Director reports 22 cannabis pre‑applications; Madison solar EIR draft expected next month

During the April 21 meeting staff reported on two informational items that drew discussion but no formal action.

Leslie Limbo, community services, said the county has received 22 cannabis pre‑applications, including multiple license types from some applicants. The pre‑application process is intended to help the county and applicants identify anticipated demand and prepare for complete use permit submissions. Limbo said completed applications must be submitted by Dec. 16 (2023) to be eligible for renewal cycles. "They decided it would be based on merit," Limbo said of the board's approach to allocating license types.

Staff also updated commissioners on the proposed Madison solar project. Stephanie Cormier said staff is still reviewing the administrative draft environmental impact report and expects to circulate it for public review in about a month; when the draft is released there will be a 45‑day public comment period and likely a public hearing before the Planning Commission.

Planning staff noted that medium‑sized solar projects are often processed as minor use permits and may not come to the commission unless elevated due to public interest; the Bear/Behr project in Woodland is expected to be handled administratively by the zoning administrator unless local interest requires commission review.

No formal actions were taken on these informational items; staff will return materials to the commission as permit applications and EIR notices reach public‑review milestones.