potpix.JPG

Elle Beau, an employee of The Clinic, a Denver-based dispensary with several outlets, reaches into a display case for marijuana while helping a customer, in Denver.

(AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Tigard City Councilors unanimously approved regulations that would allow marijuana dispensaries exclusively along Highway 99, plus increase buffer standards.

The decision Tuesday night trailed days of public testimony, hours of council deliberation and multiple revisions by city staff.

Of the more recent changes is prohibiting marijuana dispensaries from operating in downtown Tigard. That change came after complaints from downtown businesses and residents who said allowing marijuana dispensaries there would tarnish the image the city has been building for downtown Tigard.

"[Downtown] is also a place where the city has lots of events," said John Floyd, associate planner who worked on the regulations. "The rules may change in coming years when more is known."

Councilor John Goodhouse said during the Tuesday meeting that he wanted to look into spreading out where marijuana facilities can operate, "rather than having them collected on [Highway] 99."

"I heard you; I think others did. I still propose that we follow the path we talked about last week in being cautious," Councilor Jason Snider responded.

There would be future discussions about the regulations, Mayor John Cook said.

"We have to start with something," Cook said, adding it would be easier to loosen rather than tighten regulations as time goes on.

Here are some of the highlights from the approved ordinance:

Marijuana retail shops are prohibited from downtown Tigard;

Must be located along Highway 99 with frontage facing road;

Cannot be within 1,000 feet of a public or private schools, including career schools attended primarily by minors;

Cannot be located within 2,000 feet of another dispensary within or outside city limits;

Cannot be located within 500 feet of a public library or park and recreation zone;

Cannot have marijuana merchandise be visible from the exterior;

Drive-through marijuana facilities are prohibited;

Hours of commercial operation are limited to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Floyd said individuals wanting to open a retail marijuana shop in Tigard could send applications as soon as May 4.

In November 2014, Oregon voters approved a measure to legalize recreational marijuana. While individuals 21 and older can possess and grow marijuana at home starting July, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission will begin accepting applications for recreational marijuana licenses in January 2016. That means Oregon residents may not see recreational marijuana dispensaries until summer 2016.

-- Nuran Alteir

nalteir@oregonian.com

503-294-4028

@whatnuransaid