Planning Commission Meeting

Agenda City of Ocean Shores Planning Commission Meeting Join Zoom Meeting Online Click Here Join Zoom Meeting by Phone Phone Number: 1.253.215.8782 Meeting ID: 876 1396 3124 Passcode: 038613 Tuesday Ocean Shores Library February 24, 2026 573 Point Brown Ave NW 2:00 PM Ocean Shores, Washington Page Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Meeting Agenda Approval of Minutes 4-5 1. Approval of minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting on January 13, 2026. Public Communication - 3 Minutes 2. The Planning Commission is providing opportunities for public comments, by submitting written comments to the City Clerk’s office via email at publiccomment@osgov.com no later than 1:00 PM on February 24, 2026. Election of Commission Officers 3. Commission Chair - Nominations and Vote  Presented by: Commission Vice Chair, Randy Johnston Page 1 of 23 Page 4. Commission Vice Chair - Nominations and Vote  Presented by: Commission Vice Chair, Randy Johnston 5. Commission Secretary - Nominations and Vote  Presented by: Commission Vice Chair, Randy Johnston Old Business 6. Public Restroom Report  Presented by: Commissioner, Steve Kern 7. Signage for Walking and Biking Trail  Presented by: Commission Vice Chair, Randy Johnston New Business 6 - 10 8. Review Parking Requirements for Commercial Buildings in Ocean Shores Municipal Code Chapter 17.54  Presented by: Commission Vice Chair, Randy Johnston 9. Comprehensive Plan Update Schedule  Presented by: Commission Vice Chair, Randy Johnston Ocean Shores Comprehensive Plan 11 - 23 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code Chapter 5.10  Presented by: Commission Vice Chair, Randy Johnston Discussion Reports 11. Community Development Liaison Report  Presented by: Lead Planner, Marshall Read 12. Planning Commission Member(s) Report  Thorn Ward  Steve Kern  Dennis Petersen  Randy Johnston  Brant Hill  Vacant  Vacant Public Communication - 3 Minutes Page 2 of 23 Page Future Meeting Date Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 2:00pm in the Ocean Shores Library Meeting Room. Adjourn _________________________________________________________ Public Notice: • Persons requiring auxiliary aids or special arrangements in order to participate in meetings should call 360.940.7498 at least two business days prior to the scheduled meeting. Page 3 of 23  MINUTES Ocean Shores Planning Commission Regular Meeting Tuesday January 13, 2026 Ocean Shores Public Library Meeting Room 573 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA Minutes taken by Commissioner Stalder 1. Call to Order Vice Chair Randy Johnston called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call Planning Commissioners present: Randy Johnston, Dennis Petersen, Steve Kern, Judy Stalder and Thorn Ward were present. City Staff present: Nicole Birch and Christina Breault were representing the City. 3. Approval of Meeting Agenda • Upon a motion by Commissioner Stalder that was seconded by Commissioner Petersen the meeting agenda was unanimously approved. 4. Approval of Minutes • Upon a motion by Commissioner Kern that was seconded by Commissioner Petersen the minutes from the meeting of December 9, 2025 were unanimously approved. 5. Public Comments No public comments were made. 6. Old Business: • Planning Commission Handboook changes: This matter has been tabled until February 10, 2026. • Public Restrooms: There was further discussion about LTAC funds for this matter. Upon a motion by Commissioner Stalder that was seconded by Commissioner Petersen the Planning Commission approved at least two (2) signs to be placed in a manner that will easily allow visitors to see where the current restrooms are located. • Code Review: Upon a motion by Commissioner Thorn that was seconded by Commissioner Petersen it was recommended that all changes made to existing code be forwarded to City Council for final approval. • Single Family Home Whole House Sprinkler System Code: Upon a motion by Commissioner Stalder that was seconded by Commissioner Thorn the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council NOT proceed with this proposal. • Old unfinished business: There was a discussion about bringing old unfinished business back to the agenda for the whole commission to follow to completion. Commissioner Stalder will review old minutes to find unfinished business. 7. New Business: • Commissioners to bring matters to the table for discussion: There was a discussion concerning this matter. No action was taken. 8. Community Development Liaison Report: Nothing to report Page 1 of 2 1. Approval of minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting on January 13... Page 4 of 23  9. Members of the Commission Reports • Commissioner Johnston: Nothing to report • :Commissioner Stalder: Nothing to report • Commissioner Ward: Nothing to report • Commissioner Petersen: Nothing to report • Commissioner Kern: Nothing to report 11. Public Comments: • A homeowner made comments concerning matters pending with the City Council. • A homeowner made comments about the walking and bicycling path throughout the city. 12. Future Meetings • Next meeting is at 2:00 pm on January 27, 2026. 