P&Z weighs marijuana zoning after North Canaan voters speak

NORTH CANAAN — At an open workshop in Town Hall Sunday, Nov. 27, the town Planning and Zoning Commission discussed options for regulating and zoning recreational cannabis licenses in North Canaan.

Voters narrowly approved the sale of marijuana in the municipality on Election Day 2023 — so narrow, in fact, that a mandatory recanvassing was issued by the secretary of state. The recount Thursday,  Nov. 30, confirmed that the ballot measure passed 542-525.

At the P&Z workshop, Chairman Tim Abbott said the commission’s goal would be to “make sure we all have a common understanding as to what we are allowed to regulate, where we have discretion, and how we do that.”

Abbott explained P&Z is able to regulate buffer zones (proximity to schools, churches, etc.), hours of operation, and signage. An issue was noted relating to day cares, which can be zoned residentially.

“We allow residential development in all zones,” said Abbott, noting this could pose a problem if someone were to open a day care within a residence located in a zone the commission approves for cannabis licensure.

Several commission members saw this as an opportunity to heavily restrict licenses. 

“I don’t care if it’s a postage stamp in the middle of town,” said Mike O’Connor, suggesting that P&Z buffer 500 feet of all residential zones.

“I don’t want us to look like... even if we personally feel differently, the will of the people is something we’re trying to thwart,” said Abbott.

“We’re talking 12 people here,” said Doug Humes.

“That’s all you need,” said Abbott.

Abbott identified zoning overlay districts as a potential solution to the limitations of buffering. Through overlays, P&Z could map specific areas in town to permit cannabis licensure.

The commission will present and review an overlayed map at its regular meeting in Town Hall Monday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m.

North Canaan’s moratorium on cannabis licensure is in place through February 2024. P&Z may extend the moratorium if regulations are not completed in time. 

If ordinances are not in place when the moratorium expires, the town would default to applying its liquor store regulations to cannabis operations.

“Our zoning is actually silent on liquor stores. So, that’s why the moratorium is there,” said Abbott.