Whatcom County adopted Ordinance 2021-023 (4/20/21) placing an interim moratorium on the acceptance and processing of permit applications for new or expanded recreational cannabis growing and/or processing facilities which are proposed to operate outdoors or in greenhouses.
The Planning Commission will be reviewing the existing marijuana regulations and revising them in 2021. If you have questions regarding the Planning Commission process you can email the Planning Commission or contact Cliff Strong, Long Range Planner.
Marijuana has been legal for recreational use in Washington State since the passage of Initiative 502 in 2012. Marijuana production, processing and retail facilities must obtain licenses from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) and obtain land use approval and building permits from the local jurisdiction they wish to locate in.
Whatcom County adopted Ordinance 2015-006 (3/31/2015) regarding the production, processing and retailing of marijuana replacing interim Ordinance 2015-053 (10/14/14).
Whatcom County Ordinance--Allowed Marijuana Zone Districts and Uses
ZONE | Marijuana Production | Marijuana Processing | Marijuana Retail |
---|---|---|---|
Rural (R) | Administrative Use* | Administrative Use* | Not Allowed |
Agriculture (AG) | Permitted Use* (An administrative use permit is required if the facility is located within 300 feet of a residence and a setback waiver is obtained.) | Accessory Use* (An administrative use permit is required if the facility is located within 300 feet of a residence and a setback waiver is obtained.) | Not Allowed |
Rural Forestry (RF) | Permitted Use* (An administrative use permit is required if the facility is located within 300 feet of a residence and a setback waiver is obtained.) | Permitted Use* (An administrative use permit is required if the facility is located within 300 feet of a residence and a setback waiver is obtained.) | Not Allowed |
Rural General Commercial (RGC) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Permitted Use |
Neighborhood Commercial Center (NC) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Permitted Use |
Small Town Commercial Center (STC) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Permitted Use |
General Commercial (GC) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Permitted Use |
Light Impact Industrial (LII) | Permitted Use | Permitted Use | Not Allowed |
Heavy Impact Industrial (HII) | Permitted Use | Permitted Use | Not Allowed |
Rural Industrial Manufacturing (RIM) | Permitted Use | Permitted Use | Not Allowed |
Marijuana Standards applicable for all zone districts:
*Additional Marijuana Standards applicable to only the Rural, Agriculture and Rural Forestry zone districts: