Culbertson council moves to amend zoning to regulate dispensaries, schedules public hearing

The Culbertson Town Council accepted proposed revisions to the town's Development Review Ordinance to define where marijuana businesses may operate and scheduled a public hearing for March 9, 2023.

The move came after Jeremy Fadness, the town engineer, presented draft language updating conditional-use permitting and zoning rules related to dispensaries. Mark Nelson, council member, made the motion to accept the revisions and bring the changes before the public; Todd Gabriel seconded and the motion carried without objection.

Council members said the ordinance changes are intended to establish clear locations and permitting steps for sale, manufacture and distribution of marijuana within town limits. A public hearing was scheduled at Town Hall to allow residents to comment before the council considers final adoption.

If adopted after the public hearing, the text amendment will change the Development Review Ordinance to include definitions and location rules for marijuana-related businesses. The council did not take a final adoption vote at the meeting and will consider public input at the March hearing.