Pubdate: Fri, 12 Aug 2011 Source: Leelanau Enterprise (Lake Leelanau, MI) Copyright: 2011 Leelanau Enterprise Contact: http://www.leelanaunews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4863 Author: Eric Carlson TOWNSHIP RECOMMENDS MEDICAL MARIJUANA DELIVERIES GO TO HOMES The Suttons Bay Township Planning Commission is recommending an approach to the regulation of medical marijuana that may be unique in Leelanau County so far. "Primary caregivers" would be able dispense medical marijuana as a "home occupation" in Suttons Bay Township, but would need to deliver the marijuana to patients' homes rather than operating a storefront "dispensary" or "collective" or otherwise using their property as a commercial marijuana outlet. "This is in keeping with a recent Michigan Attorney General's opinion on the medical marijuana law that seems to discourage marijuana cooperatives, dispensaries and other commercial enterprises," said Steve Patmore, township zoning administrator. At its regular monthly meeting last Wednesday evening, Aug. 3, the Suttons Bay Township Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward its draft zoning ordinance amendment on medical marijuana to a township attorney for a legal review before taking their next step and recommending an amendment for adoption. "The amendment under consideration specifies that there would be only one 'primary caregiver' allowed per dwelling," Patmore explained. "Patients wouldn't be able to go to the dwelling to pick up their marijuana -- the caregiver would need to deliver it." Suttons Bay Township's draft zoning ordinance amendment to regulate medical marijuana differs from one drafted last month by the Village of Suttons Bay Planning Commission. Village planners recommended that medical marijuana dispensaries be allowed only in the village's "warehouse district" plus a portion of the commercial district in Hansen Plaza off Fourth Street. The village's draft zoning ordinance amendment prohibited the establishment of medical marijuana facilities within 1,000 feet of any school or church. Increasingly, new court rulings on various aspects of the medical marijuana law are forcing local municipalities to adjust ordinances they have in place, or are drafting. The approach being considered by the Village of Suttons Bay and other municipalities may need to be adjusted because of the recent Attorney General's ruling and as well as court rulings emerging since November 2008. That's when Michigan voters approved a referendum to allow the sale, distribution and use of medical marijuana. Patmore said that Suttons Bay Township Planners will likely continue work on the medical marijuana amendment at next month's meeting after they review an opinion from the township attorney. In other business at their Aug. 3 meeting, Suttons Bay Township planners: Heard an overview presentation on a draft Joint Master Plan for the township and the Village of Suttons Bay from staff planner Kathy Egan. Township planners had previously recommended approval of the Joint Master Plan. The Suttons Bay Township Board was slated consider adopting the plan at its monthly meeting on Aug. 10; and the Suttons Bay Village Council will consider adopting the plan at its next regular monthly meeting on Aug. 15. Discussed the future direction of the township planning commission. Patmore explained that township and village planners alike are seriously considering disestablishing separate planning commissions for each municipality and establishing a Joint Planning Commission which would draft a joint Zoning Ordinance for both municipalities. Accepted the resignation of former Planning Commission chairman Jeff Corbin who has been accused of criminal sexual conduct and may face a long prison term. Patmore explained that Corbin's resignation must be accepted by the Suttons Bay Township Board before it becomes official. He said it was not clear whether Corbin would be replaced, depending on the direction the township takes related to disestablishment of the township Planning Commission and establishment of a Joint Planning Commission with the village. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.