The Durango Planning Commission on Tuesday voted against recommending buffers aimed at keeping marijuana shops from clustering.
The commission was split 3-2. A few of those opposed to buffers felt introducing them all over town was too broad. They also said the Durango City Council proposed the changes based on an isolated incident and complaints of a few residents.
“I hope that council will take a step back and take a more thorough look at the reasoning for restrictions,” Commissioner Joe Lewandowski said.
Despite the commission’s recommendation to forego the buffers, the council could adopt them. But the commissioners want to see councilors consider other options.
The council introduced a moratorium on new marijuana shops in December, after a shop was approved to move in on west 10th Street near El Rancho and around the corner from the Colorado Grow Co.
The commissioners informally supported 250-foot buffers between marijuana shops because they believe it was more clear than rules based on street segments.
City staff members crafted a proposal for 300-foot buffers between shops to because it would accomplish the City Council’s goal of preventing marijuana shops from opening on the same block and across the street from each other, according to city documents.
Lewandowski said staff members did not have data about the impact of marijuana shops to support a decision on buffers.
Commissioner Geoff Hickcox, who also opposed the new buffers, said street segment rules are clear, and he did not see a public outcry for change.
The two commissioners in favor of the buffers, had different reasons for supporting them.
Limiting the visibility and availability of marijuana can help prevent substance abuse among teens, Commissioner Peter Tregillus said.
“I think avoiding saturation is good thing,” he said.
Commissioner Elsa Jagniecki said she could see both sides, and it was a question that could be addressed through the city’s character districts, which will guide development for individual parts of town.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
