Pubdate: Wed, 5 Jan 2011
Source: Sentinel-Standard (Ionia, MI)
Copyright: 2011 Liberty Group Michigan Holdings, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.sentinel-standard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4730
Cited: City Council http://www.portland-michigan.org/Contact/contact_cc.htm
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?275 (Cannabis - Michigan)

PORTLAND COUNCIL APPROVES MARIJUANA ORDINANCE

PORTLAND, Mich. - Portland will see a new ordinance that will allow 
for medical marijuana users the opportunity for home use, but not for 
commercial use within the city.

Portland members approved the ordinance with a 4 to 1 vote in favor, 
with council member Steve Calley opposing.

Calley stated that he would prefer to wait to hear from the state and 
other communities before adopting such an ordinance.

"It's like we are trail-blazing the way," said Calley. "I would 
rather see how some of it plays out and see what the state implements."

One of Calley's concerns was the possibility of property near a 
residence being used for medical marijuana declining in value.

The ordinance adds definitions for marijuana, marijuana collective, 
cooperative, dispensary and medical use of marijuana.

"It also amends home occupation regulations regarding medical 
marijuana caregivers," said City Manager Thomas Dempsey. "The 
ordinance provides for lawful implementation of the Michigan Medical 
Marihuana Act, but the ordinance does not permit commercial operations."

The ordinance states that home occupations will be approved by the 
zoning administrator, "who will issue a certificate of occupancy 
specifying the use, size and the specific measures by which 
compliance with this section will be maintained by the home 
occupation and provided the requirements of the residential district are met."

Only members of the family living in the home are able to engage in 
connection with the growing process, and not more than 25 percent or 
500 square feet of the dwelling unit can be used to grow. If the 
marijuana growing is in an accessory building, not more than 50 
percent of the floor space or 500 square feet may be used. In both 
cases, which ever is the lower number will be permissible.

Other regulations involve not changing the appearance of the 
building, rules for traffic and parking and times of operation.

During presentations, Downtown Development Authority Director and 
Main Street Manager Patrick Reagan told the council about a sign 
incentive grant, and looking at restoring the old Opera House located 
on Kent Street.

"It's the smallest steps right now; we are not looking at a big 
project, but trying to engage in public support," said Reagan. "This 
is going to be a long project, and we already have some volunteers 
that expressed interest (in restoring the Opera House)."

In 2009, Portland's Cool City intern did a basic feasibility study on 
how the building could be used. The premise could be used as a 
gathering place, a theater or something else.

The Portland Main Street Program's Economic Revitalization Committee 
meets at 8 a.m. every fourth Thursday of the month.

In other business, council members approved an ordinance creating an 
Office and Research Form Based District on the property located at 
Cutler Road and Grand River Avenue.

Council members also approved increasing the rate for residential 
trash pick up for 2011.

The rates will go up 8 cents for a large cart, 7 cents for a small 
cart and 2 cents for bag tags.  
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake