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August 25, 2015 ( Volume 9 Issue 16 Zoning Bulletin <br />Relating to Medical Marijuana. The new law establishes a licensing <br />system for medical marijuana dispensaries. The new law also "prohibits <br />counties from enacting zoning regulations that discriminate against <br />licensed dispensaries and production centers; [and] allows the legal <br />transport of medical marijuana in any public place, under certain condi- <br />tions by qualified patients, primary caregivers or owners/employees of <br />medical marijuana production centers and dispensaries." <br />Source: Big Island Video News; www.bigislandvideonews.com <br />OKLAHOMA <br />Changes to zoning ordinances in Stillwater, designed to protect land <br />uses like homes, schools, and hospitals from the impact of oil and gas <br />drilling with setbacks and noise abatement standards, were expected to <br />come before the Stillwater City Council for a final vote. Under state law, <br />municipalities can regulate only a few specific zoning items as they ap- <br />ply to oil and gas production. The proposed changes to Stillwater's zon- <br />ing ordinances create standards that address things like setback dis- <br />tances, noise standards, and abatement, odors, and traffic. <br />Source: Stillwater News Press; www.stwnewspress.coin <br />PENNSYLVANIA <br />Pending in the state House of Representatives, House Bill 809 would <br />"preempt any local ordinance or regulation that is not consistent with the <br />provisions of the proposed law." Among other things, HB 809 would <br />preempt local student housing ordinances. HB 809 states that "no <br />ordinance enacted by a municipality shall prohibit the occupation of a <br />dwelling unit based on an individual's matriculation status or on the <br />number of unrelated individuals sharing the unit." "Matriculation status" <br />is defined as the state of being enrolled in a postsecondary educational <br />institution. Some local zoning ordinances prohibit the number of <br />students that may occupy a "student house" as a means to prohibit <br />conversion of neighborhoods into student rentals. Those opposed to HB <br />809 say it could have a "devastating impact" on some neighborhoods. <br />Source: Mainline Media News; www. mainlinemedianews. com. <br />WISCONSIN <br />Before signing the 2015-2017 state budget, Governor Scott Walker <br />vetoed a provision that would have exempted a state development proj- <br />ect from Madison zoning ordinances. Walker vetoed the sections noting <br />that though "well-intentioned," they were "unnecessary, as the city and <br />state are working to ensure the project meets local standards and is <br />constructed on schedule." <br />Source: The Cap Times; http://host.madison.com <br />12 © 2015 Thomson Reuters <br />