HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/15/2011 - ITEMS RELATING TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA BUSINESSES DATE: March 15, 2011 SUMMARY
STAFF: Peter Barnes, Steve Dush, Rita Harris, AGENDA ITEM M
Allen Heaton, Linda Samuelson, FORT COLLINSCITY COUNCIL
Ginny Sawyer,Jerry Schia er
Items Relating to Medical Marijuana Businesses.
A. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 018, 2011, Authorizing the Continuing Operation of Existing Medical
Marijuana Businesses.
B. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 019, 2011, Making Certain Amendments to Chapter 15,Article XVI of the
City Code Governing the Licensing, Number, Location and Operation of Medical Marijuana Businesses, and
Adding a New Article Governing the Cultivation of Medical Marijuana by Primary Caregivers and Patients.
C. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 020, 2011, Amending the City's Land Use Code by Adding Medical
Marijuana- Infused Product Manufacturing Facilities as Permitted Uses in Various Zones Districts, and
Renaming Dispensaries and Cultivation Facilities.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
These three ordinances are being presented to Council to further clarify, regulate, and align medical marijuana
businesses to the State regulations and to the intent of previous local ordinances.
Ordinance No. 018, 2011, adopted on First Reading on February 22, 2011, by a vote of 6-1 (nays: Troxell) allows for
existing medical marijuana businesses that have met all requirements and paid appropriate fees to both the City and
the State to continue operating, even if such businesses do not meet the required zoning and location requirements.
Ordinance No. 019, 2011, unanimously adopted on First Reading on February 22, 2011, amends the provisions of
Chapter 15,Article 16 and 17 of the City Code to align the City's local regulations with the Colorado Medical Marijuana
Code, to adopt certain additional, more restrictive regulations as permitted under state law, and to adopt local
regulations for primary caregivers.
Ordinance No.020,2011, unanimously adopted on First Reading on February 22, 2011, amends the Land Use Code
to add a definition for a Medical Marijuana-Infused Products Manufacturing Facility,to add the use of such facility to
the list of permitted uses in the appropriate zones,and to rename dispensaries and cultivation facilities to be consistent
with the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
At Council's request the following changes have been made to Ordinance No. 019, 2011:
• The cap on the number of available licenses has been removed.
• In Section 15-488,nonrenewal,suspension or revocation of license,the words"suspend"and"revoke",which
were struck in error on First Reading, have been restored.
• Staff has proposed to address the 8 ounce limit between licensed centers and concerns of crop failure by
removing the limit which centers can buy or receive, but maintaining the 8 ounce limit in relation to sales.
Centers would then be able to buy any quantity but could not sell more than 8 ounces.
Staff has also notified the protected uses as identified in a motion during First Reading that those locations are near
a Center eligible for grandfathering. An online comment box was established to receive email comments. As of the
time of printing the agenda, no comments have been received. Recipients were also encouraged to attend Second
Reading.
March 15, 2011 -2- ITEM 24
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinances on Second Reading.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Copy of First Reading Agenda Item Summary- February 22, 2011
(w/o attachments)
2. Response to SAR# 15656 - Rational for More Restrictive Provisions
3. Powerpoint presentation
ATTACHMENT
DATE: February 22, 2011 _
STAFF: Peter Barnes, Steve Dush, Rita Harris,
Allen Heaton, Linda Samuelson, • ' • •
Ginny Sawyer, Jerry Schia er
Items Relating to Medical Marijuana Businesses.
A. First Reading of Ordinance No.018,2011,Authorizing the Continuing Operation of Existing Medical Marijuana
Businesses.
7, f7
B. First Reading of Ordinance No!019�201/1�Making Certain Amendments to Chapter 15,Article XVI of the City
Code Governing the Licensing, Number, Location and_Operation46f Medical Marijuana Businesses, and
Adding a New Article Governing the Cultivation of Medical Marijuana by Primary Caregivers and Patients.
C. First Reading of Ordinance No.020,201 1,Amending the City's Land Use Code by Adding Medical Marijuana-
Infused Product Manufacturing Facilities as Permitted Uses in Various Zones Districts, and Renaming
Dispensaries and Cultivation Facilities.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
These three ordinances are being presented to Council to further clarify, regulate, and align medical marijuana
businesses to the State regulations and-to-the intentof:previousaocahordinances.
t� � fir' \ E�>
Ordinance No. 018, 2011, will allowtfor existing medical'marijuana businesses that have met all requirements and
paid appropriate fees to both the City and the°State to continue operating,leven if such businesses do not meet the
required zoning and location requirements?,;,
Ordinance No.019,2011,will amend the provisions of Chapter 15,Article 16 and 17 of the City Code to align the City's
local regulations with the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code, to adopt certain additional, more restrictive regulations
as permitted under state law, and to adopt local regulations for primary caregivers.
Ordinance No.020,2011,will amend the Land Use Code to add a definition for a Medical Marijuana-Infused Products
Manufacturing Facility, to add the use of such facility to the list of permitted uses in the appropriate zones, and to
rename dispensaries and cultivation facilities to be consistent with the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION( FIE)), V.Since March 2010, City Council has dopted nu(\to ofdinlalnces related to the operation and regulation of medical
marijuana businesses(MMBs) in Fort Collins. On June 7, 2010, the State of Colorado passed the Colorado Medical
Marijuana Code,which regulates MMBs and allows for municipalities to adopt more restrictive regulations or even to
ban such businesses, and imposes a moratorium on any new applications until July 1, 2011.
Under Ordinance No. 25, 2010, existing MMBs in Fort Collins had until June 30, 2010, to submit an application for a
business license. The City has so far inspected and issued provisional licenses to 19 medical marijuana centers
(formerly known as medical marijuana dispensaries), and 10 associated optional premises cultivation facilities
(formerly known as medical marijuana cultivation facilities), with 21 more locations (4 centers and 17 cultivation
facilities)that are pending approval. An additional requirement imposed on these businesses under state law is that
the applicant must apply and pay fee t the State�by\August10 20 . The7City currently has four outstanding
applications that could potentially bring the total number of Centers to 23.,
In August 2010, Council passed a r�solution which delayed ith' a decisiops to whether existing MMBs should be
allowed to remain in their current location a d as to when, if at all, applications for new MMBs should be accepted
/ l
February 22, 2011 -2- ITEM 3
by the City until additional information was gathered on the number of existing local businesses that were eligible for
licensing under state law.
Of the 19 medical marijuana centers that have provisional licenses issued by the City, only two meet all of the zoning
and separation requirements. One additional center, which is not yet licensed, also meets all zoning and separation
requirements. Ordinance No. 018, 2011, proposes allowing all current licensed centers to remain in their current
locations or in new, conforming locations. Ordinance No. 019, 2011, proposes limiting the total number of allowable
center licenses available in Fort Collins to 23. This would honor the good faith business investments,made by MMBs
that were in operation prior to our current regulations while addressing the concerns heard from citizens.
The surrounding municipalities,including LarimerCounty,Loveland,Longmont,Windsor,and Greeley,have all banned
or continued their moratoriums on marijuana,related,businesses->Thisihas placed additional pressure on Fort Collins
,� ,. .�
from those individuals looking for a location to start a MMB. (Capping the>total allowable number of MMB licenses in
Fort Collins provides a means to prevent Fort Collins from becoming'a regional MMB capital. If all the local medical
marijuana centers that have applied to the state�are li prised; there wouldl,be a capacity to serve 7,600 patients. At
last report, there were 116,000 patienfs�in.the state.8_ta10%'.of the state patients have historically resided in Larimer
County; and Fort Collins has about 47%of the population of the county. Using these figures, a generous estimate of
the total number of patients in Fort Collins is about 5,482. While the exact figures are not available, it is apparent that
the current number of centers can easily provide for the patients that reside in Fort Collins, especially since primary
caregivers could grow medical marijuana for up to five patients each and patients could also opt to grow medical
marijuana for themselves.
Ordinance No. 019, 2011, implements and aligns definitions, language, and regulations with state law. Additionally,
it allows for the licensing of a new type of business for persons who manufacture medical marijuana-infused products
(such as baked goods,tinctures, and beverages)in conformity with state law. Further, it creates a medical marijuana
licensing authority as required by state;law�oemoves duplicative-r�egulbtions+by eliminating those that are already
covered in state law, and adds a number of more restrictive p"ros�i ons than exist under state law. The following are
some examples of more restrictive provisions:
• Limits any applicant to only two d cal marijuana ceEer licenses'in the City.
• Caps the total number of allowable centers in the City.
• Maintains the existing local separation requirements and measuring techniques, both of which are more
restrictive than the State.
• Requires the reporting of all disturbances and unlawful activity at any MMB licensed facility.
• Limits the type of plants, clones jor seedlings that cent�ers�ma`y sell.
• Requires all cultivation facilities within the City to have�a center inmFort Collins.
• Allows for the exchange of n , re(tham8,oz.,of medical marijuana per seven-day period between licensed
centers. (This relaxes the previous local limit of 4 oz) u
• Continues the current local limit on the amount of medical marijuana that can be dispensed to patients or
primary care givers (2 oz. within a seven-day period).
• Requires all cultivation of medical marijuana to be conducted entirely within a building or other fully enclosed
structure.
• Prohibits the cultivation of any medical marijuana within any duplex or multi-family dwelling, or within any
structure that is located on the same leg aaIl,parcel'asra•duplex or multi-family dwelling.
• Imposes a twelve (12) marijuana plant count, including-no more than six (6) mature plants, that may be
cultivated or kept within, or on t�me leg�ceu s, any singib family dwelling.
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February 22, 2011 -3- ITEM 3
• Establishes the following local regulations for manufacturers of medical-infused products:
- prohibits the operation of a medical marijuana-infused products manufacturer in the City unless such
manufacturer also operates a center in the City;
- prohibits the posting of signs or other advertising materials identifying the premises as being associated
with the production or use of medical marijuana; and
- requires that all products produced by a medical marijuana-infused products manufacturer be sold only
through a center under the same ownership.
In prior ordinances,the City did not address provisions for the manufacturing of medical marijuana-infused products.
Since the State law now allows for the licensing of a medical marijuana-infused products manufacturer and because
staff has been informed by local industry;rep\esentatives�that-this-is�an-important element of a MMB, Ordinance No.
020, 2011, adds a definition and allowable zone districts for this use�iMedical marijuana-infused products
I I it r rr \%.
manufacturing facilities are proposed,to be allowed in the:satne-zone districts as cultivation facilities, and like those
facilities, would have no separation requiirem nfs1
I.� t
FINANCIAL/ ECONOMIC IMPACTS
Staff has identified only a few financial impacts. The time and effort to process MMB application and issue licenses
was initially underestimated. Staff has been tracking the workload and anticipates raising fees to ensure that staff time
is covered. If the number of MMB licenses is limited,those individuals looking to start a business in Fort Collins could
be financially impacted. In 2010, the City received approximately$260,000 in sales tax revenue from MMBs.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION i l Ix1 \
Staff recommends adoption of all thre o di n s�st Reading. W
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Planning and Zoning Board discussed the proposed Ordinance No. 020, 2011, amending the Land Use Code,
at its work session on Friday, February 11. The Board will hear the item at its regular meeting on Thursday, February
17. Draft minutes of the Board's decision will be provided in.the read-before packet on February 22, 2011.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Staff has worked collaboratively with a\ne ly form Dpelhlsary Owners"Council. Staff also informed the Health
District,the North Fort Collins Business Association,and the Campus Community Coalition of these recommendations.
Updates have also been maintained on the MMB web site at fcgov.com.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Maps and Descriptions of Center Locations in Relation to Allowable Zoning and Separation Requirements
2. Powerpoint presentation
COPY
City Of ATTACHMENT 2
Fort Collins
SAR#15656/MMB Restrictive Provisions
More restrictive provisions from February 22,2011 AIS:
• Limits any applicant to only two medical marijuana center licenses in the City.
In early drafts of the original licensing provisions the initial thought was to limit an applicant to one
license,similar to the Liquor Code which only allows one liquor store per owner. After a focus group and
feedback from the MMJ industry,staff changed it to three. In light of a provision in the State law that
requires each licensing authority(local and state),with respect to a second or additional license for the
same licensee, to consider the effect on competition when granting a second or additional license and
requires that the licensing authority not approve an application for a second or additional license that
would have the effect of restraining competition,staff decided to be proactive in reducing the number from
three to two.
• Caps the total number of allowable centers in the City.
This has been removed following First Reading.
• Maintains the existing local separation requirements and measuring techniques,both of which are more
restrictive than the State.
Staff proposed the separation requirements,which were adopted by Council,based on community
feedback, a desire to avoid undue concentration in any area, and research of what other communities
were considering proposing at the time. The measuring technique is standard for other City practices and
allows location acceptability to be determined by GIS as opposed to allocating staff resources to visit sites
for the purposes of walking out the measurements or requiring applicants to hire a qualified professional
to complete the measurements.
• Requires the reporting of all disturbances and unlawful activity at any MMB licensed facility.
This provision is similar to the Liquor Code and is desired by Police Services both for safety and for data
collection. It expands a state proposed regulation which requires licensees to report any criminal actions,
rule violations or other suspicious acts involving the sale, cultivation, distribution or manufacturing of
medical marijuana or any medical marijuana infused products by any person to the State. Such reporting
to the State does not provide desirable data to police services and does not provide an opportunity for local
enforcement.
• Limits the size of plants,clones,and seedlings that centers may sell.
Both the City and State have an interest in preventing centers from stocking their stores with full grown
plants. Although there is proposed legislation limiting the number of plants that can be sold from a center
to a patient in any three month period of time, that proposed legislation currently does not define those
plants as clones, nor does it limit the size of the plants. At this time, it is not necessary to limit the actual
number of plants since clones count toward the centers overall allowable plant count.However, there is a
need to define and restrict the size of a clone that can be sold from a center.
• Requires all cultivation facilities within the City to have a center in Fort Collins.
