Pubdate: Fri, 17 Aug 2012
Source: North Kitsap Herald (WA)
Copyright: 2012 North Kitsap Herald
Contact:  http://www.northkitsapherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2609
Author: Megan Stephenson

MEDICAL MARIJUANA GARDENS IN CITY ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT; HEARING SET

POULSBO -- Poulsbo's new zoning and code ordinances are ready for 
public review.

The city's Planning Commission began reviewing the ordinances in 
March, and after meeting 14 times, directed planning staff to revise 
the ordinance with their recommended changes.

The zoning code review began after the City Council approved the 
updated Comprehensive Plan in 2009. City planning consultant Karla 
Boughton said the Comprehensive Plan is policy language; now they are 
at the implementation step. The zoning code was last updated in 2001.

Some of the zoning updates include a new use category called 
neighborhood commercial, to accommodate the growing number of 
home-based businesses. Current commercial districts may be changed 
from two to four: Downtown/Front Street, Viking Avenue, SR 305 
Corridor, and College MarketPlace.

Medical marijuana will also be addressed in the new zoning ordinance.

Currently, the city has a moratorium in place prohibiting medical 
cannabis sales and collective gardens, which were made legal by the 
state Legislature last year. The moratorium is in place until the 
zoning update is adopted, and regulations will be in place.

If collective gardens are allowed, they would be zoned in Light 
Industrial, and not permitted within 500 feet of another collective 
garden, residential zoning district, public park, community center, 
elementary or secondary school (public or private), commercial child 
care business or youth oriented facility.

The revised ordinance can be seen at www.cityofpoulsbo.com, under the 
Development Regulations Update link on the right column.

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. 
at City Hall for public review and comment.

The City Council will hold another public hearing when council 
members review the draft later in the fall.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom