The Blaine City Council has recently passed ordinance amendments that will shape the future of cannabis and hemp manufacturing in the region. According to the official city release, the updated zoning ordinance specifically outlines where and how cannabis-related businesses can operate within city limits. The new regulations, which were read in full on June 16th, emphasize the importance of keeping these activities within industrial zones and away from residential areas.
Under the new ordinance 25-2578, Heavy Industrial (I-2) zones will allow cannabis and hemp manufacturing as conditional uses, requiring businesses to adhere to strict criteria before they embark upon cultivation or manufacturing processes; this is in a move that remains cognizant of the community's concerns and the industry's potential. In Heavy Industrial I-2A zones, both cannabis/hemp manufacturing and cultivation will be considered conditional uses, provided the operation meets additional specified requirements laid out by the city.
The city is enforcing a mandatory buffer zone where properties used for cannabis/hemp cultivation must be at least 750 feet away from residentially zoned land. This regulation points to a cautious approach from the Blaine officials who seek to balance industrial growth with residential peace. Other stipulations include the prohibition of outdoor cultivation and the necessity for all cultivation to be conducted inside an appropriately structured building.
In addition to zoning concerns, the ordinance also addresses storage and parking regulations for related businesses, stating that the outside storage of materials other than cannabis/hemp shall be restricted to rear yards, and needs to meet I-2A parking setback standards, a standard amidst an already complex array of guidelines designed to regulate this budding industry. With such modifications to the city's zoning laws, the local government has set the stage for a controlled expansion of cannabis and hemp-based enterprises, emphasizing compliance with both state and city-issued permits.The
