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Renton, WA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Allowed Zones
CA, COR similar
School Buffer
1,000 ft (500 ft some)
State License
WA LCB required
Hours
8 AM to midnight
On-site Use
Prohibited

Summary

Renton permits licensed cannabis retailers in limited commercial zones with state-required buffers from schools, parks, and child-care. City licensing aligns with WA LCB requirements.

RCW 69.50.331 — Application for license — Renewal fee reimbursement, social equity plan. [...] (7)(a) Before the board issues a new or renewed license to an applicant it must give notice of the application to the chief executive officer of the incorporated city or town, if the application is for a license within an incorporated city or town, or to the county legislative authority, if the application is for a license outside the boundaries of incorporated cities or towns, or to the tribal government if the application is for a license within Indian country, or to the port authority if the application for a license is located on property owned by a port authority. (b) The incorporated city or town through the official or employee selected by it, the county legislative authority or the official or employee selected by it, the tribal government, or port authority has the right to file with the board within twenty days after the date of transmittal of the notice for applications, or at least thirty days prior to the expiration date for renewals, written objections against the applicant or against the premises for which the new or renewed license is asked. [...] (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. [...] (9) A city, town, or county may adopt an ordinance prohibiting a cannabis producer or cannabis processor from operating or locating a business within areas zoned primarily for residential use or rural use with a minimum lot size of five acres or smaller.

Full Breakdown

Renton Municipal Code Title IV zoning regulations permit state-licensed cannabis retailers, processors, and producers in specific commercial and industrial zones subject to significant restrictions. 331 as amended. Cannabis retail is typically limited to Commercial Arterial (CA), Commercial Office Residential (COR), and similar zones in the city. Renton uses the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board license cap for retail storefronts allocated to the city. Applicants must obtain a state cannabis license from the WA LCB before applying for the Renton business license and must meet local zoning review.

Dispensaries must maintain security including 24-hour video surveillance, limited access, odor control systems, and no on-site consumption. Signage cannot appeal to minors and must follow strict state advertising rules. Operating hours are limited to 8 AM to midnight under state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can cannabis dispensaries locate in Renton?
Licensed retailers can operate in designated commercial zones like Commercial Arterial subject to state and local buffers from schools and sensitive uses.
Can I open a cannabis shop in Renton?
You must first obtain a state license from the WA Liquor and Cannabis Board, then apply for a Renton business license and meet zoning requirements.
What hours can Renton dispensaries operate?
State law limits cannabis retailers to operating between 8 AM and midnight. Local hours may be more restrictive but not less.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Renton

All Renton rules

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Dispensary Zoning in Nearby Cities

How other cities in King County handle dispensary zoning.

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