LAKEPORT >> The city of Lakeport will be bringing complete draft ordinances for final recommendations by the Planning Commission and public during the next few weeks.
The Lakeport Planning Commission recently reviewed a draft for Non-Commercial Cannabis Cultivation for Personal Use and received more public comment on their Commercial Ordinance they are in the process of drafting.
The final draft versions of the Personal Use Ordinance will be heard at the Planning Commission’s November 8 meeting and the Commercial Use one will be heard at a special October 25 meeting.
During their last meeting, the commission heard some input from the public. Commission members continue to seek more comments as they refine the plan into something acceptable.
Lakeport’s Community Development Director Kevin Ingram said when creating this ordinance it is important to see all sides of the spectrum.
“Earlier this year in February, it was the decision of both the Planning Commission and the Cannabis Working Group to split the Commercial Cannabis Use and the Cultivation into separate ordinances,” Ingram said.
Although only small changes were necessary to make the Personal Use Ordinance compliant with Proposition 64, Ingram said it has taken much longer than expected to get it completed and ready.
“It was our intention to get this one resolved quicker than the other one because this is a much smaller change; however, intervening with floods and other events it kind of pushed it to where this one is right up against the deadline as well,” Ingram said.
After review of the draft, the Planning Commission gave recommendations for specific adjustments that were still needed and it will be brought back for final review and approval.
Some recommendations include rephrasing of language, ideas around making secure accessory structures such as greenhouses and adjusting some definitions. There have been no changes in the allowances for size, the city is still limiting it to an accessory use only and will only allow for indoor cultivation Ingram said.
“We are not trying to be obtrusive to this ordinance but just add the recreational component into the existing ordinance,” Ingram said.
Public comment in regards to the Commercial Use Ordinance can be brought to City Hall in Lakeport, called in or emailed to the Community Development Department, or mailed for those who are unable to make the Planning Commission meeting.
The city has currently held multiple meetings for the Commercial Use Ordinance and received recommendations from the Cannabis Working Group, the City Council, Planning Commission and some from the public.
Ingram said the city’s focus is still to try and get this passed with input from various sides before the January 1 deadline to have something implemented so a temporary prohibition will not have to be utilized.
