Centralia City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 20
65 RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA BUSINESSES
§ 20.65.010 Intent.
In November 2012, Washington voters passed Initiative 502, which establishes precedent for the production, processing and retail sale of marijuana for recreational purposes. Pursuant to RCW Title 69 and the requirements of Chapter 314-55 WAC, the state has adopted rules establishing a statewide regulatory and licensing program for marijuana uses.
It is the intent of these regulations to ensure that such state-licensed uses are located and developed in a manner that is consistent with the desired character and standards of this community and its neighborhoods, minimizes potential incompatibilities and impacts, and protects the public health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Centralia. Recognizing the voter-approved right to establish certain types of marijuana businesses, it is also the intent of these regulations to provide reasonable access to mitigate the illicit marijuana market and the legal and personal risks and community impacts associated with it.
(Ord. 2330 § 1 (part), 2014)
§ 20.65.020 Applicability.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply only within the city limits as currently adopted. The specific development standards provided in this chapter shall be in addition to the zoning and development standards generally applicable to the proposed use and the relevant zoning district.
A.
No use that purports to be a marijuana producer, processor or retailer, as defined and regulated herein and in Chapter 314-55 WAC, that was engaged in that activity prior to the enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be deemed to have been a legally established use or entitled to claim legal nonconforming status.
(Ord. 2330 § 1 (part), 2014)
§ 20.65.030 Definitions.
All definitions used in this chapter apply to this chapter only and, except as otherwise revised below, shall have the meanings established pursuant to RCW Title 69 and Chapter 314-55 WAC, as the same exist now or as they may later be amended. Selected definitions have been included below for ease of reference.
A. "Marijuana" or "marihuana,"
as defined in RCW 69.50.101, means all parts of the plant Cannabis, whether growing or not, with a THC concentration greater than three-tenths of one percent on a dry weight basis; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin. The term does not include the mature stalks of the plant; fiber produced from the stalks; oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant; any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil, or cake; or the sterilized seed of the plant which is incapable of germination.
B. "Marijuana processor,"
as defined in RCW 69.50.101, means a person licensed by the State Liquor Control Board to process marijuana into usable marijuana and marijuana-infused products, package and label usable marijuana and marijuana-infused products for sale in retail outlets, and sell usable marijuana and marijuana-infused products at wholesale to marijuana retailers.
C. "Marijuana producer,"
as defined in RCW 69.50.101, means a person licensed by the State Liquor Control Board to produce and sell marijuana at wholesale to marijuana processors and other marijuana producers.
D. "Marijuana-infused products,"
as defined in RCW 69.50.101, means products that contain marijuana or marijuana extracts, are intended for human use, and have a THC concentration greater than three-tenths of one percent and no greater than sixty percent. The term "marijuana-infused products" does not include either usable marijuana or marijuana concentrates.
E. "Marijuana retailer,"
as defined in RCW 69.50.101, means a person licensed by the State Liquor Control Board to sell usable marijuana and marijuana-infused products in a retail outlet.
F.
As used in this chapter, any reference to marijuana production, processing and retail sales shall refer only to recreational marijuana production, processing and retail sales.
G. "Cultivation"
means the planting, growing, harvesting, drying or processing of marijuana plants or any part thereof.
H. "Indoors"
means within a fully enclosed and secure structure that complies with the Washington State Building Code, as adopted by the city of Centralia, that has a complete roof enclosure supported by connecting walls extending from the ground to the roof, and a foundation, slab, or equivalent base to which the floor is securely attached. The structure must be secure against unauthorized entry, accessible only through two or more lockable doors, and constructed of solid materials that cannot easily be broken through, such as two-inch by four-inch or thicker studs overlain with three-eighths-inch or thicker plywood or equivalent materials. Plastic sheeting, regardless of gauge, or similar products do not satisfy this requirement.
I. "Outdoors"
means any location that is not "indoors" within a fully enclosed and secure structure as defined herein.
J. "Usable marijuana"
means dried marijuana flowers. The term "usable marijuana" does not include marijuana-infused products.
(Ord. 2330 § 1 (part), 2014)
§ 20.65.040 Environmental performance standards.
A.
It shall be the responsibility of the operator and/or the proprietor of any permitted use to provide such reasonable evidence and technical data as the enforcing officer may require to demonstrate that the use or activity is or will be in compliance with the environmental performance standards of Chapter 20.57 CMC.
B.
Failure of the enforcing officer to require such information shall not be construed as relieving the operator and/or the proprietor from compliance with the environmental performance standards of this title.
C.
Marijuana producers, processors and retail sales shall incorporate odor control technology and provisions to ensure that emissions do not exceed Southwest Washington Clean Air Agency regulations.
(Ord. 2330 § 1 (part), 2014)
§ 20.65.050 Development requirements.
B.
