HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 633 Cannabis AmendmentORDINANCE NO. 633
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MORRO BAY, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5.50
(COMMERCIAL CANNABIS OPERATIONS REGULATORY
PROGRAM) OF TITLE 5 OF THE MORRO BAY MUNICIPAL
CODE TO PERMIT CERTAIN ADULT -USE COMMERCIAL
CANNABIS USES (RETAIL SALES, DELIVERIES AND
(WHOLESALE) DISTRIBUTOR) AND TO AUTHORIZE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO ISSUE
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
THE CITY COUNCIL
City of Morro Bay, California
WHEREAS, in 1996 California voters approved Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use
Act (` CUA"), codified as Section 11362.5 of the Health and Safety Code, to exempt certain
patients and their primary caregivers from criminal liability under state law for the possession and
cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes; and
WHEREAS, in 2003 the California legislature enacted Senate Bill 420, the Medical
Marijuana Program Act ("MMPA"), codified as Sections 11362.7, et seq., of the Health & Safety
Code, and as later amended, to clarify the scope of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 relating to
the possession and cultivation of cannabis for medical purpose, and to authorize local governing
bodies to adopt and enforce laws consistent with its provisions; and
WHEREAS, in October 2015, the State of California adopted AB 266, AB 243, and SB
643, collectively referred to as the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act ("MCRSA"),
which established a comprehensive regulatory and licensing scheme for commercial medical
cannabis operations; and
WHEREAS, at the November 8, 2016 general election, the Control, Regulate and Tax
Adult Use of Marijuana Act ("AUMA") was approved by California voters as Proposition 64,
which established a comprehensive regulatory and licensing scheme for commercial adult -use
(recreational) cannabis operations, and which also legalized limited personal recreational cannabis
use, possession, and cultivation; and
WHEREAS, on June 27, 2017 Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 94, the Medicinal and
Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act ("MAUCRSA"), which merged the regulatory
regimes of MCRSA and AUMA; and
WHEREAS, the MAUCRSA provides that the State of California will begin issuing
licenses in 2018 for both medical and adult -use (recreational) cannabis businesses in 20 different
categories, which are found in Section 26050 of the Business & Professions Code, and which
categories include cannabis cultivation,. manufacturer, testing, retailer, distributor, and
microbusiness; and
WHEREAS, the MAUCRSA, Section 26200(a)(1) of the Business & Professions Code,
provides that local jurisdictions may completely prohibit the establishment or operation of any or
all of the 20 different medical and recreational business operations to be licensed by the state under
Section 26050 of the Business & Professions Code; and
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 1 of 33
WHEREAS, the MAUCRSA, Section 26055(d) of the Business & Professions Code,
provides that a state commercial cannabis license may not be issued to an applicant whose
operations would violate the provisions of any local ordinance or regulation; and
WHEREAS, the MAUCRSA, Section 26200(a)(1) of the Business & Professions Code,
provides that local jurisdictions may adopt and enforce local ordinances to regulate any or all of
the 20 different medical and adult -use business operations to be licensed by the state under Section
26050 of the Business & Professions Code, including, but not limited to, local zoning and land use
requirements; and
WHEREAS, the MAUCRSA, Section 26201 of the Business & Professions Code,
provides that any standards, requirements, and regulations regarding health and safety,
environmental protection, testing, security, food safety, and worker protections established by the
state for the 20 different medical and adult -use business operations to be licensed by the state under
Business & Professions Code § 26050, shall be the minimum standards, and a local jurisdiction
may establish additional standards, requirements, and regulations; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the above -described express statutory authority and its police
power, the City now desires to amend Chapter 5.50 (Commercial Cannabis Operations Regulatory
Program) of Title 5 to permit certain commercial adult -use cannabis uses (retail sales deliveries
and (wholesale) distributor); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the above -described express statutory authority and its police
power, the City now desires to amend Chapter 5.50 (Commercial Cannabis Operations Regulatory
Program) of Title 5 so as to expressly authorize the City's Community Development Director to
issue administrative rules and regulations governing commercial cannabis uses within the City of
Morro Bay; and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance is enacted, consistent with the Compassionate Use Act of
1996, the Medical Marijuana Program Act of 2003, the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety
Act of 2015 the Adult Use of Marijuana Act of 2016, and the Medicinal and Adult Use of Cannabis
Regulation and Safety Act of 2017, to protect, promote and maintain the public health, safety, and
welfare of City residents and visitors in relation to cannabis related uses and activities; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the above -described express statutory authority and the City's
police power, the City has the authority to prohibit, permit and regulate any and all commercial
cannabis activities (whether not -for -profit or for -profit) that may otherwise be permitted by the
State of California under the MCRSA, the AUMA, and the MAUCRSA; and
WHEREAS, the City finds that this ordinance is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (`CEQA") pursuant to both the exemption provided by Section
26055(h) of the Business and Professions Code as well as Sections 15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3)
of the CFI I QA Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to allow any person to engage
in conduct that endangers others or causes a public nuisance;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MORRO BAY,
CALIFORNIA FINDS AND ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MORRO BAY HEREBY MAKES
THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS:
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 2 of 33
A. The recitals set forth above are all true and correct and are incorporated herein.
B. The regulation of commercial cannabis activities established by this Ordinance amendment
are to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare, and are enacted pursuant
to the authority granted to the City by state law.
SECTION 2. CHAPTER 5.50 (COMMERCIAL CANNABIS OPERATIONS
REGULATORY PROGRAM) OF TITLE 5 (BUSINESS TAX CERTIFICATES AND
REGULATIONS) OF THE MORRO BAY MUNICIPAL CODE IS HEREBY AMENDED
TO READ AS FOLLOWS (NEW TEXT IN BOLD ITALICS AND DELETED TEXT IN
STRIKET14ROUG14):
"CHAPTER 5.50 - COMMERCIAL CANNABIS OPERATIONS REGULATORY
PROGRAM
Sec. 5.50.010 - Purpose and intent.
Sec. 5.50.020 - Commercial cannabis operations prohibited without City permit.
Sec. 5.50.030 - Definitions.
Sec. 5.50.040 - Prohibited commercial cannabis operations.
Sec. 5.50.050 - Permitted commercial cannabis operations.
Sec. 5.50.060 - Commercial cannabis operation permit.
Sec. 5.50.070 - Applications for commercial cannabis operation permit.
Sec. 5.50.080 - Compliance review of commercial cannabis operation permit application.
Sec. 5.50.090 - Issuance of commercial cannabis operation permit.
Sec. 5.50.100 - Renewal of commercial cannabis operation permit.
Sec. 5.50.110 - General operating standards and restrictions.
Sec. 5.50.120 - Retail (medical) operating standards and restrictions.
Sec. 5.50.130 - Wholesale distribution operating standards and restrictions.
Sec. 5.50.140 - Delivery (medical) operating standards and restrictions.
Sec. 5.5 0.15 0 - Administration.
Sec. 5.50.160 - Fees.
Sec. 5.50.170 - Suspension and revocation.
Sec. 5.50.180 - Violations and penalties; public nuisance
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 3 of 33
Sec. 5.50.190 - Service of notices.
Sec. 5.50.200 - Prohibitions
Sec. 5.50.210 - Nonconforming use.
Sec. 5.50.220 - Severability.
Sec. 5.50.010 - Purpose and intent.
A. The purpose of this chapter is to establish a comprehensive set of regulations with an
attendant regulatory permit applicable to the operation of certain types of commercial
cannabis operations, while simultaneously establishing an express prohibition on certain
other types of commercial cannabis operations
B. The regulations for, and prohibitions on, specific types of commercial cannabis operations
are enacted to preserve the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents and visitors
of the City of Morro Bay, consistent with California's Compassionate Use Act of 1996,
Cahfornia's Medical Marijuana Program Act of 2003, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act of
2016 (AUMA) (Proposition 64) the Medicinal and Adult -Use Cannabis Regulation and
Safety Act of 2017 (MAUCRSA) and all applicable state laws governing commercial
cannabis activities.
C. The issuance of a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit shall constitute a revocable
privilege and shall not create or establish any vested rights for the development or use of a
property.
D. This chapter and its regulations shall be known as the "Commercial Cannabis Operations
Regulatory Program."
Sec. 5.50.020 - Commercial cannabis operation prohibited without City permit.
It shall be unlawful to own, establish, operate, use, or permit the establishment or activity of a
commercial cannabis operation, or to participate in commercial cannabis operations as an
employee, contractor, agent, volunteer or in any manner or capacity other than as provided in this
chapter and pursuant to both a current and valid City of Morro Bay Commercial Cannabis
Operation Permit, as well as the equivalent state license for such commercial cannabis operation
as provided for by Section 26050 of the Business & Professions Code, and as amended The
prohibition contained in this section shall include renting, leasing, or otherwise permitting a
commercial cannabis operation to occupy or use a location, vehicle, or other mode of
transportation.
Sec. 5.50.030 - Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
A. "Adult use" (i.e., "recreational" or "non -medical") refers to activity involving cannabis or
cannabis products, which is restricted to adults 21 years of age and older and who do not
possess a physician s recommendation, in contrast to an activity involving medical
cannabis or medical cannabis products.
B. "Applicant" means a person who files an application for a permit under this chapter.
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 4 of 33
C. "Cannabis" means all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa Linnaeus, Cannabis indica, or
Cannabis ruderalis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin, whether crude or
purified, extracted from any part of the plant and every compound, manufacture, salt,
derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant its seeds, or resin. `Cannabis also means
the separated resin, whether crude or purified, obtained from cannabis. Cannabis' does not
include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from
the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture salt derivative, mixture, or
preparation of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil, or cake,
or the sterilized seed of the plant which is incapable of germination.
D. "Cannabis concentrate" means cannabis that has undergone a process to concentrate one
or more active cannabinoids, thereby increasing the pioduct's potency Resin from granular
trichomes from a cannabis plant is a concentrate for purposes of this division. A cannabis
concentrate is not considered food, as defined by Section 109935 of the Health and Safety
Code, or a drug, as defined by Section 109925 of the Health and Safety Code.
E "Cannabis Permit Committee" is composed of the Fire Chief, Police Chief, Finance
Director, City Attorney, and/or their designees.
F. "Cannabis products" means cannabis that has undergone a process whereby the plant
material has been transformed into a concentrate, including but not limited to concentrated
cannabis or an edible or topical product containing cannabis or concentrated cannabis and
other ingredients.
G. "City Attorney" means the City of Morro Bay City Attorney, and includes his/her
designee(s).
H. "City Manager" means the City of Morro Bay City Manager, and includes his/her
designee(s).
I. "Commercial cannabis operation" includes the cultivation, possession, manufacture,
distribution, processing, storing, laboratory testing, packaging labeling, transportation,
delivery, or sale (including retail and wholesale) of cannabis and cannabis products; except,
as applicable, as set forth in Chapter 9.06 ("Personal Cultivation of Cannabis") of this Code
or as preempted by state law.
J. "Commercial Cannabis Operation Pei lit" shall mean a City of Morro Bay permit issued
pursuant to the procedures provided for in this chapter and which shall allow the permit
holder to operate a specific type of commercial cannabis operation in the City of Morro
Bay subject to the requirements of this chapter, state law, and the specific permit
K. "Cultivation" means any activity involving the planting, growing, harvesting, drying,
curing, grading, or trimming of cannabis.
L "Day care center" means, as the term is understood by Section 26001(o) of the Business
and Profession Code, and as may be amended any child day care facility other than a
family day care home, and includes infant centers, preschools, extended day care facilities,
and school -age child care centers.
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 5 of 33
M. "Delivery" means the commercial transfer of cannabis or cannabis products to a customer,
and includes the use of any technology platform owned and controlled by the same person
making such use.
N. "Director" means the City of Morro Bay Community Development Director, and includes
his/her designee(s)
O. "Distribution" means the procurement, sale, and transport of cannabis and cannabis
products between entities licensed for and/or engaged in commercial cannabis activities.
P. "Distributor" means a person engaged in distribution
Q. "Edible ' means cannabis product that is intended to be used, in whole or in part, for human
consumption, including, but not limited to chewing gum, but excluding products set forth
in Division 15 (commencing with Section 32501) of the Food and Agricultural Code. An
edible cannabis product is not considered food, as defined by Section 109935 of the Health
and Safety Code, or a drug, as defined by Section 109925 of the Health and Safety Code.
R. "Employee" means any person (whether paid or unpaid) who provides regular labor or
regular services for a commercial cannabis operation, including but not limited to, at the
location of a commercial cannabis operation. The term "employee ' includes managers and
owners as used in this chapter.
S. "Extraction" means the process of obtaining cannabis concentrates from cannabis plants,
including but not limited to through the use of solvents like butane, alcohol or carbon
dioxide.
T. "Finance Director" means the City of Morro Bay Finance Director, and includes his/her
designee(s).
U. "Fire Chief" means the City of MolT•o Bay Fire Department Chief, and includes his/her
designee(s).
V. "Identification card" has the same definition as provided for in Health and Safety Code
section 11362.7(g) and as may be amended, defined as "a document issued by the [State
Department of Health Services] that identifies a person authorized to engage in the medical
use of cannabis and the person s designated primary caregiver, if any."
W "Labeling" means any label or other written, printed, 01 graphic matter upon cannabis or a
cannabis product, upon its container or wrapper, or that accompanies any cannabis or
cannabis product.
X. "Location" means any parcel of land, whether vacant or occupied by a building, group of
buildings, or accessory buildings, and includes the buildings, structures yards, open
spaces, lot width, and lot area.
Y. "Lighting" means the act of illuminating as well as the effect achieved by the arrangement
of lights.
Z "Live scan' means a system for inkless electronic fingerprinting and the automated
background check developed by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) which
involves digitizing fingerprints and electronically transmitting the fingerprint image data
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 6 of 33
along with personal descriptor information to computers at the DOJ for completion of a
criminal record check; or such other comparable inkless electronic fingerprinting and
automated background check process as determined by the City Council.
AA "Manager" means an employee responsible for management and/or supervision of
a commercial cannabis operation.
BB. "Manufacture" or "manufacturing" means to compound, blend, extract, infuse, or
otherwise make or prepare a cannabis product; includes the activities of a manufacturer
CC. "Manufacturer" means a person that conducts the production, preparation,
propagation, or compounding of cannabis or cannabis products either directly or indirectly
or by extraction methods, or independently by means of chemical synthesis, or by a
combination of extraction and chemical synthesis at a fixed location that packages or
repackages cannabis or cannabis products or labels or relabels its container; includes the
activity of manufacturing.
DD. "Marijuana" has the same definition as provided for "cannabis" in this chapter.
Eh. "Medical" refers to activity involving medical cannabis or medical cannabis
products, in contrast to an activity involving adult -use cannabis or adult -use cannabis
products.
FF. "Medical cannabis" or "medical cannabis product" means cannabis or a cannabis
product used in compliance with state law for medical purposes, pursuant to the
Compassionate Use Act (Health and Safety Code § 11362.5) the Medical Marijuana
Program Act (Health and Safety Code § § 11362.7 et seq.), and the Medicinal and Adult -
Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (Business and Professions Code §§ 26000, et
seq.)
GG. "Merit List" shall refer to the criteria listed in Section 5.50.090(C) of this chapter.
HH "Minor" means a person under twenty-one (21) years of age.
II. "Owner" means the owner of a commercial cannabis operation.
JJ. "Microbusiness" shall have the same definition as provided for in Section 26070 of
the Business and Professions Code, and as may be amended.
KK "Nursery ' means a person that produces only clones, immature plants, seeds, and
other agricultural products used specifically for the planting, propagation and cultivation
of cannabis.
LL "Operations Officer(s)" shall refer to the Director, the Fire Chief, the Police Chief,
the Finance Director and the City Manager, individually or collectively.
MM. "Package" means any container or receptacle used for holding cannabis or cannabis
products
NN. "Packaging" or "packages" means an activity involved with placing cannabis or
cannabis products in a package.
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 7 of 33
00. "Park" means public land which has been designated for park or recreational
activities, including but not limited to a park, playground, nature trails, swimming pool
athletic field, basketball court, tennis court pedestrian or bicycle paths, beaches, open
space, or similar public land within the city or which is under the control, operation or
management of the city recreation and parks department
PP. "Permittee ' means a person issued a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit by
the City of Morro Bay.
QQ. "Person" means any individual, firm, co -partnership, joint venture, association,
corporation, limited liability company, estate, trust, business trust, receiver, syndicate, or
any other group or combination acting as a unit.
RR. "Person with an identification card" has the same definition as provided for in
Health and Safety Code section 11362.7(c), and as may be amended, defined as "an
individual who is a qualified patient who has applied for and received a valid identification
caid pursuant to this article. '
SS. "Physician's recommendation" means a determination from a physician that a
patient's medical cannabis use is deemed appropriate and is recommended by the physician
on the basis of the physician has determined that the patient s health would benefit from
the use of cannabis in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity,
glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which cannabis provides relief, in
strict accordance with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Proposition 215), and as
understood by Section 11362.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
TT. "Religious institution" means any church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or building
which is used primarily for religious worship, religious education and related religious
activities.
