Cannabis production and pharmacy zoning rules
An ordinance adding Orem City Code Section 22-14-21(C) and two land-use codes to meet state medical cannabis law. Cultivation is allowed only in the M2 manufacturing zone; pharmacies are allowed in non-residential zones subject to separation requirements. Approved January 14, 2020.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Code change
- Location
- Citywide (M2 zone for cultivation; non-residential zones for pharmacies)
- Applicant
- City of Orem
Every hearing and vote
January 14, 2020 · City Council
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