(c) As part of the application and permitting process, each commercial cannabis business shall provide the City Manager with a detailed transportation plan describing the procedures for safely and securely transporting cannabis, cannabis products and/or currency. (d) A commercial cannabis business shall notify the Chief of Police within twenty-four (24) hours after discovering any of the following:
1. Significant discrepancies identified in inventory. The level of significance may be determined by regulations promulgated by the City Manager.
2. Diversion, theft, loss or any criminal activity involving the commercial cannabis business, an employee or any agent of the commercial cannabis business.
3. The loss or unauthorized alteration of records referring or related to cannabis, cannabis products, employees or agents of the commercial cannabis business.
4. Any other breach of security.
(e) A commercial cannabis business shall notify the Chief of Police immediately after discovering any diversion, theft, loss or any criminal activity involving the commercial cannabis business, an employee or any agent of the commercial cannabis business.
Section 19.04.090 - Employee Badge Requirement.
Every employee or independent contractor working at or for a commercial cannabis business or involved in security, delivery or distribution, or other services for a commercial cannabis business shall obtain an employee badge pursuant to Title 4 Cal. Code Regulations Section 15043 or as may be amended. (§15043. Licensee Employee Badge Requirement. All agents, officers, or other persons acting for or employed by a licensee conducting retail sales or participating in a temporary cannabis event shall display a laminated or plastic-coated identification badge always issued by the licensee while engaging in commercial cannabis activity. The identification badge shall, at a minimum, include the licensee’s “doing business as” name and license number, the employee’s first name, an employee number exclusively assigned to that employee for identification purposes, and a color photograph of the employee that clearly shows the full front of the employee’s face and that is at least 1 inch in width and 1.5 inches in height.).
Persons who are listed as commercial cannabis permit holders or owners thereof, who are subject to criminal history records checks pursuant to Section 8.29.05.240(k), shall be required to obtain an Employee Badge if such person also serves as an employee or contractor for the permit holder's commercial cannabis business.
Section 19.04.100 - Right to Occupy and to Use Property.
As a condition precedent to the City's issuance of a commercial cannabis permit pursuant to this Chapter, any person intending to open and to operate a commercial cannabis business shall provide sufficient evidence of the legal right to occupy and to use the proposed location. In the event the proposed location is leased from another person, the applicant for a permit under this Chapter shall provide a signed and notarized statement from the owner of the property to demonstrate the property owner has acknowledged and has consented to the operation of a commercial cannabis business on the property.
Section 19.04.110 - Location of Commercial Cannabis Business - Proximity to Sensitive Uses.
(a) Commercial cannabis activity shall be authorized within the following zoning districts of the City: M-1 limited Manufacturing, M-2 Light Manufacturing, M-3 General Manufacturing, zoning districts. Commercial cannabis activity is prohibited in all other zoning districts of the City.
(b)Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Section, no commercial cannabis business shall be located within six hundred feet (600') from any school, day care center, youth center, public park, or public library (“Sensitive Uses”). Location distance separating Sensitive Uses, as described above, shall be measured from the exterior of the structure(s). Applicant shall prepare locational map verifying locational distance and shall certify that the structure locations meet the six hundred feet separation.
(c)No commercial cannabis business may operate within any residential zoning district or area of the City.
(d)A commercial cannabis business generally may not operate adjacent to, across a street or alley from, or within two hundred feet (200') of, any residential zoning district or area of the City. Location distance and/or separating commercial cannabis business, as described above, shall be measured from the exterior of the structure(s). Applicant shall prepare locational map verifying locational distance and shall certify that the structure locations meet the two hundred feet separation. However, if an existing building or facility in a City zoning district enumerated in subsection (a) is located adjacent to or across a street or alley from a residential zoning district or area of the City, a commercial cannabis business may be permitted to operate in such location if, in the opinion of City Manager, the operation of a commercial cannabis business in such location would not tend to cause a public nuisance, nor a situation which may result in repeated police department responses or a negative impact on the adjacent residential units or dwellings. Any subsequent expansion of a commercial cannabis business permitted to operate in such a location, which expansion requires a new or amended commercial cannabis permit, shall also be subject to a determination by the City Manager that the expansion would not tend to cause a public nuisance or a situation which may result in repeated police department responses or a negative impact on the adjacent residential units or dwellings. (e)Commercial cannabis businesses shall be required to comply with all zoning, land use, and development regulations applicable to the underlying zoning district in which they are permitted to establish and operate as set forth in Title 17 of the McFarland Municipal Code. (f) Any commercial cannabis business which has been determined by the City Manager to be an existing commercial cannabis business on the effective date of this Chapter shall be exempt from compliance with the limitations prescribed in this Section, unless such location is otherwise determined to constitute a public nuisance or otherwise a disturbance to the adjacent or neighboring uses as determined by the provisions of this Chapter.
Section 19.04.120 - Alcohol and Tobacco Restrictions.
(a) In accordance with Business & Professions Code Section 26054, as may be amended, no commercial cannabis business shall cause or allow the sale (whether retail or wholesale) of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products on its premises. (b) No commercial cannabis business shall cause or allow alcoholic beverages to be dispensed or consumed on its premises.
(c) No commercial cannabis business shall operate in a location that requires persons to pass through a business that sells alcohol or tobacco to access the premises of the commercial cannabis business, or that requires persons to pass through the premises of the commercial cannabis business to access a business that sells tobacco or alcohol. (d) No commercial cannabis business shall operate in a location that is adjacent to a business that sells alcoholic beverages at retail. Applicant shall certify that the commercial cannabis business/structure(s) is not adjacent to a business that sells alcoholic beverages at retail.
Section 19.04.130 - Concurrent Regulation with State.
