Tacoma cannabis retailers must sit at least 1,000 feet from elementary and secondary schools, playgrounds, recreation centers, child-care centers, public parks, public transit centers, and libraries unless a reduced buffer applies under state rules.
Washington Initiative 502 and RCW 69.50.331 require a 1,000-foot buffer between licensed cannabis retailers, processors, or producers and listed sensitive uses, measured along the shortest pedestrian route. The Tacoma City Council exercised state-allowed local discretion to retain the full 1,000-foot buffer for schools and playgrounds while the LCB allows reductions to 100 feet for certain other sensitive uses. Tacoma planning staff verify buffers during land-use review under TMC Title 13, and applicants must submit measured site plans. Existing retailers that become non-conforming due to a new sensitive use can usually continue operating under state grandfather provisions.
Siting within the prohibited buffer can lead to LCB license denial or revocation, Tacoma permit denial, and required relocation at the operator expense.
See how Tacoma's buffer zones rules stack up against other locations.
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