations. The requirements, which include a 1,000-foot buffer between any medical marijuana facility and schools, churches, and daycares, will get a public hearing in front of the planning commission before consideration for approval by the full city council.
David Bushek, chief counsel of economic development for the city, explained that they will need to be careful to ensure all changes are made in accordance with – and not in conflict with – the constitutional amendment passed by the state.
Each of the committee members was careful to assure the public that they, and their fellow councilmembers, will be making decisions related to medical marijuana with caution and plenty of due diligence. Per state requirements, municipalities can implement a buffer of up to 1,000 feet between medical marijuana facilities and any churches, schools, or daycare centers. They cannot outlaw medical marijuana facilities entirely or make it “unduly burdensome” for residents to access medical marijuana.
*In addition to 1,000-foot buffer between churches, schools and daycares, which would be measured by the shortest legally available walking path, the city is seeking to limit hours of operations for customers between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily.
According to the constitutional amendment, there will be a limit of 24 permits for dispensaries per congressional district. Some residents voiced concerns about there being as many as 24 dispensaries in Lee’s Summit, but city staff assured them that will not be the case. Lee’s Summit incorporates parts of Missouri’s 4th, 5th and 6th congressional districts, which extend beyond the city and into the broader metropolitan area.
The committee includes Diane Forte, Fred DeMoro, Craig Faith and Beto Lopez from the city council, as well as Donnie Funk from the planning commission. They voted unanimously to recommend the ordinance at their June 12 meeting.
The planning commission will consider the proposed rules at their June 27 session and the city council is expected to review them on July 9.
