La Plata County wants feedback from the public as it considers updates to county marijuana licensing regulations to create a more flexible permitting process for applicants.
Proposed revisions would mean applicants for medical and retail marijuana operations could receive preliminary approval from the county for a license, and therefore have more time to pursue county land-use and building permits for a business venture.
Under existing regulations, applicants are expected to obtain building and land-use permits within 12 months. Revisions would extend the time to obtain those from one year to 18 months, if needed.
Rather than seek action from the marijuana licensing authority board, staff would be able to work with a licensee in violation of county codes, so long as the violation does not involve public safety. With that revision, licensees would be able to rectify violations informally with staff rather than procedurally with the board.
Licensed operators no longer would be required to provide fingerprints to renew licenses.
Changes also would eliminate outdated portions of the code and dissolve the county’s appointed marijuana licensing authority board, giving licensing authority to the board of county commissioners.
Comments can be emailed to county spokeswoman Megan Graham at [email protected] or online at surveymonkey.com/r/marijuana_licensing. County commissioners will hear a first reading on Jan. 24 to repeal existing regulations, followed by a second reading on Feb. 14, after which the board can adopt new rules.
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