City Council considers approval for second cannabis dispensary on Randall Road

The Elgin Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on April 7, 2025, spotlighted a significant proposal for the establishment of the city’s second adult-use cannabis dispensary. The applicant is seeking conditional use approval to transform an existing building, previously home to a Boston Market, into a cannabis retail space. This move comes as the city aims to expand its cannabis market, with the first dispensary already operating in Clock Tower Plaza.

The proposed renovations include a 260-square-foot lobby for ID checks, ensuring that only customers aged 21 and older can access the sales floor. Security measures have been a focal point, with the police department endorsing the applicant's plans for a security guard present during all operating hours. The dispensary is set to operate Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., extending to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

Exterior changes to the building will remove the previous branding and restore its facade, while site improvements will add new sidewalks and landscaping, albeit at the cost of some parking spaces. The facility will still exceed the minimum parking requirements, with 36 spaces proposed compared to the 10 required.

Commissioners raised questions regarding the operational timeline and state approvals. The city clarified that the dispensary cannot open until it secures final approval from the state of Illinois, which is contingent upon completing renovations and passing inspections. The city is currently not imposing limits on the number of dispensaries, but this could change if the market becomes saturated.

As the commission prepares to review the application further, the outcome could set a precedent for future cannabis businesses in Elgin, reflecting the city's evolving stance on cannabis regulation and community planning.