CLEARLAKE ? A draft ordinance for regulating medical marijuana dispensaries was introduced Tuesday at the Clearlake Planning Commission”s regular meeting. About seven members of the public spoke before the commission prior to its action to continue the public hearing until the next regular meeting scheduled for Dec. 15.
Those speaking to the matter expressed concern for a lack of public input in regard to regulations described in the draft document. Points of particular concern included limitations pertaining to patient numbers and restrictions to C-4 zoning.
Throughout the course of multiple public discussions, which included a joint workshop with both the city council and the commission, the public has expressed strong opposition to restricting dispensaries to C-4 zoning, which is reserved for “heavy commercial, light industrial” operations. Public opposition to limiting dispensary operations to three within the city has not been significant; however, limiting those three dispensaries to 200 patients apiece has.
These points of interest were reiterated by the public again on Tuesday.
Commission Chairman Albert Bernal, on a couple occasions, ensured the public that the proposed ordinance is a draft document that will undergo changes. “Don”t jump to the conclusion that the draft ordinance is not going to change,” he said. “It is going to change.”
City Administrator Dale Neiman said he guarantees at least two public meetings on the matter at the planning commission level and at least two more at the council level, all of which he said will provide an opportunity for public input.
Attorney Ron Green said the entire draft should be tossed and the staff should start again.
“I”ve read most of the ordinances in the state and this is the worst by far,” he said. “This ordinance should be tossed and you should start from scratch. This is not an easy job but we hope you take your time and do it right.”
Green, along with former public servant Ed Robey, presented the commission with a detailed memorandum itemizing recommendations for changes to the draft document. The packet also included example ordinances adopted under municipal codes in the cities of Santa Cruz, Malibu and West Hollywood. Green questioned the City of Clearlake”s intent to adopt its ordinance as an addition to police regulations of the city”s municipal code. He said that issue is one of zoning, not policing.
The Clearlake Planning Commission meets regularly at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive. Agenda items are available for public review during regular business hours.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
