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City of Oxnard | Cannabis Business Applications Guidelines 2020
City of Oxnard | Cannabis Business Applications Guidelines 2020
oxnard-cannabis-application.jpg

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.

California Looking to Crack Down on Illegal Commercial Cannabis Activity
California Looking to Crack Down on Illegal Commercial Cannabis Activity
california-cannabis-fines.jpg
 

In California, black market cannabis is over a billion-dollar industry with lines blending between the legal and illegal market. Currently, the law states that any person caught engaging in unlicensed commercial cannabis activity may be fined three times the amount of the California state licensing fee or is determined by the business’ revenue. Blanca Rubio, a California Assemblywoman (D-Baldwin Park), looks to introduce new legislation that would increase the fines to $30,000 for each offense of those caught “aiding and abetting” illicit commercial cannabis activity.

“California’s illicit cannabis industry accounts for nearly 75 percent of all cannabis sales in the state, enticing often unknowing consumers with seemingly harmless products at lower prices, but the danger lurks beneath the surface,” she said. “I introduced (Assembly Bill) 2122 to help the state hold illegal operators accountable and protect California consumers from the serious health risks found in the untested and unregulated products from the illicit market.”

-Rubio (D-Baldwin Park)

As we know, unlicensed cannabis products are not subject to state testing standards, leading to potentially dangerous products being sold. Assembly Bill 2122 would crack down on businesses that support unlicensed cannabis operators.

California has had its fair share of cannabis seizures and raids on illegal commercial cannabis activities in Los Angeles and the entire state. The bureau is seeking to make it mandatory for cannabis retailers to display a QR code that provides consumers with licensing information.

“AB 2122 would put another tool in our enforcement toolbelt that we can use to limit access to the untested, untraceable, untaxed and often dangerous products flowing through illicit stores every single day,” said UCBA President Jerred Kiloh in a statement. “The size and scope of the illicit market is the number one issue facing California cannabis, posing not only an existential threat to the industry itself, but also putting the health and wellbeing of Californians at risk, it simply cannot be ignored – we look forward to supporting the assembly member in advancing this critical solution.”

Rubio’s bill drew support from industry group, the United Cannabis Business Association.


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.

Apply for a Cannabis Cultivation License | Calaveras County, California
Apply for a Cannabis Cultivation License | Calaveras County, California
calaveras-california-cannabis-cultivation.jpg
 

On October 22, 2019 the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance regulating the cultivation of cannabis. The new ordinance allows eligible individuals and business entities to apply for a permit to engage in commercial cultivation on parcels of 20 acres or more that are zoned U, RA, A1, AP and GF. It also allows for consideration of a conditional use permit for cultivation on parcels between 10 and 20 acres in the same zones. Indoor cultivation is also permitted in the industrial zones of M1, M2 and M4. Limited indoor cultivation is also permitted in the CP zone as a part of a cannabis retailer operation, and permitted cultivators with self-distribution licenses will be allowed to transport their own cannabis in accordance with state law. 

The number of cultivation permit applications that will be accepted is limited to the number of growers who previously registered under the urgency ordinance program, had not withdrawn the registration or had it denied, and had either received a state license or had a state license application submitted and in process before being halted when the previous county-wide ban went into effect. The ability of an eligible grower to apply for a permit is transferable to another qualified applicant, as are the permits themselves. The ordinance also regulates cannabis cultivation for personal use. Manufacturing, testing, and distribution other than self-distribution is prohibited. Retailers are regulated under Chapter 17.91 of the County Code.

find ordinance here

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.

Berkeley, CA Allows Cannabis Consumption Lounges
Berkeley, CA Allows Cannabis Consumption Lounges
berkeley patients group consumption lounge.png
 

On January 28th, 2020, the Berkeley City Council voted “yes” to allow cannabis consumption lounges in the city. Some residents are up in arms about a dispensary and cannabis lounge being located at one of the busiest intersections in the city.

Berkeley Patients Group (BPG) is looking to move into a larger location close to this intersection a few blocks from University and San Pablo Avenues. BPG states that bigger space will give more room to operate and ultimately open an attached cannabis smoking lounge. Their plan is to bring economic revenue to the area. Lauren Watson with BPG said, “Right now that neighborhood is an eye sore on make it a beautiful space. A nice entrance to the city.”

The Berkeley city council is rapidly making changes to their cannabis regulations for the better. The city council also looked at legalizing up to seven cannabis delivery services in Berkeley, expanding the area where cannabis can be cultivated, and set up warehouses that can take phone and internet orders. With the “yes” vote, it now opens the door to having smoking lounges in other areas of the city.


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.

City of Stockton Accepting Cannabis Business Applications
City of Stockton Accepting Cannabis Business Applications
stockton cannabis license.jpg
 

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.


