PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPEN: Medical marijuana dispensary regulations

On March 17, 2014, the Board of County Commissioners established a moratorium on the operation of marijuana dispensaries in any area subject to the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. This ordinance included a sunset clause resulting in the repeal of the ordinance on May 1, 2015.  In anticipation of this repeal, staff is proposing text amendments that define, permit, and establish standards for medical marijuana dispensaries. 

Medical marijuana dispensaries are proposed to be a “conditional use” in the Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) Zone and an “outright permitted” use in rural commercial (for example Tumalo, Terrebonne, Sunriver) and industrial zones.  Dispensaries will also be subject to site plan review and specific use standards.  Hours of operation are limited from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The proposed definition of medical marijuana dispensaries and specific use standards are primarily structured to be consistent with the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act (ORS 475.300-346).

The record is now open for public and agency comments.  A public hearing before the Deschutes County Planning Commission is scheduled for March 12, 2015. A recommendation will be forwarded to the Deschutes Board of County Commissioners.  A Deschutes Board of County Commissioners hearing is planned for April 15, 2015.  

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