Board delays first reading of commercial cannabis ordinance to allow absent supervisor to participate

The Board of Supervisors continued consideration of a proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 21, Article 27 (commercial cannabis regulations) to July 14 at 2:00 p.m., following requests from a supervisor representing an affected district and public commenters who sought more time to review revised language.

Community Development staff briefed the board on prior continuances and on edits received from supervisors and staff, including corrections to statutory citations and textual fixes. County Counsel explained that the board may approve a first reading as amended and return for a second reading (adoption) after the required public-notice period; substantial amendments at second reading can require an additional continuance.

Several public commenters, including residents who said they represent farmers in the affected district, urged the board to honor the absent supervisor's request for a continuance to ensure his opportunity to participate in a first reading affecting his constituents. The board voted 4-0 to continue the item to July 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Because this action was a procedural continuance, no substantive ordinance language was adopted at the meeting. The board invited any additional minor, nonsubstantive corrections to be incorporated prior to the next hearing.