12. Adjournment • The meeting adjourned at 2:40pm by unanimous consent. Page 2 of 2 1. Approval of minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting on January 13... Page 5 of 23  Chapter 17.54 OFF-STREET PARKING Sections: 17.54.010 Policy. 17.54.020 Space and access. 17.54.030 Location. 17.54.040 Multi-level building. 17.54.050 Change of use, alteration, expansion or enlargement. 17.54.060 Uses not specified. 17.54.070 Joint use. 17.54.080 Plans shall be submitted. 17.54.090 Additional requirements. 17.54.100 Table of minimum standards. 17.54.010 Policy. In all districts there shall be provided at the time of erecting new structures, or at the time of enlarging, moving or increasing the capacity by creating or adding dwelling units, commercial or industrial floor space, or seating facilities, minimum off- street parking provisions with adequate provisions for ingress and egress to the street. (Ord. 837 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 136 § 6.23, 1974) 17.54.020 Space and access. Each off-street parking space shall have a net area of not less than two hundred square feet exclusive of access or aisles, and shall be of usable shape and condition. If determined on a gross area basis, not less than three hundred square feet shall be allowed per vehicle. Single-family and duplex parking areas need not provide unobstructed ingress and egress for each space; however, all parking lots over six spaces must provide unobstructed ingress and egress for each space. (Ord. 837 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 136 § 6.24, 1974) 17.54.030 Location. Off-street facilities shall be located as hereinafter specified. 8. Review Parking Requirements for Commercial Buildings in Ocean Shores ... Page 6 of 23  A. For all dwelling structures except apartment houses with more than four dwelling units, off-street parking shall be located on the same parcel with the building they are required to serve. B. The minimum required parking serving a facility shall be located on the same side of the street as that facility. C. The minimum required parking serving a facility shall be located on property contiguous to the property on which that facility is located. D. Exceptions to the above may be made by the hearing examiner if appropriate. (Ord. 837 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 764 § 4, 2003; Ord. 136 § 6.25, 1974) 17.54.040 Multi-level building. Each floor of a building will be evaluated separately for determining parking requirements. Basements and storage areas will not be considered, except when basements contain bedrooms, work areas or sales areas. (Ord. 837 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 136 § 6.26, 1974) 17.54.050 Change of use, alteration, expansion or enlargement. Whenever a building is enlarged or altered, or whenever the use of a building or property changes, off-street parking shall be provided for such expansion, enlargement or change in use in accordance with the requirements of the title; provided, however, that no additional off-street parking space need be provided where the number of parking spaces required for such expansion, enlargement or change in use since the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title is the same as the parking spaces specified in this title. (Ord. 837 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 136 § 6.27, 1974) 17.54.060 Uses not specified. In the case of a use not specifically mentioned in Section 17.54.100, the requirements for off-street parking facilities shall be determined by the city planner. Such determination shall be based upon the requirements for the most comparable use listed. (Ord. 837 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 611, 1997; Ord. 136 § 6.28, 1974) 17.54.070 Joint use. The city planner may authorize the joint use of parking facilities under the following conditions: 8. Review Parking Requirements for Commercial Buildings in Ocean Shores ... Page 7 of 23  A. Owners of two or more buildings or lots may agree to utilize jointly the same parking space, subject to such conditions as may be imposed by the city planner including but not limited to the following: 1. Satisfactory legal evidence shall be presented in the form of deeds, leases or contracts to establish ownership. 2. Evidence shall be presented that there is no substantial conflict in the principal operating hours of the building or uses for which joint off-street parking is proposed. Subsections (B) through (F) of this section shall be used as guidelines for such evidence. 3. The agreement to utilize jointly the same parking space shall be in writing and narrate the evidence provided under subsections (A)(1) and (2) of this section, shall be signed by the owners, and filed with the city planner. B. Subject to subsection (A) of this section, up to fifty percent of the parking facilities required by this title for a theater, bowling alley, dance hall, bar or restaurant may be supplied by the off-street parking facilities provided by certain other types of buildings or uses herein referred to as “daytime” uses in subsection (E) of this section. C. Subject to subsection (A) of this section, up to fifty percent of the off- street parking facilities required for any building or use specified in subsection (E) of this section, “daytime uses,” may be supplied by the parking facilities provided by uses