It is the stated intent of this Chapter to regulate commercial cannabis activity in the City concurrently and consistently with State law. Except where an express provision of this Ordinance applies to create an obligation that is more stringent than the minimum standards established by State law, this Chapter shall be construed in accordance with that intent.
Section 19.04.140 - Compliance with Laws.
(a) It shall be the responsibility of the commercial cannabis permit holder, including its owners and operators, to ensure that the permitted commercial cannabis business is, at all times, operating in compliance with all applicable state and local laws and regulations, as amended, and any conditions of approval of a State license or City-issued commercial cannabis permit or other entitlement.
(b) Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as an authorization of any action or conduct in violation of state law or local law with respect to the operation of a commercial cannabis business.
(c) Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as an authorization by the City, its elected or appointed officials, employees, agents, representatives and/or consultants, collectively or individually, of any conduct in violation of federal law.
Section 19.04.150 - Inspections and Enforcement.
(a) No commercial cannabis business shall commence operation, and no commercial cannabis permit application shall be approved for any commercial cannabis business, unless and until:
1. The City Manager, or designee, and Police Chief, or designee, have inspected the premises of the commercial cannabis business and reviewed all written procedures, standards and protocols developed by such business pursuant to this Chapter, and have confirmed in writing that the business is in compliance with all applicable requirements of this Chapter and other applicable provisions of the McFarland
Municipal Code, any applicable local regulations, and any applicable state laws, administration or enforcement of which is within their jurisdiction; and
2. The Fire Chief and Building Official have inspected the premises of the commercial cannabis business and reviewed all written procedures, standards and protocols developed by such business pursuant to this Chapter and have confirmed in writing that the premises are in compliance with the California Building Standards Code and the State Fire Marshal regulations, as adopted by the City, and all other applicable building and fire safety-related requirements, administration or enforcement of which is within their jurisdiction.
(b) In addition to the initial permit inspections pursuant to subsection (a) and after permitted commercial cannabis business activities have commenced, the City Manager, the Building Official, the Police Chief, and the Fire Chief are authorized to conduct reasonable unannounced and suspicion less inspections of the interior and exterior premises of any commercial cannabis businesses at any time during regular business hours (generally eight (8:00) a.m. and seven (7:00) p.m., Monday through Sunday), for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this Chapter and applicable state law as specified in subsection (a).
1. If any member of the police department observes any activity that they believe may be suspicious, the Police Chief may order an immediate inspection of the grounds or building of a cannabis business. Members of the staff or night security team shall give immediate access to police personnel at any hour of the day or night. (c) Each commercial cannabis business shall be subject to two mandatory inspections conducted pursuant to subsection (b) per calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, further inspections may be conducted at any time in response to complaints received by the City relating to violations on the premises of a commercial cannabis business. (d) During all inspections conducted pursuant to this Section, the inspecting officials are authorized to photograph and otherwise document the conditions on the premises, and to take such other measures as are reasonably necessary to ascertain whether the business is in compliance with this Chapter, subject to adherence to all HIPAA rights and all other applicable privacy rights unrelated to the purpose and intent of the inspection. Samples of cannabis and cannabis products may be temporarily taken from the commercial cannabis business and retained for the minimum time and to the minimum extent necessary to ascertain compliance with this Chapter, provided that any such samples shall be logged, recorded, and maintained in accordance with the McFarland Police Department standards for evidence.
(e) For all inspections required by this Section (not including complaint-based inspections), inspection fees sufficient to cover the costs of such inspections shall be paid by each commercial cannabis business as part of such business' commercial cannabis permit application fees or annual permit fees.
(f) Failure or refusal of a commercial cannabis business, or any owner, manager, employee or agent thereof, to grant access to the premises of the commercial cannabis business to facilitate any inspection pursuant to this Section shall constitute a violation of this Chapter
and shall constitute grounds for the City to obtain an inspection warrant to inspect the commercial cannabis business in accordance with State law. (g) All inspections shall be subject to adherence to applicable HIPAA rights and other applicable privacy rights unrelated to the purpose and intent of the inspections. (h) The requirements and remedies set forth in this Section shall be in addition to all other applicable provisions of the McFarland Municipal Code.
Section 19.04.106 - Fees and Charges.
(a) No person may commence or continue any commercial cannabis activity in the City without timely paying in full all fees, costs, penalties and charges required in connection with the establishment or operation of a commercial cannabis activity. Fees and charges associated with the establishment or operation of a commercial cannabis activity shall be set by resolution or ordinance of the City Council.
(b) All commercial cannabis businesses operating pursuant to this Chapter shall pay any and all applicable sales, use, business or other taxes, and all license, registration, or other fees required pursuant to federal, state, and local law.
(c) Commercial Cannabis Tax Revenues and Rates are established for Commercial Cannabis businesses in accordance with Title III Revenue and Finance, Chapter 3.19.
1. Pursuant to Section 8.29.05.290(a), the City has limited the total square footage of Commercial Cannabis to 1,350,000 square feet,
2. Pursuant to Section 8.29.05.04(c), the City has limited the Type 12 Microbusiness to a total of 35 business within the current City limits.
3. Due to the limitation of square footage for commercial cannabis business, the applicant of and any assignee shall pay, upon approval of each Commercial Cannabis permit, a minimum sum of $25,000.00 per quarter, regardless of operational status. The payment shall be paid within 10 days of the approval/conditional approval of a Commercial Cannabis permit. i. Should the Commercial Cannabis business be operational, the minimum quarterly payment shall be credited toward that business’s following quarter’s tax liability.
ii. Should the Permit Holder fail to begin operations within two years of the first permit’s issuance, payment of the quarterly $25,000.00 minimum required payment shall not be refunded. The quarterly payment is required due to the limited square footage for Commercial Cannabis and is established as a deterrent against non-operational permit holders. The nonoperation of permitted Commercial Cannabis establishments is determined to be detrimental to the health and welfare of the City.
Section 19.04.107 - Violations and Enforcement.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision of this Chapter.
(b) Each and every violation of this Chapter constitutes a misdemeanor punishable in accordance with Chapter 1.08.010 of the McFarland Municipal Code. (c) Each and every violation of this Chapter constitutes a public nuisance which may be abated by the City pursuant to the McFarland Municipal Code.
(d) Violations of this Chapter may be redressed by any and all applicable civil remedies available to the City, including but not limited to civil actions for injunctive relief. (e) Violations of this Chapter are subject to all applicable administrative remedies under the McFarland Municipal Code, including but not limited to issuance of administrative citations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the administrative citation penalty for all violations of this Chapter, within a rolling twelve (12) month period, shall be as follows:
one thousand dollars and no cents ($1,000.00) per violation. (f) Any person that violates any provision of this Chapter shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which the violation exists. and shall be penalized pursuant to this Chapter and the applicable provisions of the McFarland Municipal Code.
(g) The remedies set forth in this Section are cumulative of each other and of any other legal remedies available at law.
(h) The City Manager may suspend or revoke a commercial cannabis permit when the permit holder or anyone acting on its behalf has committed any of the following acts or maintained any of the following conditions:
1. Any action or condition which would constitute grounds for denial of a commercial cannabis permit.
2. Any violation of this Chapter, the McFarland Municipal Code, any applicable state law governing the commercial cannabis business or activity, or any applicable condition of approval of the commercial cannabis permit or any other entitlement pertaining to the operation of the commercial cannabis business. (i) Prior to suspending or revoking a commercial cannabis permit, the City Manager shall conduct a hearing. Written notice of the hearing shall be provided to the permit holder at least five (5) calendar days prior to the hearing. The notice shall contain the basis for suspending or revoking the commercial cannabis permit. Notice may be provided by either personal service, U.S. mail and/or posting or depositing the notice at the commercial cannabis business. After the hearing, the City Manager shall provide notice of the decision whether to suspend or revoke the commercial cannabis permit in the same manner applicable to the notice of hearing. The decision of the City Manager shall be final, subject to judicial review pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1094.5 and 1094.6 within ninety (90) calendar days of the date of the decision. The commercial cannabis permit holder has no right to an administrative appeal of the decision.
(j) The City Manager may immediately suspend a commercial cannabis permit without notice or hearing, subject to a subsequent hearing prior to reinstatement or revocation pursuant to subsection (i), under the following circumstances:
1. The commercial cannabis permit holder is convicted of a public offense in any court for the violation of any law which would be grounds for denial of a commercial cannabis permit.
2. The City Manager, Chief of Police, Fire Chief or any other authorized public safety or building official determines that immediate suspension is necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the community. The City Manager shall provide notice of the grounds for immediate suspension of the commercial cannabis permit, and the suspension shall only be for as long as reasonably necessary to address the grounds which led to the suspension.
Section 19.04.180 - Limitations on City's Liability.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the City shall not assume any liability whatsoever with respect to having issued a commercial cannabis permit or otherwise approving the operation of any commercial cannabis business pursuant to this Chapter. As a condition of approval of any commercial cannabis permit issued pursuant to this Chapter, the person to which a commercial cannabis permit is issued shall be required to meet all of the following conditions:
(a) Execute an agreement indemnifying, defending (at its sole cost and expense), and holding the City and its officers, employees, representatives, and agents harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, injuries or liabilities associated with permitting or approving the operation of a commercial cannabis activity or the operation thereof or associated with the commercial cannabis business or its members' violation of any federal, state or local laws. (b) Maintain insurance at coverages, limits, and with conditions thereon determined necessary by the City Manager, in consultation with the City Attorney. Commercial General Liability insurance shall be maintained at all times with coverage limits that meet or exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence and in the aggregate. In the alternative to maintaining Commercial General Liability insurance, a commercial cannabis permit holder may post a bond, in a form subject to approval by the City Attorney, with the City in the minimum amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00). The City Manager may, in his or her sole discretion, increase the minimum bond amount required by a commercial cannabis permit holder.
(c) Reimburse the City for any and all costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees and costs and court costs, that the City may be required to pay as a result of any legal challenge related to the City's approval of a commercial cannabis permit pursuant to this Chapter or the City's approval of the operation of a commercial cannabis activity. The City may, at its sole discretion, participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action, but such participation shall not relieve the obligations imposed under this Section.
The City may revoke a commercial cannabis permit for failure to maintain the required insurance or bond. The City may provide a commercial cannabis permit holder with written notice of its intent to revoke the commercial cannabis permit and for failure to maintain the required insurance
or bond. Within seven (7) calendar days from the date upon the notice of intent to terminate, a commercial cannabis permit holder shall tender to the City proof that it has obtained the required insurance or posted the required bond. If a commercial cannabis permit holder fails to timely provide proof of the required insurance or bond to the City, the commercial cannabis permit shall be revoked, and the commercial cannabis permit holder shall immediately cease all commercial cannabis business activities. Failure to immediately cease all commercial cannabis business activities shall subject the commercial cannabis permit holder to the penalties, enforcement and cost recovery provisions established within the McFarland Municipal Code and any other legal remedies available to the City.
Section 19.04.190 - Commercial Cannabis Permit Application Procedures and Requirements.
