Mono County pot farm wins appeal

An approval of a marijuana farm just over the state line from southern Douglas County was upheld by Mono County supervisors.

The owners of Sierra High Farms received a land-use approval in December, which was appealed.

But the denial of the appeal doesn’t mean that High Sierra Farms will start planting marijuana any time soon.

Mono County Principal Planner Michael Draper said the farm will have to undergo a second hearing before supervisors to receive its operations permit. It also requires a permit from the State of California.

The permit approved earlier this month is valid for two years. The farm could apply for an extension, but Draper said that applicants would have to show some movement toward fulfilling the permit.

In November, Douglas County commissioners voted to send a letter of opposition to Mono opposing the farm on behalf of the residents of Eastside Lane, who say they will have to share the same access with the pot farm to reach their homes.

At the Mono hearing, Draper pointed out that Stateline Road, which connects with Eastside is crosses a private parcel.

Three Douglas homes are located within sight of the project, and all three residents spoke at the Nov. 17 commissioners meeting.