This provision was intended to keep out of town growers from coming to Fort Collins for the sole purpose
of growing marijuana. Considering bans in surrounding communities,Fort Collins is getting a lot of
pressure from people who need to relocate their business or close completely. If we were to allow outside
growers to come into Fort Collins to set up a grow operation that is not connected to a center in Fort
Collins, we would be setting ourselves up for the potential of having multiple grow sites in Fort Collins
without receiving the benefit of either sales tax collection or service to our residents.
• Allows for the exchange of no more than 8oz of medical marijuana per seven-day period between
licensed centers.
We have amended this provision from the original ordinance to increase the number from 4 oz to 8 oz in
Ord.No. 19.It allows the exchange between all licensed centers, whether inside or outside of Fort Collins,
within a seven day period of time.There is no restriction on the amount of centers within which this 8 oz.
exchange takes place. For example, a local center can trade with multiple centers both inside and outside of
Fort Collins so long as it does not exceed the 8 oz. limit with each individual center or surpass the 30%
restriction under state law.This restriction is a strong tool for law enforcement to prevent illegal marijuana
distribution because it is an easy amount to track on a weekly basis. Fort Collins Police would not be able
to track the 70/30 percentage amounts as easily because the state requirement does not have to be met on a
weekly basis, but rather on an annual basis.
Additionally, we have heard from people in the industry that the concern over this restriction is mostly out
of fear of a catastrophic crop failure. As a result of both a request by City Council and in response to
concerns from people in the industry, staff is preparing an exemption under these circumstances.
• Continues the current local limit on the amount of medical marijuana that can be dispensed to patients
or primary caregivers to 2 oz.within a seven-day period.
This provision is also intended as a law enforcement tool both for record checks and to prevent secondary
sales. We have heard from numerous patients that this limit is not problematic. It is also consistent with
state law in that it allows patients to have up to 2 oz in their possession.
■ Requires all cultivation of medical marijuana to be conducted entirely within a building or other fully
enclosed structure.
This provision is a safety measure. It requires all medical marijuana grown by licensees to be secured and
out of public view.This is to protect licensees from potential invasions as well as to protect children from
any unnecessary contact with marijuana plants. Home growers that might want to have plants outside
would have a difficult time concealing and securing the plants with our existing fence limitations.
• Prohibits the cultivation of any medical marijuana within any duplex or multi-family dwelling,or
within any structure that that is located on the same legal parcel as a duplex or multi-family dwelling.
Odor emissions have comprised the majority of medical marijuana complaints the City has received to
date. To prohibit growing in dwelling units with shared walls protects residents from the smell and
potential health and safety issues including mold, electrical wiring, fire hazards, etc.that may be
associated with a grow.
Imposes a twelve(12) marijuana plant count, including no more than six(6)mature plants,that may be
cultivated or kept within,or on the same legal parcel as any single family dwelling.
Allowing limited home growing was proposed to help patients. The 12 count limit helps law enforcement
because there is a tangible number that is enforceable. Language has been extended in Ord. No. 19 to cover
the entire parcel. This resulted from two particular cases where residents had large scale grows in
outbuildings or other structures on the property.
ATTACHMENT 3
Propos -rd mices Related to the
Cont' of ical
cil M
March 15, 20
First Reading Recap
Ordinance No . 018 — Authorizing Continued
Operation of Existing MMBs passed 6- 1 .
Ordinance No . 019 — Changes to Chapter 15 (The
Licensing Ordinance ) passed 7-0 .
Ordinance No . 020 — Amendment to the Land Use
Code to address Medical Marijuana Infused Product
Manufacturing passed 7-0 .
�t Collins
2
Grandfathers all current existing MMBs .
Foc
tolls
3
osed Ordin No . 019
Amends the original licensing provisions to
implement and align definitions , language , and
regulations with the State law .
Removes items that are addressed in the State Law .
Adds or maintains more restrictive provisions unique
to Fort Collins .
� of
t Collins
4
Proposed Ordinance No . 020
Amendments to the Land Use Code to define MIPs and the
zones in which they would be allowed .
The use is proposed to be allowed in the same 5 zones that
allow cultivation facilities (the RDR , CCN , CS , I , and the
Riverside area of the CL) .
Conforms language with the State .
tlins
5
Directed Changes
Ordinance No . 019
The cap on the number of available licenses has
been removed .
The words "suspend " and " revoke" , which
were struck in error on first reading , have been
restored .
G-Collins
6
To address potential crop failure and to
maintain mechanism to help law
enforcement :
- Removes 8 oz limit on buying and receiving .
- Maintains 8 oz limit on selling .
�t�l=5
7
Discussion
ORDINANCE NO. 018, 2011
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUING OPERATION OF
EXISTING MEDICAL MARIJUANA BUSINESSES
WHEREAS,on December 1, 2009,the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 128,2009(the
"Moratorium Ordinance") imposing a moratorium on the establishment and operation of medical
marijuana businesses in the City,pending City Council's consideration of local regulations for such
businesses; and
WHEREAS, by adoption of Ordinance No. 025, 2010, (the "Licensing Ordinance") on
March 16, 2010, the City Council added a new Article XVI to Chapter 15 of the City Code (the
"Code") which established a comprehensive licensing system for medical marijuana businesses;
and
WHEREAS, on that same date, the City Council also adopted Ordinance No. 026, 2010,
amending the City's Land Use Code to clarify the zone districts in which such businesses may
operate; and
WHEREAS,the Licensing Ordinance includes certain location criteria for medical marijuana
dispensaries, which criteria have been codified in Chapter 15, Article XVI of the Code; and
WHEREAS,the Licensing Ordinance, as amended by Ordinance No. 047,2010, sets forth,
in Sections 3 through 9 thereof, a procedure whereby"existing medical marijuana businesses," as
defined therein, must apply for licensing under Chapter 15 of the Code on or before June 30,2010,
in order to continue in operation in the City; and
WHEREAS, the Licensing Ordinance also states, in Section 7 thereof, that existing
businesses for which a license is approved by the City shall be subject to all of the provisions of
Chapter 15,Article XVI of the Code except the location requirements contained therein and the zone
district standards contained in Article 4 of the Land Use Code,until the City Council determines by
ordinance,afterreceiving a recommendation from the City Manager, whether such businesses will
be permitted to remain in operation in their current locations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the substantial investments made by the owners
of such businesses and wishes to allow for the continuing operation of the same in their existing
locations; and
WHEREAS,City staff,after considering the current locations of each of the existing medical
marijuana businesses in relation to the protected uses set forth in Chapter 15, Article XVI of the
Code, has recommended, through the City Manager, that the City Council authorize the ongoing - -
operation of all such businesses; and
WHEREAS,subsequent to the City Council's adoption of the Licensing Ordinance,the state
legislature enacted Article 43.3 of Title 12,C.R.S.,known as the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code,
concerning the licensing and regulation of medical marijuana businesses, which took effect July 1,
2010; and
WHEREAS, C.R.S. Section 12-43.3-308 establishes certain state-wide location criteria but
also authorizes the governing body of a municipality to, by ordinance, vary such restrictions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the foregoing recitals are hereby incorporated herein as findings of the
City Council and made a part hereof by this reference.
