This month’s meeting of the Sykesville Planning Commission was a short but interesting one as the Commission begins to look ahead and prepare for legalized recreational cannabis use.

In its first action, the Commission voted to keep Phil Singleton as Chair and Brennan Smith as Vice Chair for another year.

The Commission’s meeting schedule was discussed with the Town staff and approved for 2023.

In Town Updates, two items were discussed.

Future Rezoning Application for 7306 Springfield Avenue

The Joy property at 7306 Springfield Avenue will submit an application for nonconforming use of property in business local zone.  They intend to apply for rezoning to business general for auto service garage use.  After survey plat is complete the property owner will meet with Town staff to be sure application is complete before submitting the application.

Town local zoning requirements for Recreational Use Cannabis Dispensaries

Legalization of cannabis will be in effect July 1, 2023 for recreational use by persons 21 years and older.  Currently there is no Town Code for this new legislation.  The Town is monitoring legislative actions in the form of Bill 516 for Framework in rolling this out.  Town local zoning requirements will need to be created.  In 2015, the Town and Council discussed this issue in regard to medical dispensaries.  Consideration for the distance of these businesses from schools and places of worship.  The Town will provide this information and well as updates on the Framework for the next meeting.

Next meeting March 6, 2023 at 7pm.