PORT TOWNSEND — After a year of uncertainty about regulations for recreational marijuana businesses, a solution could take shape as soon as this week.
The Jefferson County Planning Commission is holding a public hearing to solicit public comment about changes to the county’s Unified Development Code that will control where marijuana-related businesses can operate.
The meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Tri-Area Community Center, 10 West Valley Road, Chimacum.
The public testimony will be incorporated into the planning document and possibly approved at a special meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners at 10 a.m. Thursday in chambers, 1820 Jefferson St.
At that time, the commissioners will consider the recommendations of the Planning Commission, which will result from the Wednesday meeting, according to County Administrator Philip Morley.
If the commissioners make any changes to the Planning Commission document, they will schedule their own public hearing for June 8, Morley said.
The schedule is in place to finish deliberations before the June 11 expiration of a moratorium on new permits for recreational marijuana businesses.
If the commissioners approve the document Thursday, that would immediately end the moratorium.
The document outlines proposed and prohibited locations put into a matrix listing the location on the left column and the size of the parcel across the top.
At the crossing of the two columns, there is an indication whether the businesses will be allowed or prohibited.
For instance, the businesses will be prohibited at all golf facilities and outdoor gun ranges, while they are allowable in most bed and breakfast locations.
The most tolerant regulation areas for marijuana businesses are designated rural village areas, which are Brinnon and Quilcene.
Aside from the general matrix, the report includes a detailed breakdown of where such businesses are allowed in the Port Hadlock area.
After the approval of Initiative 502 in 2012, Jefferson County addressed marijuana as any other agricultural product but public input led to the institution of a six-month moratorium on Aug. 11.
When that moratorium was set to expire, the Department of Community Development requested an extension as it had not been able to develop a policy together with the Planning Commission.
In February, the commissioners approved a four-month extension to the moratorium while allowing current applicants to move through the permitting process.
To view the draft plan document, go to http://tinyurl.com/PDN-Planning.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