Section 2. That the City Council hereby finds and determines that all "existing medical
marijuana businesses," as defined in Ordinance Nos. 25, 47 and 69, 2010, that submitted
applications for licensing to the City Clerk on or before June 30, 2010, and that meet all state and
local laws and regulations applicable to such businesses other than the zoning requirements of
Article 4 of the Land Use Code and/or the location requirements contained in Chapter 15, Article
XVI of the Code, shall be allowed to continue in operation in their current locations or in any such
new location that conforms to the foregoing zoning and location requirements.
Section 3. No existing medical marijuana business that is authorized to continue in
operation under Section 2 of this Ordinance and that fails to conform to the location requirements
contained in Chapter 15, Article XVI of the Code shall add more than twenty-five percent (25%)
of new floor area to the buildings or structures that exist on the site of such business as of the
effective date of this Ordinance, nor shall any new structures be constructed on such site.
Section 4. If active operations in an existing medical marijuana business that is allowed
to continue in operation under Section 2 of this Ordinance are discontinued for a period of twelve
(12) consecutive months, the building, other structure or tract of land where such business
previously existed shall thereafter be occupied and used only for a use that is permitted in such
location under the Land Use Code and under the location requirements contained in Chapter 15,
Article XVI of the Code.
Section 5. Any existing medical marijuana business that is authorized to continue in
operation under Section 2 of this Ordinance and that is not a permitted use under Article 4 of the
Land Use Code in the zone district in which it is currently located,shall be subject to the regulations
applicable to non-conforming uses under Section 1.5 of the Land Use Code,as well as the provisions
of Section 3 and 4 of this Ordinance. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of said
Section 1.5 of the Land Use Code and the provisions of Section 2 or Section 3 of this Ordinance,
the more restrictive provision shall apply.
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Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 22nd day of
February, A.D. 2011, and to be presented for final passage on the day of March, A.D. 2011.
May
ATTEST:
�Idr�
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 15th day of March, A.D. 2011.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
V
i
. -3-
ORDINANCE NO. 019, 2011
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
MAKING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 15 ,
ARTICLE XVI OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
GOVERNING THE LICENSING, NUMBER, LOCATION AND OPERATION
OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA BUSINESSES , AND ADDING A NEW
ARTICLE GOVERNING THE CULTIVATION OF
MEDICAL MARIJUANA BY PRIMARY CAREGIVERS AND PATIENTS
WHEREAS , on March 16, 2010, the City Council adopted on second reading Ordinance No .
025 , 2010, adding a new Article XVI to Chapter 15 of the City Code, which Article governs the
licensing, location and operation of medical marijuana businesses (the "Local Regulations") ; and
WHEREAS , on June 7, 20105 the governor signed House Bill 10- 1284 into law enacting
Title 12, Article 43 . 3 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (the "Colorado Medical Marijuana Code"),
which regulates the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of medical marijuana as a matter
of state-wide concern; and
WHEREAS , the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code states that on or after July 1 , 2011 , all
businesses engaged in the cultivation, manufacture, or sale of medical marijuana or in the processing
of medical marijuana-infused products shall be subject to its terms and conditions and any rules
promulgated pursuant thereto ; and
WHEREAS , the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code also authorizes counties and
municipalities in Colorado to prohibit or regulate medical marijuana businesses and to adopt
regulations consistent with the intent of the state law that are more restrictive than the State ' s ; and
WHEREAS , City staff has extensively reviewed and compared the Local Regulations to the
Colorado Medical Marijuana Code and has recommended that the Local Regulations be amended
to eliminate provisions that are adequately addressed by the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code, to
update or modify certain other provisions, and to add new regulations that staff believes are
necessary to better protect the health, safety and welfare of City residents ; and
WHEREAS , the City Council has reviewed these staff recommendations and has concluded
that the recommended amendments to the Local Regulations are in the best interests of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that Chapter 15 , Article XVI of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended
to read as follows :
ARTICLE XVI. MEDICAL MARIJUANA
DIVISION I. IN GENERAL
Sec. 15-450. Purpose.
(a) The purpose of this Article is to implement the provisions of Article 43 . 3
of Title 12 , C .R. S . , known as the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code, which
authorizes the licensing and regulation of medical marijuana businesses, and affords
local government the option to determine whether or not to allow certain medical
marijuana businesses within their respective jurisdictions, and to adopt licensing
requirements that are supplemental to or more restrictive than the requirements set
forth in state law.
(b) By adoption of this Article, the City Council does not intend to authorize
or make legal any act that is not permitted under federal or state law.
Sec. 15-451 . Incorporation of state law.
The provisions of the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code, and any rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, are incorporated herein by reference except to
the extent that more restrictive or additional regulations are set forth in this Article .
Sec. 15-452. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Article, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this Section:
Applicant shall mean any person or entity who has submitted an application for
a license or renewal of a license issued pursuant to this Article. If the applicant is an
entity and not a natural person, applicant shall include all persons who are the
members, managers, officers, directors and shareholders of such entity.
Building Official shall mean the Building Code Official as defined in Chapter 5
of this Code .
Colorado Medical Mary*uana Code shall mean Title 12 , Article 43 . 3 of the
Colorado Revised Statutes and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.
Cultivation or cultivate shall mean the process by which a person grows a
marijuana plant.
Financial interest shall mean any ownership interest, including, without
limitation, a membership, directorship or officership ; or any creditor interest,
whether or not such interest is evidenced by any written document.
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License shall mean a document issued by the City officially authorizing an
applicant to operate a medical marijuana business pursuant to this Article.
Licensee shall mean the person to whom a license has been issued pursuant to
this Article .
Medical mary*uana business or business shall mean a medical marijuana center,
optional premises cultivation operation, or medical marijuana-infused products
manufacturer as defined in the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code .
Medical marijuana paraphernalia or paraphernalia shall mean devices,
contrivances, instruments and paraphernalia for inhaling or otherwise consuming
medical marijuana, including, but not limited to, rolling papers, related tools , water
pipes and vaporizers .
Minor patient shall mean a patient less than eighteen ( 18) years of age .
Patient shall mean a person who has a debilitating medical condition as defined
in Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution.
Place of worship or religious assembly shall mean a building containing a hall,
auditorium or other suitable room used for the purpose of conducting religious
services or meetings of the occupants of such structure .
State shall mean the state of Colorado .
(b) In addition to the definitions contained in Subsection (a) of this Section,
other terms used in this Article shall have the meaning ascribed to them in Article
XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution or the Colorado Medical Marijuana
Code, and such definitions are hereby incorporated into this Article by this reference .
Secs. 15-453-15-460. Reserved.
DIVISION 2 . MEDICAL MARIJUANA LICENSING AUTHORITY
See. 15-461 . Creation.
There shall be and is hereby created a Medical Marijuana Licensing Authority,
hereafter referred to in this Article as the "Authority" .
Sec. 15-462 . Composition.
The Authority shall be a person appointed by the City Manager.
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Sec. 15-463 . Functions.
(a) The Authority shall have the duty and authority pursuant to the Colorado
Medical Marijuana Code and this Article to grant or refuse licenses, and levy
penalties against licensees in the manner provided by law.
(b) The Authority shall have all the powers of a Local Licensing Authority as
set forth in the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code.
(c) The Authority shall have the power to promulgate rules and regulations
concerning the procedures for hearings before the Authority.
(d) The Authority shall have the power to require any applicant or licensee to
furnish any relevant information required by the Authority.
(e) The Authority shall have the power to administer oaths and issue subpoenas
to require the presence of persons and the production of papers, books and records
at any hearing which the Authority is authorized to conduct. Any such subpoena
shall be served in the same manner as a subpoena issued by the District Court of the
State .
Secs. 15-464-15-46-970. Reserved.
DIVISION 3 . LICENSES, FEES , REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES
Sec. 15-4-7071 . License required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to establish or operate a medical marijuana
business in the City without first having obtained from the City and the state a
license for each facility to be operated in connection with such business. Such
license shall be kept current at all times , and the failure to maintain a current license
shall constitute a violation of this Section.
See. 15-471 . Linfit on number of liceiises .
( a) There Shall be no more than twenty-three (23 ) medical maiijualia CCIAM
centers are ficensed, consideration for additional ficenses will be given in the orde
prospective applicants ate placed ort a wait list to be maintained by ttic eity.
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Sec. 15-472 . Requirements of application for license ; payment of application
fee ; denial of license.
(a) A person seeking a license pursuant to the Colorado Medical Marijuana
Code and the provisions of this Article shall submit an application to the City on
forms provided by the State and City. At the time of application, each applicant shall
pay a nonrefundable application fee to defray the costs incurred by the City for
background investigations and inspection of the proposed premises, as well as any
other costs associated with the processing of the application. In addition, the
applicant shall present for recording one ( 1 ) of the following forms of identification :
( 1 ) an identification card issued in accordance with Section 42-2-302 , C . R. S . ;
(2) a valid state driver's license ;
(3 ) a valid driver's license containing a picture issued by another state ;
(4) a military identification card;
(5 ) a valid passport; or
(6) an alien registration card.
The applicant shall also provide the following information on a form approved by,
or acceptable to, the City, which information shall be required for the applicant, the
proposed manager of the medical marijuana business, and all persons having a
financial interest in the medical marijuana business that is the subject of the
application or, if the applicant is an entity, having a financial interest in the entity :
( 1 ) name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information as may be
required;
(2) an acknowledgment and consent that the City may conduct a background
investigation, including a criminal history check, and that the City will be
entitled to full and complete disclosure of all financial records of the
medical marijuana business, including records of deposit, withdrawals,
balances and loans;
(3 ) if the applicant is a business entity, information regarding the entity,
including, without limitation, the name and address of the entity, its legal
status, and proof of registration with, or a certificate of good standing from,
the Colorado Secretary of State, as applicable;
(4) if the applicant is not the owner of the proposed licensed premises, a
notarized statement from the owner of such property authorizing the use of
the property for a medical marijuana business ;
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(5 ) a copy of any deed reflecting the applicant' s ownership of, or lease
reflecting the right of the applicant to possess, the proposed licensed
premises ;
(6) evidence of a valid City and state sales tax license for the business ;
(7) a "to scale" diagram of the proposed licensed premises, no larger than I
x 17", showing, without limitation, , building layout, all entry ways and
exits to the proposed licensed premises, loading zones and all areas in
which medical marijuana will be stored, grown, manufactured or dispensed;
( 8) a "to scale" site plan for the location of the proposed licensed premises, no
larger than I x 17", showing, without limitation, lot lines and lot line
dimensions, building locations on the lot and building footprints, parking
stalls, driveway and/or curb cut locations and dimensions, sidewalks, trash
enclosures, and loading zones ;
(9) a comprehensive business operation plan for the medical marijuana
business which shall contain, at a minimum, the following :
a, a security plan meeting the requirements of § 15 -479 of this Article,
b . a description of all products to be sold,
c, a plan for exterior signage that is in compliance with all applicable
requirements of this Code and the Land Use Code, including
photographs and/or illustrations of proposed signage; and
( 10) any additional information that the City Manager reasonably determines to
be necessary in connection with the investigation and review of the
application.
(b) A license issued pursuant to this Article does not eliminate the need for the
licensee to obtain other required permits or licenses related to the operation of the
medical marijuana business , including, without limitation, any development
approvals or building permits required by this Code and the Land Use Code.
(c) Upon receipt of a completed application, the City Manager shall circulate
the application to all affected service areas and departments of the City to determine
whether the application is in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules and
regulations .
(d) The City shall, prior to issuance of the license, perform an inspection of the
proposed licensed premises, to determine compliance with any applicable
requirements of this Article or other provisions of this Code or the Land Use Code.
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Sec. 15-473 . Denial of application.
The Authority shall deny any application that does not meet the requirements of
the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code or this Article . The Authority shall also deny
any application that contains any false, misleading or incomplete information. Denial
of an application for a license shall not be subject to administrative review but only
to review by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Sec. 15-474. Persons prohibited as licensees.
(-a)No license shall be issued to, held by, or renewed by any of the following:
( 1 ) any natural person who has been released within the ten ( 10) years
immediately preceding the application from any form of incarceration or
court-ordered supervision, including a deferred sentence, resulting from a
conviction of any felony or any crime which under the laws of the State
would be a felony; or any crime of which fraud or intent to defraud was an
element, whether in the State or elsewhere ;
(2) any entity whose directors, shareholders, partners or other persons having
a financial interest in said entity have been convicted of any of the offenses
set forth in Paragraph ( 1 ) above ;
(3 ) any applicant who has made a false, misleading or fraudulent statement,
or who has omitted pertinent information, on his or her application for a
license;
(4) any applicant whose license for a medical marijuana business in this state
or any other state has been revoked;
(5 ) any applicant who already holds two (2) medical marijuana center licenses
in the City.
(6) any applicant for an optional premises cultivation operation license unless
the applicant is simultaneously applying for, or currently holds , a license
for a medical marijuana center or a medical marijuana-infused products
manufacturing facility in the City;
(7) any applicant for a medical marijuana-infused products manufacturer
license unless the applicant is also applying for, or currently holds, a
license for a medical marijuana center in the City.
Sec. 15-475. Location criteria.
(a) No medical marijuana center shall be issued a license if, at the time of
application for such license, the proposed location is :
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( 1 ) within one thousand ( 1 ,000) feet of another medical marijuana center.
(2) within one thousand ( 1 ,000) feet of any private or public preschool,
elementary, secondary, vocational or trade school ;
(3) within five hundred (500) feet of:
a. any college or university,
b . any child care center,
c . any place of worship or religious assembly,
d, any public or private park, pool, playground or recreational
facility,
e . any juvenile or adult halfway house, correctional facility, or
substance abuse rehabilitation or treatment center, or
f, the boundary of any R-U-L, U-E, R-F, R-L, L-M-N, M-M-N,
N-C-L, N-C-M, N-C-B or H-M-N residential zone district;
(4) located upon any City property; or
(5) in a residential unit, except as permitted under Section 3 . 8 . 3 of the
Land Use Code.
(b) The location criteria contained in subsection (a) of this Section shall apply
to all proposed changes in the location of an existing license .
(c) The distances described in subsection (a) above shall be computed by direct
measurement in a straight line from the nearest property line of the land used for the
purposes stated in Subsections (a)( 1 ), (a)(2) and (a)(3 ) above to the nearest portion
of the building or unit in which the medical marijuana center is located.
Sec. 15-476. Inspection fee.
(a) Upon issuance of a license , and upon renewal thereafter, the licensee shall
pay to the City a fee in an amount determined by the City Manager to be sufficient
to cover the cost of inspections conducted pursuant to § 15 -487 of this Article by
Police Services, or such other departments of the City as may be designated by the
City Manager, for the purpose of determining compliance with the provisions of this
Article and any other applicable state or local laws or regulations.
(b) The inspection fee required under Subsection (a) of this Section shall be due
and payable prior to or upon issuance of each license and upon the renewal of any
such license, and shall not be refundable.
Sec. 15-477. Signage and advertising.
All signage and advertising for a medical marijuana center shall comply with all
applicable provisions of this Code and the Land Use Code. In addition, no signage
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or advertising shall use the word "marijuana" or " cannabis " or any other word,
phrase or symbol commonly understood to refer to marijuana unless such word,
phrase or symbol is immediately preceded by the word "medical" in type and font
that is at least as readily discernible as all other words, phrases or symbols . Such
signage and advertising must clearly indicate that the products and services are
offered only for medical marijuana patients and primary caregivers .
Sec. 15-478. Warning signs.
There shall be posted in a conspicuous location in each medical marijuana center
a legible sign containing warnings that:
( 1 ) the possession, use or distribution of marijuana is a violation of federal law;
(2) the possession, use or distribution of marijuana for nonmedical purposes is
a violation of state law;
(3 ) it is illegal under state law to drive a motor vehicle or to operate machinery
when under the influence of, or impaired by, marijuana; and
(4) no one under the age of eighteen ( 18) years is permitted on the premises
except minor patients accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in
possession of a state registry card for such minor patient.
Sec. 15-479. Security requirements.
Security measures at all licensed premises shall comply with the requirements
of the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code and all applicable rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, and shall include at a minimum the following :
( 1 ) security surveillance cameras installed and properly maintained to monitor
all entrances, along with the interior and exterior of the premises, to
discourage and facilitate the reporting of criminal acts and nuisance
activities occurring at the premises ;
(2) robbery and burglary alarm systems which are professionally monitored
and maintained in good working condition;
(3 ) a locking safe permanently affixed to the premises that is suitable for
storage of all medical marijuana and cash stored overnight on the licensed
premises ;
(4) exterior lighting that illuminates the exterior walls of the licensed premises
and complies with applicable provisions of this Code and the Land Use
Code ; and
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(5 ) locking systems for exterior doors that are designed and installed in such
fashion as to deter unlawful entry and provide safe emergency egress.
Sec. 15-480. Report of disturbances and unlawful activity.
(a) All licensees and any agent, manager or employee thereof, shall
immediately report to Police Services any disorderly act, conduct or disturbance and
any unlawful activity committed in or on the licensed premises, including, but not
limited to, any unlawful resale of medical marijuana, and shall also immediately
report any such activity in the immediate vicinity of the business .
(b) Each licensee shall post and keep at all times visible to the public in a
conspicuous place on the premises, a sign with a minimum height of fourteen ( 14)
inches and a minimum width of eleven ( 11 ) inches with each letter to be a minimum
of one-half ( 1 /2) inch in height, which shall read as follows :
"WARNING : Fort Collins Police Services must be notified of all disorderly
acts, conduct or disturbances and all unlawful activities which occur on or
within the premises of this licensed establishment. "
(c) It shall not be a defense to a prosecution of a licensee under this Section
that the licensee was not personally present on the premises at the time such unlawful
activity, disorderly act, conduct or disturbance was committed; however, no agent,
servant or employee of the licensee shall be personally responsible for failing to
report any disorderly act, conduct or disturbance and any unlawful activity hereunder
if such agent, servant or employee was absent from the premises at the time such
activity was committed.
(d) Failure to comply with the requirements of this Section shall be considered
by the Authority in any action relating to the issuance, revocation, suspension or
nomenewal of a license.
Sec. 15-481 . Cultivation, growing, processing and sale of plants by licensees.
(a) No marijuana plant, clone or seedling kept or sold at a medical marijuana
center shall exceed eight (8) inches in height as measured from the top of the
growing medium to the tip of the cutting.
(b) The cultivation, growing, processing, display or storage of marijuana plants
by an optional premises cultivation operation licensee shall be conducted only at the
licensed premises .
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Sec. 15-482. Labeling.
All medical marijuana sold or otherwise distributed by the licensee shall be
labeled in a manner that advises the purchaser that the marijuana is intended for use
solely by the patient to whom it is sold and that any resale or redistribution of the
marijuana to any person other than a patient or primary caregiver is a criminal
violation.
Sec. 15-483 . Prohibited acts.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any licensee to permit the consumption of alcohol
beverages, as defined in the Colorado Liquor Code, on the licensed premises .
(b) It shall be unlawful for any licensee holding a medical marijuana center
license, or for any agent, manager or employee thereof, to :
( 1 ) sell, give, dispense or otherwise distribute medical marijuana or medical
marijuana paraphernalia from any outdoor location;
(2) sell, give, dispense or otherwise distribute to any patient or primary
caregiver who is not a licensee more than two (2) ounces of any usable
form of medical marijuana (excluding medical marijuana-infused products)
within any seven-day period of time;
(3 ) sell, give, dispense or otherwise distribute to another licensed center more
than eight (8) ounces of medical marijuana in any usable form within any
seven-day period of time ;
(4) purchasc or othervvise obtain from any ficensed center more than cight ( S )
ounces of medical Ll any usable form within any seven=cray
period of timel
(54) permit on the licensed premises any person other than:
a, the licensee, the licensee's manager, employees and financial interest
holders,
b , a patient in possession of a registry identification card or its
functional equivalent under Article XVIII, Section 14(3 )(d) of of the
Colorado Constitution,
c, a minor patient accompanied by a parent or lawful guardian in
possession of the minor patient's registry identification card,
d. a minor accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is a patient,
e. a primary caregiver in possession of his or her patient's registry
identification card or its functional equivalent under Article XVIII,
Section 14(3 )(d) of of the Colorado Constitution and the patient's
written designation of said person as the patient's primary caregiver,
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as submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment,
f. a person whose physical presence and assistance are necessary to
assist a patient, or
g1 a person who is actively engaged in the maintenance, repair or
improvement of the licensed premises or in the provision of
accounting or other professional services directly related to the
conduct of the licensee's medical marijuana business.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any optional premises cultivation operation to :
( 1 ) post or allow to be posted signs or other advertising materials identifying
the premises as being associated with the cultivation or use of medical
marijuana;
(2) operate in the City, unless it operates as an optional premise to a medical
marijuana center or a medical marijuana-infused products manufacturer
located in the City that is under the same ownership as the optional
premises cultivation operation; or
(3) sell, give, dispense or otherwise distribute medical marijuana except to a
medical marijuana center or medical marijuana-infused products
manufacturer located in the City that is under the same ownership as the
optional premises cultivation operation.
(d) It shall be unlawful for any medical marijuana-infused products
manufacturer to :
( 1 ) post or allow to be posted signs or other advertising materials identifying
the premises as being associated with the production or use of medical
marijuana;
(2) operate in the City unless it also holds a medical marijuana center license
in the City; or
(3) operate more than one ( 1 ) medical marijuana-infused products
manufacturing facility in the City; or
(S4) sell, give, dispense, or otherwise distribute any of the products it
manufactures except to a medical marijuana center located in the City that
is under the same ownership as the medical marijuana infused-product
manufacturer.
Sec. 15-484. Visibility of activities ; control of emissions .
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(a) All activities of medical marijuana businesses, including, without
limitation, cultivating, growing, processing, displaying, manufacturing, selling and
storage, shall be conducted indoors .
(b) No medical marijuana or paraphernalia shall be displayed or kept in a
business so as to be visible from outside the licensed premises .
(c) Sufficient measures and means of preventing smoke, odors, debris, dust,
fluids and other substances from exiting a medical marijuana business must be
provided at all times . In the event that any odors, debris, dust, fluids or other
substances exit a medical marijuana business, the owner of the subject premises and
the licensee shall be jointly and severally liable for such conditions and shall be
responsible for immediate, full clean-up and correction of such condition. The
licensee shall properly dispose of all such materials, items and other substances in
a safe, sanitary and secure manner and in accordance with all applicable federal, state
and local laws and regulations .
Sec. 15-485. Sales tax.
Each medical marijuana business shall collect and remit City sales and use tax
on all medical marijuana, paraphernalia and other tangible personal property used
or sold at the licensed premises.
Sec. 15-486. Required books and records.
(a) In addition to any requirements under the Colorado Medical Marijuana
Code, and any rules or regulations promulated thereunder requiring licensees to
maintain books and records, every medical marijuana center shall maintain an
accurate and complete record of all medical marijuana purchased, sold or dispensed
by the center in any usable form. Such record shall include the following :
( 1 ) the identity of the seller and purchaser involved in each transaction;
(2) the total quantity of, and amount paid for, the medical marijuana; and
(3 ) the date, time and location of each transaction.
(b) Every patient or primary caregiver shall provide to the licensee, and the
licensee shall record, the following information for such books and records :
( 1 ) the patient or primary caregiver's name, date of birth, and current street
address , including city, state and zip code ;
(2) the form of identification that was presented by the patient or primary
caregiver, which may include any of the following, and the identifying
number, if any, from such form:
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a. an identification card issued in accordance with Section 42-2-302,
C .R. S . ,
b. a valid state driver's license,
C. a valid driver's license containing a picture issued by another state,
d. a military identification card,
e. a valid passport, or
f. an alien registration card;
(3 ) a registry identification card or its functional equivalent under Section
14(3)(d) of Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution and, in
the case of a primary caregiver, the date the primary caregiver was
designated by the patient for whom the medical marijuana was purchased.
(c) Information provided to the licensee by a patient or primary caregiver under
the provisions of this Section need not include any information regarding the
patient's physician or medical condition.
(d) All transactions shall be kept in a numerical register in the order in which
they occur.
(e) All records required to be kept under this Article must be kept in the
English language in a legible manner and must be preserved and made available for
inspection for a period of three (3 ) years after the date of the transaction. Information
inspected by Police Services or other City departments pursuant to this Article shall
be used for regulatory and law enforcement purposes only and shall not be a matter
of public record.
Sec. 15-487. Inspection of licensed premises.
(a) During all business hours and other times of apparent activity, all licensed
premises shall be subject to inspection by Police Services and all other City
departments designated by the City Manager for the purpose of investigating and
determining compliance with the provisions of this Article and any other applicable
state and local laws or regulations. Said inspection may include, but need not be
limited to, the inspection of books, records and inventory. Where any part of the
licensed premises consists of a locked area, such area shall be made available for
inspection, without delay, upon request.
Sec. 15-488. Nonrenewal, suspension or revocation of license.
(a) The Authority may, after notice and hearing, suspend, revoke or refuse to
renew a license for any of the following reasons :
( 1 ) the applicant or licensee, or his or her agent, manager or employee, have
violated, do not meet, or have failed to comply with, any of the terms,
requirements, conditions orprovisions ofthis Article or with any applicable
state or local law or regulation;
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(2) the applicant or licensee, or his or her agent, manager or employee, have
failed to comply with any special terms or conditions of its license
pursuant to an order of the state or local licensing authority, including those
terms and conditions that were established at the time of issuance of the
license and those imposed as a result of any disciplinary proceedings held
subsequent to the date of issuance of the license ; or
(3 ) the medical marijuana business has been operated in a manner that
adversely affects the public health, safety or welfare .
(b) Evidence to support a finding under Subsection (a) of this Section may
include, without limitation, a continuing pattern of disorderly conduct, a continuing
pattern of drug-related criminal conduct within the premises of the medical
marijuana business or in the immediate area surrounding such business, a continuing
pattern of criminal conduct directly related to or arising from the operation of the
medical marijuana business, or an ongoing nuisance condition emanating from or
caused by the medical marijuana business .
Sec. 15-489. Violations and penalties.
In addition to the possible denial, suspension, revocation or nonrenewal of a
license under the provisions of this Article, any person, including, but not limited to,
any licensee, manager or employee of a medical marijuana business, or any customer
of such business , who violates any of the provisions of this Article, shall be guilty
of a misdemeanor punishable in accordance with § 1 - 15 of this Code.
Sec. 15-490. No City liability; indemnification.
(a) By accepting a license issued pursuant to this Article, the licensee waives
and releases the City, its officers, elected officials, employees, attorneys and agents
from any liability for injuries, damages or liabilities of any kind that result from any
arrest or prosecution of business owners, operators, employees, clients or customers
for a violation of state or federal laws, rules or regulations .
(b) By accepting a license issued pursuant to this Article, all licensees, jointly
and severally if more than one ( 1 ), agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the
City, its officers, elected officials, employees, attorneys, agents, insurers and self-
insurance pool against all liability, claims and demands on account of any injury,
loss or damage, including, without limitation, claims arising from bodily injury,
personal injury, sickness, disease, death, property loss or damage, or any other loss
of any kind whatsoever arising out of or in any manner connected with the operation
of the medical marijuana business that is the subject of the license .
Sec. 15-491 . Other laws remain applicable.
(a) To the extent the State adopts in the future any additional or stricter law or
regulation governing the sale or distribution of medical marijuana, the additional or
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stricter regulation shall control the establishment or operation of any medical
marijuana business in the City. Compliance with any applicable state law or
regulation shall be deemed an additional requirement for issuance or denial of any
license under this Article, and noncompliance with any applicable state law or
regulation shall be grounds for revocation or suspension of any license issued
hereunder.
