Ferndale council adopts six-month moratorium on immigration detention centers
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Summary
The Ferndale City Council adopted a six-month resolution pausing any approvals for immigration detention centers and referring potential zoning or regulatory changes to the Planning Commission for study. The vote was unanimous among council members present.
The Ferndale City Council on March 9 adopted a six-month moratorium resolution that halts any approvals or actions to allow immigration detention centers to locate in the city while staff and the Planning Commission study potential zoning or regulatory changes.
City staff described the resolution as a temporary pause to allow a formal vetting process and potential zoning amendments. The measure directs staff to refer research to the Planning Commission and allows the council to extend the moratorium by subsequent resolution if additional time is required.
Supporters at the meeting, including multiple public commenters, urged the city to go further or make the moratorium permanent; council discussion focused on the legal defensibility and typical court guidance that six months is a permissive period for such study. Assistant city attorney/staff noted the moratorium is designed as a short-term pause consistent with judicial precedent and explained extension procedures if necessary.
Councilmember Sabatini moved the resolution; the council recorded affirmative votes from Kelly, Sabatini, Johnson, Mikulski and Leakes May. The resolution passed by roll call vote.
The council directed staff to present findings and potential ordinance or zoning amendments to the Planning Commission at its next meeting; any regulatory changes would return to council for further action.
