Local News

Jeffco has decided to put the brakes on retail marijuana businesses in unincorporated areas of the county.

The county commissioners voted 3-0 to prohibit any retail marijuana businesses from setting up shop. The ban includes retail sales and growing operations, along with testing and packaging facilities.

The Littleton City Council has approved up to a $300,000 tax rebate as an incentive for the Breckenridge Brewery to relocate to Littleton.

The council approved the tax rebate on June 4 when it gave final approval to Breckenridge Brewery’s site development plan. The council passed the measure on a 6-1 vote, with Councilwoman Peggy Cole voting no. 

Breckenridge will receive a 50 percent rebate on any sales taxes collected after the first $40,000 is collected by Littleton. The brewery is estimated to bring in about $120,000 a year in tax revenue.

Jefferson County Open Space is looking to streamline its process for acquiring property. 

During the Open Space Advisory Committee's retreat last week, committee members discussed a blanket resolution that would allow the Open Space Division to enter into negotiations for property that fits into its master plan.

Under the current system, if Open Space is approached by a landowner wishing to sell property, it must seek permission from the advisory committee before beginning negotiations. 

A temporary stage 1 fire ban took effect at 5 p.m. June 11 in areas of unincorporated Jefferson County.

Recreational fires, except within a permanent fire grate at a park, campground, private residence or picnic area, are prohibited. Smoking must be done in areas that are cleared of all combustible material.

Violators could face a fine up to $600.

For more information, visit www.jeffco.us/sheriff/news/2013/temporary-stage-1-fire-restrictions-issu....