Regulations for Cannabis Discussed in Detail at Town Planning Commission Work Session

The Town Planning Commission could be seen mid-swing in its effort to prepare an ordinance for the arrival of cannabis on the local market at an October 21 special work session. Because it lacked public hearings, the regular meeting, usually held at the Government Center, was canceled, and the work session, largely devoted to the cannabis ordinance, took place at Town Hall. The commission undertakes this project at the Town Council’s direction to require a special-use permit for any cannabis concern. While the state has mandated cannabis retail and production as allowable uses, and therefore the municipality cannot prohibit them, the Town can regulate where and how they operate to protect Front Royal’s safety, health, and welfare.

The Town Planning Commission met for a special work session on October 21. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh

Of crucial concern to the commission was the number of violations that might accrue in a rolling, 12-month period before a review is triggered where the zoning administrator determines whether permit revocation proceedings are warranted. As the proposed ordinance currently stands, only three violations of state code or the SUP requirements themselves would trigger the review; Vice-Chairman Megan Marrazzo questioned whether a broader framework might be appropriate, given the unique and sensitive nature of what a cannabis establishment will bring to the community. Her suggestion would replace “SUP” with “Town code”, thereby expanding the basis on which a review might be triggered. Deputy Zoning Administrator John Ware remarked that all users would then be subject to the review, and the consensus agreed.

Thus, for the sake of fairness, the ordinance was allowed to stand in that regard, keeping the review for a cannabis use, triggered by three violations, based on SUP rather than Town code in general. The commission works under a strict timeframe, with February 1 set as the date the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority begins accepting applications for retail licenses, which it intends to cap at 350 statewide. Then, open business is set to commence on July 1. Therefore, the commission is scheduled to vote in November, providing the council with a recommendation to support its proceedings in December and January. One sees the foresight of Governor Abigail Spanberger in her decision earlier this year to deny a motion to fast-track the arrival, instead allowing municipalities time to prepare.