Cannabis Overlay Zones

Cannabis Overlay Zones Public Hearing will be held on October 18, 2018 at 9:00 am.  The Public Notice materials have been posted on Planning and Building Services Public Notices Page.

Mendocino County is amending its cannabis regulations to establish two new types of Combining Districts: Commercial Cannabis Accommodation Combining Districts (Opt-In Districts) are areas intended to support continued operations by existing growers, and Commercial Cannabis Prohibition Combining Districts (Opt-Out Districts) are areas where commercial cannabis operations would be restricted.

Michael Baker staff is now preparing the specific code language that will be considered by the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Public hearings on the County code update are anticipated to begin with a Planning Commission hearing in either late September of early October.

Community Workshops:

Michael Baker International, the County’s consultant, and County staff discussed the purpose and intent of the Combining Districts and the boundaries of the proposed Opt-In Districts and Opt-Out Districts at community meetings held on July 26^th and 27^th in Laytonville, Covelo, Casper and Ukiah. These meetings were very helpful in providing an understanding of the interests and concerns of each affected community.

A summary of the workshop discussions and the supplemental input received through comment cards has been compiled and can be viewed at:

• Summary of Community Workshops

Frameworks for Proposed Regulations:

Based on input from three community subgroups that were established to help guide regulations for exceptions, opt-in and opt-out.  With input from the subgroups, Michael Baker prepared Framework documents that identify the key provisions for each topic area that will be incorporated in the County code.  The Board of Supervisors reviewed the Framework documents on June 12, 2018 and, with minor revisions, approved the documents and directed staff to proceed with the code update.

• Exceptions Ordinance Framework
• Opt-In Ordinance Framework
• Opt-Out Ordinance Framework

Proposed Boundaries

• Covelo Core Opt-In District
  
• Covelo Fairbanks Rd Opt-In District
  
• Laytonville Opt-In District
  
• Mitchell Creek North Opt-In District - Alt 1
• Mitchell Creek North Opt-In District - Alt 2
• Mitchell Creek South Opt-In District
  
• South Leggett Opt-In District
  
• Boonville Woodyglen Opt-Out District
  
• Deerwood Opt-Out District
  

Submit comments to the Board at cannabisoverlay@mendocinocounty.org.

Cannabis Questions

Have a question about the County’s cannabis program? Call the Cannabis Information Hotline at 1-844-421-WEED(9333). 

If you would like to receive updates on the cannabis program, please sign up for Canna Notes e Notifications.

Check out the Cannabis Cultivation Program FAQs.

Cannabis Complaints

Need to file a complaint regarding a potential cannabis related issue? Call 1-844-421-WEED(9333) or complete a complaint form.

Permits and Licenses

Need to apply for a cannabis related permit or license? The table below identifies where to go for various types of permits, licenses and information.

Cannabis Facilities Business License

To apply for a cannabis processing, manufacturing, testing laboratory, retailer, distribution or microbusiness business license complete the Cannabis Facilities Business License application packet and submit it to the Tax Collector along with the applicable fee. 

Cannabis Cultivation Permit

 Cannabis Cultivation Application Steps

1. Make an appointment with Planning and Building Services to review the application site plan and generate a zoning clearance.  Planning and Building Services will provide the applicant with a Initial Cannabis Cultivation Checklist and Zoning Clearance to take to the Department of Agriculture.

2.Make an appointment with the Department of Agriculture to submit a cannabis application, including proof of prior cultivation.

3. Once the Department of Agriculture staff have reviewed the Initial Cannabis Cultivation Application and zoning clearance, you will then take the signed Initial Application Review Checklist to the Treasurer/Tax Collectors Office to make a payment of a non-refundable application fee.

4. Upon payment, proof of payment for the processing of your application must be delivered to the Department of Agriculture. Once your proof of payment has been verified by the Department of Agriculture, your application will be processed

Cannabis Cultivation Regulations

Ordinance Adopting Chapter 10A.17 - Medical Cannabis Cultivation Ordinance and Chapter 20.242 - Medical Cannabis Cultivation Site, Adopted April 4, 2017.

Cannabis Business Tax – Ordinance No. 4361

Medical Cannabis Cultivation Amendment - Ordinance No. 4392, Adopted August 29, 2017

Please Note as of January 1, 2018, the Agricultural Exempt Building Application has been update to address hoop houses and storage buildings for cannabis cultivation.  Please contact Planning and Building for more information.

Resolution No. 17-042 - adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Medical Cannabis Cultivation Regulation.  For the full report please see the agenda item.   

The CEQA addendum for adult use can is also available online. 

Cannabis Facilities Regulations

On October 17, 2017, Mendocino County adopted Chapter 20.243 - Cannabis Facilities and Chapter  6.36 Cannabis Facilities Businesses (Ordinance No. 4394) to permit the other aspects of the cannabis industry (dispensing/retail, distribution, processing, testing and manufacturing).  The ordinance will take effect on November 16, 2017.  For more information on how to apply for a Cannabis Facilities Business License, please contact the Treasurer Tax Collector's Office.  For more information on zoning or building requirements, please contact the Planning and Building Services Department.

Contact information for State Agencies

State Water Board - Cannabis Cultivation Water Rights

North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board - Cannabis Cultivation Waste Discharge Regulatory Program

California Cannabis Portal

Cannabis Questions? Call 1-844-421-WEED(9333)

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