UU. "Police Chief' means the City of Morro Bay Police Chief, and includes his/her
designee(s)
VV. "Police Department" means the City of Morro Bay Police Department.
WW. "Premises" means a single parcel of property. Where contiguous parcels are under
common ownership or control, such contiguous parcels shall be counted as a single
"premises."
XX "Primary caregiver" has the same definition as provided for in Section 11362.7(d)
of the Health and Safety Code, and as may be amended, including being "the individual,
designated by a qualified patient or by a person with an identification card, who has
consistently assumed responsibility for the housing, health, or safety of that patient or
person" A "primary caregiver" shall also meet the requirements of Health and Safety Code
section 11362.7(e), and as may be amended, which provide that a ` primary caregiver shall
be at least 18 years of age, unless the primary caregiver is the parent of a minor child who
is a qualified patient or a person with an identification caid or the primary caregiver is a
person otherwise entitled to make medical decisions under state law pursuant to Sections
6922, 7002, 7050, or 7120 of the Family Code."
YY. "Qualified Patient" has the same definition as provided for in Health and Safety
Code section 11362.7(f), and as may be amended, defined as "a person who is entitled to
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 8 of 33
the protections of Section 11362.5, but who does not have an identification card issued
pursuant to this article."
ZZ. "Retailer" means a person engaged in the retail sale or delivery of cannabis or -
cannabis products to a customer.
AAA. "School" means, as the term is understood by Section 26054(b) of the Business
and Profession Code, and as may be amended, as a place of instruction in kindergarten or
any grades 1 through 12.
BBB. "Site" means the premises and actual physical location of a Commercial Cannabis
Operation, as well as its accessory structures and parking areas.
CCC. "Testing laboratory" or "testing" refers to a laboratory, facility, or entity that offers
or performs tests on cannabis or cannabis products; includes the activity of laboratory
testing.
DDD. "Youth center" means, as the term is understood by Section 26001(av) of the
Business and Profession Code, and as may be amended, any public or private facility that
is primarily used to host recreational or social activities for minors, including, but not
limited to, private youth membership organizations or clubs, social service teenage club
facilities, video arcades, or similar amusement park facilities.
Sec. 5.50.040 - Prohibited commercial cannabis operations.
A. Commercial cannabis operations (including non-profit operations) within the City which
involve the activities of cultivation, manufacturer, testing, retail (adult use), distributor
(adult use), or microbusiness are prohibited, including but not limited to commercial
cannabis activities licensed by the state license classifications listed below as provided in
Business and Professions Code § 26050:
1. Type
2. Type
3. Type
4. Type
5. Type
6. Type
7. Type
8. Type
9. Type
10. Type
11. Type
12. Type
13. Type
14. Type
15. Type
16. Type
17. Type
-I-8 Type
4-9 Type
1 = Cultivation; Specialty outdoor; Small.
1 A = Cultivation; Specialty indoor; Small.
1B = Cultivation; Specialty mixed -light; Small.
1 C = Cultivation; Specialty cottage; Small.
2 = Cultivation; Outdoor; Small.
2A = Cultivation; Indoor; Small.
2B = Cultivation; Mixed -light; Small.
3 = Cultivation; Outdoor; Medium.
3A = Cultivation; Indoor; Medium.
3B = Cultivation; Mixed -light; Medium.
4 = Cultivation; Nursery.
5= Cultivation; Outdoor; Large.
5A = Cultivation; Indoor; Large
5B = Cultivation; Mixed -light; Large.
6 = Manufacturer 1.
7 = Manufacturer 2.
8 = Testing.
10 — Retailer (
11 — Distributor (adult use / non medical).
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 9 of 33
18. Type 12 = Microbusiness.
B. The prohibition provided by above subsection (A) includes any similar activities authorized
under new or revised state licenses, or any other state authorization, to allow any type,
category or classification of cannabis commercial activities which involve the activities of
cultivation, manufacturer, testing, • 3rmicrobusiness,
or similar operations (including non-profit, collective or cooperative operations).
(a
dult ad ult use), (adult adult use
Sec. 5.50.050 - Permitted commercial cannabis operations.
A. Commercial cannabis operations (including non-profit operations) within the City which
involve the activities of retail (medical) or distributor (medical) are allowed subject to
issuance and maintenance of a valid and current City Commercial Cannabis Operation
Permit, continuing adherence to this entire chapter and all applicable city and state
regulations and laws, and issuance and maintenance of a valid and current equivalent state
license type listed below, as provided for in Business and Professions Code § 26050:
1. Type 10 = Retailer (medical).
2. Type 11 = Distributor (medical).
B. The requirements provided by above subsection (A) apply to any similar activities
authorized under new or revised state licenses, or any other state authorization, to allow
any type, category or classification of cannabis commercial activities which involve the
activities of retail (medical), distribution (medical), or similar operations (including non-
profit, collective or cooperative operations).
Sec. 5.50.060 - Commercial cannabis operation permit.
A. Prior to initiating operation as a commercial cannabis operation and as a continuing
requisite to conducting operations, the owner of a commercial cannabis operation shall
obtain a regulatory permit from the City under the terms and conditions set forth in this
chapter.
B. Issuance of a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit is governed by a three -step
procedure (as provided for in more detail in Sections 5.50.080 and 5.50.090).
1. The first step (as provided for in Section 50.50.080) is a review by the Director to
determine whether an applicant meets the minimum qualifications for a
Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit, such minimum qualifications being the
requirements of this chapter, the Morro Bay City Code, and applicable state law. If
the Director makes a positive determination, then the application will be deemed
compliant, and eligible for review by the Cannabis Permit Committee as to whether
the permit should issue.
2. The second step (as provided for in Section 50.50.090) is a review by the Cannabis
Permit Committee of the thoroughness of applicant's adherence to Merit List
criteria specified in Section 5.50.090(C). Upon conclusion of this review, the
Cannabis Permit Committee shall make a recommendation to the City Manager as
to whether or not a permit should be issued. The recommendation shall articulate
in writing reasons for the recommendation and refer to Merit List criteria.
3. The third step (as provided for in Section 50.50.90) is review by City Manager of
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 10 of 33
Cannabis Permit Committee recommendations, and then a decision on whether a
permit will or will not be issued. The reasons for the decision shall be articulated
in writing and refer to Merit List criteria specified in Section 5.50.090(C). The
decision shall be final and non -appealable.
C. Commercial Cannabis Operation Permits issued pursuant to this chapter shall
automatically expire one year from the date of issuance unless provided for otherwise
D. Conditions necessary for the continuing validity of a Commercial Cannabis Operation
Permit include:
1. Strict adherence to each and every requirement of this chapter, as well as any
requirements, including administrative regulations, adopted by the City pursuant to
the authority of this chapter.
2. Maintaining a current and valid state license under Section 26200 of the Business
and Professions Code, and as amended. Revocation, suspension or expiration of the
state license shall automatically invalidate the equivalent City Commercial
Cannabis Operation Permit.
3. Allowing Operations Officers to conduct reasonable inspections of the location of
the commercial cannabis operation at the discretion of the City, including but not
limited to inspection of security, inventory, and written records and files pertaining
to the commercial cannabis operation, for the purposes of ensuring compliance with
local and state law.
4. Maintaining with the City current and valid contact information of the owner(s) and
manager(s) of the commercial cannabis operation.
5. Maintaining with the City current and valid contact information of a legal
representative of the commercial cannabis operation.
6. Transferable only if transferee successfully completes all of the requirements that
a new applicant for a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit would otherwise
need to meet.
Sec. 5.50.070 - Applications for commercial cannabis operation permit.
A. The owner of a proposed commercial cannabis operation shall file an application with the
Director upon a four provided by the City and shall pay a filing fee as established by
resolution adopted by the City Council, as may be amended from time to time. Applications
will be accepted beginning on July 1, 2018.
