Jacob Bell
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Goodyear will restrict potential medical-marijuana dispensaries and cultivation locations to industrial zones and enforce strict access guidelines to those sites.
On Monday the City Council approved amendments to the Goodyear zoning ordinance that will allow medical-marijuana dispensaries in Goodyear's industrial zones. The city has two buildings and 15 sites where dispensaries could go based on the new laws, said Joe Schmitz, Goodyear planning manager.
Schmitz presented a revised zoning ordinance that includes a laundry list of increased security, facility-access and separation guidelines for marijuana dispensaries and cultivation facilities.
Cities across Arizona must set regulations before the state Department of Health Services completes a final draft of rules for the implementation of Proposition 203, due by April 13.
The Goodyear City Council said passing zoning requirements will control marijuana presence within city limits because at-home cultivation of prescription marijuana would not be allowed in Goodyear if a dispensary locates within 25 miles.
Security standards set
The Department of Health Services has drafted proposed rules that would require electronic monitoring systems that allow 24/7 visual access to a marijuana dispensary. State law may also require that applicants for a dispensary detail a security plan for intrusion protection and that facilities provide exterior lighting.
Goodyear's rules will supplement any state standards. Under the newly approved city ordinance, applicants must submit security plans for city approval and allow unrestricted access to city code-enforcement officers or police officers who request admission when checking compliance standards.
"Generally, city code enforcement and police would be inspecting for compliance with the city zoning requirements," said Roric Massey, Goodyear city attorney.
Other rules require the facilities to have secure storage areas with a single-access point with reinforced walls, to deter theft of prescription marijuana.
Personnel in cultivation locations are required to provide a list of contact information and emergency contacts for at least one dispensary agent in charge of operations.
The disposal of medical marijuana, by-products and similar materials must be within the secured facility and any emissions or fumes are prohibited under new ordinance guidelines.
Only people with a valid registration card or enforcement officials will be allowed to enter a facility. Qualifying patients younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Separation requirements
Goodyear dispensary sites must be at least 1,000 feet away from schools, places of worship, child-care centers, libraries and community centers. Dispensaries must maintain at least 500 feet from residential zoning areas.
Multiple dispensaries and dispensary cultivation sites are required to have a separation of 5,280 feet, to prevent clustering.
The new city ordinance requires dispensaries to maintain a distance of 1,000 feet from any adult businesses.
Police presence near dispensaries
Goodyear Police Chief Mark Brown said that even with the rules and security requirements, marijuana theft is a concern of the Police Department.
"They will have cash and they will have marijuana. I think there is always a concern that someone will want to take it," said Brown.
Goodyear police are working with other agencies to review procedures and reporting standards for dispensaries. Still, Brown said the drug's presence in Goodyear would be more easily monitored by allowing a dispensary within city limits.
"We have better regulation this way. Otherwise we have no way of knowing who has marijuana in a private-growing operation," Brown said.
The department said establishing communication, and discussing security plans with facility operators will be key in authorities' ability to patrol and enforce compliance.
"We still have a few months to determine procedures," said Brown.
News Hawk- GuitarMan313 420 MAGAZINE
Source: azcentral.com
Author: Eddi Trevizo
Contact: Contacting The Arizona Republic
Copyright: azcentral.com.
Website: Goodyear outlines rules for dispensing medical marijuana
On Monday the City Council approved amendments to the Goodyear zoning ordinance that will allow medical-marijuana dispensaries in Goodyear's industrial zones. The city has two buildings and 15 sites where dispensaries could go based on the new laws, said Joe Schmitz, Goodyear planning manager.
Schmitz presented a revised zoning ordinance that includes a laundry list of increased security, facility-access and separation guidelines for marijuana dispensaries and cultivation facilities.
Cities across Arizona must set regulations before the state Department of Health Services completes a final draft of rules for the implementation of Proposition 203, due by April 13.
The Goodyear City Council said passing zoning requirements will control marijuana presence within city limits because at-home cultivation of prescription marijuana would not be allowed in Goodyear if a dispensary locates within 25 miles.
Security standards set
The Department of Health Services has drafted proposed rules that would require electronic monitoring systems that allow 24/7 visual access to a marijuana dispensary. State law may also require that applicants for a dispensary detail a security plan for intrusion protection and that facilities provide exterior lighting.
Goodyear's rules will supplement any state standards. Under the newly approved city ordinance, applicants must submit security plans for city approval and allow unrestricted access to city code-enforcement officers or police officers who request admission when checking compliance standards.
"Generally, city code enforcement and police would be inspecting for compliance with the city zoning requirements," said Roric Massey, Goodyear city attorney.
Other rules require the facilities to have secure storage areas with a single-access point with reinforced walls, to deter theft of prescription marijuana.
Personnel in cultivation locations are required to provide a list of contact information and emergency contacts for at least one dispensary agent in charge of operations.
The disposal of medical marijuana, by-products and similar materials must be within the secured facility and any emissions or fumes are prohibited under new ordinance guidelines.
Only people with a valid registration card or enforcement officials will be allowed to enter a facility. Qualifying patients younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Separation requirements
Goodyear dispensary sites must be at least 1,000 feet away from schools, places of worship, child-care centers, libraries and community centers. Dispensaries must maintain at least 500 feet from residential zoning areas.
Multiple dispensaries and dispensary cultivation sites are required to have a separation of 5,280 feet, to prevent clustering.
The new city ordinance requires dispensaries to maintain a distance of 1,000 feet from any adult businesses.
Police presence near dispensaries
Goodyear Police Chief Mark Brown said that even with the rules and security requirements, marijuana theft is a concern of the Police Department.
"They will have cash and they will have marijuana. I think there is always a concern that someone will want to take it," said Brown.
Goodyear police are working with other agencies to review procedures and reporting standards for dispensaries. Still, Brown said the drug's presence in Goodyear would be more easily monitored by allowing a dispensary within city limits.
"We have better regulation this way. Otherwise we have no way of knowing who has marijuana in a private-growing operation," Brown said.
The department said establishing communication, and discussing security plans with facility operators will be key in authorities' ability to patrol and enforce compliance.
"We still have a few months to determine procedures," said Brown.
News Hawk- GuitarMan313 420 MAGAZINE
Source: azcentral.com
Author: Eddi Trevizo
Contact: Contacting The Arizona Republic
Copyright: azcentral.com.
Website: Goodyear outlines rules for dispensing medical marijuana
