CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Planning Commission will hold a special meeting to conduct a public hearing on a proposed medical marijuana dispensaries ordinance on Tuesday, April 26.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

Interim City Administrator Steve Albright and city staff have drafted the ordinance.

Albright told the council at its March 24 meeting that staff intended to bring forward the ordinance for consideration, saying that he believes the proposed document is a good compromise that can work for the city.

The city currently has three medical marijuana dispensaries that are allowed to operate. The city council last year passed a moratorium on the opening of new dispensaries, with that moratorium set to expire this November, the city reported.

The proposed ordinance would limit the number of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city, establish criteria for their location and create a procedure for permitting a certain number of dispensaries, according to a report from the city.

The three existing dispensaries would be given preference in applying for and meeting the criteria established by the new ordinance, the goal of which is to conform to state law while, at the same time, protecting the health and safety of Clearlake’s citizens, the city reported.

Following the Clearlake Planning Commission’s public hearing and recommendations to the Clearlake City Council, city officials said the council also will consider adopting the ordinance following public hearings that are anticipated to take place in May.

The proposed ordinance is available for review in the City Hall offices. Normal office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The city offices can be reached at 707-994-8201.

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