B. An application for a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit shall include, but not be
limited to, the following information•
1. Business.
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
a. Activities. A general description of the proposed operation, including
how the proposed operation will operate in compliance with this Code
and state law, plans for handhng cash and transporting cannabis and
cannabis products to and from the premises and the proposed use of all
Ordinance No. 633
Page 11 of 33
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
areas on the premises, including but not limited to specific activities,
storage, lighting and signage.
b. Security. A security plan detailing measures to the satisfaction of the
Director that all applicable security -related requirements under State or
local law including but not limited to the requirements of Section
550.110(B), are and will be met.
c. Development. Agreement Applicants seeking to enter into a
development agreement with the City pursuant to Government Code
sections 65864, et seq., are encouraged to propose terms and conditions
including but not limited to applicant benefits, public outreach and
education, community service, and payment of fees and other charges
as mutually agreed.
d. Odor Control. An odor control plan detailing odor control measures in
accordance with Section 550.110(C), to the satisfaction of the Director.
e. Ownership. A description of the statutory entity or business form that
will serve as the legal structure for the applicant the ownership structure
of the applicant as filed with the California Secretary of State (e.g.
limited liability company, joint partnership, S-Corporation) (an
applicant that is a foreign corporation shall include in its application the
certificate of qualification issued by the Secretary of State of
California), and a copy of the entity's formation and organizing
documents, including, but not limited to, articles of incorporation,
certificate of amendment, statement of information, articles of
association, bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, and
fictitious business name statement.
f. Seller's Permit. The seller's permit number issued by the Board of
N qualization or evidence that the applicant has applied for a seller's
permit from the Board of hqualization, as applicable.
g. Other Licenses and Permits. Identification of any other licenses or
permits for commercial cannabis operations, whether for the City of
Morro Bay or for any other licensing or permitting authority
i. held currently by the applicant;
ii. pending approval for the applicant; or
iii. denied to, revoked from or suspended for the applicant.
h. Physical. A general description of the proposed operation, including the
street address, parcel number, the total square footage of the site, and
the characteristics of the surrounding area
i. Floor plan. A scaled floor plan for each level of each building that is
part of the business site, including the entrances, exits, walls and
operating areas. The floor plan must be professionally prepared by a
licensed civil engineer or architect.
Ordinance No. 633
Page 12 of 33
j. Site plan. A scaled site plan of the business site, that will include at a
minimum all buildings, structures, driveways, parking lots, landscape
areas, and boundaries. The site plan must be professionally prepared by
a licensed civil engineer or architect.
k. Hours of Operation. Proposed hours and days of operation.
2. Individuals.
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
a. Managers. The name, address, e-mail and phone number of any person
who is managing or responsible for the commercial cannabis
operation's activities.
b. Community Outreach Manager. The name, e-mail and phone number of
an employee designated as Community Outreach Manager, who will be
responsible for outreach and communication with the surrounding
community, including the neighborhood and nearby businesses.
c. Employees. A list of the names of all current and prospective employees
of the commercial cannabis operation, along with any other identifying
information requested by the Director.
d. Consent to Criminal Investigation. Written consent from all employees
to fingerprinting and a criminal background investigation by the City,
upon a faun provided by the City, accompanied with payment of
appropriate fees to City to cover the costs of performing such criminal
background check. At the discretion of the City and in compliance with
State law, the City may use live scan to perform criminal background
checks.
e. Identification. For each employee, a color photocopy of either a valid
California Driver's License or equivalent identification approved by the
Diiector.
f. Land Owner The name address, e-mail and phone number of the owner
and lessor of the real property upon which the commercial cannabis
operation is to be conducted. In the event the applicant is not the legal
owner of the property, the application must be accompanied by a
notarized acknowledgement from the owner of the property that a
commercial cannabis operation will be operated on his/her property.
Miscellaneous.
a. Any additional application requirements specific to the type of
Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit being sought, including but not
limited to as provided for by this chapter.
b. Fvidence satisfactory to the Diiector of compliance with all local and
state law requirements governing commercial cannabis operations.
Evidence satisfactory to the Director of compliance with all applicable
Ordinance No. 633
Page 13 of 33
insurance requirements as provided for by this chapter, local law and
state law. Minimum insurance levels shall be determined by the Director
after an assessment of the risks posed by the commercial cannabis
operation, including provision for meeting the requirements of Section
5 50.080(D)(2).
d. Authorization for the Director to seek verification of the information
contained within the application.
e. A statement in writing by the applicant that he or she certifies under
penalty of penury that all the infoimation contained in the application
is true and correct.
f. Any such additional and further information as is deemed necessary by
the Director to administer this chapter.
Sec. 5.50.080 - Compliance review of commercial cannabis operation permit application.
A. Upon receipt of a completed application and payment of all applicable fees, the Director
shall investigate the infoimation contained in the application to determine whether the
applicant meets the minimum qualifications for a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit.
These minimum qualifications are the requirements of this chapter, the Mono Bay City
Code, and applicable state law. If the Director makes a positive determination then the
application will be deemed compliant and eligible for review as to whether the permit
should issue pursuant to the provisions in Section 5.50.090.
B. If the Director determines that the application is incomplete, the Director shall notify the
applicant in writing explaining the reasons thereof within sixty (60) days of receipt of the
application. Applicant shall have 30 days to submit a completed application, in accordance
with the Director's notification. If the application is resubmitted as incomplete, it shall be
deemed abandoned The applicant may then resubmit a new application for a new review
pursuant to the requirements of this section.
C. Within ninety (90) days of receipt of the completed application, the Director shall complete
the investigation, approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application as being in
compliance with the requirements of this chapter, and so notify the applicant by United
States mail, first class postage prepaid, addressed to the applicant at the address stated in
the application.
D. An applicant shall not be deemed compliant for purposes of review under Section 5.50.090,
until and unless an applicant meets all of the following requirements:
1 Provides written authorization to the Operations Officers to conduct reasonable
unannounced inspections of the location of the commercial cannabis operation at
the discretion of the City, including but not limited to inspection of security
inventory, and written records and files pertaining to the commercial cannabis
operation, for the purposes of ensuring compliance with this chapter and all laws of
the City and the State of California.
2. Executes an agreement: to indemnify, defend and hold harmless (at the Commercial
Cannabis Operation Permit holder's sole expense the ability to do so demonstrated
through proof of sufficient insurance coverage to the satisfaction of the City) the
City, its elected officials, employees, agents, officers, and representatives, and each
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 14 of 33
and all of them individually, from all liability or harm arising from or in connection
with all claims, damages, attorney's fees, costs and allegations arising from or in
any way related to the operation of the commercial cannabis operation; and, to
reimburse the City for any costs and attorney's fees that the City may be required
to pay as a result of such action. The City may, at its sole discretion, participate at
its own expense in the defense of any such action
Upon successfully completing the review process, the permit application shall be deemed
compliant and eligible for review under Section 5.50.090 unless the Director finds:
1. The applicant has made one or more false or misleading statements or omissions,
either on the written application or during the application process; or
2. A proposed location foi the commercial cannabis operation is not allowed by state
or local law, statute, ordinance, or regulation (including this Code); or
3. The applicant has not satisfied each and every requirement of this chapter and Code;
or
4. The applicant is not in compliance with applicable state law, including, but not
limited to, applicable requirements and minimum standards of the Adult Use of
Marijuana Act of 2016 (AUMA) (Proposition 64), the Medicinal and Adult -Use
Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act of 2017 (MAUCRSA) and any applicable
State regulations
F. Based on the information set forth in the application and the Director's review the Director
may impose, as a condition of being deemed compliant and thereby eligible for review
under Section 5.50.090, reasonable terms and conditions on the use of the permit, in
addition to those specified in this chapter, to ensure the safe operation of the commercial
cannabis operation and to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the residents and visitors
of the City of Mono Bay.
G. At the Director's sole discretion, the time limits in this Section may be extended upon
written notification from the Director to the applicant.
Sec. 5.50.090 - Issuance of commercial cannabis operation permit.
A. Issuance of a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit constitutes a revocable privilege and
shall not create or establish any vested rights for the development or use of a property. The
City may determine that it is in the best interests of the health, safety and welfare of the
residents and visitors of the City of Morro Bay that no Commercial Cannabis Operation
Permits are to be granted by the City.
B. Upon determination by the Director that an applicant is compliant with the requirements
of this chapter, the Morro Bay City Code and applicable state law (and thereby eligible for
review by the Cannabis Permit Committee to determine whether or not a City of Morro
Bay Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit will be issued), the Director shall promptly
prepare for the application a written Merit List for provision to the Cannabis Permit
Committee.
C. A Merit List shall detail and rank in writing the thoroughness of an applicant's adherence
to the following criteria, as they relate to the maintenance and promotion of the health,
safety and welfare of the residents and visitors of the City of Morro Bay:
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 15 of 33
1. Operation plan for the business, including attention to community concerns about
the impact of the business.
2. Security plan for the business, including details for the non -diversion of cannabis
or cannabis products to illegal uses.
3. Health and safety plan foi the business, including enhanced product and operations
health and safety.
4. Impact on the environment.
5. Neighborhood compatibility.
6. Employment opportunities for City of Morro Bay residents.
7. Economic benefits to the City of Mono Bay.
8. Community benefits to the City of Marjo Bay.
9. Experience of the operators, managers and employees.
10. Capitalization of the business.
11. Requirements of this chapter, this Code and applicable State law.
12 Any additional criteria the Director determines is of benefit to making a
determination of the applicant s commitment to the health, safety and welfare of
the residents and visitors of the City of Morro Bay.
