Pubdate: Thu, 07 Jul 2011
Source: Press Democrat, The (Santa Rosa, CA)
Copyright: 2011 The Press Democrat
Contact:  http://www.pressdemocrat.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/348
Author: Brett Wilkison
Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/topic/Dispensaries

PERMIT LIKELY FOR GUERNEVILLE POT DISPENSARY

A Sonoma County zoning board Thursday is set to approve an operating 
permit for the Guerneville medical marijuana dispensary Marvin's Gardens.

Formerly in Rio Nido, the shop has been open in its present location, 
on Armstrong Woods Road next door to the Community First Credit 
Union, since October 2009.

Both the Guerneville Regional Library and a public plaza are within 
200 feet of the shop. But county officials have recommended permit 
approval, finding the pot facility does not conflict with the 
county's dispensary ordinance, which limits the proximity of such 
businesses to places that primarily serve youth.

The library and plaza don't meet that description, county staff said.

A previous legal dispute between the county and attorneys for 
Marvin's Gardens led to a December 2009 court ruling in which a 
Sonoma County judge struck down the county's dispensary ordinance. It 
was reinstated by a state appellate court a year ago.

Four dispensaries, including two approved by planning commissioners 
last month, now operate under the rules.

Five others are operating on an interim basis while they complete 
their permit application -- a group that included Marvin's Gardens -- 
or are continuing to do business outside the county code, officials said.

The Board of Zoning Adjustments is set to take up the issue at 1:30 p.m.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom