Pubdate: Fri, 11 Jun 2010
Source: Richmond News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2010, Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.richmond-news.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1244

GROW-OP BYLAW BACK AFTER RULING

The City of Richmond has reinstated a bylaw aimed at shutting down 
marijuana grow operations and fixing any related electrical fire hazards.

The city had temporarily suspended its Electrical Fire Safety 
program, after the Appeal Court of B.C. allowed an appeal of a 
similar bylaw in Surrey that was found to be unconstitutional because 
it allowed for warrantless searches of people's homes.

The city's legal staff have since determined the bylaw complies with 
the law, as the bylaw had been tweaked after an earlier court ruling.

Fire and city inspectors give homeowners notice to schedule a 
voluntary inspection, if their electrical consumption suggests they 
may have a grow op.

If the homeowner does not agree to a voluntary inspection, the city 
obtains a search warrant.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart