Retail cannabis could find home in East Haven after moratorium ends

EAST HAVEN — Commerical districts along two major town roads could become the future home of cannabis retailers looking to set up shop in town, according to a new set of proposed regulations.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has submitted an application proposing to amend its regulations and adopt an "Adult Use Cannabis Retail District," which would function as floating zones and house all future businesses selling recreatonial cannabis, the petition shows.

The draft application marks the commission's first official attempt to regulate the adult-use cannabis market.

According to the proposed regulations, the site of an adult-use cannabis retail district must contain at least 1.5 acres of land, and be located within a commercial district along Frontage Road and Foxon Road. Only one recreational or hybrid cannabis retailer may be permitted within each district, with a total of two retail marijuana facilities allowed in East Haven, documents show. 

The businesses must be at least 750 feet apart, and 750 feet away from municipal buildings, churches and places of worship, schools, daycares, parks and playgrounds, and any adult-oriented businesses, per the regulations. They also must be at least 200 feet away from single-family or two-family homes. However, PZC members said they want multifamily dwellings added to the list to ensure that homes with more than two units are protected.

To establish an adult-use cannabis retail district, an applicant first must request that the PZC approve a zone change for the area in which they want to open their cannabis business, the application states. Upon the successful approval of a zone change, the applicant must then must petition the PZC for a special exception permit and a site plan approval.

If the applicant is unable to obtain the necessary permits from the commission, the zone change establishing the cannabis retail district automatically becomes "null and void" and the site's original zoning classification is restored, according to the application.

At least two business owners already have said they would like to open retail cannabis establishments in East Haven. An attorney who represents a potential applicant hinted that his client is eyeing a vacant parcel in a local shopping center.

A public hearing on the proposed cannabis regulations has been extended to the PZC's March 1 meeting. The town's current moratorium on applications for cannabis facilities is set to expire March 31.

austin.mirmina@hearstmediact.com