CITY OF FORT BRAGG

Incorporated August 5, 1889

416 N. Franklin St. Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Phone: (707) 961-2827 Fax: (707) 961-2802 http://city.fortbragg.com

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CULTIVATION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THE CITY OF FORT BRAGG

Sixteen years ago, the voters of the State of California passed Proposition 215, also known as the "Compassionate Use Act of 1996," allowing people with chronic illnesses the "legal right to obtain or grow, and use marijuana for medical purposes when recommended by a doctor." This initiative and its follow-on legislation have resulted in huge challenges for local agencies throughout the State. In 2009, the City of Fort Bragg established laws to regulate the cultivation of medical marijuana within the City. The full text of the City's Medical Marijuana Cultivation ordinance (Chapter 9.32 of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code) can be viewed on the City's website (www.city.fortbragg.com) or during business hours at Fort Bragg City Hall or the Fort Bragg Police Department. Key provisions include the following: It is illegal to grow marijuana for sale or for recreational use. Outdoor cultivation is prohibited and indoor cultivation is strictly limited. Medical marijuana cannot be grown in a rental unit unless the tenant has the property owner's written permission. There must be no evidence of marijuana cultivation visible from the street. No more than 50 square feet of floor area may be used for cultivation. Cultivation is not permitted in the kitchen, bathroom, or primary bedrooms of a residence. Grow-lights cannot exceed 1200 watts total and all electrical wiring must be installed and permitted in accordance with applicable Building Codes.

Over the past few months, the Fort Bragg Police Department and the Citys Code Enforcement staff have encountered a number of unsafe and illegal "marijuana grow operations" within residences in the City. In two instances, shoddy and overloaded electrical wiring has resulted in structural fires which damaged property and put occupants, neighbors and public safety workers at risk. The City is requesting the public's help in identifying potential illegal and/or unsafe marijuana grow operations within the City limits. If you believe that a residence in your neighborhood is being used for marijuana cultivation in violation of the City's regulations, please help the City enforce its regulations. Confidential and/or anonymous complaints can be left on the Police Departments anonymous crime tip hotline at 961-3049 or by calling the Community Development Department at 961-2827.

Inquiries with regard to this press release should be directed to Police Chief Scott Mayberry at SMayberry@fortbragg.com or 707-961-2800, ext. 104.