Pubdate: Thu, 02 Jun 2005
Source: Richmond Review, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Richmond Public Library
Contact:  http://www.richmondreview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/704
Author: Matthew Hoekstra

GROW-OP APPEALS NOW POSSIBLE

Owners of properties used to cultivate drugs will be on the hook for
thousands of dollars in costs if busted by the police, but will now have the
right to appeal the fees.

The proposed "property maintenance and repair (grow op) bylaw" was first
tabled at the May 9 city council meeting but referred to staff.

The revised bylaw, presented to a council committee Monday, includes an
appeals process and will be considered by council June 13 for first, second
and third readings. Council is expected to quickly give final approval to
the bylaw so it will come into effect July 1.

The bylaw allows the city to collect all costs associated with busting
marijuana grow ops and amphetamine production labs, including RCMP, Richmond
Fire-Rescue, city hall and cleanup costs.

With fees such as $300 for city administration and inspection, $250 for a
re-occupancy permit, $300 per hour for a fire truck and hourly wages of
police, fire and city staff, the total bill could run into the thousands of
dollars.

The appeals process allows property owners to dispute an invoice in front of
city council, which would have the right to confirm, cancel or reduce the
fee.

Landlords will only have to pay the drug bust fees if regular inspections
are not done.

Landlords are required to conduct inspections once every three months and
give written notice to tenants as outlined in the Residential Tenancy Act.

According to community bylaws manager Don Pearson, the bylaw is meant to
dissuade people from allowing their rental properties to be used as grow
operations. 
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MAP posted-by: Josh