The Clallam County Board of Commissioners is seeking to extend the temporary zoning controls, Ordinance 896, established for legalized recreational marijuana.

A public hearing is scheduled at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, at the Clallam County Courthouse to discuss and pass a possible six-month extension.

Given it’s been nearly six months since the board approved the interim ordinance for the siting, establishment, notification and operation of any structures or uses relating to recreational marijuana production, processing or retail, the controls will expire April 7.

Following the approval of the temporary zoning controls in early October, the Planning Commission, a nine-member volunteer advisory panel, and Department of Community Development staff were to make a recommendation for permanent controls prior to the ordinance expiring, but time devoted to the Shoreline Master Program took precedent.

“Due to a scheduling conflict with the Shoreline Master Program, staff (with DCD) will need additional time with the Planning Commission in identifying what zones can accommodate recreational marijuana and processing,” DCD planning manager Kevin LoPiccolo wrote in a progress report.

At their Feb. 23 work session county commissioners were presented with three options by DCD staff that included: let controls expire, extend the controls or extend the controls with modifications.

After discussing the given options, “the BOCC agreed to extend the interim zoning controls known as Ordinance 896,” LoPiccolo said, but to do so will require a public hearing.

Although the Planning Commission and DCD need additional time to make a permanent recommendation, since the approval of the ordinance, the commission has held seven work sessions to address permanent controls, LoPiccolo told the county commissioners.

From their work sessions, the Planning Commission and DCD staff have confronted most zone designations and whether or not recreational marijuana activity is permitted, permitted subject to performance standards or prohibited. However, according to the status report some zones may undergo additional “performance standards.”

“Performance standards have been discussed with the Planning Commission, but there has not been a consensus on the application on where and how to apply,” LoPiccolo said.

Performance standards may include increased setbacks, restriction when abutting residential zones and minimum lot size, exterior lighting and landscape requirements.