Marijuana Zoning and Regulations

Allowable Zones for State-Licensed Marijuana-Related Uses
Marijuana-related uses zoning map link
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Marijuana Regulations
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State Regulations:
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is charged with the oversight and licensing of marijuana businesses. Please contact the WSLCB for all questions specific to licensing.

The granting of a license does not supersede compliance with Pierce County Code.

Use this link for more information on I-502 implementation and Washington State Liquor Control Board licensing information:
http://lcb.wa.gov/mjlicense/marijuana-licensing

View the State Regulatory Changes

Brief Summary of Second Substitute Bill - 2SSB 5052
  • Requires licensed marijuana retailers to obtain a medical marijuana endorsement to allow them to sell medical-grade marijuana to qualifying patients and designated providers.
  • Reduces the amount of marijuana that a qualifying patient may possess from 24 ounces and 15 plants to three ounces of useable marijuana, 48 ounces of solid marijuana-infused product, 216 ounces of liquid marijuana-infused product, 21 grams of marijuana concentrates, and six plants, unless a health care professional has authorized more.
  • Requires qualifying patients and designated providers to be entered into the Medical Marijuana Authorization Database, established by an administrator under contract with the Department of Health, and to obtain an authorization card.
  • Eliminates collective gardens and replaces them with cooperatives which may only have four qualifying patients or designated providers and must be registered with the Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Date to be aware of:
  • July 1, 2016 – Collective gardens must close.
More information on this bill
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Pierce County Regulations:
General Summary of the County Regulatory Provisions

All State licensed recreational marijuana RETAIL OUTLETS, PROCESSING FACILITIES, AND PRODUCTION SITES must meet the following requirements



Must be located at least 1,000 feet away from the perimeter grounds of the following entities:
  • Elementary or secondary schools
  • Playground
  • Recreation center or facility
  • Child-care center
  • Public park
  • Public transit center
  • Library
  • Game Arcade (where admission is not restricted to persons age 21 or older)
  • Religious assemblies
  • Any parcel containing a State-licensed marijuana retail outlet
  • Scenic and recreational highways as designated at RCW 47.39.020
Pierce County relies upon the definitions set forth in Chapter 314-55 of the 24 Washington Administrative Code when identifying the entities listed above.

State licensed recreational marijuana RETAIL OUTLETS have the following additional requirements:


  • Limited to:
    • Mixed Use District (MUD),
    • Commercial Mixed Use District (CMUD), and
    • Community Center (CC) zone classifications.
    • Plus the Rural Activity Center (RAC) zone classification in the Key Peninsula and Gig Harbor Peninsula Community Plan areas.
  • Required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit.
  • Hours of operation limited from 8a.m. to 12a.m, (midnight).

State licensed recreational marijuana PROCESSORS have the following additional requirements:

  • Limited to:
    • Employment Center (EC),
    • Community Employment (CE), and
    • Mixed Use District (MUD) zone classifications.
  • Required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit.

State licensed recreational marijuana PRODUCERS (growers) have the following additional requirements:

  • Limited to:
    • Employment Centers (EC), and
    • Community Employment Center (CE) zone classifications.
  • Only allowed within a fully enclosed secure indoor facility or greenhouse.
  • Limited to 10,000 sq. ft. of production space only.
  • Required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit.

Conditional Use Permit Process

A conditional use permit is required for uses that have unique features or characteristics that may require additional controls or conditions to minimize impacts on adjacent land uses. These actions are reviewed by County staff and presented in a public hearing format before the County Hearing Examiner. Notice is provided to the adjacent property owners and public testimony is accepted at the hearing. The Examiner issues a decision within two weeks of the hearing and may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the request.

View Ordinance 2015-27s

View Complete list of Regulatory Requirement - Pierce County Code

Conditional Use Permit Application/Apply Online

Note on Medical Marijuana Regulations 

In unincorporated Pierce County, cooperatives are not recognized under current development regulations. State-licensed marijuana retailers with medical endorsements are regulated the same as recreational retailers.