GREENFIELD — Recreational marijuana sales will be allowed in the city when a moratorium ends July 1.
City Council approved an amended ordinance to allow for recreational marijuana sales during its meeting Wednesday, with nine votes in favor, while one voted against and two others abstained.
There were several amendments made to the ordinance however, including increasing the proposed buffer zone.
The buffer zone, which prohibits marijuana facilities from being established near schools grades kindergarten to 12, increased from 100 feet to 250 feet.
It was suggested by the Planning Board previously to amend the distance to 250 feet, after two councilors at a joint meeting between the Planning Board and the council’s Economic Development Committee suggested the buffer zone be set at the state-allowed maximum of 500 feet.
Seven councilors voted to increase the buffer zone, while four voted against it.
Councilor Isaac Mass requested that houses of worship be added to the buffer zones as well, but the amendment failed.
Mass also suggested an amendment that recreational marijuana retailers would have to notify houses of worship by mail if they are proposing a site within 300 feet of them.
The notifications would have to be sent within 30 days of the retailer’s public hearing with the Zoning Board of Appeals to receive a special permit, which is required for every marijuana facility. The council voted to approve the amendment, nine votes for and two against.
A third amendment was made to allow marijuana facilities to be located in buildings with residential units. The suggestion was made by Councilor Tim Dolan.
Seven councilors voted in favor of the amendment, three voted against and one abstained.
The ordinance oversees all marijuana facilities in the city, including cultivation and sales. The ordinance allows for as many as eight marijuana facilities in the city, though the areas where the facilities are allowed are limited.
Any kind of establishment, whether cultivation, recreational or medical, are not allowed in suburban residential, urban residential and semi-residential zones. Rural residential zones can have cultivation, though the sites must be less than 5,000 square feet.
Other zones in the city could have certain types of establishments within them, depending on the type and zone.
Any facility will have to receive a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals before allowed, in addition to a license from the state. Any sales location must also enter a host agreement with the city.