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City of Oxnard | Cannabis Business Applications Guidelines 2020
City of Oxnard | Cannabis Business Applications Guidelines 2020
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City of Oxnard

Planning Division 214 South “C” Street Oxnard, CA 93030

P: 805.200-5885

E: planning@oxnard.org www.oxnard.org/planning

COMMERCIAL CANNABIS BUSINESS APPLICATION PROCEDURE GUIDELINES (Retail and Testing)

Application Deadline OPENS – February 18, 2020 CLOSES – April 2, 2020 @ 5:00 PM


For Cannabis Business Licensing help, call at . We help cannabis business owners navigate the complex world of State and Local Cannabis Regulations while helping to develop and grow your business in the right direction. CAP can assist with projects large or small. Whether you’re looking for full-service state and local cannabis licensing or other services such as Cannabis Pro Forma, Cannabis Business Plan, Cannabis Business SOP, and Cannabis Investor Presentation development, we have you covered.


Information regarding the Commercial Cannabis Business (CCB) Application process can be found on the City’s website at https://www.oxnard.org/cannabis-regulations/ and includes the following:

 California state regulations and resources

 Commercial Cannabis Business Application

 Oxnard City Code (OCC) Chapters 11 and 16

 Background application and Live Scan form(s)

 Ordinance Nos. 2972, 2965, 2960

 Resolution No. 15,134

 Limitations on City’s Liability waiver

The application process to operate a CCB in Oxnard will open on Monday, February 18, 2020 and close at 5:00 p.m. on April 2, 2020. CCB Applications will be available from the Planning Division located at 214 South “C” Street, Oxnard, CA, 93030 and available online – see: https://www.oxnard.org/cannabis-regulations/. CCB Applications must be returned to the Planning Division prior to the deadline by appointment only.

CCB Applications may be reviewed at the public counter by the counter planning staff and missing materials may be identified. Materials may be resubmitted provided all materials are submitted prior to April 2, 2020. CCB Applications which are determined to be incomplete based upon counter staff’s review at the public counter will not be retained, and should be taken by the applicant and resubmitted with complete materials by the CCB Application deadline.

For questions regarding the CCB Application process, please review the information on the Oxnard website: https://www.oxnard.org/cannabis-regulations/. This CCB Application process is adopted pursuant to OCC Chapters 11 and 16.

CCB APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

All CCB Application materials required for Phases 1 – 4, must be submitted with the Phase 1 CCB Application submittal. Applicants must hand deliver one (1) signed original CCB Application (pages 1 -7), one (1) hard copy of all of the submittal requirements found at the bottom of page one (1) of the CCB Application form, and a flash drive containing a scanned copy of the signed CCB Application (pdf format) and all of the submittal requirements found at the bottom of page one (1) of the CCB Application form (pdf format).

Please Note: Responses to the Evaluation Criteria (Sections 1-8 found in the Appendix A of the Application Procedures Guidelines) shall be limited to 125 pages. Responses pertaining to Background and Proof of Capitalization are not included in the 125 page limit.

Submittal documents should be saved in a separate digital file from the Evaluation Criteria Separate PDF files should be saved on the flash drive as follows:

 File #1 – CCB Application with signatures (pages 1-7)

 File #2 – Evaluation Criteria (Responses to Sections 1-8 and limited to 125 pages)

 File #3 – Proof of Capitalization (All bank statements, loan documents, promissory notes, financial and commitment letters)

CITY’S RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

The City reserves the right to reject any and/or all applications, with or without cause or reason. The City may modify, postpone, or cancel the request for a CCB license without liability, obligation, or commitment to any party, firm, or organization. In addition, the City reserves the right to request and obtain additional information from any candidate submitting an application. Late or incomplete applications WILL BE REJECTED. Furthermore, an application RISKS BEING REJECTED for the following reasons:

 It is not fully responsive to this request for a CCB application.

 It contains excess or extraneous material not called for in the request the CCB application. And exceeds 125 pages ( File 2) in response to the evaluation criteria

 The issuance of the CCB license at the proposed location is inconsistent with State law, OCC Section 11.433, or other applicable Oxnard city codes.

AMENDMENTS TO THE APPLICATION

After April 2, 2020, Applicants will not be allowed to make amendments to their application or to supplement their application, except as otherwise specifically permitted in these procedures or as authorized in writing by the City.

The following procedures outline the application evaluation and selection process, required materials, and other information necessary to apply for a permit to operate a CCB in Oxnard.

ZONING CLEARANCE (ZC)/ZONING VERIFICATION LETTER (ZVL)

Prior to submitting a CCB Application (Phase 1), an Applicant must obtain a Zoning Clearance/Verification Letter from the Planning Division. To secure this letter, an Applicant should make a written request which should specify the intended use of the building (testing, or retail), and proposed building location. Information on intended chemical use of the building and occupancy is also encouraged but not required.

An appointment should be made to submit the Applicant’s letter requesting a ZC/ZVL along with payment of the required fee ($210.00 as of July 2019). Contact (805) 385-7858 to schedule this appointment. The City’s review and issuance of a ZC/ZVL takes approximately fifteen (15) calendar days. The City issued ZC/ZVL must be included with the CCB Application (Phase 1).

The issuance of a ZC/ZVL does not constitute written evidence of permission given by City or any of its officials to operate a cannabis business, nor does it establish a “permit” within the meaning of the Permit Streamlining Act, nor does it create an entitlement under the Zoning or Building Code. A regulatory permit for a CCB does not constitute a permit that runs with the land on which the cannabis business is established. Please note that the cannabis business will require a discretionary permit. This is a separate application that will be made only after final evaluation and ranking by the City (Phase 4 below).

LIVE SCAN AND SUPPLEMENTAL BACKGROUND APPLICATIONS

As part of the application process, each individual applying as an owner must undergo a Live Scan to check fingerprints against the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) records. However, Live Scan forms will not be available until the City of Oxnard receives an official authorization code from the DOJ in approximately 8-10 weeks. Applicants are advised to monitor the City’s website for updates and notification of when forms are available.

In the meantime, and in addition to the Live Scan, each individual applying as an owner shall complete the online Background Application found at https://hdlcompanies.formstack.com/forms/bc_oxnard . A fee of $300 will be required at the time of submittal. The online Background Application is available currently.

Individuals who do not meet the State and/or City’s eligibility requirements will be disqualified. Eligibility disqualifiers may be found in State Law BPC Division 10, Chapter 5, Section 26057 (B) (4) and the City’s Ordinance 2960 Section 11.415 (c) (4).

Phase 1: Application Submittal and Determination of Eligibility

Fee: $2,329.68 (Fixed Fee)

Applications must be submitted, which constitutes submittal of all application materials and payment of all required fees, by 5:00pm on Thursday, April 2, 2020. An appointment should be made to submit the Phase 1 CCB Application. The City requires one (1) complete signed original of the application and all materials identified below as part of Phase 1-4 and one (1) USB Flash Drive containing materials in four files as described on Page 2 of this document.

Payment should be made by cash, certified check, cashier’s check or money order made payable to the City of Oxnard. The City will not accept credit card payment and application fees are non-refundable. During Phase 1, applicants will be notified if any of the Owners are ineligible and/or if their application is incomplete and may not move forward in the application process (may not advance to Phases 2-4). Applicants reviewed during Phase 1 who meet established criteria will be notified and will be permitted to advance to Phase 2, including submittal of the required materials and submittal of Phase 2 application fees. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Phase 2: Application Evaluation and Initial Ranking (1,600 points)

Fee: $3,067.79 (Fixed Fee)

Applications will be evaluated, scored and ranked based on the criteria below. These items should be saved in one file not to exceed 125 pages. See APPENDIX A for a description of the evaluation criteria:

 Section 1. Business Plan (200 Points)

 Section 2. Labor and Employment Plan (300 Points)

 Section 3. Safety Plan (400 Points)

 Section 4. Security Plan (400 Points)

 Section 5. Neighborhood Compatibility Plan (300 Points) Applicants will not be allowed to resubmit information that is determined to be missing or deficient during the Phase 2 review. Those applications which score a minimum of 80% (1,280 points) in Phase 2 will move on to Phase 3 of the application process. Applicants reviewed during Phase 2 who meet established criteria will be notified and will be permitted to advance to Phase 3, including submittal and augmentation of the required materials and submittal of Phase 3 application fees. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Phase 3: Interviews and Second Ranking (2,600 points)

Fee: $2,839.40 (Deposit)

Those CCB Applications that receive a passing score as part of Phase 2 will be interviewed and evaluated by the City’s Cannabis Selection Committee. Prior to the scheduling of interviews, applicants may be required to have their proposed site inspected by the assigned City designee to ascertain current conditions of the site/facility.

Applicants will be interviewed and evaluated based upon the criteria below. See APPENDIX A for a description of the evaluation criteria:

 Business Plan (200 Points)

 Labor & Employment (400 Points)

 Neighborhood Compatibility Plan (200 Points)

 Safety Plan (400 points)  Security Plan (400 Points)

 Location (200 Points)  Community Benefits (300 Points)

 Qualifications of Owners (300 Points)

 Oxnard Cannabis Equity Component (200 Points)

Phase 3 scores will be tabulated and combined with Phase 2 scores to establish an overall ranking of the applications. All applications that maintain a score of at least 80%, or a percentage determined by resolution, will advance to Phase 4 of the selection process.

