City, County Pass Pot Delays

DAYTON - The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance setting a one-year moratorium on the establishment of marijuana-related businesses in the unincorpo- rated part of the county after a public hearing during their regular September 18 meeting.

Five days later, on Monday, the Dayton city council approved a similar ordinance, but one with a moratorium expiring after six months. According to Dayton Mayor Craig George, the city's time limit was set because their legal representatives advised the council that six months was the maximum moratorium allowable under state law. George said the city will be able to extend the moratorium for an additional six months before expiration of the original one, if the council wishes.

No public hearing was held prior to the City Council's vote, and the issue was not on the agenda for the council's Monday meeting. The proposed ordinance was presented during the council's regular planning committee report.

George said the ordinance was designated as an "emergency" moratorium and, as such, a public hearing could be held after the council's vote. He said the council plans to hold a public hearing on the marijuana issue within the next two months.

Both the city and county enacted their moratorium ordinances at the urging of Columbia County Sheriff Rocky Miller. Elected officials in both jurisdictions expressed concern that state rules being created as a result of the passing of Initiative 502 last year, which legalized recreational use of marijuana in Washington, are not yet set. The two ordinances contain similar language, itemiz- ing a list of potential conflicts and unknowns that cities and coun- ties face as they prepare to enact zoning and other restrictions relating to the establishment of marijuana growing, processing and retailing operations within their boundaries.

"We're looking at this issue seriously," George said in an interview, stating he expects the city to move forward with mari- juana guidelines as soon as state rules are in place. "It's important for the city and county to work together on this," he said, "since the Sheriff's office provides law enforcement for both of us."