New marijuana ordinance addresses growing and processing

An ordinance that includes regulations addressing commercial recreational marijuana activity was adopted by the Washington County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday (Oct. 25).

B-Engrossed Ordinance No. 810, which will go into effect Nov. 25, addresses Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC)-licensed marijuana activities including commercial growing, processing, wholesale and research. Under the County ordinance and state statute, marijuana is generally treated like most other farming activities. Significant differences include requirements that outdoor marijuana grow operations outside the Urban Growth Boundary be 50 feet from property lines and that all indoor grow and processing operations have air filtration systems. Commercial growing is not allowed in the County's urban residential areas.

The new ordinance expands on regulations adopted through A-Engrossed Ordinance No. 792, which addressed the County's medical marijuana dispensary regulations, and A-Engrossed Ordinance No. 804, which addressed the County's recreational marijuana retail facilities.

Since Jan. 1, the Washington County Department of Land Use and Transportation has accepted 194 Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) from those planning to grow, process and/or sell marijuana. A LUCS, which is required prior to obtaining an OLCC license for a commercial marijuana activity, includes a site plan and written description of the proposed activity and determines whether a land use proposal is consistent with local land use regulations. Medical and Recreational Marijuana Regulations

Countywide