In brief: Moratorium set on pot businesses

ROCKFORD – The town of Rockford has enacted a six-month marijuana business moratorium as the planning commission and City Council work to clarify the town’s zoning rules.

“Even though the state overrides anything we have in our books, we still have some zoning that really doesn’t make sense,” said Mayor Micki Harnois.

Under the town’s current zoning rules, marijuana processing would be allowed in residential areas. “It just needs to be corrected,” Harnois said. “Our planning commission is going to take a look at the permitted uses and the zones.”

Harnois said so far only one person has asked about the town’s marijuana regulations. It is anticipated that the part of the state law that prohibits marijuana activities within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, day cares and other places children gather is going to offer few opportunities for such businesses.

“It’s pretty obvious around town here that the 1,000 foot rule is limiting a lot of things,” she said.

The vote to enact the moratorium was unanimous, Harnois said.

Next council meeting Nov. 12

SPOKANE VALLEY – The Spokane Valley City Council meeting set for Tuesday has been canceled so council members can attend election night activities.

The next scheduled meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Nov. 12 at City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave.