I encourage voters to vote YES on Measure #17-105 to Repeal Ordinance 2021-002, This ordinance was presented as a resource to crack down on illegal grows within the county but does little to accomplish that goal.
Under Oregon law, the ordinance is only enforceable in the unincorporated areas of Josephine County which means that it has zero effect on code violations within the city limits of Grants Pass or Cave Junction.
The Current Josephine County Code (Prior to the ordinance) Title Chapter 19.19 Allows for:
- 19.19.010 – a fine of not more than $500.00 for a noncontinuing offense and a fine of not more than $1,000 for a continuing offense.
- 19.19.030 – If the Planning Director has reasonable cause to believe a violation of this title exists, a site inspection may be conducted. If the property owner refuses access to the property, the Director shall document such refusal and utilize other available legal remedies to gain access to said property.
- 19.19.040 – Legal action. Upon determination that voluntary compliance cannot be obtained, the Planning Director shall submit all evidence and documentation of the alleged violation to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution or to the Board of County Commissioners for civil remedy.
This ordnance ONLY addresses unpermitted structures
This ordnance does not address:
- Stolen water from unauthorized sources (414,000,000 gallons per year)
- Human Trafficking
- Increased traffic volume in our neighborhoods
- The growing of unlawful Cannabis
The difference between the current code and the proposed code are the fines to be assessed. If this ordinance remains, unlawful cannabis activity would be subject to a $1,000 per day fine AFTER being convicted.
The Sheriff’s Office currently has the necessary laws to fight the unlawful cannabis crisis
Are you willing to exchange your property rights simply because the county intends to levy a fine on cannabis growers which would likely never be paid, and the property would then be seized by the county?
Vote Yes on Measure 17-105