Phase 4: Authorization to File an Application Seeking a Commercial Cannabis Business Permit

Fee: $7,326.65 (Deposit)

Applicants who have scored at least 80% after Phase 3 will be eligible to apply for consideration of a CCB permit (Phase 4). Prior to making a final decision, the City reserves the right to request and obtain additional information from any candidate who has submitted an application.

The City Manager will review the City Selection Committee’s evaluation and approve the final ranking. Award of permits is based upon the total allowed by the OCC. However, the City reserves the right to award a lesser number of permits or to award no permits at all. The top Applicants, who are authorized to apply for a discretionary permit, should be prepared to attend all discretionary permit hearings to represent their request for a Special Use Permit or Development Design Review permit and to respond to questions.

Note: Payment should be made by cash, certified check, cashier’s check or money order made payable to the City of Oxnard. The City will not accept credit card payment and application fees are non-refundable. Being awarded a permit does not constitute a land use entitlement and does not waive or remove the requirements of applying for and receiving permits for all construction including: electrical, plumbing, fire, planning permits or reviews, and any other permits, business tax, or reviews as may be necessary by the relevant departments or governmental entities in charge of said permits. Nor does it guarantee that the plans submitted via the CCB application process meet the standards or requirements of those permitting departments.

CONTACT

If you have any questions or would like an update on the status of your application, please contact the Planning Division at 805.385-7858 or by email at planning@oxnard.org.

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APPENDIX A: DESCRIPTION OF EVALUATION CRITERIA

All of the following information must be submitted on a USB thumb drive in PDF format (Please do not save any documents in Word format) when the application is initially filed for consideration as part of Phase 1) Responsive documentation shall be saved in four (4) digital folders.

CRITERIA

1. BUSINESS PLAN Criteria to be evaluated and scored during Phases 2 & 3

1.1. Owner qualifications. Resumes are not to exceed one (1) page per owner.

1.2. A budget for construction, operation, and maintenance, compensation of employees, equipment costs, utility cost, and other operation costs.

1.3. Proof of capitalization in the form of documentation of cash or other liquid assets on hand, Letters of Credit or other equivalent assets.

1.4. 3-year pro forma for at least three years of operation.

1.5. Fully describe hours of operation and opening and closing procedures.

1.6. Fully describe the day-to-day operations for each license type being sought.

1.6.1. Additional criteria for RETAIL applications only:

a. Describe customer check-in procedures.

b. Identify location and procedures for receiving deliveries during business hours.

c. Identify number of Point-of-Sales location and estimated number of customers to be served per hour/day.

d. Describe the proposed product line and estimate the percentage of sales of flower and manufactured products.

e. Describe the product handling procedures.

f. If proposed, describe delivery service procedures, number of vehicles and product security during transportation.

1.6.2. Additional criteria for TESTING applications only:

a. Describe the sampling standard operating procedures.

b. Describe procedures for transporting cannabis field samples.

c. Describe the chain of custody for field samples.

d. Describe the quality control procedures.

e. Describe the Laboratory Supervisor/Manager responsibilities and qualifications.

f. Identify location and procedures for storing cannabis products.

1.7. Fully describe cash handling procedures.

1.8. Fully describe inventory control procedures including identification point-of-sales and track and trace software.

2. LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT PLAN Criteria to be evaluated and scored during Phases 2 & 3

2.1. Describe compensation to and opportunities for continuing education and employee training.

2.2. Describe the extent to which the CCB will be a locally managed enterprise whose owners and /or managers reside within Ventura County area.

2.3. Describe the number of employees, title/position and their respected responsibilities.

2.4. Thoroughly describe employee policies and procedures (complete manuals are not required to be submitted).

3. SAFETY PLAN Criteria to be evaluated and scored during Phases 2 & 3

A thorough Safety Plan should consider all possible fire, medical and hazardous situations. Complete policy/procedures manuals are not required at this point of the application process. Please only provide a detailed description for each criteria which incorporates the following provisions:

3.1 The Safety Plan shall be prepared by a professional fire prevention and suppression consultant. An assessment of the facility’s fire safety plan by a qualified licensed fire prevention and suppression consultant. An appropriate plan will consider all possible fire, hazardous material, and inhalation issues/threats and will have both written and physical mechanisms in place to deal with each specific situation. Identify all gases and/or chemicals to be used and their storage locations (testing).

3.2 Identify fire alarm and monitoring system including the name and contact information for the alarm company

3.3 Describe accident and incident reporting procedures

3.4 Describe evacuation routes

3.5 Location of fire extinguishers and other fire suppression equipment

3.6 Describe procedures and training for all fire and medical emergencies

3.7 Describe and identify the location of all gas monitoring equipment A detailed diagram of the overall facility’s safety features.

3.8 Written description of safety features, including but not limited to fire prevention, suppression, HVAC and alarm systems.

3.9 Clarify if your building has sprinklers? 3.10 What date was the subject building constructed?

4. SECURITY PLAN Criteria to be evaluated and scored during Phases 2 & 3*

A thorough Security Plan should consider all access control, inventory control, cash handling procedures. Complete policy/procedures manuals are not required at this point of the application process. Please only provide a detailed description for each criteria which incorporates the following provisions:

4.1. The Security Plan shall be prepared by a professional security consultant.

4.2.Premises (Security) Diagram. In addition to diagrams submitted for other sections of the application, applicants are expected to submit a premises diagram (floor plan, detail) which, focuses on the proposed security measures and how they relate to the overall business. (Pursuant to CCR Title 16, Division 42, §5006. Premises Diagram).

4.2.1. The diagram all be accurate, dimensioned and to scale (minimum scale ¼”) the scale may be smaller if the proposed location exceeds more than a 1/2 acre parcel but must not be printed on larger than an 11” x 17” sheet of paper. (Blueprints and engineering site plans are not required at this point of the application process).

4.2.2. The diagram must be drawn to scale and clearly identify property boundaries, entrances, exits, interior partitions, walls, rooms, windows and doorways. The activity in each room and the location of all cameras must be identified on the diagram.

4.2.3. Description of cannabis activity that will be conducted in each area of the premise. Commercial cannabis activities that must be identified on the diagram/floor plan may include but are not limited to the following if applicable to the business operations; storage areas, batch sampling areas, loading/unloading of shipment areas, packaging and labeling, customer sales areas, training areas, employee break room areas, and testing areas.

4.2.4. Limited-access areas, defined as areas in which cannabis goods are stored or held and only accessible to a licensee, its employee or contractors, and areas used for video surveillance monitoring and storage devices (Pursuant to CCR Title 16, Division 42, §5000 (m) Limited-Access Area and §5042. Limited-Access Area).

4.2.5. Number and location of all video surveillance cameras.

4.3. Identify intrusion alarm and monitoring system including the name and contact information for the monitoring company.

4.4. Discuss whether the CCB will utilize the services of on-site security guards. Include in the discussion:

4.4.1. Number of guards

4.4.2. Hours guards will be on-site

4.4.3. Locations they will be positioned

4.4.4. Their roles and responsibilities

* Security plans will not be made public.

5. NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN Criteria to be evaluated and scored during Phases 2 & 3

5.1. Describe how the CCB will proactively address and respond to complaints related to noise, light, odor, vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

5.2. Describe how the CCB will be managed so as to avoid becoming a nuisance or having impacts on its neighbors and the surrounding community.

5.3. Describe odor mitigation practices:

5.3.1. Identify potential sources of odor.

5.3.2. Describe odor control devices and techniques employed to ensure that odors from cannabis are not detectable beyond the licensed premises.

5.3.3. Describe all proposed staff training, and system maintenance plans.

5.3.4. Describe the waste management plan. The plan shall include waste disposal locations, security measures, and methods of rendering all waste unusable and unrecognizable.

6. LOCATION Criteria to be evaluated and scored by City staff during Phase 3 only

6.1. In addition to the location related details provided in the CCB Application (pages 1-7), the application shall include a thorough description of the proposed location, including but not limited to the overall property, building and floor plan.

6.2. The CCB Application must have the appropriate zoning and meet all the locational requirements as described in OCC Section 11.433.

6.3. The application shall include photographs of the front (street facing) side of the building. In the event the proposed location is undeveloped land, photographs shall depict the property from all vantage points of the property.

6.4. Premises (Site) Diagram for each proposed location. In addition to diagrams submitted for other sections of the CCB Application, applicants are expected to submit a premise/site diagram that focuses on the overall property, building and floor plan. (Blueprints and engineering site plans are not required at this point of the application process):

6.4.1. A Premise (Site) Diagram must be accurate, dimensioned and to-scale (minimum scale of ¼”). The diagram shall provide a detailed description of all available/shared parking spaces, driveway locations, and auxiliary buildings on the parcel.

7. COMMUNITY BENEFITS PLAN Criteria to be evaluated and scored by City staff during Phase 3 only

7.1. The CCB Application should describe all benefits the CCB will provide to the local community. Benefits may be in the form of volunteer services, monetary donations to local non-profit organizations, financial support of City sponsored activities or organizations, in kind donations to the City or other charitable organizations and/or any other economic incentives to the City. Consult the City’s Local Equity program on the City’s cannabis website for updates regarding this program.

8. QUALIFICATION OF OWNERS Criteria to be evaluated and scored by City staff during Phase 3 only

8.1. The CCB should include information concerning any special business or professional qualifications or licenses of the owners that would add to the number of quality of services that the CCB would provide, especially in areas related to retail cannabis or testing establishments. If you have any experience operating a cannabis business, provide the location of such business along with a copy of the permit, or license issued by the local entity or State.

