LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Board of Supervisors pushed back against the second reading of the Commercial Cannabis Ordinance after reviewing the changes and finding a need to make further adjustments.
Although the board had approved the first reading, the early activation process section of the document — part of the permitting for minor use — was still a sticking point.
Because of a dispute over language, it was suggested the board pass the ordinance without early activation. However, they decided that removing the language would cause unnecessary delays in permitting for some.
Instead, the board decided with a 4 to 1 vote to return the ordinance for changes and retain early activation.
“I don’t know where these people (growers) stand with that,” said supervisor Jeff Smith. “So if that’s the case we’re going to slow this down more than just one or two weeks. So by not waiting one more week, they can do a first reading now and a second one next week because this could add a number of weeks to someone else’s minor use permit.”
Community Development Director Bob Massarelli said the postponement will make for a much easier and quicker process for the permittee and the department.
“It adds another step to the process,” Massarelli said. “The Early Use Permit is handled by the Zoning Administrator so it does not have to go to the Planning Commission however it does have to be advertised and given public notice and there could be a request for a public hearing on it.”
An updated Commercial Cannabis Cultivation ordinance will now come before the board at their March 20 meeting.
County Council Anita Grant said this ordinance can be brought back anytime after it is passed to make any adjustments as needed as it may. This is due to the continuous change of rules and regulations or anything else that might make it easier for both the county and the growers.
“Other information that may be a good idea can still be included but I strongly recommend this be advanced another week if the Board wants to do that,” Grant said. “Many jurisdictions for the second read if there have been no further changes are even on the consent agenda.”
