Machesney Park commission adopts local sign rules for cannabis and hemp-derivative retailers

MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. — The Machesney Park Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 23 approved two text amendments adding local signage rules for cannabis and hemp-derivative retailers so the village can enforce restrictions directly rather than rely solely on state enforcement.

Staff member Carrie told commissioners the first amendment would incorporate the types of sign prohibitions already imposed by the state for licensed adult-use cannabis business establishments, such as bans on displaying cannabis leaves or images of consumption. "These are just the rules that the state already has," Carrie said, adding that putting the language in local code allows the village to cite violations immediately.

The second amendment targets stores that sell hemp-derived products but are not state-licensed dispensaries. Carrie said those businesses — identified in the meeting packet as an ACS dispensary and another business transcribed as "Harmonic Hayes" near the Kohl's — currently face no state sign restrictions because their products typically contain very low levels of THC. The proposed local rule would bar signage that displays cannabis consumption, a cannabis leaf or the word "dispensary," forbid health or medicinal claims on signs, and prohibit illustrated images likely to appeal to minors.

Commissioners asked how enforcement would work and whether fines would differ from state penalties. The commission was told the village would use its existing code enforcement procedures and fines; during the discussion a speaker described the village's penalty range as $50 to $750 per day for each day of a violation. Staff said violators normally receive a notice and are given time to remove noncompliant signage (staff described a typical compliance window of about two to three weeks), after which the village may follow up, levy fines or pursue court action if necessary.

Several commissioners questioned why the village should duplicate state statute in local code. One commissioner said it seemed inconsistent to limit cannabis-related signage while taverns in town may display flashing lights; staff and others responded that spelling out the rules locally makes enforcement and citation simpler and allows the village to maintain local preferences even if state rules change.

Both amendments were approved on roll call. Ordinance 05-26, the text amendment for state-licensed adult-use cannabis business establishments, passed after a motion by Commissioner Hankins and a second by Commissioner Klinger. Recorded affirmative votes for that item included Commissioners Pfluger, Hankins, Klinger and Reynolds. Ordinance 06-26, the text amendment for hemp-derivative retail businesses, passed after a motion recorded as made by Commissioner Klinger and a second placed on the record; the roll call for that item recorded affirmative votes by Commissioners Pfluger, Hankins, Klinger and Rollins.

The commission noted that existing signs would not be grandfathered under the amendments and that the village's authority is grounded in local code consistent with state statute references included in the packet. There were no public comments, and the commission adjourned following the votes.

What happens next: The ordinances add local enforcement language to the zoning code and give village staff a direct route to address noncompliant signage; any change to state statute in the future could affect how the local code is applied, but the amendments were written to reference state rules and to stand as local enforcement provisions.