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Pocomoke City council adopts cannabis zoning ordinance restricting on‑site consumption, setting buffers
Summary
Pocomoke City adopted Ordinance 25‑O‑2 on second reading, updating the city zoning code to prohibit on‑site cannabis consumption, add cannabis‑related definitions, and establish 500‑ and 100‑foot buffer rules; council approved the measure by voice vote after no public comment.
Pocomoke City’s mayor and council on Monday adopted Ordinance 25‑O‑2, a second‑reading update to the city zoning code intended to align local rules with recent state law changes affecting cannabis activity. The council approved the ordinance by voice vote after a public hearing produced no public comments.
The ordinance adds definitions related to cannabis activity, prohibits on‑site consumption establishments in all zoning districts and sets separation requirements for dispensaries and cannabis facilities. Under the ordinance text read into the record, a 500‑foot buffer would apply between dispensaries and preexisting primary or secondary schools, licensed childcare centers, playgrounds, recreation centers, libraries, public parks and places of worship. A 100‑foot buffer is required from the closest property corner of a preexisting area zoned for residential use. The Board of Zoning Appeals may consider variance reductions to those separation requirements.
Mayor (unnamed) told the council he was “happy to see that we’re finally getting this done and over with” and praised the Board of Planning and Zoning and council members for their work on the measure. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.
Council took the item up immediately after the presentation and called for the vote. The ordinance passed on a voice vote with no recorded opposition.
The ordinance text, the mayor said, is available for public review at City Hall. The measure will take effect according to the schedule provided in the ordinance language and any required administrative steps; the city clerk will publish the final documents and confirm effective dates.
