Bartlett preparing for recreational cannabis ahead of decision

Bartlett officials are setting parameters for recreational cannabis cultivation and distribution canters ahead of a decision to allow the facilities in the village when they become legal next year.

The village board this week sent proposed changes to the zoning code to the zoning board of appeals for review and eventually a public hearing.

"We're getting everything in place before a vote," planning and development services director Roberta Grill said.

Amendments to the zoning ordinance lay out where the facilities would be allowed and where they would be prohibited.

The revisions would allow for one cultivation center and one distribution center, each to be located in the Blue Heron Business Park and the Brewster Creek Business Park, both on the village's west side.

Distribution facilities allowed in zoning districts where the business parks are located would need to be at least 1,000 feet from day care centers, schools or residential areas. Cultivation centers must be a minimum of 2,500 feet from those locations.

Other provisions of the special use permit would require that the facility not negatively impact other businesses in the area or allow traffic to block nearby roads.

Recreational cannabis facilities would not be allowed in four of Bartlett's zoning districts. The cultivation and distribution businesses would join a list of other prohibited uses in those zones, including adult bookstores, adult cabarets, automobile racetracks, incinerators and junk yards.

Much of what the village is considering was established when the board decided to allow medical cannabis centers.

There have been some inquiries about opening a cannabis facility in Bartlett, but no petitions have come in yet, Grill said.

The board also moved forward an ordinance that would allow Bartlett to impose a tax for recreational cannabis sales. Illinois is allowing municipalities to impose up to 3% tax that would take effect Sept. 1, 2020.

Finance Director Todd Dowden said he is recommending Bartlett impose the full 3% tax.