Marijuana Zoning Restrictions - Accomplishments

Project Outcomes

The City of Seattle approved amendments to the Mayor’s marijuana zoning proposal. Ordinance 124969 was signed by Mayor Edward Murray on January 12, 2016, and is now in effect. Highlights of the approved ordinance are:

• Sets a 500-foot minimum distance between state-licensed marijuana premises that include retail sale of marijuana products and child care centers, game arcades, libraries, public parks, public transit centers, or recreation centers or facilities, with these exceptions:
• A 250-foot minimum distance separating the uses listed above in Downtown Mixed Commercial and Downtown Mixed Residential zones north of Yesler Way
• A 250-foot minimum distance separating the uses listed above for state-licensed marijuana premises that do not include retail sale of marijuana products
• Maintains a 1,000-foot minimum distance between state-licensed marijuana premises and properties containing elementary schools, secondary schools, or playgrounds
• Allows no more than two state-licensed marijuana premises that include retail sale of marijuana products to be located with 1,000 feet of each other (measured by property lines)

Note: Whether your major marijuana activity complies with our locational requirements will be based on the facts as of the date the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board issues a “Notice of Marijuana Application” to the City of Seattle.

Key Milestones

• January 12, 2016
  Mayor signed marijuana zoning changes

Project Purpose

The purpose of this legislation was to help ensure that licensed marijuana-related uses will be appropriately located in places where they are compatible with their surroundings, and operating in ways consistent with City and State rules.