Anyone interested in operating a cannabis business should first review the following:
- Operator’s Permit Application – Finance Department
- Zoning Map indicating locations where Cannabis operation is Conditionally Permitted
- Conditional Use Permit Application – Planning Division
After reviewing the above information, the applicant shall submit the following:
Application to the Finance Department for an Operator Permit pursuant to Section 20.410.009 of the Zoning Ordinance.
The purpose of requiring an initial application for a regulatory permit is to ensure an applicant is qualified under the City’s standards related to prior criminal convictions and has obtained preliminary authorization from a property owner to pursue City approvals for a cannabis operation at a qualifying location. If the application meets the minimum qualifications and satisfies the application requirements outlined in Section 20.410.009(E) of the Zoning Ordinance, then the application obtains “pre-clearance” to submit a Conditional Use Permit application to the Planning Division. The approval for an Operator Permit is valid for one year. An Operator Permit would also be subject to a revocation procedure conducted by the Chief Planner. Potential causes for initiation of a revocation procedure could include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Failure to maintain a valid Operator Permit
- Failure to comply with any condition of operation or condition of approval
- Causing a public nuisance
Application to the Planning Division for a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to Section 20.490.004 of the Zoning Ordinance.
The Conditional Use Permit is a discretionary approval to operate the commercial cannabis use at a particular location. The Planning Commission’s review of a Conditional Use Permit application will be guided by the findings in Chapter 20.490 of the Zoning Ordinance. The decision of the Planning Commission on the Conditional Use Permit application is appealable to the City Council, as is the case with all Conditional Use Permit decisions.