TANEYTOWN — The Taneytown City Council adopted 4-1 a cannabis dispensary overlay zone ordinance Monday evening, with Councilman Donald Frazier opposing the ordinance.
"This will allow us to restrict legal cannabis retail operations if they come to town," said Mayor James McCarron Jr.
In November, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission released its official count of grower, processor and distributor applications. Of the 1,081 total applications, 811 were submitted for dispenser licenses, 146 for grower licenses and 124 for processor licenses. Licenses are expected to be issued in late 2016.
City Attorney Jack Gullo Jr. said Taneytown must allow zoning for medical marijuana facilities but could create conditions, using adult bookstore zoning as an example, to make it more difficult for prospective business owners.
The adopted ordinance gives the city the authority "to provide reasonable zoning regulations for the health, safety and welfare of the Citizens of Taneytown."
It defines a cannabis dispensary as "a person or entity licensed by the State that acquires, possesses, transfers, sells, dispenses, or distributes products containing cannabis or relating to cannabis, both natural and synthetic, in any and all forms, and related supplies and products at a State-licensed dispensary pursuant to State law and regulation."
The overlay zone will require prospective facilities to be located in the city's industrial zone. Prospective facilities must apply for a special exception permit and will be subject to approval from the city's Board of Appeals and the city's Planning and Zoning Commission.
According to the adopted ordinance, prospective facilities must be located at least 500 feet from any other lot or parcel of land that has a residential use, residential zoning classification, school use or park use.
During Monday's council meeting, Frazier made a motion to include growers and processors in the ordinance. Councilman Joseph Vigliotti seconded the motion, but it was defeated 3-2.
"It's prudent to act on this ordinance and make a separate ordinance for growers and processors," McCarron said.
McCarron said he was glad to see Taneytown leading the way with cannabis zoning legislation.
"This is groundbreaking legislation to protect our citizens," McCarron said. "It's something every town will eventually have to do."
The council also voted 4-1, with Frazier opposing, to adopt a charter resolution outlining the procedure to remove elected officials from office. They tabled the proposed council's code of conduct ordinance until next month.
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