Primary Contact Email: TDonovan@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
TITLE
Ordinance imposing an interim moratorium on the acceptance and processing of permit applications for new or expanded recreational cannabis growing and/or processing facilities which are proposed to operate outdoors or in greenhouses
BODY
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
This ordinance prohibits, on an interim basis, the filing, acceptance, or processing of permit applications for conversion of land or water, new building or structure permits, or other County permits or authorizations for recreational marijuana production and/or processing facilities which are proposed to operate in any of the following: (1) open or cleared ground, (2) a non-rigid greenhouse, (3) a greenhouse with rigid walls, a roof and doors, or (4) similar type greenhouse structures. The interim moratorium shall not apply to applications that were filed and determined to be complete prior to the effective date of this ordinance and vested pursuant to Washington statutes, or those for minor tenant improvement permits associated with existing, permitted facilities. For the purposes of this ordinance, a minor tenant improvement permit may include new or replaced equipment or other structural alterations that do not expand the area of the facility or change the use from previous County approvals. This interim ordinance shall be effective for not longer than six months following its effective date, but may be renewed for one or more six-month periods if subsequent public hearings are held and findings of fact are made prior to each renewal.