herein referred to as “nighttime uses” in subsection (F) of this section. D. Subject to subsection (A) of this section, up to one hundred percent of the parking facilities required for a church or for an auditorium incidental to a public or parochial school may be supplied by the off-street parking facilities provided by uses herein referred to as “daytime uses” in subsection (E) of this section. E. For the purpose of this section, the following and similar uses are considered as primary daytime uses: banks, offices, retail, personal service shops, household equipment or furniture stores, clothing or shoe repair shops, manufacturing or wholesale buildings and similar uses. F. For the purpose of this section, the following and similar uses are considered as primary nighttime or Sunday uses: auditorium incidental to a public or parochial school, churches, bowling alleys, dance halls, theaters, bars or restaurants. (Ord. 837 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 611, 1997; Ord. 136 § 6.29, 1974) 17.54.080 Plans shall be submitted. 8. Review Parking Requirements for Commercial Buildings in Ocean Shores ... Page 8 of 23  A. Every tract or lot hereafter used as a public or private parking area, having a capacity of six or more vehicles, shall be developed and maintained in accordance with the requirements and standards of this title. B. The plan of the proposed parking area shall be submitted to the city planner for approval at the time of the application for the building for which the parking area is required. The plan shall clearly indicate the proposed development, including location, size, shape, design, curb cuts, lighting and other features and appurtenances required. (Ord. 837 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 611, 1997; Ord. 136 § 6.30, 1974) 17.54.090 Additional requirements. In addition to the basic standards and requirements established by other sections of this title, the planning director or in his absence the city manager or his designee may make such other requirements or restrictions as shall be deemed necessary in the interests of safety, health and general welfare of the city, including but not limited to lighting, joint development of parking facilities, entrances and exits and accessory uses. Further, performance bonds may be required in such cases where the planning director or in his absence the city manager or his designee determines that such shall be necessary to guarantee proper completion of improvements within the time periods specified. (Ord. 837 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 611, 1997; Ord. 136 § 6.31, 1974) 17.54.100 Table of minimum standards. Minimum off-street parking standards shall be as follows: A. All residential: 1. Single-family detached, one space per bedroom and a minimum of two spaces per single-family dwelling unit, 2. Multiple-family, one and one-half spaces for each unit, room or suite, 3. Single-family trailer or mobile home, one space per bedroom and a minimum of two spaces per single-family dwelling unit; B. All transient facilities, one space for each unit, room or suite; C. All nonretail professional or business services with on-premises service, two spaces per professional employee or partner, and one additional space per nonprofessional employee; 8. Review Parking Requirements for Commercial Buildings in Ocean Shores ... Page 9 of 23  D. All nonretail professional and business services with off-premises delivery of service only, one space for each employee or partner; E. Retail outlet other than food and drugstore, one space per five hundred square feet of gross floor area; F. Retail outlet (principally food and drug), one space for each two hundred fifty square feet of gross floor area; G. Shopping centers and combined retail complexes, one space for each two hundred fifty square feet of gross floor area; H. All industrial, warehouses, etc., one space per employee based on maximum number of employees during the heaviest working shift; I. All amusement places, churches, eating places, taverns, theaters, etc., one space per three persons of legal or practical occupancy plus one for every employee; J. All other uses not specified above and not similar to any of the above categories, one space for every two persons of legal or practical occupancy plus one space for every employee. (Ord. 837 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 520 § 1, 1991; Ord. 345, 1982: Ord. 136 § 6.32, 1974) 8. Review Parking Requirements for Commercial Buildings in Ocean Shores ... Page 10 of 23  Chapter 5.10 MARIJUANA-RELATED USES Sections: 5.10.010 Definitions. 5.10.020 Marijuana-related uses—Generally. 5.10.030 Marijuana producers, processors and cooperatives. 5.10.040 Marijuana retailers. 5.10.050 Sensitive use buffers. 5.10.060 Violations—Penalty. 5.10.010 Definitions. All terms shall have meanings established pursuant to RCW 69.50.101. (Ord. 1013 § 3 (part), 2018) 5.10.020 Marijuana-related uses—Generally. A. The production, processing, and retailing of marijuana is and remains illegal under federal law. Nothing in this chapter is an authorization to circumvent federal law or provide permission to any person or entity to violate federal law. B. This chapter incorporates the requirements and procedures set forth in Chapter 69.50 RCW and Chapter 314-55 WAC. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of Chapter 69.50 RCW or Chapter 314-55 WAC, the more restrictive provision shall control. C. The regulations under Chapter 69.50 RCW and Chapter 314-55 WAC, now or as may hereafter be amended, shall apply to any marijuana retail outlet in addition to the provisions of this chapter. D. Only a marijuana retailer licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board may locate in the city and then only pursuant to the license issued by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and the Ocean Shores Municipal Code (OSMC). E. A marijuana retailer is required to acquire all additional necessary business licenses and permits, and comply with all other applicable OSMC. 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 11 of 23  F. The city may, prior to issuance of any license or permit, perform an inspection of the proposed premises to determine compliance with any applicable requirements of this chapter and all other applicable city ordinances and regulations. (Ord. 1013 § 3 (part), 2018) 5.10.030 Marijuana producers, processors and cooperatives. Marijuana producers, marijuana processors and marijuana cooperatives, even if licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, shall not be permitted to operate within the city limits. Nor shall marijuana producers, marijuana processors, or marijuana cooperatives operate as an accessory to a primary use or as a home occupation. (Ord. 1013 § 3 (part), 2018) 5.10.040 Marijuana retailers. The city shall have no more than one marijuana retailer within the city limits. The marijuana retailer must be licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and is permitted to operate only in the B-1 zones as provided in Chapter 17.34, subject to the requirements and other general provisions as set forth in this title and Chapter 17.34. A. The marijuana retailer shall not operate as an accessory to a primary use or as a home occupation. B. No person or business or entity may operate a marijuana delivery service in the city of Ocean Shores or make deliveries in the city of Ocean Shores. C. Any marijuana odor shall be contained within the marijuana retail outlet so that the odor of marijuana cannot be detected from any abutting use or property by a person with a normal sense of smell. If any marijuana odor can be smelled from any abutting use or property, the marijuana retailer shall be required to implement measures necessary to contain the odor, including, but not limited to, installation of ventilation equipment. If any marijuana odor can still be smelled from any abutting use or property, the marijuana retailer may be fined a daily fine and required by the city to move to another location. D. Marijuana or paraphernalia shall not be on display in any location visible from the public right-of-way, publicly traveled private roads, a public place, or neighbor’s property. (Ord. 1013 § 3 (part), 2018) 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 12 of 23  5.10.050 Sensitive use buffers. A. The marijuana retailer or marijuana retail outlet shall not locate or relocate within one thousand feet of certain land uses as defined in RCW 69.50.331(8)(a) and (b). B. The city recognizes and claims its future right to further reduce the distance from some land uses as are now provided under RCW 69.50.331(8)(b) or as hereafter may be amended. C. Uses as defined in RCW 69.50.331(8)(a) and (b) may not locate or relocate within one thousand feet of marijuana retailer or marijuana retail outlet. D. The buffer restrictions in subsections (A) through (C) of this section shall be measured by following a straight line from the nearest point of the property parcel upon which the proposed use is to be located to the nearest point of the parcel upon which the restricted land use as defined in RCW 69.50.331(8)(a) and (b) is located. (Ord. 1013 § 3 (part), 2018) 5.10.060 Violations—Penalty. A. Any violation of this chapter is declared to be a public nuisance per se and, in addition to any other remedy provided by law or equity, may be abated by the city under applicable provisions of this code or state law. B. No person or entity may violate or fail to comply with any provision of this chapter. Each person or entity commits a separate offense for each and every day they commit, continue, or permit a violation of any provision of this chapter. C. No use that constitutes or purports to be a marijuana retailer as defined in this title, not licensed by the city, that was engaged in that activity prior to the enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be deemed to have been a legally established use under the provisions of the Ocean Shores Municipal Code and that use shall not be entitled to claim legal nonconforming use status. (Ord. 1013 § 3 (part), 2018) 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 13 of 23  Home > Explore Topics > Business Licensing & Regulation > Cannabis Regulation Cannabis Regulation This page provides an overview of recreational and medical cannabis (marijuana) laws and regulations that impact local and state government agencies in Washington State, including a map of local regulatory approaches and examples. New executive order: On December 18, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order  to accelerate the reclassification of cannabis from a Schedule I drug (no accepted medical use, a high potential for abuse, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision) to a Schedule III drug (currently accepted medical use and a lower potential for abuse). We are monitoring this issue for potential impacts to local governments and will publish more information once it is available. On this Page [hide] Overview Land Use and Zoning Law Map of Local Zoning Ordinances Examples of Zoning Ordinances Regulatory Compliance Cannabis Taxes and Revenues Law Enforcement Cannabis in the Workplace Cannabis and Social Equity Recommended Resources Overview 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 14 of 23  With the passage of Initiative 502 in 2012, the state of Washington moved to a comprehensive regulatory approach on cannabis (marijuana), with state-licensed producers, processors, and retailers. As of July 1, 2016, the production and marketing of medical cannabis was incorporated into the same regulatory framework as recreational cannabis, with some variations such as the allowance of medical marijuana cooperatives. In 2022, the state legislature passed 2SHB 1210 , a law that replaces all references to "marijuana" in state statutes (RCWs) and regulations (WACs) with the word "cannabis." Cannabis is a more scientific word, and its use is consistent with the current regulation of this substance. All cannabis licensing is regulated and enforced by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board  (LCB). Any sale of recreational or medical cannabis other than by a state-licensed retailer is criminal, as is the production or processing of cannabis for sale outside the state-licensed regulated system. The primary statutes for recreational cannabis are codified in chapter 69.50 RCW , beginning with RCW 69.50.325 ; the medical cannabis statutes are located in chapter 69.51A RCW . The Liquor and Cannabis Board regulations for cannabis are found in chapter 314-55 WAC . Land Use and Zoning Law Cities, towns, and counties in Washington State can choose to prohibit or to designate appropriate zones for state-licensed cannabis businesses because Washington local governments have authority to enact legislation regulating land uses within their jurisdictions. However, LCB has final authority over whether to grant or deny a state license to operate a cannabis business in Washington State. Cities, towns, and counties may also file objections to the granting of a state license at a particular location and the Liquor and Cannabis Board must “give substantial weight to objections,” but it is still up to the LCB to make the state license decision. See RCW 69.50.331 (10). This section provides an overview of the land use related statutes regulating cannabis businesses. Minimum Buffer Distance RCW 69.50.331 (8) requires licensed cannabis producers, processors or retailers to be located at least 1,000 feet from the following entities: Elementary or secondary school; Playground; Recreation center or facility; Child care center; 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 15 of 23  Public park; Public transit center; Library; or Game arcade (where admission is not restricted to persons age 21 or older). The 1,000-foot buffer must be measured as the shortest straight line distance from the property line of the proposed business location to the property line of any of the entities listed above. See WAC 314- 55-050 (10). Definitions for the entities are found at WAC 314-55-010 . Local governments may reduce the 1,000 feet buffer to 100 feet around all entities except elementary schools, secondary schools, and public playgrounds by enacting an ordinance authorizing the distance reduction. See RCW 69.50.331 (8)(b). Residential Properties and Small Rural Parcels The State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) will not issue licenses for cannabis producers, processors, and retailers on property that is used as a residence because law enforcement officials must have access to the premises for inspections without a warrant (WAC 314-55-015 (5)). However, state law still allows a medical cannabis patient or caregiver to have a designated number of cannabis plants located within a residence (RCW 69.51A.040 ). Local governments are specifically authorized to prohibit licensed cannabis businesses on lands zoned for residential use or rural use with a minimum lot size of five acres or smaller (RCW 69.50.331 (9)). Medical Cannabis Cooperatives The statutes on “collective gardens” were repealed effective July 1, 2016 and replaced by a statute authorizing “cooperatives” for the growing of cannabis for medical use (RCW 69.51A.250 ). The statutes on cooperatives are more restrictive than the prior collective gardens provisions. Below is a list of some of these restrictions: Cooperatives must be located in the domicile of one of the participants (RCW 69.51A.250 (7)). Cooperatives may have up to a maximum of four qualifying patients or providers as members (RCW 69.51A.250 (1)). Participants may grow up to a maximum of 60 plants and possess up to 72 ounces of usable cannabis (RCW 69.51A.250 (6)(a)). None of the cannabis from a cooperative can be sold to others (RCW 69.51A.250 (6)(e)). Local