EVERETT — The Everett City Council on Wednesday postponed a decision on how to zone methadone clinics.
That outcome followed more than 90 minutes of comments from the public and councilmembers.
City staff have been studying the issue for months. They determined that Everett’s zoning, which prohibits methadone clinics downtown, violates federal laws protecting people with disabilities, including addiction. The city needs to update its regulations to treat all medical clinics the same, according to its attorneys.
The planning commission has recommended removing methadone-specific language from the codes. The City Council is considering whether to add any kind of restrictions on any future medical clinics downtown or in certain areas designated for retail. There are concerns about the impact of the decision on downtown’s businesses and visitors. Existing clinics would likely be allowed to continue their operations.
The planning department Wednesday asked for several weeks to create additional materials for council review.
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