Berwyn, IL Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)

The buffer for recreational dispensaries is in § 1244.03(A)(4) of the Berwyn Zoning Code. It says an adult-use cannabis dispensing organization shall not be located within 250 feet of the property line of a pre-existing place of worship, public or private nursery school, preschool, primary or secondary school, day care center, day care home or residential care home. The measurement runs to the property line of the protected use, not to its building, and the rule protects uses that were already in place. The provision also carves out two categories: learning centers and vocational/trade centers are not classified as a public or private school for purposes of the section, so a tutoring center or trade school does not trigger the 250-foot buffer. Parks are not on the list of protected uses in this provision.

The 250-foot buffer sits on top of other location limits. A dispensary already needs a special use permit and can only locate in the C-2 or C-4 districts along the named avenues (§ 1244.03(A)(3)). Under § 1244.03(A)(1), it also has to comply with Illinois rules on licensing and age limits and the state minimum spacing of 1,500 feet from the property line of a pre-existing adult-use cannabis dispensing organization.

Medical marijuana dispensaries are handled in § 1244.03(Q). Subsection (Q)(1) requires compliance with state rules, including minimum spacing of 1,000 feet from preschools, elementary schools, secondary schools, day care centers, day care homes and group day care homes. Subsection (Q)(3) adds a separate rule that a medical marijuana dispensary cannot sit within one mile of another medical marijuana dispensary.