governments are authorized to prohibit medical cannabis cooperatives (RCW 69.51A.250 (3)(c)). Map of Local Zoning Ordinances 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 16 of 23  City and county zoning measures adopted since cannabis was legalized are diverse. Some jurisdictions have enacted total prohibitions, while others have allowed cannabis businesses in appropriate zoning districts (retail cannabis businesses in retail zones, outdoor cannabis production in agricultural zones, and indoor cannabis production and processing in industrial zones). The state map below contains information regarding how local governments across the state have zoned for state-licensed cannabis businesses. MRSC attempts to provide accurate and complete data from all jurisdictions in Washington. For questions or comments regarding this map, please email MRSC. If you are experiencing difficulties viewing the map, please use this link . 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 17 of 23  Learn A Examples of Zoning Ordinances Reduce Buffer Zones The following ordinance examples are from jurisdictions that have reduced the 1,000 feet buffer around selected entities (except elementary and secondary schools, and public playgrounds) as allowed by RCW 69.50.331 (8)(b). Shelton Municipal Code Sec. 20.72.020  – Reduces buffers to 500 feet for researchers, processors, and producers (not retailers) for child care centers, arcades, libraries, public parks, public transit centers, and rec. facilities. Keeps 1,000 foot buffer for other entities (schools, etc.). George Ordinance No. 2016-02 (2016) – Reduce buffers to 100 feet for parks, recreational/community centers, libraries, childcare centers, game arcades, and public transit centers. Seattle Ordinance No. 124969 (2016) – Reduces the buffer zones differently for retail outlets and other marijuana activities, fluctuating it between 350 and 500 feet. Olympia Ordinance No. 7046 (2016) – Reduces retail buffers to 500 feet except for elementary and secondary schools which remain at 1,000 feet. Tacoma Amended Ordinance No. 28361 (2016) – Reduces retail buffer zones to 500 feet for correctional facilities, court houses, drug rehabilitation facilities, substance abuse facilities, detoxification centers, parks, recreational centers, libraries, childcare centers, and game arcades only within downtown districts; the 1,000 feet buffer zone remains effective for those same facilities located outside the downtown district. Allow Medical Cannabis Cooperatives Below are examples of ordinances that allow medical cannabis cooperatives. Electric City Ordinance No. 515-2016 (2016) – Requires a registration of the cooperative from the city, in addition to any other permits or registration required by state or federal law. Cultivation and processing should not be seen nor smelled from a public place or the private property of another housing unit. Tacoma Amended Ordinance No. 28361 (2016) – Provides that cooperatives must be operated in a manner that is clearly secondary to the primary use of the property as a residence so as to not affect the character of the neighborhood. Cooperatives shall not generate nuisances such as traffic, on street parking, noise, etc. Prohibit Medical Cannabis Cooperatives Below are examples of ordinances that have applied prohibitions on cooperatives as allowed by RCW 69.51A.250 (3)(c). Anacortes Ordinance No. 2989 (2016) – Amends municipal code prohibiting cooperatives in all city 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 18 of 23  zones and replaces Ordinance No. 2985 (2016) which extended a moratorium on cooperatives. Chelan County Ordinance No. 2016-14 (2016) – Prohibits all cannabis production and processing, including cooperatives, in unincorporated Chelan County and declares all said uses public nuisances. Lawfully established businesses in operation prior to September 29, 2015 must terminate by March 1, 2018. Shelton Municipal Code Sec. 20.72.040  – Prohibits cooperatives in all zoning districts; violations may be abated as nuisances. Allow Cannabis Businesses in Certain Zoning Districts Below are examples of ordinances that establish permanent zoning regulations for state-licensed cannabis businesses. Shoreline Ordinance No. 735 (2016) – Incorporates development regulations relating to cannabis retail, processor, and producer businesses, as well as medical cooperatives into the city’s unified development code. Newport Municipal Code Sec. 17.03.140  – Requires that facilities associated with cannabis production, processing, transportation and/or sale acquire a conditional use permit in the industrial zone. Spokane Valley Municipal Code Ch. 19.85  – Limits production in regional and community commercial zones to indoor production, and also limits processing in regional and community commercial zones to packaging and labeling of usable marijuana. Vancouver Municipal Code Ch. 20.884  – Prohibits cannabis businesses as a home occupation, outdoors or in a mobile structure. Address Cannabis Transportation Businesses Below are examples of ordinances that adopt language addressing cannabis transportation businesses. Mount Vernon Ordinance No. 3739 (2017) – Adopts permanent regulations for cannabis transportation licensee businesses. Renton Ordinance No. 5816 (2016) – Provides that cannabis transporters shall not be licensed in the city. Spokane Valley Ordinance No. 19-011 (2019) – Updates municipal code to allow licensed cannabis transporter uses. Limit Number of Retail Cannabis Businesses Allowed Through the state agency rulemaking process the Liquor and Cannabis Board has adopted regulations on the maximum number or retail store licenses that will be issued for each county, and for some of the cities and towns in each county. 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 19 of 23  Some jurisdictions, such as the ones below, have adopted ordinances that limit the number of retail cannabis business licenses/stores at a number below what the LCB allows. There are varying viewpoints about whether state law allows such regulations. Everett Ordinance No. 3486-16 (2016) – Limits the number of retail stores allowed in the city to a maximum of five. The city shall review the maximum number of retail stores allowed before June 1, 2018, to determine whether this maximum number should be changed. Renton Ordinance No. 5816 (2016) – Limits the number of retail business licenses to no more than five. Adopt Interim Zoning Regulations of Cannabis Businesses Below is an example of an ordinance that adopts provisional zoning regulations for licensed cannabis businesses, subject to review and amendment within a designated time period, as allowed by RCW 35A.63.220 . Bellingham Ordinance No. 2016-08-025 (2016) – Adopted and renewed interim zoning regulations on the production, processing, or retailing of recreational and medical cannabis. Expired February 8, 2017. Adopt a Moratorium on Cannabis Businesses Below is an example of an ordinance prohibiting licensed cannabis businesses for a designated time, while the legislative body gives the matter further consideration, as allowed by RCW 35A.63.220  and RCW 35.63.200 . Eatonville Ordinance No. 2018-2 (2018) – Imposed a moratorium on the production, processing, or retail sale of recreational cannabis. Expired August 26, 2018. Prohibit Cannabis Businesses The list below provides examples of jurisdictions that have prohibited cannabis businesses either through an outright ban or through other local enactments, such as adopting licensing regulations prohibiting businesses that do not comply with federal laws. Leavenworth Municipal Code Sec. 5.04.170 (B) – Provides that every business licensee must comply with all federal, state, and city statutes, laws, regulations, and ordinances relating to the business premises and the conduct of the business. Othello Ordinance No. 1473 (2016) – Prohibits production, processing, and retailing, and includes a clause permitting possession or use for personal consumption as allowed by the Revised Code of Washington. Poulsbo Ordinance No. 2014-12 (2014) – Prohibits production, processing, and retailing of cannabis. Pomeroy Ordinance No. 880 (2015) – Adopts license regulation prohibiting businesses that do not comply with federal law. 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 20 of 23  Richland Municipal Code Sec. 23.08.100  – Prohibits cannabis-related land uses allowed under state law. Furthermore, no land use that is determined by a planning manager to be in violation of any local, state, or federal law is permitted. Regulatory Compliance All licensed cannabis businesses operating in Washington State must comply with a wide range of local, state, and federal regulations and codes. To ensure and enforce compliance, local government officials and building inspectors must understand which regulations and codes apply and which agency has the authority to enforce them. The Interagency Resource for Achieving Cooperation and a partnership of Washington Municipalities and industry representatives have created some guidelines to facilitate the process of understanding these regulations in the document Regulatory Guidance for Cannabis Operations . With the same goal, MRSC prepared the following list of applicable regulations and codes clarifying which government agency is responsible for enforcing them. Local Government Building, plumbing, electrical and fire codes are enforced by the local government jurisdiction where the business is located. Smells and fumes are generally a nuisance issue handled by local government. State and Local Government Wastewater discharge is managed through the agency operating the local treatment plant. Procedures used for disposal of cannabis solid waste that is not "dangerous waste" must be handled properly (WAC 314-55-097 (4)). Disposal of solvents, pesticides, fertilizers and materials classified as "dangerous waste" will need to be done in accordance with state regulations (WAC 314-55-097 ). Exterior signage is normally a matter of local concern, but state law places strict limits on signage for cannabis businesses (WAC 314-55-155 ). The local government will enforce local signage requirements. Violations of state signage regulations should be brought to the attention of the Liquor and Cannabis Board. Local governments could adopt the WAC signage requirement as a local regulation and then also enforce that stricter standard. There are also state regulations for signs that must be placed within cannabis businesses (WAC 314-55-086 ). Enforcement is the responsibility of the Liquor