Sunland Park proposes guidelines for outdoor cannabis consumption lounges
SUNLAND PARK, N.M (KVIA) -- Sunland Park officials and community members on Monday gathered for a public roundtable to lay out proposed city regulations for outdoor cannabis consumption lounges. They touched on strict zoning rules, security requirements and pushback from residents over odor and public health.
City leaders emphasized that the proposed ordinance is designed to supplement, not replace, existing New Mexico state cannabis laws.
According to Sunland Park City Planner Claudia Lara, the proposed rules for outdoor lounges apply strictly to the city’s Entertainment District Overlay. Lounges would permit smoking, vaping and consuming edibles within the lounges' boundaries, but alcohol is prohibited.
Key zoning restrictions presented during the meeting include a 300-foot buffer from any residential area and special use permits (SUPs). Business owners must get an approved SUP before the establishment, expansion or modification of any lounge. SUP applications cost $625 and require mailing notification letters to at least 15 surrounding property owners.
If a building has any structural changes, it will need a new SUP application, according to the presentation.
City staff detailed site design and operational rules aimed at minimizing community impacts. Outdoor lounges must have opaque screening to block ground-level views from streets. Cannabis products can't be visible from any public space.
Officials also said entry to lounges must be restricted to adults 21 years and older with a valid ID. Operating hours will be determined during individual SUP reviews. Operators would also have to display a notice about underage risks.
Guidelines said lounges must have cameras at all entrances and consumption records. Owners must keep two years of maintenance records and enforce a "good neighbor plan." Officials said security personnel may be mandated.
City staff outlined the step-by-step process for business owners seeking to open a lounge:
- Obtain Special Use Permit (SUP)
- Complete CRS & Business Registrations
- Pass Final Fire Department Inspection
- Receive Business License Notice to Proceed
Sunland Park Code Enforcement Officer Vincent Byrd addressed compliance, signaling a firm approach: "Comply, you won't see him. Don't comply, you will see him."
Code enforcement will perform lawful inspections to ensure ongoing compliance. While written notices and reasonable opportunities to correct will be issued for minor issues, urgent safety threats can result in immediate suspension, modification, or revocation of licenses.
Byrd reminded operators that smoking on a patio, lot or park outside the approved facility constitutes illegal public smoking.
Once passed, the new ordinance would take effect five days after publication. Final zoning decisions remain appealable under the municipal code, though appeals will not stay enforcement if an imminent safety threat exists.
During the meeting's interactive live polling segment, residents voiced mixed views on the expanding cannabis presence in Sunland Park. Several community members raised concerns regarding odor controls and proximity to healthcare facilities.
One resident noted that when she walks in the morning, she frequently deals with strong cannabis smells as early as 5 a.m.
Another participant pointed out: "There is a pediatric clinic behind two dispensaries and a family practice care; the odor will be foul."
Other feedback highlighted a lack of local tax revenue benefit, potential non-consumer health impacts and a strong demand for public education surrounding the industry.
Conversely, industry supporters urged the city to allow for the continued expansion and growth of the cannabis business landscape and suggested bringing more entertainment options into the Entertainment District.
City staff noted they are actively working to streamline permitting resources, including introducing QR codes to help business owners navigate the registration process more easily.
