CITY PANELS PUSH $1,600 POT CLINIC FEE

MARIJUANA: Groups move to codify new applicant regulations for L.A.
dispensaries.

Moving to finalize regulations governing medical marijuana clinics,
two city panels recommended Tuesday that applicants be charged fees
totaling nearly $1,600.

The proposals adopted by the City Council's Planning and Land Use
Management and Budget and Finance committees require applicants to
secure LAPD clearance and approvals from several city agencies.

The proposed application fees include $151 for a police background
check, $324 for City Clerk approvals and $688 for Department of
Building and Safety permits, and about $500 for miscellaneous fees.

The report also asked for a study on whether a tax can be imposed on
the 134 clinics that will be allowed to operate in Los Angeles.

Councilman Bill Rosendahl also said he wants information on the
timing of notices that will be sent to hundreds of clinics slated
for closure because they are located too close to schools, parks,
churches and residential neighborhoods.

Don Duncan of Americans for Safe Access, said clinic operators
support a fee schedule but are concerned that the city's recently
passed restrictions make it too easy to disqualify applicants.

Attorney Wayne Avrashaw, who represents several collectives, urged
the city to create a working group of operators to help develop the
final program.