Amend Article 4.13 of the Town's Zoning By-laws to modify density requirements for marijuana establishments.

Second Special Town Meeting, November 2018

At the Annual Town Meeting in spring 2018, Town Meeting approved Article 17 allowing recreational marijuana retailers and a variety of other related marijuana uses. Under the section of the Zoning By-Law that relates to the allowed locations of marijuana retailers (both storefront and social consumption retailers, if the latter are allowed in the future), retail establishments are required to be located at least 200 feet apart as the crow flies. An exception to the 200-foot rule was made for retailers who were not located on the street level based on the premise that the vibrancy of the streetscape would not be negatively impacted if a storefront were located below or above street level. After further consideration, some members of the Select Board believe that it would be better for the 200-foot minimum to be applicable for all marijuana retail establishments regardless of what floor the establishment is located. This approach is consistent with our overriding goals of minimizing the concentration of marijuana retailers in any one block, reducing traffic and queueing impacts to pedestrians and the surrounding neighborhood, and distributing marijuana retailers more broadly throughout the town.