New York MRTA (2021) legalized adult-use cannabis but allowed municipalities to opt out of retail dispensaries and on-site consumption lounges by December 31, 2021. Many Rockland towns/villages opted out (including Clarkstown and Ramapo). Those that did not opt out regulate via zoning.
The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) of 2021 (Cannabis Law §131) permitted municipalities one opportunity to opt out of adult-use retail dispensaries and on-site consumption by local law passed before December 31, 2021. If a municipality opted out, voters can restore licensing by permissive referendum; municipalities that did NOT opt out cannot later opt out. In Rockland County, the Town of Clarkstown and Town of Ramapo are notable opt-outs, as are many villages (Suffern, Nyack varied, and others). Municipalities that did not opt out regulate through zoning — typically placing dispensaries in commercial/highway-business districts with buffer requirements (500-1,000 ft from schools, churches, playgrounds, youth facilities) per state regulation 9 NYCRR Part 119. Retail dispensaries are licensed only by the NY Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
Unlicensed cannabis sales: NY Cannabis Law §125 misdemeanor/felony; OCM civil penalties up to $10,000 per day. Zoning violations in opt-in towns: local fines $250-$1,000/day.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Rockland County, NY
Rockland County has no countywide leaf blower ordinance. Town/village noise codes apply: Clarkstown, Orangetown, and Nyack restrict gas blowers to 8 AM to 6 ...
Rockland County, NY
RV and boat parking in Rockland County residential zones is regulated by local zoning codes. Most towns including Clarkstown, Ramapo, and Orangetown permit s...
Rockland County, NY
Rockland County towns require building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet per the NY Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Clarkstown, Ramapo, and ...
Rockland County, NY
Rockland County pool barriers must comply with NY Uniform Code §326.4 and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Barriers must be 48 inches minimum wi...
Rockland County, NY
Rockland County allows hens in NYC but roosters are banned. Coops must meet health standards. Livestock prohibited in most residential zones. NYC Health Code...
Rockland County, NY
Beekeeping is regulated at the town level in Rockland County. Most towns permit hives on residential lots over a certain size (typically 10,000 sq ft) with s...
See how Rockland County's dispensary zoning rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.