Marijuana producers, marijuana processors, and marijuana retailers shall only be allowed within the city of Centralia municipal boundaries if appropriately licensed by the state of Washington and the city of Centralia, and operated consistent with the requirements of the state and all applicable city ordinances, rules, requirements and standards.
C.
Marijuana producers, marijuana processors, and marijuana retailers shall only be allowed within the city of Centralia in those zoning districts where they are specifically identified as an allowed use.
D.
The production, processing, selling, or delivery of marijuana, marijuana-infused products, or usable marijuana may not be conducted in association with any business establishment, dwelling unit, or home occupation located in any of the following zoning districts in the city of Centralia:
1.
Very low-density residential district (R:2).
2.
Low-density residential district (R:4).
3.
Moderate-density residential district (R:8).
4.
Medium-high density residential district (R:15).
5.
High-density residential district (R:20).
6.
Health services district (H-1).
7.
Open space/public facilities district (OS/PF).
8.
Port master plan district (PMP).
9.
Limited business district (LBD).
10.
Highway commercial district (C-2).
11.
Core commercial district (C-3).
12.
Light industrial district (M-1).
E.
Marijuana production and marijuana processing facilities shall be designed to include controls and features to prevent odors from traveling off site and being detected from a public place, the public right-of-way, or properties owned or leased by another person or entity.
F.
Marijuana retailers shall not include drive-through, exterior, or off-site sales. Marijuana retailers shall not be located in a mobile or temporary structure.
G.
In accordance with WAC 314-55-147, marijuana retail sales shall not be open to the public between the hours of twelve a.m. and eight a.m.
H.
Signage for marijuana production, processing and retail businesses shall be subject to the requirements of WAC 314-55-155 and Chapter 18.24 CMC, whichever is more restrictive. No off-premises signage is permitted.
I.
Displays against or adjacent to exterior windows shall not include marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia.
J.
As provided in RCW 69.50.331 and WAC 314-55-050, marijuana producers, marijuana processors, and marijuana retailers shall not be allowed to locate within one thousand feet of public parks, playgrounds, recreation/community centers, libraries, child care centers, schools, game arcades, and public transit centers. For purposes of this standard, these uses are defined in Chapter 314-55 WAC. The methodology for measuring the buffers shall be as provided in Chapter 314-55 WAC. It shall be the responsibility of the owner or operator of the proposed state-licensed marijuana use to demonstrate and ensure that a proposed location is not within one of the buffers.
K.
Marijuana retailers shall not be allowed to locate within one thousand feet of correctional facilities, courthouses, drug rehabilitation facilities, substance abuse facilities, and detoxification centers. The methodology for measuring the buffers shall be as provided in Chapter 314-55 WAC. It shall be the responsibility of the owner or operator of the proposed state-licensed marijuana use to demonstrate and ensure that a proposed location is not within one of the buffers.
L.
An existing nonconforming use located within a zoning district that would otherwise not permit marijuana uses, such as an old convenience store in a residential district, shall not be allowed to convert to a marijuana use.
M.
Marijuana producers, marijuana processors, and marijuana retailers shall connect to all city of Centralia utilities.
N.
Marijuana production, processing and retail sales are not permitted as a home occupation under Chapter 20.69 CMC.
O.
Retail marijuana sales may not be located within any other businesses, and may be located in buildings with other uses only if the marijuana business is separated by full walls and with a separate entrance. No more than one marijuana retail business shall be located on a single parcel.
Q.
Marijuana production, processing and retail sales must take place within fully enclosed secure indoor facilities.
R.
Only three recreational marijuana retail stores shall be allowed at any one time within the Centralia city limits.
(Ord. 2330 § 1 (part), 2014; Ord. 2734 § 8, 2016; Ord. 2502 § 2, 2022)
§ 20.65.060 Site requirements.
Shall meet all requirements set forth in the underlying zone.
(Ord. 2330 § 1 (part), 2014)
§ 20.65.070 Building allowance.
Shall meet all requirements set forth in the underlying zone.
(Ord. 2330 § 1 (part), 2014)
§ 20.65.080 Off-street parking.
Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 20.72 CMC.
(Ord. 2330 § 1 (part), 2014)
§ 20.65.090 Landscaping, buffering, fencing and solid waste receptacles.
Landscaping shall be provided in accordance with the requirements in the underlying zoning district.
(Ord. 2330 § 1 (part), 2014)
§ 20.65.100 Design and development guidelines.
Developments shall comply with the requirements of CMC § 18.10.030, Design and Development Guidelines manual.
(Ord. 2330 § 1 (part), 2014)
§ 20.65.110 Site plan review.
Shall meet all requirements set forth in the underlying zoning district.
(Ord. 2330 § 1 (part), 2014)
§ 20.65.120 Violations.
Violations of this chapter shall be subject to enforcement action as provided in the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, RCW Title 69, as well as subject to enforcement actions for violations of the City of Centralia Municipal Code.
(Ord. 2330 § 1 (part), 2014)