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Community Corner

Kirkland allows recreational marijuana sales in certain Light Industrial zones; Prohibits in Market Street Zones and properties abutting Kirkland School Walk Routes

The City of Kirkland has adopted revised interim zoning regulations for recreational marijuana sales within City limits.  These regulations are in addition to the restrictions required by the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB). The zoning regulations are initially effective for six months and allow marijuana retail uses in certain Light Industrial zones and prohibit retail marijuana uses in the Market Street Corridor (MSC) Zones 1 and 2 and on properties abutting Kirkland School Walk Routes. Following a two-hour public hearing, the Kirkland City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 4439.  Ordinance 4439 also establishes enforcement authority as defined in Kirkland Municipal Code 1.12, “Code Enforcement.”  Prior to the Public Hearing, the City Council adopted Kirkland School Walk Routes based upon the suggested Lake Washington School District elementary school walk routes. To view Ordinance O-4439, the adopted School Walk Route Map and the March 18th staff memo and meeting video, go to www.kirklandwa.gov/I-502.

 

Ordinance O-4439 continues the prohibition of marijuana sales in MSC Zone 1 which extends along Market Street from 8th Avenue to 19th Avenue as established by Ordinance O-4434 adopted on February 4, 2014.  Ordinance O-4439 further prohibits such use in MSC Zone 2 which is a small retail center located on the west side of Market Street between 14th Avenue West and 16th Avenue West because of its adjacency to several school walk routes.  Marijuana retail outlets licensed by the WSLCB and that are fully conforming to state law may locate in zones where Retail Establishments are allowed; Light Industrial Technology (LIT) zones, and in the Totem Lake (TL) 7 and 9 zones.  Further, marijuana retail uses shall not be allowed to locate on any property abutting a street segment or public right-of-way segment that includes a Kirkland School Walk Route.

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The adoption of Ordinance O-4439 repealed Ordinance O-4434.  The interim regulations adopted under Ordinance O-4439 are effective for six months, but may be effective for up to one year if a work plan is developed for additional study and another public hearing is held by the City Council.

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During City Council deliberation, members expressed interest in establishing a means of gathering stakeholder input for the development of permanent regulations.  Also, Councilmembers expressed the desire to address Kirkland’s concerns about issues regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana with State and Federal legislators.

 

For more information about the interim regulations, contact Eric Shields, Director, Planning and Community Development, at 425-587-3226 or eshields@kirklandwa.gov

 

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