The Douglas County commissioners have completed a preliminary review of a new ordinance that will prohibit private residences from growing more than 12 plants or using butane in the growing process, among other regulations.
The ordinance aims to regulate the growing of marijuana in a “primary residence,” defined as someone’s home or an accessory structure to someone’s home. If passed, it will limit the total space used for growing to a contiguous 1,000 cubic feet and will limit marijuana cultivation to one structure on a single plot. If that structure is an accessory to a home, then the land must be 1 acre or larger.
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The ordinance also would require that any area used for growing or processing be fully enclosed and locked. The common areas of a multifamily or attached residential development are not permitted as grow areas, according to the ordinance, and marijuana cannot be grown outdoors.
Commissioners also will require the grower to conceal the smell of marijuana reasonably and ensure that the growing process is not perceptible from the outside of the home. The ordinance would prohibit light pollution and undue foot or vehicle traffic.
Renters who plan to grow marijuana will be required to get written permission from their landlord.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office would enforce the ordinance. Violators could be fined up to $1,000.
The ordinance was first discussed Tuesday at a Douglas County Commissioners meeting in Castle Rock and will be read a second time on Aug. 9, before it is voted on.