(b) Any licensee may be required to demonstrate, upon demand by the City
Manager or by law enforcement officers, that the source and quantity of any
marijuana found upon the licensed premises are in full compliance with any
applicable state law or regulation.
(c) If the State prohibits the sale or other distribution of marijuana through
medical marijuana dispensaries, any license issued hereunder shall be deemed
immediately revoked by operation of law, with no ground for appeal or other redress
on behalf of the licensee .
(d) The issuance of any license pursuant to this Article shall not be deemed to
create an exception, defense or immunity to any person in regard to any potential
criminal liability the person may have under state or federal law for the cultivation,
possession, sale, distribution or use of marijuana.
Sec. 15-492. Severability.
If any section, sentence, clause, phrase, word or other provision of this Article
is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such holding shall
not affect the validity of the remaining sections, sentences, clauses, phrases, words
or other provisions of this Article or the validity of this Article as an entirety, it being
the legislative intent that this Article shall stand, notwithstanding the invalidity of
any section, sentence, clause, phrase, word or other provision.
Sec. 15-493. Administrative regulations.
The City Manager is authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as are
necessary to effectuate the implementation, administration and enforcement of this
Article .
Secs. 15-494-15-499. Reserved.
ARTICLE XVIL MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS AND
PRIMARY CAREGIVERS
Sec. 15-500. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Article, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this Section:
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Patient shall mean a person who has a debilitating medical condition as defined
in Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution.
Primary caregiver shall mean a person, other than the patient and the patient's
physician, who is eighteen ( 18) years of age or older and has significant
responsibility for managing the well-being of a patient who has a debilitating
medical condition.
Sec. 15-501 . Limitations.
Primary caregivers who cultivate, possess or dispense medical marijuana for use
by patients, and patients who cultivate or possess medical marijuana for their own
medical use, shall be subject to the following limitations :
( 1 ) All cultivation of medical marijuana shall be conducted entirely within a
building or other fully enclosed structure .
(2) No medical marijuana may be cultivated within any duplex or multi-family
dwelling, or within any structure that is located on the same legal parcel as
a duplex or multi-family dwelling.
(3 ) Not more than twelve ( 12) marijuana plants, including no more than six (6)
mature plants, may be cultivated or kept within, or on the same legal parcel
as, any single- family dwelling.
(4) In no event shall a patient or primary caregiver keep, cultivate, grow or
process more medical marijuana than such person is entitled to possess
under Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 22nd day of
February, A.D . 2011 , and to be presented for final passage on the 15th day of March, A.D . 2011 ,
Mayor
ATTEST :
City Clerk
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Passed and adopted on final reading on the 15th day of March, A.D . 2011 .
Mayor
ATTEST :
City Clerk
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ORDINANCE NO. 020, 2011
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING THE CITY'S LAND USE CODE BY ADDING MEDICAL
MARIJUANA-INFUSED PRODUCT FACILITIES AS PERMITTED USES IN
VARIOUS ZONE DISTRICTS, AND RENAMING DISPENSARIES AND
CULTIVATION FACILITIES
WHEREAS, the City Council, by Ordinance No. 026, 2010 and Ordinance No.
045, 2010, amended the Land Use Code to accommodate the establishment of medical
marijuana uses in the City; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to the adoption of these ordinances, the state law that
regulates medical marijuana businesses (the "Medical Marijuana Code") has been
amended to provide definitions and names for various medical marijuana related
establishments that are slightly different than those used in the Land Use Code; and
WHEREAS, the Medical Marijuana Code also allows for, and regulates, medical
marijuana-infused product manufacturers, which the City Code does not; and
WHEREAS, City staff has recommended certain amendments to the City Code to
accommodate medical marijuana-infused product manufacturers and the City Council.has
approved such amendments; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this Ordinance is to bring the relevant provisions of
the Land Use Code into conformity with the Medical Marijuana Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF FORT COLLINS that the Land Use Code is hereby amended as follows:
Section 1. That Section 4.16(B)(2)C of the Land Use Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
V¢nU¢3 Civic Center:.:
C�ClbMMERC ILA L/RETAIL
Medical marijuana center BDR BDR BDR
Section 2. That Section 4.17(B)(1)(f) of the Land Use Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(f) Commercial/Retail Uses:
1. .Medical marijuana center.
t
Section 3. That Section 4.17(13)(1)(g) of the Land Use Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(g) Industrial Uses:
1. Medical marijuana optional premises cultivation operation.
2. Medical marijuana-infused product manufacturer.
Section 4. That Section 4.18(B)(1)(f) of the Land Use Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(f) Commercial/Retail Uses:
1. Medical marijuana center.
Section 5. That Section 4.19(B)(1)(f) of the Land Use Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(f) Commercial/Retail Uses:
1. Medical marijuana center.
Section 6. That Section 4.19(B)(1)(g) of the Land Use Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(g) Industrial Uses:
1. Medical marijuana optional premises cultivation operation.
2. Medical marijuana-infused product manufacturer.
Section 7. That Section 4.20(B)(1)(f) of the Land Use Code is hereby
amended to read as follow:
(f) Commercial/Retail Uses:
1. Medical marijuana center.
Section 8. That Section 4.21(B)(1)(f) of the Land Use Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(f) Commercial/Retail Uses:
1. Medical marijuana center.
Section 9. That Section 4.22(B)(1)(f) of the Land Use Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
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(f) Commercial/Retail Uses:
1. Medical marijuana center.
Section 10. That Section 4.22(B)(1)(g) of the Land Use Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(g) Industrial Uses:
1. Medical marijuana optional premises cultivation operation.
2. Medical marijuana-infused product manufacturer.
Section 11. That Section 4.24(B)(2)D of the Land Use Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
-D INDUSTRIALi. „ RrversideArea All other Areas,
Medical marijuana optional premises cultivation operation Not Permitted BDR
Medical marijuana-infused product manufacturer Not Permitted BDR
Section 12. That Section 4.28(B)(1)(f) of the Land Use Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(f) Industrial Uses:
1. Medical marijuana optional premises cultivation operation.
2. Medical marijuana-infused product manufacturer.
Section 13. That that following definitions contained in Section 5.1.2 of the
Land Use Code are hereby amended to read as follows:
Medical marijuana center shall mean a person licensed pursuant to Title
12, Article 43.3 of the Colorado Revised Statutes to operate a business as directed
in Section 12-43 -402 C.R.S. that sells medical marijuana to registered patients or
primary caregivers as defined in Section 14 of Article XVIII of the state
constitution, but is not a primary caregiver.
Medical marijuana optional premises cultivation operation shall mean a
person licensed pursuant to Title 12, Article 43.3 of the Colorado Revised Statutes ..
to operate a business as described in Section 12-43.3-404, C.R.S.
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Section 14. That Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the
addition of a new definition "Medical marijuana-infused products manufacturer" which
reads in its entirety as follows:
Medical marijuana-infused products manufacturer shall mean a person licensed
pursuant to Title 12 Article 43.3 of the Colorado Revised Statutes to operate a business as
described in Section 12-43.3-403 C.R.S.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 22nd
day of February, A.D. 2011, and to be presented for final passage on the 15th day of
March, A.D. 2011.
4Ma
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 15th day of March, A.D. 2011.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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