BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners are considering revisiting its new code for marijuana businesses, after they denied a permit to an operation this week. An applicant wanted to build a grow operation on Alfalfa Market Road, east of Bend, but neighbors appealed with several concerns. Commissioners looked at six different criteria, including odor, water and power usage. By a vote of two to one, they said no.

Commissioner Tammy Baney voted against the permit due to a lack of specifics. "I think the challenge for me is I find myself needing to add into this application what I find to be missing. I really feel like it's not the burden of us to try to determine whether - you know, reading into assumptions. The applicant has a responsibility to offer clarity." Baney and Commissioner Phil Henderson agreed more information was needed, especially regarding how the power company would serve the property. "For the electric service, I'm going to say they do not meet that criteria. I would want more specificity on that they're matching up the operation and the usage. I mean, not necessarily, 'here's the wattage.' But, at least that something is stating more than just, 'we can serve this property."

They were also concerned about water usage at the facility, but decided the county's criteria was met. Commissioner Tony DeBone was the lone "yes" vote for the application. The decision can be appealed to the state Land Use Board of Appeals.