AURORA | A long, 22-page retail marijuana ordinance — which included a 9-item point plan for criteria such as submission of a comprehensive business plan to the city, store security and odor mitigation — will be the framework for Aurora’s future retail pot business after the city council approved the proposal May 12.
The pot plan came after months of negotiations with city staff and the city council’s Amendment 64 Ad Hoc committee. The council approved the measure 8-1 with Councilman Bob Broom voting no.
Aurora is the first city in Colorado to have such a plan that scores business applicants for the license. Potential businesses could open as early as Oct. 1, 2014, in Aurora, although details such as start date and who sits on the scoring committee will be determined soon.
Under the plan, up to 24 total businesses would be allowed in the city and scattered among the city’s six wards, with four businesses allowed in each ward. The city included restrictions for how close the shops can be located around schools and hospitals. One investor can own up to six shops within the city.
The incentive points plan was introduced months ago and was criticized by some prospective business owners after they said the plan favored wealthy investors. The points system awards points for criteria such as clean criminal records and medical marijuana industry experience. The council added last month an additional criteria, a heavily weighted “business and operating plan” points model that could award up to 10 additional points — nearly 40 percent of the maximum point total — to the final proposal.
The city council removed an additional incentive criteria that would have added points for a business owner redeveloping a blighted area within the city.