Hefty fee for marijuana growers in Royal and Mattawa

SOUTH COUNTY -- If you are contemplating starting a marijuana processing business in Royal City or Mattawa, you might want to take a good look at ordinances passed recently by both cities regarding such a business.

The ordinances are extensive. There are a lot of ways to do something wrong. The good news is that they are similar.

Royal City's ordinance went into effect on Nov. 5. The Mattawa ordinance took effect on Nov. 7. They are too lengthy to be covered fully in a newspaper story.

One point made clear near the top of both ordinances is that marijuana producers are not allowed within the city limits. You can't grow the stuff in town. Agricultural production is prohibited under current zoning.

In regards to processors, there is an extensive list of restrictions. In Mattawa, processors will be restricted to C-2 (commercial) zones. In Royal City, they will be restricted to I (industrial) zones.

In both cities, marijuana processors cannot locate within 1,000 feet of the perimeter of the grounds of any elementary or secondary school, playground, recreation center or facility, child care center, public park, public transit center, or library, or any game arcade to which admission is not restricted to persons 21 or older.

A couple of restrictions that will be particularly tough are facility and operations related.

Processing facilities shall be ventilated so that the odor from the marijuana cannot be detected by a person with a normal sense of the smell from any adjoining use or property.

A screened and secured loading dock, approved by the city planner will be required. The objective is to provide a secure, visual screen from the public right of way and adjoining properties and prevent the escape of orders when delivering or transferring marijuana, usable marijuana, and marijuana-infused products.

A copy of the full ordinance for each city may be secured at the respective City Hall.