North Canton City Council could become the first city in Stark County to halt medical marijuana.

Council will introduce legislation tonight that would impose a six-month moratorium on granting permits or certificates of occupancy for any structure used for the “cultivation, processing or retail sale of medical marijuana.” The delay would allow the city to “fully analyze” local, state and federal law on the issue, according to the legislation.

Ohio legalized medical marijuana, with some restrictions, in June. House Bill 523 allows local jurisdictions to restrict or ban marijuana operations.

Council will hold back-to-back regular and committee of the whole meetings tonight starting at 7 p.m. They’ll hold an executive session to discuss employment at 6:30 p.m. Council has been on summer break since mid-July.

Tonight’s meeting is the first to be live-streamed on the city’s website at northcantonohio.gov. To view, click on the YouTube icon on the bottom of the site.

The marijuana issue will be introduced during the committee of the whole meeting.
Also on tonight’s agenda:

• The second reading of legislation that would allow some city homes to have a parking space or turn-around in the front of their home.
• The introduction of legislation that would modify the city’s existing Community Reinvestment Areas. CRAs allow property owners to realize tax exemptions if they remodel existing dwellings or build new ones. The modified legislation would allow newly built or remodeled commercial, industrial or residential projects to realize an exemption.
• The introduction of legislation that would increase compensation for the director of permits and development.
• The introduction of legislation allowing the city to apply for a grant for the Maple Street widening project.
• The introduction of legislation allowing the mayor to advertise and receive bids for projects at the water treatment plant and the EMS building.

Council meets tonight, 7 p.m., at City Hall, 145 N. Main Street.

News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: North Canton Talks Moratorium On Medical Marijuana
Author: Jessica Holbrook
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Website: Canton Rep