Yakima, WA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Under Washington's Initiative 502 (Chapter 69.50 RCW), cities and counties may opt out of recreational cannabis siting under RCW 69.50.331, but Yakima elected the opposite course. Ordinances 2016-008, 2016-017 and 2016-018 (2016) added the city's cannabis development standards as YMC 15.09.220 and updated the table of permitted land uses in YMC 15.04.030 to identify which zoning districts allow cannabis producers, processors, researchers and retailers — only when licensed by the WSLCB under Chapter 69.50 RCW. The Yakima City Council created 'license-restricted areas' that go beyond the state baseline: all land zoned for residential uses, Professional Office (B-1), Light Industrial (M-1), Heavy Industrial (M-2), and Airport Support (AS) is excluded from cannabis retail siting, even where state buffers would otherwise permit it. The city also applied the maximum local sensitive-use buffer authorized by RCW 69.50.331(8): a 1,000-foot separation from any school, playground, recreation center or facility, child care center, public park, public transit center, library, or game arcade where minors are not restricted. Eligible districts are mapped on the city's 'Map of Eligible Properties for Cannabis Retail License' page. The WSLCB allotted five retail cannabis licenses to the city of Yakima. Producers, processors and researchers are similarly limited to the zones identified in YMC 15.04.030 Table 4-1, with WSLCB licensure required first. Note: Yakima County banned retail cannabis in unincorporated areas; the city's program is a separate jurisdiction.