(a) In addition to the authority granted pursuant to the express provisions of this Section and Chapter, to the extent consistent with this Chapter and other applicable law, the City Council may by resolution adopt such fees, and the City Manager may adopt such forms and procedures, as are necessary to implement this Chapter with respect to the review, processing, evaluation, selection, investigation, approval, denial, renewal, suspension, and revocation of commercial cannabis permits and related appeals. (b) The owner of a proposed commercial cannabis operation shall file an application with the City Manager upon a form provided by the City and shall pay an application filing fee as established by resolution of the City Council, as may be amended from time to time. The fee may be established as a trust deposit for actual costs. The fee, or the initial trust deposit, shall be in an amount the City Manager estimates will cover the costs of reviewing and processing the application. If a trust deposit-based fee is established, it shall be used and drawn upon as a retainer to cover the actual costs incurred by the City. If the initial amount of the trust deposit is not sufficient, the applicant shall provide additional amounts as necessary within thirty (30) days of a request from the City. If the applicant fails to do so, application review and processing shall cease and shall not continue until such additional amounts are paid.
(c) Each commercial cannabis permit application shall contain, at minimum, the following:
1. The printed full name, signature, date of birth, social security number, a color photocopy of the California Driver's license or equivalent form of identification approved by the City Manager, and current address and telephone number of all owners of and responsible persons for the commercial cannabis business that is the subject of the application.
2. Signed consent of each owner and responsible person, who is identified pursuant to subsection (c)(1) and who is not required to obtain an employee badge pursuant to Section 8.29.05.090, to a fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history records check conducted by the City or an agency authorized or requested to do so by the City, including but not limited to fingerprint analysis conducted utilizing the California Department of Justice Live Scan system or any other system deemed necessary or appropriate in the discretion of the City Manager.
3. The address of the commercial cannabis business to which correspondence from the City is to be sent, if other than the permitted premises.
4. The names and addresses of all businesses operated by, and the employment of, the applicant and its owners for the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of the application.
5. Any litigation in which the applicant(s) has been involved within the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of the application and a statement of whether any business currently operated by the applicant(s) or operated by the applicant(s) within the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of the application has been investigated or the permit or license authorizing the operation of such business has been revoked or suspended within the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of the application.
6. The address of any commercial cannabis business currently being operated by the applicant or any of its owners, or which has been previously operated by any of them.
7. The existing and/or anticipated supply sources and product supply chain for all cannabis and cannabis products entering and leaving the commercial cannabis business, including the site(s) where cultivation occurs, where the cannabis or cannabis products are processed or manufactured, where any required testing of cannabis or cannabis products occurs, and distribution information. Packaging and labelling information and criteria, demonstrating compliance with Section
8.29.05.240(w), shall also be included.
8. Odor control devices and techniques demonstrating compliance with Section
8.29.05.240(i), sufficient to prevent odors from cannabis from being detectable off of the premises.
9. Procedures for safety and adequately identifying, storing, managing, and disposing of all litter, waste, hazardous materials, contaminants, or adulterated, deteriorated or excess cannabis or cannabis products or byproducts of the commercial cannabis business, and demonstrating compliance with Section 8.29.05.240(t).
10. Information reflecting adequate capitalization of the commercial cannabis business.
11. Procedures for inventory control to prevent diversion of cannabis and cannabis product, employee screening, storage of cannabis and cannabis product, personnel policies, and record-keeping procedures.
12. A detail of the operating procedures to be utilized at the facility, including a description of how chemicals and fertilizers will be stored, handled, used and disposed of, manufacturing methods, the transportation process, inventory procedures, and quality control procedures.
13. A site plan and floor plan of the premises of the commercial cannabis business denoting the property lines and the layout of all structures and areas of the commercial cannabis business including storage, cultivation, manufacturing, testing, distributing, reception or waiting areas, and all ancillary support spaces, and the relationship of the facility to adjacent properties and land uses, indicating compliance with the California Building Standards Code and Title 17 of the McFarland Municipal Code.
14. A plan for the proposed signage at the site, including size, height, colors and design of all signage, demonstrating compliance with Section 8.29.05.240(g). A City sign permit issued pursuant to applicable provisions of the McFarland Municipal Code shall be required.
15. A security plan satisfactorily addressing all required security measures identified in Section 8.29.05.080 and lighting as required by Section 8.29.05.240(x).
16. Standard operating procedures detailing how operations will comply with state and local regulations, how safety and quality of products will be ensured, recordkeeping procedures for financing, testing, and adverse event recording, and product recall procedures.
17. Proposed days and hours of operation.
18. Recycling and waste disposal procedures reflecting, to the extent practicable, efficiency and conservation of materials and resources used in the commercial cannabis business.
19. Youth access restriction procedures demonstrating compliance with Section
8.29.05.240(h).
20. A transportation plan providing procedures for safely and securely transporting all cannabis, cannabis products and currency to and from the premises.
21. A detailed description of energy and water usage plan enumerating best practices and leading industry practices in efficient utilization of both resources.
22. Evidence of compliance with all applicable insurance-related requirements of this Chapter and State law, including but not limited to Section 8.29.05.180.
Endorsements reflecting the City's status as an additional insured on all required policies shall also be included.
23. A copy of the valid and current City business license held by the applicant.
24. A copy of the valid and current seller's permit issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (formerly the Board of Equalization) to the applicant, or confirmation from said agency that a seller's permit is not required. If a seller's permit is required but the applicant has not yet received it, an attestation that the applicant is currently applying for a seller's permit shall suffice, provided that a copy of the permit shall be provided to the City immediately upon being obtained by the applicant, and the applicant shall not commence activities for which a seller's permit is required until it is obtained.
25. Identification of any and all other licenses and permits currently or formerly held by the applicant, and any other applications pending review for the applicant, relating to commercial cannabis activities, from any licensing or permitting authority, and specific identification of any licenses or permits denied to, suspended for, or revoked from the applicant.
