DuPage County approves variance to allow adult-use cannabis dispensary near Addison despite local objections

The DuPage County Board voted to approve a zoning variation Sept. 23 that allows an adult-use cannabis dispensing organization to operate within the county while remaining within the county’s buffer distance rules from preexisting schools and childcare facilities.

Member Tornatore moved the measure, which the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Development Committee had recommended for approval. During debate, Member Cindy Cronin Cahill said she had spoken with the Village of Addison’s mayor who “strongly objects” because a park district facility, childcare and summer programs are located near the proposed site; she said that because the village did not file a formal objection, the petition proceeded but she would vote no on principle. “I am voting no on this and I don't think it's a good precedent,” Cahill said, citing concerns about proximity to park and childcare facilities.

Member Childress also announced he would vote no for similar reasons. Other members pushed back: Member Covert said the Islamic Center of Addison had not filed an objection and that the petition met ordinance requirements, and Member Ozog noted the site’s distance from the school and said it was roughly the equivalent of more than two city blocks in Chicago.

The record shows committee staff clarified distances: at the closest point the Islamic Center building was approximately 1,200 feet from the proposed site, while the center’s child-care and school activities were approximately 1,600–1,700 feet away, meaning the child-care facility fell outside the 1,500-foot buffer cited in the zoning standard. Development committee testimony also noted each zoning petition is considered on its own facts and that the village had not submitted a formal objection at the time of committee review.

On roll call the motion passed 13–5; the chair noted the petition moved forward in part because no formal municipal objection had been filed, and therefore the higher supermajority rule was not required. The approval directs zoning staff to proceed with the permitted variation under existing county ordinance language; no county-wide change to the 1,500-foot standard was adopted.

(Ending) The petitioner may proceed under the variance granted by the county; local officials and residents who objected at the meeting said they could still seek remedies under local processes if they choose.