A marijuana store could open in North Bend, if a development agreement is approved by the city.
The store would be the first in the city, and the Snoqualmie Valley. A public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 13 on a development agreement, which would allow the developer to remodel a home at 43514 SE North Bend Way into a marijuana retail store.
After marijuana was legalized in Washington state in 2012, the state and local municipalities established zoning rules, dictating where producers, growers and retailers could set up. Much of the land currently eligible in the city is in or near the business park near Exit 31.
But a development agreement would allow the developer to establish a shop along SE North Bend Way, said North Bend Senior Planner Mike McCarty. A development agreement must pass through public comment, and would allow the city to change the zoning of the parcel. It is currently zoned as light industrial.
It’s the second time a marijuana retailer has tried to open a shop in the city. The first attempt began in 2018, but the developer ultimately gave up after they were unable to find a suitable location.
If this shop is approved, it could be run by the owners of “The Joint” in Seattle’s University District, according to the development agreement.
A marijuana retail store could bring $100,000 a year to city coffers, McCarty said. And the city could also require an annual $25,000 mitigation payment, to offset increased traffic and other impacts on the area.
Currently, those searching for marijuana must drive to Issaquah, Redmond or Bellevue to reach the nearest store.
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