The Kirkland City Council will be holding a public hearing tonight to consider an ordinance that would, if approved, extend the current interim zoning regulations regarding the retail of recreational marijuana. Public testimony will be allowed during the Public Hearing which will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. at Kirkland City Hall, Council Chambers 123 Fifth Avenue. The staff memo and proposed ordinance are posted online under the September 16 meeting agenda.

The proposed ordinance recognizes the City Council’s desire to reconcile the needs of Kirkland residents and businesses with respect to the retail sale of recreational marijuana, with Initiative 502, and the rules instituted by the Washington State Liquor Control Board. The city of Kirkland anticipates additional review related to licensing, siting, and taxation of recreational marijuana in the next Washington State Legislative session. Further, the city will continue to be informed of actions and challenges of the Washington State Liquor Control Board as well as other Washington cities. The city will closely monitor these activities as it begins to form recommendations for permanent zoning regulations for the sale of recreational marijuana.

For more information regarding the City Council’s actions to date on this issue, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/marijuanainkirkland or call the Planning & Community Development Department at 425-587-3225.