Posted Wednesday, September 6, 2017 3:19 pm

Daytona Beach, FL - Update: The Daytona Beach City Commission decided at its Wednesday meeting to allow medical marijuana dispensaries with the same regulations as pharmacies.

Despite the fact that the City Planning Board had recommended moving forward with an ordinance amending the definition of a "marijuana dispensary" in order to establish a city-wide ban on marijuana dispensaries, the City Commission voted 3-4 not to pass the amendment that would essentially ban pot dispensaries within city limits.

The dispensaries will be allowed, with the same stipulations as regular pharmacies, as long as the dispensaries are not located within 500 feet of a school.

The City Commission also decided to push back a decision on an architect to design the First Step Shelter. Commissioners want to retain an expert to decide whether to continue with the existing design contract with Hall & Ogle Architects or to go with another designer for the shelter. The decision is expected to be continued at the Commission's October 4th meeting.

Earlier Reporting:

Two items on the agenda for the Daytona Beach City Commission meeting Wednesday night are a potential city-wide ban on medical marijuana treatment facilities and a contract for construction design of the First Step Shelter.

During a City Planning Board meeting in July, the Planning Board directed City staff to move forward with an ordinance amending the definition of a "marijuana dispensary" in order to establish a city-wide ban on marijuana dispensaries. On Wednesday, the Commission will hold a public hearing and an initial vote regarding the proposed amendment. The final vote is expected to be held at the City Commission meeting on September 20.

For earlier reporting, click here.

Also, the City will decide whether or not to approve a $181,743 work authorization for an existing design contract for the First Step Homeless Shelter (FSS), planned on the City-owned land west of International Speedway. The existing contract is with Hall & Ogle Architects in Daytona Beach, according to City documents. The $181,743 contract is for design services and permit construction plans of FSS. The contract also allows for technical review assistance for the project.

On Wednesday, the City is expected to decide whether to move forward with the design project, and City staff is also expected to give a progress report on FSS. The City says the estimated cost of the construction of FSS is not to exceed $2 million. Construction of the project is supported by charitable donations, City funding, and funding from Volusia County.

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