The Redmond Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 in the Council Chambers at City Hall at 15670 N.E. 85th St. regarding potential zoning code and policy changes for retail marijuana stores.

Interested individuals are encouraged to provide testimony at the public hearing or to provide written comments to planningcommission@redmond.gov before the hearing.

Recent changes in state law regarding retail marijuana allow cities to reduce the minimum distance retail marijuana stores must remain from daycares, recreation centers, libraries, parks, transit centers and game arcades down to 100 feet. The minimum distance from schools and playgrounds remains 1,000 feet.

Also, the state Liquor and Cannabis Board has increased the limit on the number of retail store licenses it issues. Redmond is now allocated four licenses. Previously, Redmond was limited to two licenses. In December, the city held a public workshop and posted an online survey to seek feedback on questions related to the potential location of retail marijuana stores in Redmond. About 300 people participated in the survey and several attended the workshop or provided comments by email or phone.

A summary of the public input so far is available at www.redmond.gov/marijuana.

In January, the Redmond Technical Committee completed a recommendation to the Planning Commission on this topic, which can be found online alongside the public input summary. The report describes the alternatives the technical committee considered. The Planning Commission will seek public comment, discuss the issue and prepare a recommendation to City Council. City Council will then review and make a decision as to whether and how to amend the city’s zoning and policies regarding retail marijuana.

For questions and more information contact Jason Rogers, senior planner, at jrogers@redmond.gov or (425) 556-2314.