D. The Cannabis Permit Committee shall determine in writing, within a reasonable amount of
time after receipt from the Director of the Merit List, whether to recommend to the City
Manager that the requested Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit shall be issued. The
recommendation shall use the criteria contained within Section 5 50.090(C).
1. Factors to be considered shall include the written Merit List, as well as all pertinent
evidence timely submitted (at the determination of the Cannabis Permit Committee)
by the applicant, the public, and interested parties. No pre -determined weight shall
be given to one criterion or another.
2 Each application shall be considered in its totality with weight given to one criterion
over another as determined appropriate by the Cannabis Permit Committee to
further the maintenance and promotion of the health, safety and welfare of the
residents and visitors of the City of Morro Bay.
3. Upon conclusion of this review, the Cannabis Permit Committee shall make a
recommendation to the City Manager as to whether or not a permit should be issued.
The recommendation shall articulate reasons in writing for the recommendation and
iefer to Merit List criteria
E The City Manager shall make a final determination in writing, within a reasonable amount
of time after receipt from the Cannabis Permit Committee of a recommendation, whether
the applicant shall be issued a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit.
1. Factors to be considered shall include the written Merit List, as well as all pertinent
evidence timely submitted (at the determination of the City Manager) by the
applicant, the public, and interested parties. No pre -determined weight shall be
given to one criterion or another.
2 teach application shall be considered in its totality with weight given to one criterion
over another as determined appropriate by the City Manager to further the
maintenance and promotion of the health, safety and welfare of the residents and
visitors of the City of Morro Bay.
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 16 of 33
3. Notice of the written determination shall be provided promptly to the applicant
upon final determination. The determination shall articulate reasons in writing for
the final determination and refer to Merit List criteria The determination shall be
final and not appealable.
F. The City Manager may impose reasonable terms and conditions on the use of the permit,
in addition to those specified in this chapter, to ensure the safe operation of the commercial
cannabis operation, and to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the residents and visitors
of the City of Mono Bay.
G. As determined appropriate by the City, multiple qualified applications for Commercial
Cannabis Opeiation Permits may be considered at the same time, for reasons including but
not limited to comparison of applicants for limited permits using the criteria contained
within Section 5.50 090(C). The permit process timelines provided by this chapter may be
modified by the City to facilitate such review of multiple applications.
Sec 5.50.100 - Renewal of commercial cannabis operation permit.
A. Issuance of a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit constitutes a revocable privilege and
shall not create or establish any vested rights for the development or use of a property. The
City may determine through the procedures provided in this chapter that for l easons of the
health, safety and welfare of the residents and visitors of the City of Morro Bay that a
Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit will not be renewed
B. Commercial Cannabis Operation Permits issued pursuant to this chapter shall
automatically expire one year from the date of issuance, unless specifically provided for
otherwise by this chapter.
C. The following procedures shall govern the process for the renewal of a Commercial
Cannabis Operation Pennit:
1. A holder of a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit may apply for the renewal
of an existing permit no less than 60 days prior to the permit's expiration date upon
a thin' provided by the City and shall pay a filing fee as established by resolution
adopted by the City Council as amended from time to time.
2. Renewal applications shall comply with all of the requirements in this chapter for
applying for a new Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit. At the discretion of
the City, renewal applications may consist of updating any changes to an original
application or previous renewal application.
3. The Director will review permit renewal applications and make a determination as
to whether the commercial cannabis operation has remained in compliance with all
the requirements of this chapter and State law during the prior term of the permit.
If the Director makes a contrary determination, the application for a permit renewal
shall be denied.
4. If the Directoi determines the commercial cannabis operation has remained in
compliance with all the requirements of this chapter and state law during the prior
term of the permit, the permit renewal application shall then be subject to the
requirements of Section 5.50.090 (including the attendant preparation of a Merit
List applicable to the prior term's operations), and the Director shall provide to the
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 17 of 33
Cannabis Permit Committee a written Merit List. The Cannabis Permit Committee
shall then recommend to the City Manager in writing whether the permit should be
renewed The City Manager shall review the recommendation and then make a final
decision on whether to giant an application for a permit renewal The decision shall
be final and non -appealable.
5. If the holder of a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit files a renewal
application less than 60 days prior to expiration, the holder must provide a written
explanation detailing the circumstances surrounding the late filing. The Director
may deny the untimely application after review of the explanation If the Director
accepts the application, then the Director may elect to administratively extend the
permit beyond the expiration date while the Director completes the renewal
permitting process. Untimely applications for renewal which are nevertheless
accepted by the Directoi pursuant to this section are subject to a late penalty.
D. A Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit is immediately invalid upon expiration if the
permit holder has not filed a timely and/or accepted renewal application and remitted all of
the required renewal fees In the event the permit is not renewed prior to expiration the
affected commercial cannabis operation shall cease operation upon the expiration of the
permit and is thereafter considered to be unlawful.
Sec. 5.50.110 - General operating standards and restrictions.
A commercial cannabis operation shall operate in conformance with the following minimum
standards, and such standards shall be deemed to be part of the conditions on the permit for a
commercial cannabis operation to ensure that its operation is in compliance with California law
and the Morro Bay Municipal Code, and to mitigate any potential adverse impacts of the
commercial cannabis operation on the public health safety or welfare.
Additional minimum standards may be adopted from time to time either by resolution or ordinance
from the City Council, or by the Director (upon authorization by resolution from the City Council).
A. State Standards. All state requirements and regulations that govern the operation of a
commercial cannabis operation, including but not limited to ones related specifically to
certain types of commercial cannabis operations, shall apply as minimum requirements and
regulations and requirements for commercial cannabis operations within the City of Morro
Bay, in addition to the requirements and regulations of this chapter and this Code.
B. Secu
1. General. All cannabis, cannabis products and cash present or kept at the premises
shall be securely stored against both unauthorized access as well as theft.
2. Security Cameras.
a. Security cameras shall be installed and maintained in good condition, with
at least 30 days of digitally recorded documentation in a format approved
by the Director and the Police Chief.
b. The camera and recording system must be of adequate quality color
rendition, and resolution to allow the identification of any individual present
at the site of the commercial cannabis operation
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 18 of 33
c. The cameras shall be in continuous use 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
d. The recording system must be capable of exporting the recorded video in
standard MPEG formats to another common medium approved by the
Director, such as DVD and/or a USB drive.
e. The areas to be covered by the security cameras include, but are not limited
to, the storage areas, operation areas, all doors and windows, the parking
lot, all exterior sides of the property adjacent to the public rights of way,
and any other areas as determined by the Director and Police Chief.
f. Remote log -in information will be provided to the Operations Officers to
allow them to view live and recorded security camera images remotely at
any time.
3. Alarm System The location of the commercial cannabis operation shall be alarmed
with a centrally -monitored fire and burglar alarm system, and monitored by an
alaim company properly licensed by the State of California Department of
Consumer Affairs Bureau of Security and Investigative Services in accordance with
California Business & Professions Code section 7590, et seq. and whose agents are
properly licensed and registered under applicable law.
4. Locked Entrances. All entrances into the building housing a commercial cannabis
operation shall be locked from the exterior at all times with entry controlled by
employees.
5. Windows. All windows on the building that houses the commercial cannabis
operation shall be secured against entry from the outside
6. No employee shall refuse, impede, obstruct o1 interfere with an inspection
conducted pursuant to the authorizations provided by this chapter.
C. Odors.
1. A commercial cannabis operation shall have an air treatment system that ensures
off -site odors shall not result from its activities.
2. This requirement at a minimum means that the commercial cannabis operation shall
be designed to provide sufficient odor absorbing ventilation and exhaust systems
so that any odor geneiated inside the location of the commercial cannabis operation
is not detected outside the building, on adjacent properties or public rights -of -way,
or within any other unit located within the same building as the commercial
cannabis operation, if the use only occupies a portion of a building
D. Authorizations.
1. The Operations Officers shall have the right to enter all areas of the commercial
cannabis operation from time to time unannounced for the purpose of making
reasonable inspections to observe and enforce compliance with this chapter and all
laws of the City and State of California.
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 19 of 33
2. Recordings made by security cameras required pursuant to this chapter shall be
made available to the Operations Officers upon verbal request; no search warrant
or subpoena shall be needed to view the recorded materials.
E Records.
1. Commercial cannabis operations shall maintain on -site the following records either
in paper or electronic form:
a. The full name, address, and telephone numbers of the owner and lessee of
the property.
b. The name, date of birth, address, and telephone number of each employee
of the commercial cannabis operation; the date each was hired; and the
nature of each employee's participation in the commercial cannabis
operation.
c. Copies of all required state licenses.
d. An inventory record documenting the dates and amounts of cannabis and
cannabis products received at the site, the daily amounts of cannabis and
cannabis products on the site, and the daily amounts of cannabis and
cannabis products leaving the site for any reason, including but not limited
to being sold, delivered, or distributed.
e. A written accounting of all expenditures, costs, revenues and profits of the
commercial cannabis operation, including but not limited to cash and in -
kind transactions.
f. A copy of all insurance policies related to the operation of the commercial
cannabis operation.
g. A copy of the commercial cannabis operation's most recent year's financial
statement and tax return
h Proof of a valid and current permit issued by the City in accordance with
this chapter, and the equivalent State of California license to operate the
commercial cannabis operation hveny commercial cannabis operation shall
display at all times during business hours the City permit issued pursuant to
the provisions of this chapter, and the equivalent State license, in a
conspicuous place so that it may be readily seen by all persons entering the
location of the commercial cannabis operation.
2. All records required to be maintained by the commercial cannabis operation must
be maintained for no less than three (3) years and are subject to immediate
inspection (consistent with requirements pertaining to patient confidentiality
pursuant to applicable State and Federal law) upon a lawful written request by an
Operation Officer.
3. A commercial cannabis operation shall report any loss damage, or destruction of
these records to the Operation Officers within twenty-four (24) hours of the loss,
damage, or destruction.
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 20 of 33
F. Site Management.
1. Commercial cannabis operations shall not result in a nuisance or adversely affect
the health, welfare, or safety of nearby persons by creating dust, glare, heat, noise,
noxious gases odors, smoke, traffic, vibration, or other impacts or be hazardous
due to use or storage of materials, processes, products or waste. The permittee shall
promptly and diligently both prevent as well as eliminate conditions on the site of
the commercial cannabis opeiation that constitute a nuisance.
2. The Commeicial Cannabis Operation permittee shall maintain the exterior of the
site, including any parking lots under the control of the permittee, free of litter,
debris, and trash
3. The Commercial Cannabis Operation permittee shall properly store and dispose of
all waste generated on the site, including chemical and organic waste, in accordance
with all applicable laws and regulations.
4. Notwithstanding any provisions of this code to the contrary, the Commercial
Cannabis Operation permittee shall remove all graffiti from the site and parking
lots under the control of the Commercial Cannabis Operation Permittee within 72
hours of its application
G. State Board of Equalization Seller's Permit Required.
1. Commercial cannabis operations must obtain a Seller's Permit from the State Board
of Equalization as applicable.
2. Such permit shall be displayed in a conspicuous place so that it may be readily seen
by all persons entering the location of the commercial cannabis operation
H. Employees.
1. All employees must submit to fingerprinting and criminal background checks by
the City.
a. No employee convicted within the last ten years of a felony substantially
related to the qualifications, functions or duties of an employee of a
commercial cannabis operation (such as a felony conviction for distribution
of controlled substances, money laundering, racketeering, etc) shall be
employed by a commercial cannabis opeiation, unless such employee has
obtained a certificate of rehabilitation (expungement of felony record)
under California law or under a similar federal statute or state law where the
expungement was granted.
b. At the request of the commercial cannabis operation, the Director and Police
Chief shall determine the applicability of this section to a potential
employee within a reasonable period of time after a written request has been
made to the Director and Police Chief for such determination.
2. All employees must possess a valid government issued (or equivalent) form of
identification containing an identifying photograph of the employee the name of
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 21 of 33
the employee, the date of birth of the employee, and the residential address of the
employee. Color copies of such identification shall be maintained at the location of
the commercial cannabis operation A valid California Driver's license will satisfy
this requirement
I. Cannabis Transfer Between Permitted Operations Only.
A commercial cannabis operation shall not transfer cannabis or cannabis products to or
fiom another commercial cannabis operation, unless both operations are in possession of
all required state and local licenses and permits.
J. Commercial Cannabis Operation Signage.
1. Signs on the premises shall not obstruct the entrance or the video surveillance
system. The size, location, and design of any signage must conform to the sign
provisions in the Morro Bay Municipal Code.
2. Business identification signage shall be limited to that needed for identification
only, consisting of a single window sign or wall sign that shall comply with the
appropriate sign requirements within the applicable zoning district.
K. Prohibited Personal Activities.
1. Cannabis Use. No person shall smoke, ingest, or otherwise consume cannabis in
any form on, or within 20 feet of, the site of the commercial cannabis operation.
2. Alcohol Use. No person shall possess, consume, or store any alcoholic beverage on
the site of the commercial cannabis operation
L No Minors. No minor shall be an employee of or participate in, a commercial cannabis
operation in any capacity, including but not limited to, as a manager, employee, contractor,
adviser, or volunteer.
M. Exterior Lighting. The exterior of the premises upon which the commercial cannabis
operation is operated shall be equipped with and, at all times between sunset and sunrise,
shall remain illuminated with fixtures of sufficient intensity and number to illuminate every
portion of the property with an illumination level of not less than one foot-candle as
measured at the ground level, including, but not limited to, landscaped areas, parking lots,
driveways, walkways, entry areas, and refuse storage areas
N. Building Design. A Commercial Cannabis Operation permittee must maintain the design
of the buildings on the site in accordance with the plans that are approved by the City
pursuant to this chapter and otherwise approved by the City. No peimittee shall modify the
buildings on the site contrary to the approved plans without the approval of the Dii ector.
O. Nuisance. The Commercial Cannabis Operation permittee shall take all reasonable steps to
discourage and correct conditions that constitute a nuisance in parking areas, sidewalks,
alleys and areas surrounding the premises and adjacent properties during business hours if
related to the members of the subject commercial cannabis operation
1. "Reasonable steps" shall include immediately calling the police upon observation
of the activity, and requesting that those engaging in activities that constitute a
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 22 of 33
nuisance or are otherwise illegal to cease those activities, unless personal safety
would be threatened in making the request.
2. "Nuisance" includes but is not limited to disturbances of peace, open public
consumption of cannabis, alcohol or controlled substances, excessive pedestrian or
vehicular traffic, including the formation of any pedestrian lines outside the
building, illegal drug activity, harassment of passersby, excessive littering,
excessive loitering, illegal parking, excessive loud noises, especially late at night
or early in the morning hours, lewd conduct or police detentions and arrests.
P. Upon and after receiving possession of a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit as
provided for in this chapter, the Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit holder shall:
1. Immediately update the Director in writing upon the change in status of any of the
information previously submitted to the City concerning the commercial cannabis
operation, including but not limited to when there is any change in the address,
email, phone number, or other identifying information, previously provided to the
City in compliance with this chapter, for any owner, manager, community outreach
manager, property owner, or legal representative of the commercial cannabis
operation.
2. Maintain continuing compliance with criminal background check requirements of
this chapter by ensuring that:
a. upon the hiring, association or retention of an employee by the
commercial cannabis operation, the requirements of Section
5.50.070(B)(2)(d) are immediately met for such employee by provision of
appropriate documentation to the Director; and
b. the Director and Police Chief are immediately informed in writing of any
felony conviction as described in Section 5.50.110(H)(1)(a) for any
current employee.
3. Maintain continuing compliance with all applicable insurance requirements,
including, but not limited to, those imposed by City and this chapter.
Q. Exemption. The regulations contained in this chapter shall not apply to a commercial
cannabis operation engaged in the following uses, as long as such use complies strictly
with applicable law, including this Code, regulating such use and the location of such use,
including, but not limited to, Sections 11362.5, et seq. of the Health and Safety: a clinic
licensed pursuant to Chapter 1 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a health care
facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a
residential care facility for persons with chronic life -threatening illness licensed pursuant
to Chapter 3.01 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a residential care facility for
the elderly licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code;
and, a residential hospice or a home health agency licensed pursuant to Chapter 8 of
Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code.
Sec. 5.50.120 - Retail operating standards and restrictions.
A commercial cannabis operation engaged in retail (medical) shall operate in conformance with
both the General Operating Standards and Restrictions provided for in Section 5.50.110, as well
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 23 of 33
as the following minimum standards, and such standards shall be deemed to be part of the
conditions of the permit for a retail (medical) commercial cannabis operation to ensure that its
operation is in compliance with California law and the Morro Bay Municipal Code, and to mitigate
any potential adverse impacts of the commercial cannabis operation on the public health, safety or
welfare.
Additional minimum standards may be adopted from time to time either by resolution or ordinance
from the City Council, or by the Director (upon authorization by resolution from the City Council).
A. City Permit and State License. No person shall engage in retail (medical) without both a
current and valid City Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit issued for retail (medical)
as well as a current and valid equivalent state license as provided for under Section 26200
of the Business and Professions Code, and as may be amended.