26. Signed acknowledgment of the requirements of this Chapter, including biannual inspections as established within Section 8.29.05.150.
27. Signed authorization for the City Manager to seek verification of the information contained in the application.
28. A signed statement by the applicant that he or she certifies under penalty of perjury that all the information contained in the application is true and correct.
29. Any other information deemed necessary by the City Manager. (d) A commercial cannabis permit application may be denied based upon any of the following grounds:
1. The applicant has been issued a state or local permit or license to conduct commercial cannabis activities (in California or another state) and the permit or
license has been suspended or revoked, or the applicant has otherwise been sanctioned or subjected to administrative disciplinary action relating to the permit or license by any licensing or permitting authority, or the applicant has been involved in a cannabis business that was ordered closed by a civil injunction or other court order based on a violation of law.
2. The applicant, or any owner or responsible person of the commercial cannabis business that is the subject of the application, has been convicted of a serious or violent offense as listed within California Penal Code Sections 667.5 and 1192.7(c), or the applicant has been convicted of any other offense listed within Business and Professions Code Section 26057.
3. The applicant, or any owner or responsible person of the commercial cannabis business that is the subject of the application, has been convicted of a misdemeanor involving theft, dishonesty, fraud, narcotics sales or narcotic trafficking within the five (5) years preceding the date of the application.
4. The applicant, or any owner or responsible person of the commercial cannabis business that is the subject of the application, has been convicted of a felony involving the illegal use, possession, transportation, distribution or similar activities related to controlled substances, as defined within the Federal Controlled Substance Act, unless the applicant received a Certificate of Rehabilitation as defined in that Act, within the ten (10) years preceding the date of the application.
5. The applicant, or any owner or responsible person of the commercial cannabis business that is the subject of the application, has engaged in misconduct related to the ownership, qualifications, functions or duties of their position with the commercial cannabis business.
6. The applicant, or any owner or responsible person of the commercial cannabis business that is the subject of the application, has engaged in unlawful, fraudulent, unfair, or deceptive business practices as defined by the McFarland Municipal Code and/or state or federal law.
7. The applicant, or any owner or responsible person of the commercial cannabis business that is the subject of the application, is under the age of twenty-one (21).
8. The applicant has violated or failed to comply with any of the requirements of this Chapter or other applicable state or local laws or regulations, or any condition of any entitlement issued to the commercial cannabis business, as determined by the City Manager.
A conviction within the meaning of this Chapter means a plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere.
This Section shall not constitute an exhaustive list of grounds for denial of a commercial cannabis application. The City Manager may promulgate regulations identifying additional grounds for denial.
(e) The City Manager shall review each application to determine whether it contains all of the required information. If the application does not contain all of the required information, it shall be returned to the applicant for completion. The City Manager shall endeavor to conclude his or her review within ninety (90) days of the filing of the application. If
additional time is necessary, the City Manager will advise the applicant of an estimated review time.
(f) In reviewing an application for a commercial cannabis permit, the City Manager may request whatever additional information is deemed necessary to determine whether the application meets the requirements of this Chapter or other applicable local laws or regulations.
(g) The City Manager shall have the authority to either approve or deny the application for a commercial cannabis permit. The City Manager shall approve the application if and only if it meets all applicable requirements of this Chapter. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, the City Manager, when approving a commercial cannabis permit, may place any additional limitations and conditions on the operation of a commercial cannabis business as he or she deems necessary, consistent with the with this Chapter and any regulations promulgated pursuant hereto.
(h) Payment of an annual commercial cannabis permit fee, in an amount set by resolution of the City Council sufficient to cover the City's annual costs of administering the mandatory regulatory functions of this Ordinance in regard to the permitted commercial cannabis business, including but not limited to inspections, audits and investigations, shall be required before issuance or renewal of any commercial cannabis permit pursuant to this Chapter. The fee may be established as a trust deposit for actual costs. The fee, or initial trust deposit, shall be in an amount the City Manager estimates will cover the City's annual costs as described in this paragraph. If a trust deposit-based fee is established, the trust deposit shall be used and drawn upon as a retainer to cover the actual costs incurred by the City. If the initial amount is not sufficient, the applicant shall provide additional amounts as necessary upon request from the City. Failure to pay such additional amounts within thirty (30) days of a request by the City shall constitute a violation of this Ordinance and grounds for denial, non-renewal or revocation of the subject commercial cannabis permit. (i) When an application is denied, the City Manager shall provide a statement of decision giving the reasons for the denial and the findings upon which the decision is based. Notice of the denial may be provided by either personal service or U.S. mail. Notice is presumed to be served upon the applicant once deposit into the U.S. mail. Any person denied a commercial cannabis permit shall have the right to appeal such denial in accordance with this Section.
(j) Any appeal of a denial of an application shall be filed and conducted as prescribed in this subsection.
1. Within ten (10) calendar days from the date of the denial of an application, the aggrieved party may appeal such action by filing with the City Clerk a written appeal setting forth the grounds for reversing the denial. The time requirement for filing an appeal shall be deemed jurisdictional and may not be waived. Appeals not timely filed or not setting forth the basis for the appeal are defective and shall be dismissed.
