GROW-OP BYLAW BACK AFTER RULING

The City of Richmond has reinstated a bylaw aimed at shutting down
marijuana grow operations and fixing any related electrical fire hazards.

The city had temporarily suspended its Electrical Fire Safety
program, after the Appeal Court of B.C. allowed an appeal of a
similar bylaw in Surrey that was found to be unconstitutional because
it allowed for warrantless searches of people's homes.

The city's legal staff have since determined the bylaw complies with
the law, as the bylaw had been tweaked after an earlier court ruling.

Fire and city inspectors give homeowners notice to schedule a
voluntary inspection, if their electrical consumption suggests they
may have a grow op.

If the homeowner does not agree to a voluntary inspection, the city
obtains a search warrant.