By 1808Delaware
Powell officials are giving themselves more than another year to decide whether marijuana-related businesses should have a place in the city and, if so, what restrictions should apply. City Council voted on Tuesday to extend Powell’s temporary marijuana moratorium through December 31, 2027. The action preserves the current prohibition while Council studies regulatory options, seeks additional public input and considers the potential effects on the community.
The extension does not represent a final decision on whether cannabis dispensaries or other marijuana-related uses will eventually be permitted in Powell.
A Question Within a Larger Rewrite
The cannabis discussion has emerged as Powell completes a comprehensive overhaul of its Planning and Zoning Code, replacing legislation that city officials considered outdated.
Although work toward updating the code had been underway for more than a decade, City Council directed a comprehensive rewrite and replacement in 2025. During the following 18 months, city staff worked with consultants, boards and committees on the new legislation, with several opportunities provided for public participation. The Powell Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the updated code July 15. The version sent to Council would have transformed the city’s temporary prohibition on marijuana dispensaries into a permanent restriction within the Zoning Code.
Council ultimately chose a different course. During the proposed code’s second reading Aug. 4, Council held an extended discussion about cannabis regulation. Members then amended the legislation to remove provisions that would have prohibited cannabis dispensaries, uses and operations. That decision did not immediately permit marijuana businesses in Powell because the existing temporary moratorium remained in effect. It was scheduled to expire September 4.
Council Reviews Its Options
The issue returned September 1 when the Council Development Committee received a presentation on cannabis regulation and possible approaches Powell could adopt. Committee members reviewed regulations used by other communities, while city staff presented maps showing how existing state requirements would apply within Powell. Staff members are expected to refine that information and prepare possible amendments to the Zoning Code for Council’s consideration. Later that day, during its regular meeting, Council approved the extension of the moratorium through the end of 2027. The additional time will allow city leaders to consider where marijuana-related businesses could operate, what local restrictions might be appropriate and how any regulations would interact with state law and Powell’s broader planning priorities.
No Final Decision Yet
By extending the moratorium rather than enacting a permanent prohibition, Council has left multiple outcomes available.
Members could ultimately decide to continue prohibiting dispensaries and other cannabis operations. They could also permit some uses under zoning restrictions developed specifically for Powell.
For now, no marijuana-related business covered by the moratorium may open within the city. Council plans to continue examining the legal, planning and community implications before settling on a long-term policy.