Please Note:

As part of the first phase of cannabis retail dispensary permitting (years 1-2), the City will be reserving two (2) dispensary permits for local residents. Additionally, the first year of cannabis permitting the City will be developing the Oxnard Cannabis Equity Program. These program guidelines will define “local” and provide the framework for the program. Consult the City’s website for updates regarding this project. See: https://www.oxnard.org/cannabis-regulations/


For Cannabis Business Licensing help, call at . We help cannabis business owners navigate the complex world of State and Local Cannabis Regulations while helping to develop and grow your business in the right direction. CAP can assist with projects large or small. Whether you’re looking for full-service state and local cannabis licensing or other services such as Cannabis Pro Forma, Cannabis Business Plan, Cannabis Business SOP, and Cannabis Investor Presentation development, we have you covered.

Information Regarding Posting of QR Codes by Commercial Cannabis Retail Licensees
Information Regarding Posting of QR Codes by Commercial Cannabis Retail Licensees
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The Bureau of Cannabis Control (Bureau) is encouraging retailers open to the public to post a QR Code certificate that consumers may scan with their smartphone camera when visiting a commercial cannabis storefront retailer to confirm licensure. Participation in this effort by retail licensees will assist consumers in purchasing legal cannabis goods. Licensees are also encouraged to educate their customers on how to use the QR Code and the importance of shopping at a licensed retailer. The Bureau is providing licensees with an enlarged version of their individual QR Code (QR Code certificate). Storefront cannabis retailers are encouraged to assist the public by prominently displaying their QR Code certificate on the licensed premises in the following manner:

• The QR Code certificate should be visible and scannable from outside the premises.

• The QR Code certificate should be printed on paper not less than 8 ½” by 11”.

• The QR Code itself should not be less than 3.75” by 3.75”.

• The QR Code should be posted in the front window of the licensed premises or in a locked display case mounted on the outside wall of the licensed premises within three (3) feet of any public entrance to the licensed facility.

• The QR Code should be posted in a manner that is clearly visible from outside of the licensed premises by all persons entering the premises and shall be of sufficient clarity that the code can be read by a smartphone or device capable of reading QR Codes from a distance of at least three (3) feet.

Consumers can confirm that the retail location is properly licensed by using a phone camera or QR Code app to scan the QR Code certificate. Once scanned, the consumer will automatically link to a URL that confirms the cannabis retailer’s license status. The website will display the address and business license of the location to ensure that the retailer at that location is licensed. By providing commercial cannabis consumers with an easy method for verifying licensure status, the Bureau and its licensees can work together to reduce the potential risks that may come from the purchase of non-compliant cannabis goods from unlicensed retailers.


Click the video below:

 
Sacramento Serves Warrants to 24 Unlicensed Dispensaries
Sacramento Serves Warrants to 24 Unlicensed Dispensaries

SACRAMENTO – The Bureau of Cannabis Control (Bureau) and the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Cannabis Enforcement Unit (DOI-CEU) today announced a series of enforcement actions against illegal cannabis retailers operating in Los Angeles.

Search warrants were served on 24 unlicensed locations over a 3-day period from December 10 to December 12 and resulted in the seizing of $8.8 million in cannabis and cannabis products. Enforcement staff also confiscated 9,885 illegal vape pens and $128,742 in cash.

“This week’s collaborative enforcement efforts were a huge success,” said Bureau Chief Lori Ajax. “We look forward to working with local jurisdictions and law enforcement as we continue to shut down unlicensed operators in the illicit cannabis market.”

All commercial cannabis activity in California must be conducted on a premises with a valid license issued by the appropriate state cannabis licensing authority. Manufacturing, distributing or selling cannabis goods without a state license or at a location that is not licensed is a violation of state law. To file a complaint regarding illegal activity, click here – Enforcement Online Services.

To check and see if a cannabis business is licensed by the state, visit www.CApotcheck.com.

El Dorado County Accepting Commercial Cannabis Applications
El Dorado County Accepting Commercial Cannabis Applications
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El Dorado County is now accepting commercial cannabis applications.


The Numbers:

El Dorado County will approve a total of:
7 retail locations
150 cultivation operations

Commercial Cannabis Information

APPLICATION OVERVIEW

Commercial Cannabis Annual Operating Permit and Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit)

 Commercial Cannabis businesses in the unincorporated County of El Dorado must obtain a Commercial Cannabis Annual Operating Permit and Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (e.g. Conditional Use Permit) from the Planning and Building Department located at 2850 Fairlane Court in Placerville, CA 95667.

