Seattle, WA Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- RCW 69.50.331
- School buffer
- 1,000 feet
- City code
- SMC 23.42.058
- Other uses
- Reduced to 100 feet
- Grandfathering
- Yes
Summary
Washington RCW 69.50.331 requires cannabis retailers to sit at least 1,000 feet from elementary and secondary schools, playgrounds, parks, libraries, and child-care centers. Seattle SMC 23.42 aligns with the state buffer.
RCW 69.50.331(8) — (a) Except as provided in (b) through (e) of this subsection, the board may not issue a license for any premises within 1,000 feet of the perimeter of the grounds of any elementary or secondary school, playground, recreation center or facility, child care center, public park, public transit center, or library, or any game arcade admission to which is not restricted to persons aged 21 years or older. (b) A city, county, or town may permit the licensing of premises within 1,000 feet but not less than 100 feet of the facilities described in (a) of this subsection, except elementary schools, secondary schools, and playgrounds, by enacting an ordinance authorizing such distance reduction, provided that such distance reduction will not negatively impact the jurisdiction's civil regulatory enforcement, criminal law enforcement interests, public safety, or public health. (c) A city, county, or town may permit the licensing of research premises allowed under RCW 69.50.372 within 1,000 feet but not less than 100 feet of the facilities described in (a) of this subsection by enacting an ordinance authorizing such distance reduction. (d) The board may license premises located in compliance with the distance requirements set in an ordinance adopted under (b) or (c) of this subsection.
Full Breakdown
RCW 69.50.331 establishes a 1,000-foot mandatory buffer between every state-licensed cannabis retailer, producer, or processor and any elementary/secondary school, playground, recreation center, child care center, public park, public transit center, or library. Cities may reduce the buffer to 100 feet for non-school facilities by ordinance. Seattle adopted reductions for libraries, transit centers, and parks but kept the full 1,000 feet for schools and playgrounds. SMC 23.42.058 codifies the buffer enforcement. Buffer is measured along the most direct route along public rights-of-way. Existing schools opening after a licensed retailer do not retroactively close that retailer (state grandfathering). New retailer applications are screened by LCB and SDCI for buffer compliance.
Violations & Fines
Operating within buffer: license denial or revocation. Pre-grandfathered retailers may continue. Misrepresentation in application: criminal charges, license forfeiture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some Seattle dispensaries near libraries or parks?
Can a school open next to an existing dispensary?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
Compare Seattle to another location·View the Washington cannabis regulations overview
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Buffer Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle buffer zones.