Cheshire planning commission closes hearing on proposed cannabis cultivation text change after debate on odor rules and structures

The Town of Cheshire Planning and Zoning Commission closed a continued public hearing Tuesday on a proposed zoning text amendment to allow cannabis cultivation in a narrowly defined portion of the town’s industrial zone, but the commission did not vote on the change.

Attorney Bridal Heuler, speaking for applicant Hydroclonics LLC, said the draft removes the term “greenhouse” and replaces it with “enclosed structure,” and adds enforcement language so the commission or town staff can act if odor complaints persist. “We have changed it to an enclosed structure,” Heuler said, adding that the proposed language was modeled on a Massachusetts ordinance to create enforcement “teeth.”

Why it matters: The amendment would not rezone property but would allow cultivation as a permitted use in limited industrial areas — principally frontage on East Johnson Avenue, Diana Court, Burton Avenue and McCossland Court — subject to separation distances and special‑permit review. Supporters say the change would let existing hemp growers transition to licensed cannabis cultivation under…