PORT TOWNSEND — Port Townsend City Council has approved on a first reading an ordinance that would shrink marijuana buffer zones around certain protected areas.
A second reading and final approval of Ordinance 3158 is tentatively scheduled to be considered by the City Council on Nov. 21. The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at historic City Hall, 540 Water St.
The council hopes to receive public comment on the ordinance at the next meeting after no members of the public commented on the issue during last Monday’s meeting, when the proposed change was approved by five council members.
Two members — Council member David Faber and Deputy Mayor Catharine Robinson — were absent.
Ordinance 3158 would reduce buffer zones for recreational and medical marijuana shops from 1,000 feet to 100 feet around recreational centers, public parks, transit centers, libraries, arcades and child care centers.
Buffer zones of 1,000 feet would still be in place around elementary and secondary schools and public playgrounds in accordance with current state law.
Currently in Port Townsend, marijuana retailers cannot be within 1,000 feet of any of these protected areas.
The reduction in buffer zones would open up new areas for marijuana retailers in Port Townsend, according to senior city planner John McDonaugh, who presented the ordinance to the city Planning Commission in October.
While the council’s decision last Monday was unanimous, members took issue with some of the provisions of the ordinance.
“For me it was the buffer around child care centers being reduced from 1,000 feet to 100 feet,” Council member Robert Gray said.
“We don’t have any child care centers in Port Townsend but we do have private, family run child care, and I thought maybe a buffer around those would be a good idea.”
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.