2. Upon receipt of such written appeal, the City Clerk shall set the matter for a hearing before the City Manager. The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the following procedures:
i. All hearings shall be recorded. Any party may, at their sole expense, have the hearing transcribed by a certified shorthand reporter. ii. Hearings need not be conducted according to the technical rules of evidence.
iii. Any relevant evidence shall be admitted, regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory rule which might make improper the admission of such evidence over objection in civil actions in courts of competent jurisdiction in this state.
iv. Oral evidence shall be taken only on oath or affirmation. The City Manager shall have the power to administer oaths.
v. Irrelevant and unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded. vi. Each party shall have the right to: call and examine witnesses on any matter relevant to the issues of the hearing; introduce documentary and physical evidence; cross-examine opposing witnesses on any matter relevant to the issues of the hearing, subject to the control of the City Manager, including the imposition of reasonable alternatives to cross-examination; impeach any witness regardless of which party first called the witness to testify; rebut the evidence; and be represented by anyone who is lawfully permitted to do so. vii. The City Manager may take official notice, either during the hearing or after submission of the matter for decision, of any fact which may be judicially noticed by the courts of this state or of official records, regulations, rules, and decisions of state and local agencies, boards and departments and of City ordinances. In addition, the City Manager may take official notice of matters in its own files and of prior proceedings under this chapter involving the same issues. If applicable, the City Manager may also take official notice of any generally accepted technical or scientific matter within their expertise. The parties present at the hearing shall be informed of the matters to be noticed, and those matters should be noted in the record, referred to therein, or appended thereto. Any such party shall be given a reasonable opportunity on request to refute the officially noticed matters by evidence or by written or oral presentation of authority, and
viii. The City Manager may provide for reasonable continuances of the hearing, on his/her own initiative or at the request of a party, as necessary to properly conduct the appeal.
The hearing shall be set for hearing in a reasonable time after the date of filing the appeal with the City Clerk, but in no event later than ninety (90) days from the date of such filing. At least ten (10) days prior to the date of the hearing on the appeal, the City shall notify the appellant of the time and the place of the hearing. Notice may be provided by either personal service or U.S. mail. Notice is presumed to be served upon deposit into the U.S. mail.
3. At the conclusion of the hearing, the City Manager shall deliberate and reach a decision within fifteen (15) calendar days. The decision and the reason(s) for the decision shall be reduced to writing. The City Manager may affirm, reverse, or
modify the denial issued pursuant to this Code as the facts and law warrant, subject to the following limitations:
i. The City Manager shall not have authority to waive any requirements of the McFarland Municipal Code or other applicable law.
ii. Nothing in these procedures shall be deemed to authorize the City Manager to deviate from unambiguous provisions of the governing code or statute, or well-established interpretations of the same, based upon expert opinions or other reliable evidence.
A copy of the decision shall be sent by mail or otherwise to the appellant. Where known, a copy may also be provided by email.
4. The decision of the City Manager shall be subject to a further administrative appeal to the Planning Commission, which shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures and requirements applicable to the appeal to the City Manager pursuant to this subsection. The decision of the Planning Commission shall be subject to further administrative appeal to the City Council, which shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures and requirements applicable to the appeal to the City Manager pursuant to this subsection.
5. The decision of the City Council on the appeal shall constitute a final administrative decision. The appellant may thereafter file a petition for writ of mandate in superior court pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.5 and 1094.6 within ninety (90) calendar days of the date of the decision.
Section 19.04.200 Development Agreement.
A qualified applicant, pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section, may apply to enter into a development agreement with the City pertaining to a commercial cannabis operation. The provisions of this Section shall apply to such applications. (a) Content and Procedures.
(1) Development agreements entered into pursuant to this Chapter shall set forth the terms and conditions under which the commercial cannabis business will operate that are in addition to the requirements of this Chapter, including, but not limited to, public outreach and education, community benefit, community service, payment of fees and other charges as mutually agreed, and such other terms and conditions that will protect and promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the City.
(2) The procedures for commercial cannabis development agreements shall comply with this Chapter, Chapter 16.40 of the McFarland Municipal Code, and Article 2.5 of Chapter 4 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code. To the extent there is a conflict between this Chapter and Chapter 16.40 of the McFarland Municipal Code with respect to a development agreement for a commercial cannabis business, this Chapter shall govern.
(b) Qualified Applicant. Development agreements are for substantial development projects, often requiring an investment in infrastructure and/or improvements,
payment of development impact fees, and contribution of non-restricted funds that benefit the community. Such agreements are special contracts to be negotiated with property owners or those with an interest in the land. A qualified applicant is a person who meets all of the following criteria, with satisfaction of each criterion to be determined in the sole discretion of the City Manager:
(1) The applicant has a pending or approved application for a commercial cannabis permit on file with the City pertaining to the real property that will be subject to the development agreement.
(2) The applicant holds a legal or equitable interest in the real property that will be the site of the commercial cannabis business. If the applicant does not own the property, the applicant must have a legal right to purchase or develop the property and/or notarized written consent from the owner of the property to operate a commercial cannabis business on the property and to enter into a development agreement with the City pertaining to the property. (c) Filing Requirements.
(1) Only a qualified applicant may file an application to enter into a development agreement. An applicant shall provide, to the satisfaction of the City Manager, written proof of meeting the criteria in subsection (b) above, as well as proof of the authority of any agent or representative to act for the applicant.
(2) The City Manager shall prescribe the form for each application, notice and documents provided for or required under this Section for the preparation and implementation of development agreements. The applicant shall complete and submit such an application form to the City Manager, along with a deposit for the estimated direct and indirect costs of processing the development agreement. Each applicant pursuant to this Section shall be required to pay a development agreement application fee, in an amount established by resolution of the City Council, sufficient to cover the City’s costs of review and processing of the development agreement application pursuant to this Section. The fee may be established as a trust deposit for actual costs. The fee, or the initial trust deposit, shall be in an amount the City Manager estimates will cover the costs of reviewing and processing the application. If a trust deposit-based fee is established, the trust deposit shall be used and drawn upon as a retainer to cover the actual costs incurred by the City. If the initial trust deposit is not sufficient, the applicant shall provide additional amounts as necessary within thirty (30) days upon of a request from the City. If the applicant fails to do so, the application review and processing shall cease and shall not continue until such additional amounts are paid.
