May 12, 2021
County Board Approves Ordinance Allowing Adult-Use Cannabis Businesses in Unincorporated Lake County
On May 11, the Lake County Board approved an ordinance that permits adult-use cannabis businesses in unincorporated Lake County subject to certain zoning restrictions.
Per the ordinance, different types of adult-use cannabis facilities will be allowed to operate within the general commercial and industrial zoning districts including dispensaries and various support businesses consisting of transporters, cultivation and processing uses. In particular, infusers, processers, craft growers and transportation facilities would be allowed by right within the industrial zones, while all other adult-use cannabis businesses would require a public hearing and the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeal's approval of a conditional use permit to operate. No adult-use cannabis businesses will be permitted to operate in residential zoning districts.
Public engagement was one of the Lake County Board's primary goals in its review of adult-use cannabis regulations. Lake County held two public hearings and created an interactive website for people to learn more about the issue and ask questions directly to Lake County's project team.
"We would like to thank everyone for their input, ideas and suggestions on this issue since Illinois' new law took effect," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "We see this ordinance as a reasonable balance between economic development opportunities in the unincorporated areas and sensible restrictions to protect public health and safety. The public input we received on this issue helped the staff and board develop the regulations we approved."
The decision followed a series of meetings that began after the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act was signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2019. Lake County initiated a countywide task force that was attended by representatives from many local municipalities to study and analyze the new law. Following a one-year moratorium on adult-use cannabis businesses ending in February 2021, the Lake County Board discussed the subject at several committee meetings, and in April 2021, the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals hosted two public hearings to present the proposed adult-use cannabis zoning amendments and to gather input from residents.
"For nearly two years, the County Board and staff took the time to research and gather information on the adult-use cannabis topic, including lessons learned," said Bill Durkin, Lake County Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee Chair. "This was time well spent, as we believe the result is a very practical, balanced approach to regulating adult-use cannabis businesses. Starting May 11, adult-use cannabis businesses will be able to apply for the opportunity to operate in unincorporated Lake County in accordance with the provisions in the ordinance."
Residents can learn more about the issue by visiting Lake County's adult-use cannabis web page.
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Contact
Arin Thrower
Chief Communications Officer
Email
847-377-2550
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