Bloomington Planning Commission’s Public Hearing raises concerns regarding zoning

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Planning Commission held a public hearing taking a closer look at zoning.

The hearing focused on adult-use permits in the agriculture, business, and manufacturing zones in the City of Bloomington.

The Planning Commission wanted to gather the public for comment so that they can make a recommendation back to council.The commission was reminded that with opting in the city may then chose to allow permitted on-site consumption.

Through a special use permit, the city can go case-by-case and there are more barriers. By adopting special use provisions, they can regulate the proximity of these business to churches, schools and residential areas.

The Text Amendment encompasses all the different operational standards that every type of adult-cannabis facility would need to comply with. City council, through the special-use permit, could control the hours of operation.

Cultivation centers are required to have a 500 ft setback from worship, schools, day cares and playgrounds. They also require 250 ft setback from residential districts.

There is no sale or distribution other than as permitted by act.

“One difference is the license are not issued here like liquor license are,” said the City Attorney.

The state issues the licenses for these cannabis businesses.

The commission will make their recommendation back to the council who will then vote on zoning regulations drafted through the state’s recommended special-use permit.