(3) The City Manager shall require an applicant to submit such information and supporting data as the City Manager considers necessary to process the application, including but not limited to a community benefit assessment to
evaluate the benefits the development agreement will provide to the community.
(d) Processing Requirements.
(1) The City Manager shall endorse on the application the date it is received.
An application or related document shall not be complete until an estimated deposit for the cost of processing has been paid to the City. The City Manager shall review the application and determine any additional requirements necessary to complete processing of the application. If within thirty (30) days of receiving the application the City Manager finds that all required information has not been submitted or the application is otherwise incomplete or inaccurate, the processing of the application and the running of any limits shall be suspended upon written notice to the applicant and a new thirty (30) day period shall commence once the required material is received by the City Manager.
(2) If the City Manager finds that the application is complete, it shall be accepted for filing and the applicant so notified. After receiving the required information and determining that the application is complete, the City Manager shall prepare a staff report and recommendation to the Planning Commission and City Council stating whether or not the agreement as proposed or in an amended form would be consistent with policies of the City, this Chapter and any applicable general or specific plan. The City Attorney shall review the proposed development agreement as to legal form.
(3) Notice of a hearing regarding the development agreement shall be given by the City Manager and shall comply with the requirements of Section 65867 of the California Government Code, as may be amended, as well as in the manner set forth in this Code.
(4) The Planning Commission shall review the proposed development agreement and provide a recommendation to the City Council to approve, approve with modifications or deny the proposed development agreement.
If the Planning Commission fails to take action within sixty (60) days of opening the hearing on the matter, such failure shall be deemed to have made a recommendation of denial to the City Council unless the applicant has requested an extension of time, either in writing or on the record, which has been approved by the Planning Commission prior to the running of the sixtieth day.
(5) The proposed development agreement shall be set for hearing and consideration before the City Council within sixty (60) days of the recommendation of the Planning Commission, unless the applicant agrees in writing to an extension of time with the City Manager prior to the matter being heard by the City Council.
(6) Within ten (10) calendar days after the City enters into any development agreement pursuant to this Section, the City Clerk shall have the agreement recorded with the County Recorder. If the parties to the agreement or their successors in interest amend or cancel the agreement as provided in Section 65868 of the California Government Code, or if the City terminates or modifies the agreement as provided in Section 65865.1 of the California Government Code for failure of the applicant to comply in good faith with the terms or conditions of the agreement, the City Clerk shall have notice of such action recorded with the County Recorder.
(e) Findings and Development Agreement Conditions. After the City Council completes the public hearing, the City Council may not approve the development agreement unless it finds that the provisions of the agreement:
(1) Are consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the general plan and any applicable specific plan;
(2) Are compatible with the uses authorized in and the regulations prescribed by this Chapter, zoning district in which the activity is located, and area in which the real property is located;
(3) Will not be detrimental to the health, safety, environmental quality, and general welfare of the community;
(4) Will provide for or result in contributions, services or facilities that benefit the community, which may include, but are not limited to, public facilities, improvements, and services, parks, recreation and open space improvements, public art, youth sports programs, other public youth benefit programs, substance abuse awareness and recovery programs, and other public service programs.
(5) Will not adversely affect the orderly development of property or the preservation of property values;
(6) Provides for payment by the applicant of all costs associated with preparing and entering into the agreement; and
(7) Provides for a reasonable penalty for any violation of the development agreement.
(f) Effectiveness of a development agreement pursuant to this Section shall be contingent upon issuance of a commercial cannabis permit and all other entitlements necessary to operate a commercial cannabis business on the subject property.
(g) Modifications and Extensions.
(1) The provisions of Section 65868 of the California Government Code shall apply for all modifications, with the exception of Minor Modifications,
extensions or other amendments of the terms of a development agreement subject to this Chapter.
(2) Either party may propose an amendment or termination of an approved development agreement subject to the following:
(i) The procedure for amending or terminating the development agreement is the same as the procedure for entering into an agreement in the first instance.
(ii) The development agreement may be amended or cancelled only by the mutual consent of the parties, as provided in Section 65868 of the California Government Code.
(3) Nothing herein shall limit the City’s ability to terminate or modify the agreement consistent with Section 65865.1 or 65865.3 of the California Government Code, or as may be amended.
(4) Minor modifications to a Development Agreement may be authorized by the City Manager, upon consultation with the City Attorney. (5) The Development Agreement may necessitate further planning and development of the Project and may demonstrate that refinements and changes are appropriate with respect to the details and performance in implementing the Project under a Development Agreement. The Development Agreement may permit a certain degree of flexibility with respect to the details of the development of the Project and with respect to those items covered in general terms under a Development Agreement. A Minor Changes (as hereinafter defined) when found to be necessary or appropriate, a written request shall be submitted to the City Manager, unless otherwise required by federal, state or local ordinance and/or regulation, effectuate such changes or adjustments through administrative amendments executed by the City Manager or designee. Upon approval of a Minor Modification, it shall be attached as addenda and become a part of the Development Agreement. Minor Modifications shall be recorded with the Development Agreement.
(6) The term “Minor Changes” collectively means:
(a) minor deviations to the Project Approvals that are permitted under the Existing City Requirements and are reasonably approved by the City Manager;
(b) a reduction in the parking ratio requirements for the Project under consistent with the McFarland Municipal Code, provided that (i) the reduction does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the Code requirement, and (ii) the reduction is approved by the City Manager, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or denied; or
(c) such other changes, modifications or adjustments to the Project Approvals, which the City Manager determines are consistent with the overall intent of the Project Approvals and which do not materially alter the overall nature, scope, or design of the Project, and which are consistent with the requirements of Chapter 8.29.05 of the McFarland Municipal Code and any commercial cannabis activity regulations or policies established by the City Manager.
