The ongoing evolution of land use regulation related to legal marijuana hit a roadblock in Denver this month, although the city has already allowed nearly unprecedented freedom (in the U.S., at least) to buy, sell, and consume marijuana in the city.
"The Denver City Council on Monday rejected a proposal that would have made it easier to open social-use marijuana business," reports Andrew Kenney.
"The change would have reduced the setbacks required for venues where people can use cannabis," according to Kenney. "Currently, the 'social consumption' businesses must be 1,000 feet from schools, day care facilities, addiction treatment facilities and city recreation centers."
But a 500-foot limit was a bridge too far for the City Council, although a majority of councilmembers did approve the change. A supermajority was needed, however, to change a law approved by voters. One councilmember cautioned, however, that the existing setbacks for social marijuana use might overstep the city's legal authority, and could open the door to a lawsuit.
FULL STORY: Denver council refuses to loosen restrictions on social-use marijuana businesses
Social Use Venues, or Marijuana Lounges, Now Legal in Las Vegas
It's legal to smoke marijuana in Nevada, but the adult tourists traveling to Las Vegas have had a hard time finding places to smoke marijuana legally.
It's Easier to Consume Marijuana in Public in Colorado, Starting Today
This article pitches Colorado's new commercial marijuana regulations, including making more space for public consumption, as a way for the state to keep up with California.
Co-Living Redefined by Denver City Council
Over the strong opposition from neighborhood groups, the Denver City Council has approved new regulations that allow up to five unrelated individuals to live in the same household.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
San Francisco Turns On California’s First Speed Cameras
The city is the first in the state to use automated traffic enforcement to reduce speeding and traffic deaths.
Shaping LA’s Future: Public Voting Opens for LA2050 Grants
The LA2050 Grants Challenge invites Angelenos to vote on the top issues facing Los Angeles, helping direct $3 million in funding to organizations working to build a more connected and resilient region.
Chicago Transit Agencies on Brink of Major Crisis
Without additional funding, regional transit agencies will be forced to cut services by 40 percent.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Florida Atlantic University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Piedmont, CA
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland