Enderby officials want to be ready if marijuana is ever legalized in Canada.
Council is moving ahead with regulations that would govern retail marijuana sales in the community if such activities are no longer illegal.
"We've laid out what they would require," said Mayor Greg McCune of retailers.
"We don't want people to rent a space and bid their time until it's legal. It will let them know what they are faced with."
Under the proposed municipal rules, retail marijuana sales would not be allowed within 100 metres of any residential zone, daycare facility, preschool, playground, community centre, school, park, civic or religious institution or any use catering to individuals under age 18.
Based on that, McCune admits it may be difficult for a marijuana retailer to find a suitable location because of Enderby's small size.
City staff have told council that prospective owners and compassion clubs are making inquiries and endeavouring to secure locations in anticipation of marijuana becoming legal.
"Business licence applications for the retail of marijuana have and will continue to be denied on the grounds that this use is not legal," said Kurt Inglis, planner, in a report.
"However, the protective creation of a regulatory framework for the retail of marijuana will provide certainty to this sector about where and on what conditions it may be permitted, if and when legalization occurs."
The proposed regulations will include a business licence bylaw and a fee structure.
A public hearing on the proposed bylaw will be held at city hall March 6.
Enderby is also moving ahead with zoning amendments to regulate the production of medical marijuana.