Josephine County adopts new land-use rules for marijuana businesses
November 14, 2025 | Josephine County, Oregon
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The board adopted ordinance 2025‑003, which places marijuana-business standards into Title 19 and creates chapter 19.998, and then approved ordinance 2025‑004 to repeal chapter 5.35. James Black, community development planner, told the board the item had been the subject of multiple hearings over the last year and said the ordinance would take effect on Feb. 11, 2026, if approved.
During public testimony Patrick Rooney of Grants Pass said he is concerned about marijuana’s community effects and urged churches and local groups to be involved. “It’s been bothering me a long time,” Rooney said, describing personal observations about substance use and community impacts. Judy Arons asked whether county staff coordinated with law enforcement; Commissioner Smith responded that the sheriff had been consulted and supported the changes.
Legal counsel Leah Harper explained the technical reason for the repeal: because rules were relocated into Title 19 by the earlier ordinance, chapter 5.35 must be removed to avoid duplication. Commissioner Black described the adoption as the culmination of a lengthy process and encouraged earlier public engagement on future, significant ordinances.
Both ordinances passed on unanimous roll-call votes, 3–0. The county clerk will publish the ordinances and the effective date noted by planning staff.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meetingSponsors
Proudly supported by sponsors who keep Oregon articles free in 2025
