Some commercial marijuana grows in Jackson County have not received approval to operate due to their security towers.
Cameras on commercial cannabis farms are required by state law, but the county is concerned about the privacy of surrounding neighbors.
It’s a problem that’s fairly new to the game.
“I don’t have a problem with what they grow, I just have a problem with it being commercial… industrial… flood lights… trucks… right where we live,” Eagle Point resident Linda Ulrey said.
Jackson County code for cannabis growers was just written in March, but Ulrey is worried about her neighbors powerful lights and the noise it’s brought to her rural Eagle Point home.
“We’re a quiet residential community,” Ulrey said.
Her neighbors also have built a 30-foot security tower with surveillance cameras.
Jacksonville area grower Spencer Mullen installed an identical one at his property.
“We have to approve where the cameras are pointed so the cameras are pointed down at the canopy–the cameras are pointed down at all the cannabis and the fence line and that’s it,” Mullen said.
The code doesn’t allow cameras to look at neighboring property, but that’s not a concern of Ulrey’s.
She just hopes that her neighbor’s business doesn’t get to big.
“Could we please put a lid on how many you can grow out there,” Ulrey said.
The hearing record will be open for another 21 days to make sure growers are meeting code.
Then Development Services Director Kelly Madding will be making an approval decision.
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