Lynnwood Council refines legislation on residency requirements, cannabis, annexation

Lynnwood City Council is preparing to lift its ban on retail cannabis sales, with a public hearing on Sept. 8 and a vote expected on Sept. 22. The council also reviewed plans to annex the old Alderwood Middle School property into Lynnwood during the same meeting. Proposed changes to the cannabis ordinance include expanded zones for sales and a 300-foot buffer from restricted entities, responding to community feedback.

The council has emphasized the inclusion of planned parks and playgrounds as restricted entities, maintaining a 1,000-foot buffer. Additionally, the latest draft aligns local advertising regulations with state guidelines for cannabis sales. Councilmembers have refined residency requirements, addressing earlier concerns about qualifications for elected office. City officials aim to finalize the ordinance details in time for the upcoming vote. These legislative measures reflect ongoing efforts to adapt local policies to community needs and state regulations.