Cannabis Business Permits

The City of Stockton is accepting applications for commercial cannabis businesses.

 

Applications – Delivery, Non-Volatile Manufacturer, and Testing Lab

There is no limit on the number of permits for Delivery, Non-Volatile Manufacturer, and Testing Lab businesses. Interested parties may apply beginning April 4, 2019. 

 

Applications – Retail Storefront, Cultivation, Volatile Manufacturer, and Microbusiness

The City will be issuing two new permits on an annual basis, using a lottery system, for each of these business types:

  • Retail Storefront - Dispensary

  • Cultivation

  • Volatile Manufacturer

  • Microbusiness

Applications for these permits will be accepted for General Pool and Equity Pool each year. Four of the annual permits issued – one per business type – will be reserved for an Equity Applicant. See “Equity Program” below.

 

2020 Commercial Cannabis Business Lottery 

This timeline is provided for applicants interested in participating in the 2020 Commercial Cannabis Business Lottery.

  • Application period: March 1 - April 30, 2020

    • 2020 Application and Instructions

    • Sole Proprietorship Form

  • Information Sessions:

    • These sessions will be held to review the lottery application process and to answer questions.  The sessions will be held on:

    • March 24, 2020, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

      • Chavez Library, 605 N. El Dorado St Stockton, CA 95202

    • April 1, 2020, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

      • Arnold Rue Community Center, 5758 Lorraine Ave. Stockton, CA 95210

    • April 2, 2020, 10:30 am - 11:30 am

      • Fair Oaks Library, 2370 E Main St Stockton, CA 95205

  • Application Review: May 1 - 29, 2020

    • City staff will conduct a review of the applications and reject or approve applications.  A lottery number will be assigned to each approved application.  Each applicant will be notified of their assigned lottery number via email.  The email provided on the application will be used and the applicant must notify the city to update the email address.

  • Eligibility Notification: May 29, 2020

    • The applicant will be notified of eligibility, if approved.

  • Random Lottery Selection: June 18th, 2020 at 10:00 am

    • The public drawing will be held at Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium, North Hall, 525 N El Dorado St, Stockton, CA 95202

  • Selection Notification: June 30, 2020

    • Winners of the Commercial Cannabis Lottery will be notified by this date.

  • Planning Application Due: July 30, 2020

    • Winners of the Commercial Cannabis Lottery must submit a Planning Application by July 30, 2020.

 

Previous Lottery Winners:

  • 2019 Lottery Winners

For any questions regarding the Lottery Process, please contact the Permit Center at (209) 937-8331. 

 

Application and Permitting Process

Each applicant is responsible for reviewing the Stockton Municipal Code and submitting a complete application compliant with all laws and regulations.

  • Cannabis Business Use Permit Guide - Flowchart and information about application and permit process

 

To start a cannabis business in Stockton, the City requires these permits:

  • Land Use Permit

    • Provides authorization for land use and location requirements

    • Issued by the Community Development Department

    • Planning Application (Commission Use Permit and Administrative Use Permit)

  • Business License

    • Required for all businesses within the City of Stockton

    • Issued by the Administrative Services Department, Business Licensing Division

  • Operators Permit

    • Required for the business operator

    • Issued and approved by Stockton Police Department

    • Delivery (Retail, Non-Storefront) Security Guidelines

    • Operators Permit Application 

Fees

The Annual Fee Schedule for FY 2018-19 has been amended with updated fees for Commercial Cannabis Businesses.

  • Annual Fee Schedule FY 2018-19 - 121 page PDF

    • Section I-2:  Page 6 of PDF

    • Section F-1:  Page 19 of PDF

  • Resolution Adopted March 5, 2019, Amending Fees

    • New fees added by Resolution

    • Permit to Operate and Permit to Operate Renewal amended to $16,640

 

Equity Program

The City will issue half of the permits for Retail Storefront - Dispensary, Cultivation, Volatile Manufacturer, and Microbusiness to Equity applicants. To qualify as an Equity Applicant:

  • Greater than 50% of ownership must be a Stockton resident AND meet ONE of these criteria:

    • Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)

    • Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)

    • Live in one of Stockton, California Opportunity Zones

    • Live in an SB 535 Disadvantaged Area 

    • Live in a HUD-designated Area

  • Links to websites for these organizations can be found in External Links below.

 

Workforce Diversity Program

The Workforce Diversity Program is a voluntary program for Commercial Cannabis Businesses.  A business will be able to apply for the program during the business license application process and annual business license renewal process.

  • Commercial Cannabis Businesses must meet a 50% diverse workforce requirement during the time of application of the business license or at the time of renewal.

    • To qualify, at least 50% of the business' employees must reside within the SB 535 Disadvantaged Area of the City of Stockton boundaries or reside in the Kelley Drive neighborhood at the time of business license application or renewal.

  • If the threshold is met, the Commercial Cannabis Business will be provided a 50% reduction of the total amount due in taxes based on estimated gross receipts provided at the time of renewal of the business license.

  • Existing Commercial Cannabis Businesses will be able to participate in the voluntary program at the time of their annual business license renewal.

For questions relating to the Workforce Diversity Incentive Program, contact 209-937-8270.

 

Commercial Cannabis Business Tax Rates

Operators are required to pay a Commercial Cannabis Business Tax based on the revenue received.  

 As of August 15, 2019, the rates are:

  • Storefront Retail (Dispensary) / Non-Storefront Retail (Delivery) - 5%

  • Distribution - 1%

  • Manufacturing (Volatile and Non-Volatile) - 3%

  • Cultivation - 5%

  • Testing - 0%

  • Microbusiness - 5%

 

Stockton Municipal Code Sections for Commercial Cannabis Businesses

There are several sections within the Stockton Municipal Code on Commercial Cannabis Businesses. 

  • SMC Title 5 - Chapter 5.98, 5.99, and 5.100

  • Development Code Title 16 - Chapter 16.20, Section 16.20.020; Chapter 16.64, Section 16.64.040; Chapter 16.80, Section 16.80.195; and Chapter 16.240, Section 16.240.020

The most recent changes were approved on July 17, 2019 and go into effect on August 15, 2019.

City Council Video

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New 2020 California Cannabis Laws
New 2020 California Cannabis Laws
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New year, new laws, new taxes. Starting January 1st, 2020, two new cannabis laws went into effect. Both laws will change how the legal cannabis business will be taxed. These laws help clarify the state and federal tax laws.

The first of the two bills allows legally licensed cannabis retailers to donate free cannabis to medical patients who have a hard time accessing it through compassionate care programs. This bill was created to help give sick veterans and low-income people access to medical cannabis. Existing retailers must partner with compassionate care programs to dispense the donation of cannabis products to medical patients.

The second of the two bills is called Assembly Bill 37 and works to help equalize the treatment of taxpayers related to the Personal Income Tax Law with the Corporate Income Tax Laws of the state and the federal laws. Commercial cannabis businesses in California are not allowed to claim deductions and credits available to other legal businesses in the state of California due to existing IRS and federal income tax laws. This bill was presented to bring clarity and equality to the tax laws for California businesses involved.

According to the bill's author, Reggie Jones-Sawyer, representing the 59th district; "The cannabis industry has multiple barriers to entry – limited access to banking, compliance with complex state regulations and a high tax burden. In addition to these challenges, the federal government continues to treat our state's legal industry as a criminal activity. Current state law conforms to federal policies that disallow tax deductions for businesses that "traffic" controlled substances, resulting in higher taxes for legal cannabis businesses. Californians voted overwhelmingly to make cannabis a legal enterprise in our state and to benefit from the tax revenue brought in by this new industry. High taxes imposed on legal cannabis products are putting the legal industry at a disadvantage in competing with the illicit market, which results in less tax revenue for the state. AB 37 will ensure that cannabis businesses are taxed like any other legal industry in our state and will help legal businesses thrive in California." 

The support for the bill included the sponsor of the bill, California Cannabis Industry Association, along with other groups including; CMG/Caliva, Osiris Ventures dba NorCal Cannabis, Rural County Representatives of California, Southern California Coalition, and State Treasurer Fiona Ma.  

Governor Newsom Looks to Bridge the Gap Between Cannabis License Owners and Local Government
Governor Newsom Looks to Bridge the Gap Between Cannabis License Owners and Local Government
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Governor of California, Gavin Newsom wants to combine multiple state agencies into one department to simplify the cannabis licensing processes and have oversight of all commercial cannabis activity. This new department which Governor Newsom calls the “Department of Cannabis Control,” will act as a centralized force as opposed to the current three which are the Bureau of Cannabis Control, Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch, and CalCannabis. Newsom works to bridge the gap between cannabis license holders and local governments.

Illinois First Day Cannabis Sales Reach $3.2 Million
Illinois First Day Cannabis Sales Reach $3.2 Million
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The first day of Illinois recreational marijuana sales reach a total of $3.2 million in sales. Starting January 1st, sales of recreational marijuana in the state of Illinois is legal.

Over 77,128 stood patiently in line in the cold and made a purchase at 45 different dispensaries across Ilinois. Each transaction comes out to an average of $41 a person.

Illinois recreational cannabis sales approaching $3.2 million would generate more than $317,000 in tax revenue, not to mention sales taxes.