Orem council sets cannabis zoning rules, 5-1, to comply with state law
January 14, 2020 · 56 North State Street, Orem
The Orem City Council adopted an ordinance setting where medical cannabis cultivation and pharmacies may locate and what extra requirements apply, with Council Member Terry Peterson voting no. Staff said state law bars the city from denying the uses outright. The work session included a review of a new countywide protocol for officer-involved critical incidents.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Cannabis production and medical cannabis pharmacy zoning ordinance | Approved · 5-1 |
Agenda, item by item
Item Public hearing · Zoning
Cannabis production and medical cannabis pharmacy zoning ordinance
Approved · 5-1
Planning Division Manager Jason Bench said state law passed after the 2018 vote on Proposition 2 requires cities to provide places in their zoning for cannabis cultivation and pharmacies. The ordinance adds Section 22-14-21(C) and two land-use codes: cultivation only in the M2 manufacturing zone, and pharmacies in non-residential zones (PO, C1, C2, C3, HS, M1, M2, CM, BP) subject to separation requirements. Additional city rules include police review of applicants' criminal backgrounds and a requirement that production be indoors. Deputy City Attorney Steve Earl said the city 'could not deny these requests outright.' No one spoke at the public hearing. Council Member Terry Peterson said he did not want to appear to favor the facilities at any level and would vote no to send a message. Council Member Tom Macdonald said that without the ordinance the uses could go anywhere the state allows, and that the added rules make operating in Orem more costly.
- Cultivation: M2 zone only
- Pharmacies: PO, C1, C2, C3, HS, M1, M2, CM and BP zones, with separation requirements
- Police may review applicants' criminal backgrounds; production must be indoors
Item Work session · Presentation
Review of Officer-Involved Critical Incident protocol (work session)
Discussed
Police Chief Gary Giles reviewed a protocol developed by Utah County police chiefs for investigating officer-involved critical incidents, replacing the earlier officer-involved shooting protocol. Investigators come from agencies outside the one involved. Chief Giles also showed new load-bearing vests officers are wearing, and answered the mayor's questions about ongoing investigations into massage parlors and gambling machines.
What residents said
Police and fire employee retentionMedical cannabis facilities
Phil Murphy said he was concerned about remarks he said were made about police officers and firefighters, said officers were still leaving Orem, and asked the council to address the matter.