NYS may not allow Watertown’s proposed rules for marijuana shops
October 7, 2025
WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Just as Watertown lays out its first draft of rules for cannabis shops to open in the city, we’ve learned the state may not allow the restrictions the city wants.
As cannabis shops look to open in Watertown, the city is proposing rules for how close they can be to schools, churches, and even cemeteries. The rules are stricter than the state’s. One lawyer says that may not be possible.
“It would be wise for Watertown and their council to review these decisions once they’re issued to make sure they’re not running afoul of the guidance, and also some of the case law that’s out there,” said Martha Reichert.
Reichert is a downstate lawyer who helped cannabis shop owners push back against communities on Long Island, which were being more restrictive with where shops could open. Judges and the state are siding with shop owners.
“A cannabis dispensary will still go through site plan review, but it has to be reviewed against the same general standards as any commercial business that is permitted in a particular zoning district, and not with extra requirements,” said Reichert.
Watertown is also considering requiring shops to get a special use permit. Reichert points out that may not fly either.
“It (the regulation list) does not permit creating extra buffers, distances, and the things you would typically find as a zoning tool when a municipality makes a particular use a special permit use,” said Reichert.
Watertown’s planning board is just making recommendations right now, talking things through, in an environment where it seems things are constantly changing,
“We’re looking for reasonable recommendations that meet our community’s needs, and don’t run afoul with state rules,” said Geoff Urda, senior planner for Watertown.
The city planning board meets Tuesday night, and there are several more steps before the recommendations go to city lawmakers.
Copyright 2025 WWNY. All rights reserved.
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