Agenda is here:
Agenda Packet is here: (for Retail Marijuana Discussion only; no documents available for Encampment Permit discussion)
Planning Commission Report is here:
Disclaimer: I am still learning the City system and process. I took notes on things that stood out to me; I highly recommend you watch the video of the session and draw your own conclusions. If I’ve posted something you feel is in error, please message me or leave a comment at the bottom of this post. I’ll correct any issues that are incorrect EXCEPT opinions (because opinions are mine and you may have a different viewpoint. It’s still a free country.)
Video not posted at the time of this blog; but can be found here:
First off, a THANK YOU to the Redmond City Council who waded through 2 of the most unpleasant topics I can think of in the same night. They gave the issues careful consideration, not everyone agreed and decisions were made.
Retail Marijuana Zoning
Glossary:
MP (Manufacturing Park)
BP (Business Park)
GC (General Commercial)
UC (Urban Centers)
OV (Overlake Village)
WSLCB (Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board)
OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction)
Buffer — the distance or area surrounding a location under consideration
This is not the first study session on this topic; and there were updates offered by the COR staff based on the Issue Matrix (see Packet above).
Most discussion centered around WHERE Retail businesses could/would be allowed. Council wanted the stores to be in visible locations, but not necessarily in the core retail areas. Manufacturing zones not acceptable as Retail Marijuana is not a manufactured product and did not meet the criteria of being an “adjunct” store; similar to a deli in a manufacturing park (MP) zone because the employees of the various businesses could eat lunch there; OR a business that produced shipping boxes having a small retail store on site to sell the product they produced.
Other cities sell in retail products zone (see matrix) and BP; however Council wanted businesses NOT to be located in the back of BP to provide more transparency and safety. There are also buffers from street fronts and regulations for signage, etc. that were discussed later.
The Vape retail and Liquor retail stores near Fred Meyer/Home Depot is zoned MP, but also near a Montessori school. Buffers for Retail Marijuana are different from Vape or Liquor stores.
Possible acceptable zones were located on Willows Road, 124th, Union Hill Road and near Whole Foods. Council had a map which showed acceptable BP recommended locations in light blue. Map locations in purple are zoned MP.
Council made comparisons to Vape, liquor and retail marijuana; noting that the three substances were all legal with licenses being regulated by the WSLCB. Council also discussed keeping Redmond regulations in line with the WSLCB regulations for retail marijuana stores.
Recommendations/Decisions by Council:
Use OSPI definitions of schools, including elementary and secondary and other education facilities. Some education facilities would not fall under the buffer guidelines as defined by OSPI.
Use WSLCB recommendations for buffers.
Advertising and signage to follow state recommendations (1 sign, not within 1000 feet of school or playground, business name only)
Number of stores: State allows up to 4; at this time only 2 business have been given licenses by WSLCB; 17 license requests for Redmond with state. Licenses are done on a tiered basis; no way of knowing who will receive until notified.
Stores may be no closer than 1000 feet from another retail marijuana store.
Council recommends reviewing ordinances in 3 years; after WSLCB has had time to gather statistics, other information on program.
State offers financial incentives for additional police and other assistance for cities that have retail businesses.
Earliest date for voting by Council would be May 17th. City requirements have a 21 day notice to parties of record; no public hearing is necessary.
Encampment Temporary Use Permit
Glossary:
RLUIPA: Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), Pub.L. 106–274, codified as 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc et seq., is a United States federal law that prohibits the imposition of burdens on the ability of prisoners to worship as they please and gives churches and other religious institutions a way to avoid burdensome zoning law restrictions on their property use.
The permit is requested by the host; City does not initiate the request. Using the RLUIPA, if the host requests the permit approval, the City approves (within guidelines). Permit stay is for specific length of time, but host does not need to allow encampment to stay that length.
There is some question of permit approval based on Health/Safety burden requirements.
There was some question on sanitation burden for 6 months (cost and health/safety); no published data on this is available for a 6 month period.
Technical Committee Recommendation:
No change in permit fees ($2,684.36),
120 days length of stay,
365 days between stays,
3 stays with 1 permit,
no recommendation or change to permit type (Currently “Type 1”).
Planning Commission Recommendation:
Permit fees reduced to $1,000,
180 days length of stay,
180 days between stays,
1 permit for 5 year period,
no recommendation or change to permit type.
Reminder that permit is issued to HOST by site, not occupant. If host moves location or site changes, permit could be invalidated.
Shutz, Birney, Stilin supported 180 day length, 365 days between stay with services required (*)
Margeson, Myers, Allen, Carson supported 120 day length (current allowance); if a 180 stay length allowed then an 18 month period between stay recommended.
At this point only churches involved with homeless in Redmond are Redmond Methodist, Overlake CC, St. Jude and RedWood Family.
Council further discussed that active program for services being offered must be shown by occupant (policed by host or City?)
Final recommendation from Council to Staff:
Permit Type 1
Fee: $2,864.36
3 Stays per permit
120 days per stay
365 days between stay
Permit would expire in 5? 10? Years BUT must follow permit recommendations each time or permit is invalid/forfeit. Sufficient notice would be given to permit holder if city changed recommendations or intended on expiring approved permits.
(*) Additional Requirements Recommendation:
Background checks performed by RPD for outstanding warrants and or Sex offender list. Revocation of permit clause if violated.
Service Accessibility (local and other businesses and services allowed to work with occupants) with incentives
Site/host specific (see matrix for definition)
Additional requirements will require an additional Public Hearing phase/meeting (date to be announced dependent on calendar availability)
The wording of these requirements is not available at this time; however minutes of Study Session and/or video of same would provide more information as to content of requirements.
Paige's Place 
Awesome report Paige! Have you considered sending it to the RR? It would be great background info for them.
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