SAFFORD — In an unusual occurrence, both the requestor of a rezoning, those opposed and the decision makers were in complete agreement on one issue — Graham County zoning requirements for marijuana cultivation is problematic.
The Graham County Planning and Zoning Commission heard Wednesday two more requests to rezone land from general land use (A zoning) to unlimited manufacturing (M-X) for the growth of medical-grade cannabis. The requests were for adjacent properties in Geronimo.
“This isn’t going to stop; we’re going to keep getting petitions,” said Commissioner Mark Claridge. “Without a county plan . . . for where a heavy industrial region should be, then it’s going to be hopscotched, wildcatted all over the county.”
All but one of the speakers at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting were in favor of the rezoning, including the recipient of a rezoning in Eden, Clint Colvin, who explained the stringent measures placed on marijuana growers by the state, and how easy it is to lose a license for not following the regulations.
A change from growing cannabis is what had both sides question the value of requiring M-X zoning for marijuana cultivation, since the M-X zone also allows for industrial applications that would be inappropriate in agricultural areas.
The commission voted 3-2 to recommend approval of the rezoning of land on West Larson Farm Road, and 3-2 to recommend denial of the rezoning of land on North Diamond Bar Road.
The rezoning requests now move to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
The commission also agreed to hear again in December two more applications for rezoning of two parcels of land on Brookerson Road in Bonita, from A to M-X, again for the purpose of growing marijuana.
The commission previously recommended denial of both rezonings, but the applicant withdrew the applications before the Board of Supervisors could take final action.