and Cannabis Board. Fencing is normally a local concern, but state law places special requirements for cannabis producers who grow plants outside (WAC 314-55-075) . Enforcement of the WAC fencing requirement is the responsibility of the Liquor and Cannabis Board, though a local government could adopt the WAC standard and also enforce that regulation. State Government 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 21 of 23  Security requirements for licensed cannabis businesses are set out in state regulations (WAC 314-55- 083 ). Liquor and Cannabis Board staff will inspect and make sure that all requirements are met. Federal Government Safety issues raised by the use of volatile compounds by processors will be dealt by the Occupational Safety and Health Board Administration  (OSHA). Cannabis Taxes and Revenues The State imposes a 37% cannabis excise tax at the time of retail sale (RCW 69.50.535 ). In addition, most cannabis sales are subject to normal retail sales taxes, and cannabis businesses are subject to business and occupation taxes. However, RCW 82.08.9998  exempts sales of certain medical cannabis products and high CBD/low THC products from retail sales tax. For more information, see the Department of Revenue page on Taxes Due on Cannabis . The revenue from the 37% excise tax is shared with cities, towns, and counties on a quarterly basis (RCW 69.50.540 ), with some of the revenues distributed on a per capita (population) basis and the rest distributed proportionally based upon actual cannabis retail sales. The State Treasurer's Office distributes both the "per capita" and "retail" shares together in one payment using the same BARS code. Cities, towns, and counties that prohibit cannabis producers, processors, or retailers are not eligible for per capita distributions. Each year by September 15, the LCB must provide the State Treasurer with the annual distribution amount for each county and city, but according to LCB these annual distribution amounts are estimates only and actual payments will fluctuate each quarter. There is no specific authority that allows counties, cities, or towns to impose additional local excise taxes on the sale of cannabis. However, home rule counties, first-class cities, and code cities may be able to do so under Watson v. City of Seattle  (2017), Lakehaven Water and Sewer v. City of Federal Way  (2020), and Greater Seattle Chamber v. City Of Seattle  (2022). Law Enforcement Washington State legalizes the possession of specified amounts of cannabis and the private recreational and medical use of cannabis. Under state law licensed cannabis businesses can grow, process and sell cannabis. Police officers may arrest individuals for driving under the influence of cannabis (RCW 46.61.502 ) and they may issue citations for consuming cannabis in public (RCW 69.50.445 ). Cannabis in the Workplace Employers' rights to enact drug policies prohibiting cannabis use in and outside the workplace under Washington law did not change after the adoption of Initiative 502 in 2012. Except for persons with commercial driver's licenses, state law is silent on the topic of cannabis use and testing in the workplace, 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 22 of 23  and cannabis remains illegal under federal law. Where in force, federal regulations may still prohibit use and mandate testing for cannabis. For more information on employment-related issues regarding cannabis, see Cannabis in the Workplace FAQs. Cannabis and Social Equity In 2020, E2SHB 2870  passed and created a social equity in cannabis program. The program included the establishment of a Social Equity in Cannabis Task Force, responsible to develop policies and recommendations for additional state licenses based on equity. In 2022, the Task Force released their final report . Recommended Resources Washington State Institute for Public Policy: Employment and Wage Earnings in Licensed Marijuana Businesses  (2017) – Prepared pursuant to initiative 502 and RCW 69.50.550, this report analyzes employment and wage data for employees in marijuana businesses. Washington State Senate Committee Services: A Legislator’s Guide to Washington’s Marijuana Laws  (2016) – Provides an overview of cannabis laws prepared for the senate and their staff. Washington State Statistical Analysis Center: Monitoring Impacts of Recreational Marijuana Legalization  (2019) – Includes data on health, enforcement, revenues and taxes, production and sales, as well as city and county ordinances. Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board  – Provides information on cannabis-related issues. Last Modified: December 29, 2025 Disclaimer: MRSC is a statewide resource that provides general legal and policy guidance to support local government entities in Washington State pursuant to chapter 43.110 RCW . MRSC website content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice, nor as a substitute for the legal advice of an attorney. You should contact your own legal counsel if you have a question regarding your legal rights or any other legal issue. © 2026 Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (MRSC). All rights reserved. Privacy & Terms. Follow us: 10. Review Marijuana Business Regulations in Ocean Shores Municipal Code... Page 23 of 23