The Kirkland City Council will vote on an ordinance tonight that could prohibit the sale of recreational marijuana in the Market Street Corridor (MSC) zones 1 and 2 for six months.

The Council will vote on Ordinance O-4434 after a public hearing. The Council meeting will start at 7:30 p.m.

The city looked at regulating marijuana sales along Market Street after several members of the Market neighborhood voiced opposition to potential pot shops in the heavily residential area.

If the ordinance passes, the city will work to prepare zoning code amendments for MSC zone 1 and 2 during the next six months. If needed, the City Council may extend the interim regulations for another six months after another public hearing.

The MSC 1 zone extends along Market Street from Eighth Avenue to 19th Avenue. The MSC 2 zone extends from 14th Avenue West  to 16th Avenue West.

Washington voters legalized recreational marijuana in November 2012 with the passing of Initiative 502. Since then, state and city governments have worked to develop laws around the new business.

For more information on Ordinance O-4434, check the Council packet.