B. State Standards. All state requirements and regulations that govern retail ' -al3
operations, including but not limited to the regulations promulgated by the California
Bureau of Cannabis Control within the Department of Consumer Affairs, and as may be
amended, shall apply as minimum requirements and regulations and requirements for retail
(medical) commercial cannabis operations within the City of Moro Bay, in addition to the
requirements and regulations of this chapter and this Code.
C. Location Restrictions.
1. No retail (medical) operation shall locate or operate in any zone of the City of
Morro Bay, other than in the central business (C-1) district, the general commercial
(C-2) district, or the light industrial (IVI- 1) district.
2. No retail (medical) operation shall locate within six hundred (600) feet of a school,
day care center, or youth center. The distance shall be measured as the horizontal
distance measured in a straight line from the property line of one site to the property
line of another site.
3. No retail (medical) operation shall locate within one hundred (100) feet of a park.
The distance shall be measured as the horizontal distance measured in a straight
line from the property line of one site to the property line of another site.
4. No retail (medical) operation shall locate within one hundred (100) feet from
another retail (medical) operation. The distance shall be measured as the horizontal
distance measured in a straight line from the property line of one site to the property
line of another site.
D. Number of Pen -nits. No more than two permits shall be active and valid in the City at any
one time. In the event less than two permits are active and valid in the City, in its sole
discretion the City may accept permit applications pursuant to the provisions of this
chapter.
E. Renewal of Permits. Subject to the requirements of Section 5.50.100, the City in its sole
discretion may elect to extend the term, of one of the two permits initially issued (or
thereafter, to achieve staggered review of permit renewal applications), so that each year
thereafter the City shall only review one request for a permit renewal.
F. Customers. Retail (medical) operations shall only sell, dispense, or provide medical
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 24 of 33
i
i
i
cannabis or medical cannabis products to a qualified patient with a written physician's
recommendation, a person with an identification card, or a primary caregiver with written
documentation attesting to lawful status as a primary caregiver; and, retail operations shall
only sell, dispense, or provide adult -use cannabis or adult -use cannabis products to
individuals 21 years of age or older.
G. Opaque Packaging. All cannabis or cannabis products sold to a customer shall be
prohibited from leaving the site unless placed in opaque packaging which conceals the
nature of the product from human vision.
H. Dispensing and Storage Areas. Entrance to the dispensing area and any storage areas shall
be locked at all times, and under the control of employees.
I. Edibles.
1. All edible cannabis products available for sale must be clearly labeled as medic -al
cannabis.
2. No edible cannabis products shall be available for sale which are appealing to
children or easily confused with commercially sold candy or foods that do not
contain cannabis.
3. All edible cannabis products shall be provided to customers with sufficient
information to enable the informed consumption of the product, including the
potential effects of the cannabis product and directions as to how to consume the
cannabis product, as necessary.
4. All edibles cannabis products for sale shall be marked with a universal symbol, as
determined by the State Department of Public Health through regulation, pursuant
to Section 26130(c)(7) of the Business and Professions Code.
J. Interior Lighting. The premises within which the commercial cannabis operation is
operated shall be equipped with and, at all times during which is open to the public, shall
remain illuminated with overhead lighting fixtures of sufficient intensity to illuminate
every place to which members of the public or portions thereof are permitted access with
an illumination of not less than two foot-candles as measured at the floor level.
•
K. Signs. A permittee shall display conspicuously in the lobby of the site the following signs,
so that each sign may be readily seen by persons entering the site, and each sign must be
at least 8 inches by 10 inches in size:
1. "Minors are prohibited from entering this site unless they are a qualified patient or
a primly caregiver, and they are in the presence of their parent or legal guardian."
2. "Smoking, ingesting, or consuming cannabis on or within 20 feet of this site is
prohibited."
L. No Recommendations On -site. Retail (medical) operations shall not have a physician or
any person licensed to recommend medical cannabis for medical use, at the location of the
commercial cannabis operation, to provide a recommendation or physician's
recommendation, for the use of medical cannabis.
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 25 of 33
M. Sanitation. The permittee shall establish and implement written procedures that maintain
the highest industry standards of sanitation and cleanliness for the operation so as to ensure
cannabis and cannabis products sold to the public are free of harmful contaminants.
N. Training. The permittee shall establish and implement written procedures that provide for
the highest industry standards of training for employees.
O. Prohibited Activities. No cannabis cultivation, testing or manufacturing shall occur at the
location of the retail (medical) operation.
P. No Alcohol. Retail (medical) operations shall not hold or maintain a license from the State
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to sell alcoholic beverages, or operate a
business that sells alcoholic beverages.
Q.
No Lounge or Cafe. Retail (medical) operations shall not operate as a lounge, cafe or
restaurant serving food or drinks for consumption on -site. There shall be no seating area,
tables, couches, or chairs for the gathering or congregating of members.
R. Age Restriction. Minors are prohibited from entering the location of the retail (medical)
operation unless they are a qualified patient or a primary caregiver, and they are in the
presence of their parent or legal guardian.
S. Public Information. The permittee shall make available to customers a list of the rules and
regulations governing medical and adult -use cannabis use and consumption within the
City and recommendations on sensible medical and adult -use cannabis etiquette.
Sec. 5.50.130 - Wholesale distribution l)-operating standards and restrictions.
A commercial cannabis operation engaged in distribution shall operate in conformance with both
the General Operating Standards and Restrictions for all Commercial Cannabis Operations
provided for in Section 5.50.110, as well as with the following minimum standards, and such
standards shall be deemed to be part of the conditions of the permit for a distribution commercial
cannabis operation to ensure that its operation is in compliance with California law and the Morro
Bay Municipal Code, and to mitigate any potential adverse impacts of the commercial cannabis
operation on the public health, safety or welfare.
Additional minimum standards may be adopted from time to time either by resolution or ordinance
from the City Council, or by the Director (upon authorization by resolution from the City Council).
A. City Permit and State License. No person shall engage in distribution without both a current
and valid City Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit issued for distribution as well as a
current and valid equivalent state license as provided for under Section 26200 of the
Business and Professions Code, and as may be amended.
B. State Standards. All state requirements and regulations that govern distribution operations,
including but not limited to the regulations promulgated by the California Bureau of
Cannabis Control within the Department of Consumer Affairs, and as may be amended,
shall apply as minimum requirements and regulations and requirements for distribution
commercial cannabis operations within the City of Morro Bay, in addition the requirements
and regulations of this chapter and this Code.
C. Location Restrictions.
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 26 of 33
1. No distribution operation shall locate or operate in any zone of the City of Morro
Bay, other than in the central business (C-1) district, the general commercial (C-2)
district, or the light industrial (M-1) district.
2. No distribution operation shall locate within six hundred (600) feet of a school, day
care center, or youth center The distance shall be measured as the horizontal
distance measured in a straight line from the property line of one site to the property
line of another site.
3. No distribution operation shall locate within one hundred (100) feet of a park. The
distance shall be measured as the horizontal distance measured in a straight line
from the property line of one site to the property line of another site.
D. Distribution Restrictions.
1. Distribution operations shall distribute cannabis and cannabis products only
between licensed cannabis commercial operations.
2. Distribution operations shall not conduct retail sales of cannabis or cannabis
products.
3. Distribution operations shall not distribute any cannabis or cannabis products to
retail operations unless such cannabis or cannabis products has been properly tested
and approved for retail sale pursuant to State law.
4. Upon demand by any Operation Officer a distributor shall make immediately
available copies of any required shipping manifests as understood by Section
26070(f) of the Business and Professions Code.
E Site Requirements. The site shall comply with the following requirements:
1. Visibility. Neither cannabis nor cannabis products shall be visible from the public
right-of-way, the unsecured areas surrounding the buildings on the site, or the site's
main entrance and lobby.
2. Main hntrance and Lobby. The site shall have a building with a main entrance that
is clearly visible from the pubhc street or sidewalk The main entrance shall be
maintained cleat of barriers landscaping, and other obstructions Inside of the main
entrance, there shall be a lobby to receive persons into the site and to verify whether
they are allowed in the distribution commercial cannabis operation areas. Members
of the general public shall not be allowed in the distribution commercial cannabis
operation areas except for reasons of lawful. business.
3. Secure Product. All cannabis and cannabis products at the site shall be kept in a
secured manner at all times.
4. Transport Area Each building with a storage area shall have an area designed for
the secure transfer of cannabis from vehicles to the storage area.
5. Storage Area Each building shall have adequate storage space for cannabis. The
storage areas shall be separated from the main entrance and lobby, and shall be
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 27 of 33
secured by a lock accessible only to employees of the permittee.
