The city council adopted Tuesday a temporary ban on new medical marijuana dispensaries and adult stores in the city.
Though Rosemead doesn't currently have any marijuana dispensaries, strip clubs, or sex shops, it has seen recent interest from potential business developers interested in the market, according to Brian Saeki, community development director for the city.
The city has no ordinance to regulate pot dispensaries, and its rules for adult businesses are outdated, so the city council voted unanimously to place emergency moratoriums on both types of business while city laws are updated, Saeki explained.
The moratoriums are for 45 days each, though the one for marijuana dispensaries could be extended because a lawsuit regarding legality of such stores is expected to be decided in August or September and it could effect local rules.
When the marijuana dispensary issue came up, city staff determined the ordinance on adult businesses also needed updating, Saeki said. Recent changes to state law could effect how current regulations are interpreted, he said.
The city is not allowed constitutionally to permanently ban adult businesses, but current Rosemead regulations are "fairly restrictive," Saeki said. They place regulations on where adult businesses can open, permits that must be obtained, and the type of landscaping and security they must have.
The temporary moratorium will allow the city to update the law. Saeki said public feedback has suggested the community does not want rules to be relaxed.
