County council extends cannabis moratorium for code review

Whatcom County Council extended its moratorium on accepting permit applications for cannabis growing operations in a 5-2 vote so it would have time to review the zoning amendments that the planning department will recommend to council during its Tuesday, November 9 regular meeting. Councilmembers Ben Elenbaas and Kathy Kershner

opposed the extension.

This is the first time the six-month ban has been extended. It was introduced in April so that the county planning department could draft zoning code amendments on cannabis growing in Whatcom County. The amendments came in response to rural residents who live near grow farms complaining about the light pollution, smell and noise these operations create.

Farmers spoke out about the moratorium in the spring meeting, saying it would stall industry growth and the growth of their businesses, while some rural residents voiced their support for council’s actions.

At its next meeting, November 9, council will hear what the planning department has devised to repair the relationship between county growers and their

neighbors.

Whatcom County resident Ken Domorod, who said he was speaking as a private citizen, said he opposed the moratorium extension in the October 26 council meeting, and all permitting moratoriums for that matter. “Industry and economy operate outside of this government,” he said. “And government permitting processes, and zoning, and planning is really a barrier to entry, or a barrier to growth for these industries.”

Councilmember Todd Donovan thanked planning staff for almost bringing the draft amendments back to council within the six-month period. Once the amendments are reviewed and approved by council, the moratorium will be lifted.

“I don’t think we’re going to have this moratorium for much longer,” Donovan said.