The Commercial Cannabis Permitting Office (CCPO) within the Planning and Building Department will coordinate the process. Once a Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit (Operating Permit) and Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit) have been obtained, the permittee must obtain State licenses. Once an El Dorado County Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit, El Dorado County Commercial Cannabis Use Permit, and State licenses have been issued, an El Dorado County business license from the Treasurer-Tax Collector must be obtained.

Local and State permits and licenses must be obtained prior to commencing cannabis business activities or expanding existing operations.

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The Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit and Commercial Cannabis Use Permit process happens in three-phases as generally described below:

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1.     Phase 1- Pre-Application (Commercial Cannabis Licensing Office Only):

 The purpose of the Phase 1 Pre-Application review is to determine basic eligibility of the proposed cannabis business operation and work to identify potential issues as early in the process as possible. This process is meant to detect issues so they can be addressed before the full application process.  Any applicant arriving at their appointment without having substantially completed the pre-application submittal materials may forfeit their appointment and be placed at the end of the applicant list.

The Pre-Application process will cost the applicant significantly less while providing information on potential issues early in the process which allow the applicant to decide if he/she wants to move forward to submit an application. The cost for the full application includes a Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit), which could cost $9,500 or more (the fee for the Conditional Use Permit is moving to time and materials) and the Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit – Initial Application cost are as follows:

    • Cultivation

      • Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit – Initial Application - $7,284

    • Existing Retailers

      • Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit – Initial Application - $4,553

    • Retailers, Distribution, and Testing Laboratories

      • Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit – Initial Application - $5,642

    • Manufacturing

      • Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit – Initial Application - $6,445

Fees for the full application are due upfront. There are no refunds for the Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit. There are no refunds for time and materials work for the Commercial Cannabis Use Permit. The pre-application is a method to identify issues with a project before starting the application process, which there are multiple fees for a considerable amount of analysis that must be done by staff. It is strongly recommended that applicants complete the pre-application process because there could be significant cost and time savings

NOTE: While staff will take utmost care to accurately represent County Codes, Policies and applicable past positions of staff, the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors, it should be noted that matters discussed in the Pre-Application meeting should be not construed to bind, restrict or obligate the staff or review boards when processing a subsequent application. A more thorough review that occurs during the formal application process could reveal issues and circumstances that were not known or reviewed during the much shorter review of the Pre-Application review process. Further, it is incumbent on the part of the Applicant to obtain and understand all applicable Codes and policies.

Pre-Application Review

    • Dependent upon the proposed project location and project description, the Pre-Application package may be routed to select County departments to provide initial guidance on the adequacy of the project scope and if further information is needed prior to sending the applicant on to Phase 2 (application process).

    • Please remember to complete the Transportation Impact Study (TIS) – Initial Determination form. The information provided in the document will be used by County staff to determine if the proposed project will be required to complete a Transportation Impact Study or an On-Site Transportation Review (OSTR). If one or both are required, County staff will contact the applicant with more information about the required studies. Both studies are described in the TIS Guidelines, which can be found on the County's website. The TIS – Initial Determination form is found on the same website as the pre-application.

    • Be advised that if the pre-application is considered deficient and staff is unable to adequately review the proposal due to incomplete responses to questions or inadequate site plans and other required data, the applicant will be asked to provide clarifications and make corrections before staff can proceed with pre-application review.

    • Be advised that while CCPO staff will solicit all known requirements in preparation for Phase 2 Permit Application submittal, additional information may be requested by the CCPO or other County departments.

Fees

The Pre-Application fee is in the amount of $1,318.  Payments must be submitted along with a completed Pre-Application. Pre-Application fees are non-refundable. The fee covers Pre-Application review from CCPO/Planning and Building, Environmental Management, and Transportation.  Fees must be paid with check or credit card; no cash accepted.
 

2.  Phase 2- Full Application (Commercial Cannabis Licensing Office in the Planning and Building Department):

 The purpose of the Phase 2 Full Application review is to obtain complete information on proposed cannabis business operations and associated development on a property to ensure project compliance with the commercial cannabis ordinances and environmental review thereof. At this stage, the applicant will submit the full application to the Planning and Building Department to commence the Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit) review and receive the fee information for the process. A set of plans will be routed to the CCPO for review and processing. During this process, the Commercial Cannabis Use Permit and the Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit will be moving concurrently and their approval will happen at the same time.

Submittal of Full Application 

    • If applicants are interested in the application process and wish to proceed, they must next submit the materials required in the application.


    • At this stage, engineered plans, architectural renderings, biotic reports, grading plans, and similar items may be required, dependent on the scope of the proposal.

CCPO staff will review the application/plans for the Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit and will initiate a completeness review for the use permit application. If, in the review process, the submitted materials are determined to be deficient by any County department or reviewing agency, the applicant will be notified to re-submit the requested materials in a timely manner. 

Other information, such as LiveScan, security plans, etc. will be required at this time.

