ROTTERDAM — The Planning Commission on Tuesday issued a positive recommendation on a proposed law that would regulate marijuana dispensaries and on-site consumption facilities within town, but questions remain on what the future of cannabis sales will look like moving forward as officials wait for state regulations to be released.
Commissioners, in a 6-1 vote, agreed to issue the recommendation on the proposed ordinance that would limit where cannabis-related businesses can set up shop and establishes hours of operations for dispensaries and on-site consumption facilities, citing the need to have some type of regulatory framework in place before a proprietor seeking to open one of the facilities brings plans before the commission for review.
“This is a living document, so as the state’s rules and regulations come through, we’ll be able to adapt our document to that,” said Planning Commission Chairman Thomas Yullie.
Commissioner Joseph Signore was the lone dissenting vote.
The proposed ordinance would permit dispensaries to operate only in the general, light- and heavy-industrial zoning districts with a special-use permit and Planning Commission approval. On-site consumption facilities, meanwhile, would only be permitted in light- and heavy-industrial zones.
The businesses would also be required to prove they have adequate parking and pedestrian access, and must submit plans that show how any odors would be contained on site. The special permit would only be…
