La Plata County commissioners on Tuesday gave final approval to a medical marijuana cultivation facility north of Durango-La Plata County Airport.
Ron Guffey’s Indoor Horticulture Centers had been operating under a temporary land-use permit issued in March 2012. His application drew no public comments from neighbors or opponents.
Guffey said the county’s final approval was simply another step in the process.
“It’s just following through on what we’ve been doing for three years,” he said.
The cultivation facility provides marijuana to his Durango dispensary, Sante Alternative Wellness, off Main Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets.
Guffey also has applied to build a grow facility north of Durango along U.S. Highway 550.
The operating grow facility, 2694 County Road 222, comprises six shipping containers, a greenhouse and a mobile home used as an employee break room. Four employees work at the grow facility, according to county documents.
The grow facility is not “readily visible” from County Road 222, the county staff report says.
Guffey said he’s met all state requirements. Each area at the grow facility has two surveillance cameras, one more than required by state law. He’s also building an 8-foot-high fence around the entire facility.
Commissioners had a few questions for Guffey. The grow facility is near Cross Bar X Youth Ranch, a Christian summer camp. Guffey said he frequently speaks with the camp’s executive director, Nick Brothers, to allay any concerns.
Commissioner Julie Westendorff also asked about the “unconventional” use of shipping containers. The county’s other grow facilities are in warehouses.
Guffey said he treats the facility like any other building.
Commissioners approved the grow facility by a 3-0 vote.
cslothower@durangoherald.com
