Marijuana caregivers could be considered home occupation
GOODLAND TWP. — The township’s planning commission is due to hold a public hearing tomorrow, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. where residents can voice their opinions regarding a proposed zoning ordinance amendment to allow medical marijuana caregivers to operate as a home occupation.
The proposed wording calls for caregivers—individuals licensed through the state to grow marijuana—to register with Goodland’s clerk and the Lapeer County Construction Code Authority and follow a list of rules that would permit them to operate like a home-based business on property zoned either ag/residential or residential.
The draft addresses issues that other municipalities have grappled with in recent months, including residency. Goodland would require the primary caregiver to be the owner of the residential premises; prohibit no more than 25 percent of the dwelling to be used for growing and forbid any accessory building, garage or pole barn to be used for their operation.
Several townships have imposed growing moratoriums while others have instituted residency requirements for growing medical marijuana. Recently Attica Township adopted an ordinance requiring those seeking large electrical capacity to first file an application, and then offer an explanation as to why they need that much power.
The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. at the Goodland Township Hall.
The draft amendment can be viewed on the township’s website at goodlandtownship.org under the ‘Ordinances’ tab.