Fees

The Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit will be processed with a set fee that will be paid at the beginning of the process. The Commercial Cannabis Use Permit application fee will be determined by an "At Cost" basis (*time and materials*). An initial deposit will be required by the respective County department. If selecting the option of a contractor to process the applications, the contractor will charge their time to the applicant through the County. The time taken to complete the application process will be billed to the applicant if it is more than the deposit. Any applicant will have to pay their application costs before he/she is recommended to go to the Agriculture Commission and/or Planning Commission. In addition, neither permit will be given without total payment for the cost of the application process. Fees must be paid with check or credit card; no cash accepted.

3.  Phase 3 – Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit and Monitoring Program - (Commercial Cannabis Licensing Office and Planning and Building Department):

 For successful applicants, the CCPO will coordinate to ensure all conditions of approval and operational requirements of a cannabis business operation are met by specified deadlines and that all operations are in conformance with approvals granted. Site inspections may be scheduled in addition to other County Departmental follow-up, as required. 

The purpose of the Monitoring Program is to ensure key milestones are reached by applicants who are on track to renew their Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit. If the CCPO recommends denial, the applicant will receive written justification for the determination. 

Fees

The following are the fees for the Commercial Cannabis Use Permit, Commercial Cannabis   Operating Permit – Initial Application, Commercial Cannabis Monitoring Program, and Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit – Renewal:

Commercial Cannabis Use Permit – As established in the most recent Conditional Use Permit – Planning Commission/Zoning Administrator, Major, or – Planning Commission/Zoning Administrator, Medium –or – Planning Commission/Zoning Administrator, Minor – set by resolution at the time of application submission for the Planning and Building Department, Environmental Management Department, and Transportation Department.  This fee is being recommended to move to time and materials.  Fees must be paid with check or credit card; no cash accepted.

COMMERCIAL CANNABIS PERMITTING PROGRAM FEE SCHEDULE

    • Cultivation

      • Commercial Cannabis Annual Operating Permit – Initial Application - $7,284

      • Commercial Cannabis Monitoring Program – $4,933

      • Commercial Cannabis Annual Operating Permit – Renewal – $4,983

    • Existing Retailers

      • Commercial Cannabis Annual Operating Permit – Initial Application - $4,553

      • Commercial Cannabis Monitoring Program – $3,318

      • Commercial Cannabis Annual Operating Permit – Renewal – $3,836

    • Retailers, Distribution, and Testing Laboratories

      • Commercial Cannabis Annual Operating Permit – Initial Application - $5,642

      • Commercial Cannabis Monitoring Program – $3,318

      • Commercial Cannabis Annual Operating Permit – Renewal – $3,836

    • Manufacturing

      • Commercial Cannabis Annual Operating Permit – Initial Application - $6,445

      • Commercial Cannabis Monitoring Program – $4,158

      • Commercial Cannabis Annual Operating Permit – Renewal – $4,419


Please Remember – Obtain County Business License:

It is unlawful for any person to transact any kind of business in the unincorporated territory of the County without possessing an unexpired and unrevoked County business license unless the business is exempt from the license requirements. Business licenses must be renewed annually. A renewal notice will be mailed to you in the month prior to your renewal date. A business license can be obtained through the Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office.

An El Dorado County business license should be obtained after a commercial cannabis business has received its El Dorado County Commercial Cannabis Use Permit and Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit along with its licenses from the State of California.

General Advice and Instructions to the Applicant

The information provided in all phases of the application process will be used to determine the eligibility for eventual cannabis land use permits, under County Code Chapter 130.41.  These rules are in the Commercial Cannabis Ordinances below.

      • The application requirements listed herein are the minimal requirements. Any additional information believed to assist staff in understanding the proposed operation may help to more effectively move it through the review process.

      • Be advised that the applicant will need the help of professionals at some point in the application process, either based upon a County requirement or to help more efficiently navigate the Commercial Cannabis Operating Permit and Commercial Cannabis Use Permit process. Such professionals may include: land-use consultants familiar with County planning requirements and review procedures; qualified biologists or archaeologists to review sensitive sites; licensed professionals (architects, civil engineers, traffic engineers, surveyors, engineering geologists, etc.) to prepare grading plans, design commercial buildings, roads, and parking plans.

      • It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all required information and cooperate with all required field investigations. Discovery of any false or misleading information is grounds for permit denial or revocation.

      • If the applicant is filling out the application questionnaire by hand, neatly print in blue or black ink. Illegible writing will not be accepted.

      • The applicant must respond to all items and questions. If a question does not apply to the project being proposed, write "N/A" (not applicable) in the space provided for your response.


      • If the applicant needs more space for any response, attach additional sheets and identify the additional information by the application form number and question number.


      • The reviewing agencies may ask for additional information to process your application.


      • Outdoor, mixed-light and indoor cultivation of commercial cannabis require a renewable source of energy. If you are not planning to provide your own renewable on-site energy source, the following options from PG&E provide you the opportunity to purchase renewable energy. https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/solar-and-vehicles/options/solar/solar-choice/solar-choice.page

Commercial Cannabis Ordinances & Rules

  • Commercial Cannabis Ordinance 5107 - Taxation of Independently Authorized Commercial Cannabis Activities

  • Commercial Cannabis Ordinance 5109 - Commercial Cannabis Activities Permitting and Enforcement

  • Commercial Cannabis Ordinance 5110 - Outdoor And Mixed-Light Cultivation of Commercial Cannabis

  • Commercial Cannabis Ordinance 5111 - Retail Sale, Distribution, Indoor Cultivation, Laboratory Testing, And Manufacturing of Commercial Cannabis

  • Commercial Cannabis Ordinance 5112 - Adopting an Update to Title 130 (Zoning Ordinance)

Commercial Cannabis Forms

  • Commercial Cannabis Pre-Application

  • Commercial Cannabis Pre-Application - Transportation Impact Study (TIS) – Initial Determination

  • Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit)

  • Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit) - Project Description Attachment

  • Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit) - Commercial Cannabis Testing Laboratory Attachment

  • Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit) - Commercial Cannabis Distribution Attachment

  • Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit) - Commercial Cannabis Manufacturing Attachment

  • Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit) - Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Attachment

  • Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit) - Commercial Cannabis Retailer Attachment

  • Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (Conditional Use Permit) - Commercial Cannabis Site Security Plan

For more information follow this link to the El Dorado County Planning Services website:

https://www.edcgov.us/Government/planning/Cannabis/Pages/Cannabis---Commercial.aspx

Cat Packer | Social Equity Program Audit
Cat Packer | Social Equity Program Audit
 
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On Monday, November 18th, Cat Packer, the head of Los Angeles’ Department of Cannabis Regulation, announced that the department will be audited by a third party. In the week prior, Mayor Eric Garcetti called for an independent investigation into how the Phase 3 Retail licensing process was handled. This audit will delay any next phases of the program until the review is complete.

With only 100 licenses available that round, the process involved a first-come, first-serve basis where applicants would upload the necessary files into the Department of Cannabis Regulations’ online portal. Hundreds of people applied in only the first three minutes.

Many applicants still remain enraged about the licensing process and how it was handled. Stating the entire process was unfair and did not cater to the needs of Social Equity candidates.

In order to help combat the war on drugs, Los Angeles officials made it a necessity that investors give a Social Equity applicant a percentage of the new business. Many found the entire process a failure from start to finish because all Social Equity applicants had to use up their time, money, and resources to be a part of the program with nothing guaranteed in return.

In a prepared statement last Monday, Cat Packer said, “The department is extremely empathetic to the concerns of the community and is working actively with city leaders and community stakeholders to seek, consider and recommend any legislative changes and policy amendments that may be necessary to ensure the fidelity of the nation’s largest cannabis licensing regime.”

It will be interesting to see what this third party with find with the upcoming DCR program audit. The longer these issues take to be sorted out, the more and more money is being lost not only by the investor but more importantly the Social Equity Applicant.

LA City Council President Wesson Calls for an Independent Investigation Against DCR's Cannabis Licensing Process
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In the midst of what is already a cannabis licensing roller coaster, Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson calls for a halt to the system, suspending and refunding all Retail Round 1 applications and launching a third-party investigation into the Department of Cannabis Regulation’s processes.

On October 28th, LA City Council President Herb Wesson sent a direct message to Cat Packer requesting for the suspension and refund of all applicants that applied for a cannabis retail license during Los Angeles’ Phase 3 Round 1 process.

According to the letter, Wesson stated, “…allegations have been made that multiple applicants had access to the application portal prior to the announced start time of 10 am on Tuesday, September 3rd.” Wesson then went on to say that the entire Phase 3 Round 1 licensing process was compromised because it lacked fairness, transparency, and integrity.

At the least, the Council President is requesting to launch an investigation with a full audit and report from a third party that was not involved in the Phase 3 Round 1 process. He also touched on an option to accept every application that was submitted in order to assure that the process was not compromised.

With only 100 licensing available this round, the process involved a first-come, first-serve basis where applicants would upload the necessary files into the Department of Cannabis Regulations’ online portal. Hundreds of people applied in only the first three minutes.

In order to help combat the war on drugs, Los Angeles officials made it a necessity that investors give a Social Equity applicant a percentage of the new business. Many found the entire process a failure from start to finish because all Social Equity applicants had to use up their time, money, and resources to be a part of the program with nothing guaranteed in return. The longer these issues take to be sorted out, the more and more money is being lost not only by the investor but more importantly the Social Equity Applicant.