A virtual public hearing is being held tonight by the Danbury Zoning Commission about extending the temporary moratorium on acceptance of applications for cannabis establishments for one year, or until the Commission takes action.  The City's Planning Director is recommending zoning regulation amendments to clarify definitions of cannabis establishments, to allow and regulate specific adult use establishments in specified zoning districts, establish a parking requirement and prohibit variances for cannabis uses. 

The draft regulations would allow four types of permitted businesses, but not on Main Street.  According to the draft, the number of dispensary, retailer, and micro-cultivator businesses would be capped at no more than four at any time citywide.  The Mill Plain Road medical marijuana dispensary counts toward the cap.

The businesses would be restricted to certain commercial and industrial zones not near schools, parks and houses of worship. Seven other kinds of businesses permitted in state law, such as cannabis food and beverage manufacturing, would be banned.  Also according to the draft, patrons will not be able to consume cannabis in marijuana businesses, and marijuana businesses must have a written “odor abatement program” as a condition of approval to ensure the business contains “any detectable impacts beyond the physical limits of the building.” 

Tonight's hearing is being held via Zoom at 7:30pm.