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TOWNSHIP SEEKS MIDDLE GROUND ON ZONING, MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Green Oak Township has reached a "center of the road" solution to balance local zoning rules with Michigan's medical marijuana law, Supervisor Mark St.  Charles said Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the township Board of Trustees introduced minor zoning-ordinance changes that would incorporate state-approved medical marijuana use, possession and growth into the township's rules for building uses.

The township ordinance would be updated to say that state-approved use, possession and growth of medical marijuana are exempt from a prohibition against building uses not in line with local, state and federal law.

St.  Charles said the change would honor the law allowing the approved use of medical marijuana use while protecting local building rules.

Final adoption of the ordinance change is expected at the board's Dec.  15 meeting.

Township officials began debating in public in March how to comply with the medical marijuana law within township zoning rules.

Among other communities, Brighton Township, Hartland Township, Brighton, Howell and Pinckney have also taken steps to modify their zoning rules in response to the law.