CLEARLAKE >> The City of Clearlake announced that residents who plan to cultivate marijuana for personal use legally have until April 30 to submit a permit application.
“Under the Personal Marijuana Cultivation Ordinance No. 197-2017, a permit through the City is required to legally cultivate marijuana for personal use outdoors within the city limits,” the Code Enforcement Division said in a prepared statement.
It was clarified that selling marijuana cultivated for personal use is illegal and commercial cannabis cultivation requires additional state and local permits.
Currently, California Law allows for up to six plants to legally be grown indoors. Under the City’s ordinance, no more than six plants total are allowed to be produced on a property, whether indoors or outdoors. Citizens are encouraged to contact Code Enforcement if they see or suspect more than six plants are being cultivated on any property.
A permit is required, the City added, to cultivate marijuana outdoors for personal use only.
“While the City of Clearlake wants to work with those who wish to cultivate marijuana legally, it will continue to crack down on those who do not abide by the laws,” said City Manager Greg Folsom.
Those found to be illegally cultivating marijuana will be subject to significant penalties as well as an Order to Abate and could face criminal prosecution.
Interim Police Chief Tim Celli added, “Since the City began its crackdown on illegal marijuana grows, the City has experienced an 85-percent drop in the homicide rate. The Police Department will be continuing to work closely with Code Enforcement to eradicate illegal marijuana and those found to be violating marijuana state laws are also subject to arrest and criminal prosecution. The department has sent personnel to the most up to date training to investigate illegal marijuana grows, which may also include environmental crimes.”
A $250 registration fee is also required to help offset the City’s cost to administer the program.
Permit applications are available at City Hall and are downloadable from the City’s website.
