One year in, Deschutes County seeks input on marijuana rules

When Deschutes County enacted it marijuana land-use regulations, the commissioners committed to the public and the Legislature to review their effectiveness after a one-year period.

That review began this week, as the county’s Community Development Department launched an online survey that gives residents the opportunity to submit their feedback on the regulations’ effectiveness in addressing the impacts of marijuana land uses in unincorporated areas of the county.

“With the legalization of marijuana in Oregon, we are embarking on new territory. We understand that this is a new industry and a new set of regulations,” said Commissioner Tammy Baney. “We want to hear from all interested and impacted parties as to how the rules are working.”

The survey offers a link to view the current regulations, asks the respondent whether they live in the unincorporated county and near a licensed marijuana operation.

It goes on to ask the respondents’ overall impression of the regulations on issues from access and annual reporting to water and zoning — and whether they are adequate or should be more or less restrictive.

The county’s Community Development Department also will be conducting stakeholder interviews and focus groups with marijuana industry representatives and neighbors who live near marijuana businesses. Department staff will present the findings of the evaluation to the Board of County Commissioners in December.

The County’s online survey closes on Thursday, Nov. 30.

For more information, or to track project updates, please visit www.deschutes.org/marijuana or contact Deschutes County Senior Planner Matthew Martin at 541-330-4620.