North Branford Extends Marijuana Zoning Moratorium for Another Year

North Branford’s Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) has extended its moratorium on cannabis businesses in town for another year, after unanimously supporting a new 12-month period for a zoning regulation text amendment first established in 2020. Extending the moratorium for another year will give the PZC additional time to review whether sales should be allowed in North Branford in the future.

The update goes into effect Oct. 21, 2021, picking up at with the end of the PZC’s previous one-year moratorium, which sunsets Oct. 20, 2021. During the moratorium’s 12-month period, the PZC will not accept permit applications for cannabis establishments, medical marijuana producers, dispensary facilities and/or retail/distribution. The new moratorium expires on Oct. 21, 2022.

The PZC voted on the matter on Oct. 7, following extensive review and discussion over several meetings which also took into consideration the possibility of adopting potential zoning changes in response to the state’s June, 2021 legalization of recreational marijuana use by adults.

During the Oct. 7 PZC meeting at Town Hall, which was also streamed at the Totoket TV Facebook page, the PZC opened public hearing on the proposed moratorium extension, which drew no public input. The PZC then closed the hearing and amended the night’s agenda to include a vote on the matter later in the meeting, under new business.

As an additional response to the new state law legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults, North Branford’s Town Council has been reviewing a proposed change to a recreation ordinance that would prohibit cannabis use in public parks and recreational spaces. The council is set to hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance amendment language at it regular meeting on Tues. Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. at North Branford Town Hall.

Reasons for Extending the Zoning Moratorium

With regard to extending the zoning moratorium, PZC members discussed their reasons ahead of the unanimous vote on Oct. 7; agreeing that the 12-month period will give the commission time to digest the new law; better time to analyze and determine all aspects as it would relate to North Branford zoning, and review other impacts including whether such a zoning law change would affect or hinder economic development.

PZC members also discussed working in coordination with the Town Council as North Branford looks to shape a permanent resolution to the issue over the coming year.

“We need to craft language to see if it’s something the town wants, and engage with council and the public as well,” said PZC chair Harry Dulak, speaking to the PZC on Oct. 7.