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HOA Files Lawsuit Against Grow House Owner, Renter

LARKSPUR, Colo. (CBS4) - The homeowners association of a wealthy area in Larkspur has filed a lawsuit against the owner of a home and the renter who is growing pot inside.

The HOA has been trying for a couple of years to get rid of the marijuana grow house located in the Antlers at Sageport. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office investigated and found the renter has the proper medical marijuana paperwork to grow up to 99 plants.

"We're not going to rule out that we may be going back and we may be checking their compliance with Colorado law," Chief Deputy Steve Johnson with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said.

Chief Deputy Steve Johnson with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Chief Deputy Steve Johnson with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is interviewed by CBS4's Rick Sallinger (credit: CBS)

The lawsuit claims the renter and owner are in violation of the HOA declarations regarding smell and business activity.

The owner of the house told CBS4's Rick Sallinger by phone that the renter has a really bad back and the proper paperwork for the pot grow. She added that people who don't use marijuana do not understand and think those who use it are disruptive.

RELATED STORIES: Marijuana Legalization Story Archive

Sallinger found that the power bill at the home is as high as $3,000 a month.

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The home in Larkspur (credit: CBS)

The homeowner also said the house has "state of the art" rewiring to accommodate the marijuana grow operation. She said she did not know the renter was growing marijuana in the home at first but that he convinced her to let him stay. Like Perry Park, not far away, the home is located in an upscale neighborhood.

Neighbors are concerned about the grow house and some did not want to speak on camera to CBS4. But one neighbor told CBS4 she's happy about the lawsuit.

"I think it's a great thing. I think it's good. We need to crack down on all these marijuana houses that are in Perry Park and Larkspur," the woman said.

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A neighbor who's not happen with marijuana grow operations in her neighborhood The home in Larkspur (credit: CBS)

This lawsuit comes in the wake of Perry Park fire in which an upscale house burned down, revealing a marijuana grow operation inside.

Neighbors pointed out another home in that neighborhood which was at the time a marijuana grow operation. After CBS4 stopped by and another visit by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, those residents moved out of that house.

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