Those looking to construct a place to cultivate cannabis or marijuana plants within the City of Ripon will soon need a building permit in order to do so.
City Council approved the first reading of an amendment to the ordinance that “would essentially require that person who intends to construct, alter, repair or perform additions” to structures to secure a permit first.
Since the passing Proposition 64 – essentially legalizing the possession, use and cultivation of marijuana by adults, subject to certain limitations – nearly a year ago, Ripon and other cities had to comply with changes to the law.
Prior to that, Ripon had ordinances for growing marijuana for medical reasons as allowed by the existing state laws.
Dispensaries, cooperatives and collectives in the City of Ripon is prohibited.
Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart said at the Oct. 10 public hearing that it had been brought to staff’s attention that a portion of the ordinance needed further explanation.
Once adopted, the amendment would require those intending to “construct, alter, repair or perform additions” to their grow structure to obtain a building permit from the City.
Elected leaders will have a second reading and the possible final adoption.