Henrico takes first crack at RVA's recreational weed rules
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Henrico is laying out rules for where recreational marijuana businesses can operate ahead of next year's launch of Virginia's retail market.
Why it matters: It's the first RVA locality to release publicly plans for how it could regulate the coming market within its borders.
State of play: The Henrico Planning Commission next week will consider zoning changes covering marijuana retail, cultivation, processing, testing and distribution businesses. Among them:
- Marijuana retail stores and microbusinesses would be prohibited in most zoning districts, including all residential zones.
- Where they are allowed, most would require a provisional-use permit, which involves a public Board of Supervisors review.
- Retail stores and microbusinesses couldn't operate within 1,000 feet of schools, religious institutions, daycares, playgrounds or public parks.
- Cultivation, testing, processing and transportation facilities would have to stay 1,000 feet from residential zones.
Plus: Every marijuana-related business in Henrico would need a county-approved crime-prevention and security plan.
- The county requires security plans for gun stores, pool halls, gambling parlors, ATMs and any businesses open between midnight and 6am.
The intrigue: Some of Henrico's proposed rules for retail stores and microbusinesses go further than state requirements.
- State law sets a 1,000-foot buffer from hospitals, schools, colleges and child day programs. Henrico would add religious institutions, playgrounds and public parks to that list.
Yes, but: Existing medical cannabis dispensaries authorized for recreational sales would be grandfathered in and exempt from Henrico's new 1,000-foot siting restrictions.
- Henrico has two medical dispensaries: one in Short Pump and one on South Laburnum Avenue.
Meanwhile, Hanover has drafted its own cannabis zoning change and Hanover's Board of Supervisors will decide next week whether to authorize a Planning Commission public hearing, county spokesperson Kristin Smith Dunlop tells Axios.
- Chesterfield is a step behind: Officials will ask the Planning Commission later this month to begin the code-update process, county spokesperson Stephen Bays tells Axios.
- And Richmond's planning staff is "actively working" on regulations there, city spokesperson Michael Hinkle tells Axios.
What's next: Henrico's Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the zoning amendments on Oct. 15 where it will recommend approval, denial or changes before the amendments head to the Board of Supervisors.
- Residents can submit comments in advance.