KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The City of Kalamazoo is seeking input from the public on the first draft of its recreational marijuana ordinance.

City officials published an initial draft of the ordinance on February 28, which can be read in full online at this link. However, this is only one draft, and a full version has yet to be finalized. 

To begin with, officials say that all zoning standards drafted are subject to change before final approval, since the City is updating its zoning code and map. The policy will go to the Kalamazoo Planning Commission on April 2.

Commissioners have until June 1 to finalize a recreational marijuana policy. 

As written, the currently drafted zoning regulations are as follows –

• A licensee shall not operate a marihuana establishment within one thousand (1,000) feet of a pre-existing private or public school, providing education in kindergarten or grades 1 through 12.
• A licensee must not operate a marihuana establishment within five hundred (500) feet of any pre-existing State-licensed childcare center.
• These separation distances are applicable to marihuana establishments and similar protected uses located in adjacent governmental jurisdictions.

Citizens are encouraged to attend any of the following meetings to provide feedback. All information presented will be the same at each meeting, so citizens can choose whichever works for their schedule –

• Monday, March 16 – 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Winchell Elementary (2316 Winchell Ave.)
• Wednesday, March 18 – 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Edison Neighborhood Association (816 Washington Ave.)
• Thursday, March 19 – 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Northside Association for Community Development (NACD) (612 N Park St.)
• Tuesday, March 24 – 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Station 5 Community Center (619 Douglas Ave.)
• Wednesday, March 25 – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Milwood Community Church (3306 Lovers Ln.)

The news of the public community input meetings comes as a local dispensary is suing the city over claims of lost profits due to the recreational opt-out. 

Meanwhile, Kalamazoo Township has also opted-in to allow recreational marijuana businesses ahead of the city.