F. Sanitation. The permittee shall establish and implement written procedures that maintain
the highest industry standards of sanitation and cleanliness for the operation so as to ensure
the distribution of cannabis and cannabis products free of harmful contaminants.
G. Training. The permittee shall establish and implement written procedures that provide for
the highest industry standards of training for employees engaged in distribution operations.
H. Signs. A permittee shall display conspicuously in the lobby of the site the following signs,
so that each sign may be readily seen by persons entering the site, and each sign must be
at least 8 inches by 10 inches in size:
1. "This site is not open to the public."
2. "Retail sales of any goods and services is prohibited"
3. "Minors are prohibited from entering this site."
4. "Smoking, ingesting, or consuming cannabis on or within 20 feet of this site is
prohibited."
I. Prohibited Activities.
1. No cannabis cultivation, manufacturing or testing shall occur at the site.
2. No retail sales of cannabis or cannabis products shall occur at the site.
J. Restricted Access.
1. The site shall be closed to the general public.
2. Minors are prohibited from entering the location of the site.
Sec. 5.50.140 - Delivery operating standards and restrictions.
A. Deliveries Allowed.
1. Medical cCannabis deliveries are allowed in the City subject to the requirements of
this chapter and compliance with applicable state law.
2. Adult use (recreational) cannabis deliveries in the City are prohibited.
B. Licenses and Permits. Deliveries of cannabis and cannabis products shall only occur within
the City by a commercial cannabis operation properly licensed or permitted to engage in
cannabis deliveries by both the State of California as well as the originating jurisdiction of
the delivery.
C. Documentation Required for Deliveries.
1. During deliveries the person making the actual delivery shall maintain at all times
on his or her person a physical copy of the delivery request being fulfilled, a
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 28 of 33
government -issued identification of the delivery person with a photograph, a copy
of the State license which authorizes the delivery activity, and any other license or
permit required by the originating jurisdiction to engage in the delivery of cannabis
or cannabis products
2. Upon request made by any Operations Officer or law enforcement officer the
person shall make these documents immediately available for review.
D. Business License. Commercial cannabis operations that conduct deliveries of cannabis or
cannabis products to customers located in the City, regardless of the originating jurisdiction
of the delivery, are required to have a valid and current City business license to engage in
such commercial activity.
Sec. 5.50.150 - Administration.
Further rules, regulations, procedures and standards for the administration and implementation of
this chapter may be adopted from time to time either by resolution or ordinance from the City
Council, by the Director (upon authorization by resolution from the City Council), or as further
provided by this chapter.
Sec. 5.50.160 - Fees.
An application fee set by resolution of the City Council shall be required for formal processing of
every application made under this chapter. The City Council is authorized to pass resolutions to
recover any and all fees and costs incurred by the administration and implementation of this
chapter through an appropriate fee recovery mechanism to be imposed upon commercial cannabis
operations.
Sec. 5.50.170 - Suspension and revocation.
A. The Director is authorized to suspend and/or revoke a Commercial Cannabis Operation
Permit issued pursuant to this chapter upon the determination through written findings of
a failure to comply with any provision of this chapter, any permit condition, or any
agreement or covenant as required pursuant to this chapter.
B. The Director may suspend or revoke a Commercial Cannabis Operation Permit if any of
the following occur, and the suspension or revocation shall be final:
1. The Director determines that the commercial cannabis operation has failed to
comply with any aspect of this chapter, any permit condition, or any agreement or
covenant as required pursuant to this chapter; or
2. The equivalent State license has been suspended or revoked by the State of
California; or
3. Operations cease for more than 180 calendar days (including during any change of
ownership, if applicable); or
4. Ownership is changed without securing a new Commercial Cannabis Operation
Permit; or
5. The commercial cannabis operation fails to maintain required security camera
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 29 of 33
recordings; or
6. The commercial cannabis operation fails to allow inspection of the security
recordings, the activity logs, the records, or of the site by Operations Officers
pursuant to this chapter.
C. Conditions (if any) of suspension or revocation are at the discretion of the Director and
may include, but are not limited to, a prohibition on all owners, operators, managers and
employees of the suspended or revoked commercial cannabis operation from operating
within the City for a period of time set forth in writing and/or a requirement (when
operations may resume, if at all, pursuant to the Director's determination) for the holder of
the suspended or revoked permit to resubmit an application for a Commercial Cannabis
Operation Peimit pursuant to the requirements of this chapter.
Sec. 5.50.180 - Violations and penalties; public nuisance.
A. Any violation of the provisions of this chapter is punishable as a misdemeanor or an
infraction, at the discretion of the city prosecutor, pursuant to Chapter 1.16 of the MolTo
Bay City Code, except for as preempted by state law and, any violation of the provisions
of this chapter is subject to administrative citation at the discretion of the City, pursuant to
Chapter 1.03 of the Morro Bay City Code.
B. Public nuisance abatement.
1. Any commercial cannabis operation that is conducted in violation of any provision
of this chapter is hereby declared to constitute a public nuisance and, as such, may
be abated or enjoined from furthei operation, in accordance with the procedures set
forth in Chapter 8.14 of the Morro Bay City Code.
2. All costs to abate such public nuisance, including attorneys' fees and court costs,
shall be paid by the person causing the nuisance, including the commercial cannabis
operation peimittee and the property owner where the nuisance is occurring.
C. The remedies described in this section are not mutually exclusive. Pursuit of any one
remedy shall not preclude city from availing itself of any or all available administrative,
civil, or criminal remedies, at law or equity.
D. Any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a separate offense for each
and every day during which such violation is committed o1 continued.
Sec. 5.50.190 - Service of notices.
Any notice required by this chapter is deemed issued and served upon the earliest date that either:
the notice is deposited in the United States mail postage pre -paid, addressed to the most recent
mailing address provided to the City pursuant to the requirements of this chapter; 01, the date upon
which personal service of the notice is provided to a responsible party.
Sec. 5.50.200 - Prohibitions.
A. Any commercial cannabis operation in violation of The Adult Use of Marijuana Act, The
Medicinal and Adult -Use of Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, this chapter, or any other
applicable State law is expressly prohibited
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 30 of 33
B. It is unlawful for any commercial cannabis operation in the City, or any agent, employee
or representative of such commercial cannabis operation, to permit any breach of peace or
any disturbance of public order or decorum by any tumultuous, riotous or disorderly
conduct at the site of the commercial cannabis operation.
Sec. 5.50.210 - Nonconforming use.
No use which purports to have engaged in a commercial cannabis activity of any nature prior to
the enactment of this chapter shall be deemed to have been a legally established use under the
provisions of this Code, or any other local ordinance, rule or regulation, and such use shall not be
entitled to claim legal nonconforming status.
Sec. 5.50.220 - Severability.
If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence clause, phrase, word, or portion of this Ordinance
is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent
jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Oidinance.
The City Council of the City of Morro Bay hereby declare that they would have adopted this
Ordinance and each section subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase word, or portion
thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections subdivisions, sentences,
clauses, phrases words or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or
portion of this ordinance is, for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision
of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions of this ordinance The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this
ordinance and each section subsection, sentence clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of
the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof
may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 4. CEQA. The City Council finds that this ordinance is not subject to the
California Environmental Quality Act ( `CEQA') pursuant to both the exemption provided by
Section 26055(h) of the Business and Professions Code as well as Sections 15060(c)(3) and
15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty
(30) days after its passage.
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 31 of 33
///
SECTION 6. CERTIFICATION. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this
ordinance, and shall cause the same to be posted and codified in the manner required by law.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 26 day of May 2020,
by motion of Council Member Davis and seconded by Council Member McPherson.
PASSED AND ADOPTED on the 9th day of June 2020, by the following vote:
AYES: Headding, Davis, Heller, McPherson
NOES: None
AB SENT: None
ABSTAIN: Addis
ATTEST:
linetchelirkcate
A S NSON. Cit�
A S NSON, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Obis Ada,
CHRIS F. NEUMEYE' / ity Att
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
Ordinance No. 633
Page 32 of 33
JOHN f A DING, Mayor
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO )
CITY OF MORRO BAY )
I, Dana Swanson, CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF MORRO BAY, DO HEREBY
CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance Number 633 was duly adopted by the City Council of the
City of Morro Bay at a regular meeting of said Council on the 9th day of June 2020, and that it
was so adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Headding, Davis, Heller, McPherson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
AB STAIN: Addis
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of
the City of Mono Bay, California, this (r"" day oft , 2,2z .
01181.0001/647580.3 CFN
one
bAine,
D SWANSON, City Clerk
Ordinance No. 633
Page 33 of 33