Vote Favors Recommending Pot Retailers Be Allowed As Special Use

ST. CHARLES, IL — St. Charles plan commission members voted 6-2 Tuesday in favor of recommending to the City Council's Planning and Development Committee that recreational marijuana dispensaries be allowed as a special use, located away from the downtown area and community business districts, according to Kane County Chronicle. The dispensaries would be limited to locations in the regional business districts and limited manufacturing districts in St. Charles, and at least 250 feet away from schools, daycare spots or residences, the news report added.

During Tuesday's meeting in the city council chambers, 2 E. Main Street in St. Charles, Plan Commission Chairman Todd Wallace and commissioner Jeffrey Funke each voted "no" to the recommendation.

The plan commission held an initial meeting on Sept. 17 and received several comments from the public regarding their thoughts on the sale of pot in town once it becomes legal to sell for recreational purposes on Jan. 1. On Aug. 19, aldermen with the city's government operations committee voted 6-3 to direct city staff to begin the process of amending the city's zoning ordnance to allow two recreational sales facilities in town: one on the city's east side and one on the city's west side, according to a news release from the city of St. Charles.

The city council will have the final say on whether St. Charles will sell marijuana for recreational use in town, according to city officials.

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While all people over the age of 21 years old will be able to possess and consume marijuana privately starting on Jan. 1, municipalities can choose whether to allow retail cannabis stores in their communities.

City officials can also determine, if allowed, how many stores can sell marijuana and where those stores will be located, according to city officials.