Title
Resolution directing the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to conduct a public hearing on proposed text amendments to Chapter 151 of the Lake County, Illinois, Code of Ordinances relating to the regulation of unincorporated recreational cannabis business establishments.
Staff Summary
• The Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, adopted on June 25, 2019, will allow for the establishment of recreational cannabis businesses in Illinois and the adult sale and consumption of recreational cannabis products within the State as of January 1, 2020. The Act authorizes local governments (including counties) to enact “reasonable zoning regulations” to mitigate any impacts from recreational cannabis businesses.
• Upon adoption of the Act, the Planning, Building and Development Department convened a multi-jurisdictional recreational cannabis task force to develop a series of model tools (including model regulations to ban or permit businesses within a local government’s jurisdiction) in accordance with the Act. The attached draft zoning amendments to the Lake County Code, adapted from the task force’s model regulations, would allow recreational cannabis businesses in the unincorporated area subject to restrictions.
• A resolution has been prepared for County Board action directing the ZBA to conduct a public hearing on the proposed amendments.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board adopted the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) of Lake County, Illinois (Chapter 151 of the Lake County, Illinois Code of Ordinances) on April 11, 2000; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Code requires periodic review to maintain relevancy and address changing conditions; and
WHEREAS, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act will allow for the establishment of recreational cannabis businesses in Illinois and will permit adult sale and consumption of recreational cannabis products within the State as of January 1, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Act authorizes local governments (including counties) to enact “reasonable zoning regulations” to mitigate any impacts from recreational cannabis businesses; and
WHEREAS, upon adoption of the Act on June 25, 2019, the Planning, Building and Development Department convened a multi-jurisdictional recreational cannabis model zoning ordinance task force to develop a series of model tools (including model regulations to ban or permit recreational cannabis businesses within a local government’s jurisdiction) in accordance with the Act; and
WHEREAS, the Planning, Building and Development Department has prepared draft UDO text amendments, adapted from the task force’s model regulations, which would permit recreational cannabis businesses in the unincorporated area subject to restrictions and recommends that the ZBA conduct a public hearing to obtain public input and evaluate the proposed amendments for potential adoption; and
WHEREAS, in order to facilitate such public engagement and policy evaluation, the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee is of the opinion that necessary steps should be taken by the Lake County Board to initiate the public hearing process; and
WHEREAS, the state law requires a public hearing to amend the text of the UDO.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Lake County Board that the ZBA is hereby directed to conduct a public hearing on the proposed amendments identified in Exhibit A and such other amendments that are directly related thereto; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the ZBA is hereby directed to notify the ZBA of this action and keep a record of this resolution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the County Board shall keep a record of this action.
DATED AT WAUKEGAN, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, on December 10, 2019.