Pubdate: Wed, 09 Feb 2011 Source: Argus-Press, The (Owosso, MI) Copyright: 2011 The Argus-Press Contact: http://www.argus-press.com/submissions/?mode=letters Website: http://www.argus-press.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4861 Author: Christina Guenthner, Argus-Press Staff Writer COUNTY BOARD SET TO EXAMINE POT MORATORIUM CORUNNA - The Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners Thursday will consider passing a six-month extension to its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries. The moratorium, originally passed by the board in August 2010, was to last six months and affect property under the county's zoning jurisdiction. Cities within the county, as well as the townships of Owosso and Caledonia, handle their own zoning regulations. Community Development Director Peter Preston said the county planning commission is in the process of developing new zoning regulations to keep up with state law. The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act was approved by voters in 2008. The commission asked for the six-month moratorium last year in case any businesses approached the county before the new zoning ordinances were laid out. The regulations are still being hammered out. The extension, if approved during Thursday's board of commissioners meeting, would give zoning officials until this August. "Our intention is to get this wrapped up," County Administrator Margaret McAvoy said. Currently in the Shiawassee County area, moratoriums also exist in Ovid, Caledonia Township and the city of Durand. Council members in Ovid recently discussed changing the village's rules to require blacked-out windows, surveillance cameras and security guards for caregiver facilities. Owosso City Council members Monday voted against a moratorium for the second time by a 5-2 vote. Owosso Township officials are still mulling their options. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake