Lower Paxton, PA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Section 203-618 is the Township's zoning rule for medical marijuana dispensaries, and it covers medical marijuana only. The chapter defines a medical marijuana dispensary as the use of premises by a person or entity holding a permit issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health to dispense medical marijuana under the Medical Marijuana Act, and it defines a medical marijuana grower/processor as a separate use. Paragraph (1) requires the applicant to demonstrate compliance with all facility regulations in § 802 of that Act. Paragraph (2) says the dispensary shall meet the same land use requirements as other commercial facilities located in the underlying district, so setbacks, parking, signs, and buffers follow the commercial rules of the district where the site sits.

Because the use is conditional, the Board of Supervisors decides it, not the Zoning Hearing Board. Under § 203-600, the application goes to the Zoning Officer no less than four weeks or 28 days before the regular Planning Commission meeting and includes a development plan, a written statement showing compliance with the express standards, a map of all lots within 200 feet with owner names and addresses from the Dauphin County Tax Assessor's office, a traffic impact analysis if required, and the fee from the Township's Fee Schedule. The Township certifies the application complete or rejects it as incomplete within seven working days. The Board waits for a Planning Commission recommendation or 30 days, holds a public hearing, and decides within 45 days after the last hearing, and it can attach reasonable conditions and safeguards.

Section 203-601 adds general tests: the use must not alter the established character of the neighborhood and cannot hurt the neighbors through noise, illumination, glare, or traffic. Approval expires automatically if no grading permit, building permit, or zoning certificate application is filed within 12 months, subject to extensions of one to 12 months. The Towne Centre District, in § 203-309(B)(3), lists medical marijuana facilities among its prohibited uses.