(7) Assumption Agreement(s) - No Modification. An Assumption Agreement shall be subject to the terms of an approved Development Agreement. An Assumption Agreement shall not limit, restrict, modify, alter, amend or otherwise change in any manner the rights and obligations of an Assignor or Assignee under the DA, and in the event of any conflict between the terms and provisions of an Assumption Agreement and the terms and provisions of the DA, the terms and provisions of the DA shall control.
(8) In effecting any Minor Changes, the City shall cooperate with the Developer, provided that the permitted uses are not modified from those in the Project Approvals and any changes are in accordance with the Existing City Requirements. Minor Changes shall not be deemed to be an amendment to a Development Agreement under California Government Code section 65868 but are ministerial clarifications and adjustments, and unless otherwise required by law, no such administrative amendments shall require prior notice or hearing by the City Council. Any amendment or change requiring a environmental impact report, or a supplement thereto, pursuant to CEQA shall not be considered a Minor Change, but shall be considered substantive amendment which shall be reviewed and approved by the City Council as determined by the applicable provisions of the McFarland Municipal Code relating to the hearing and approval procedures for the specific Project Approval.
Section 19.04.210 - Records and Reporting.
(a) Commercial cannabis operations shall maintain on the permitted premises the following records either in paper or electronic form:
1. The full name, address, and telephone numbers of the owner and lessee of the property.
2. The name, date of birth, address, and telephone number of each employee and independent contractor of the commercial cannabis operation; the date each was hired or retained; and the nature of each person's participation in the commercial cannabis business.
3. Copies of all required state licenses.
4. 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 cannabis that is sold, delivered, or distributed.
5. 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.
6. A copy of all insurance policies related to the operation of the commercial cannabis operation.
7. A copy of the commercial cannabis operation's most recent year's financial statement and tax return.
8. 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 business. Every commercial cannabis business 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.
(b) Subject to HIPAA rights and regulations unrelated to the purpose and intent of the inspection, each commercial cannabis business shall allow City officials, upon request, to inspect all books, accounts, records, information and data required to be maintained by the cannabis business pursuant to this Chapter or otherwise relevant to its permitted activities for the purpose of facilitating any inspection, audit or investigation deemed necessary by the City. Such records shall be produced within twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of the City's request.
(c) By December 1 of each year, each commercial cannabis business shall file with the City Manager a complete audited report detailing its financial operations for the previous fiscal year, including its gross revenues, net profits, and total expenditures, which report shall be certified by an independent certified public accountant in accordance with generally accepted auditing and accounting principles. The report shall also include a discussion, analysis, and verification of each of the records required to be maintained pursuant to this Chapter. The information contained in the report shall be made available to the City in standard electronic format which shall be compatible with Microsoft Office programs and software and which can easily be imported into either Excel, Access or any other contemporary software designated by the City Manager, and shall be subject to audit by the City.
(d) All records required by this Chapter shall be maintained by commercial cannabis businesses for a period of not less than seven (7) years, and commercial cannabis businesses shall maintain accurate records of all commercial cannabis activities. All such records shall be made available for immediate inspection by the City upon request consistent with California Business and Professions Code Section 26160.
Section 19.04.220 - Prohibition on Transfer of Commercial Cannabis Permits. (a) No commercial cannabis business shall operate under a commercial cannabis permit issued pursuant to this Chapter at any place or location other than that identified in the commercial cannabis permit.
(b) Any permit issued pursuant to this Chapter shall be null and void upon sale or transfer of ownership of the commercial cannabis business.
(c) Any attempt to transfer or any transfer of a commercial cannabis permit issued pursuant to this Chapter shall be void and the commercial cannabis permit shall be deemed immediately revoked and no longer of any force or effect. (d) Notwithstanding (a) or (b) above, the City Manager may conditionally approve a Commercial Cannabis Business permit transfer subject to the proposed transferee submittal of all required application materials (new Commercial Cannabis Permit), pays all applicable fees and charges, and independently meets the requirements of this Chapter.
Prior to approval or conditional approval of a transfer, the existing Commercial Cannabis permit must have met all the applicable requirements. Before being eligible for a Commercial Cannabis Business permit transfer, the Commercial Cannabis Business must first have been operating the Cannabis Business for 12 months in the City and has followed all State and local cannabis regulations.
Section 19.04.230 - General Operating Requirements for Commercial Cannabis Businesses.
In addition to those operating requirements specifically set forth elsewhere in this Chapter and except as may otherwise be expressly set forth in this Chapter, the following operating requirements shall apply to all commercial cannabis businesses operating in the City:
(a) Hours of Operation. Normal business hours for commercial cannabis businesses are eight (8:00) a.m. and seven (7:00) p.m., Monday through Sunday. Subject to the night-time operating restrictions applicable to deliveries set forth in Section 8.29.05.280, commercial cannabis businesses may operate outside normal business hours, provided that any business activity conducted outside of normal business hours shall be sensitive to surrounding land uses and occupants and shall not result in excessive light, noise or other impacts that could cause a nuisance to members of the surrounding community. (b) Restriction on Consumption. Cannabis shall not be consumed on the premises of any commercial cannabis businesses, except that medicinal cannabis may be consumed within a clinic, health care facility, residential care facility, or residential hospice licensed pursuant to applicable provisions of the California Health & Safety Code, as stated in Section 8.29.05.06 of the McFarland Municipal Code.
(c) No cannabis or cannabis products or graphics depicting cannabis or cannabis products shall be visible from the public right-of-way or other public area or any adjacent property. No outdoor storage of cannabis or cannabis products is permitted at any time. (d) Reporting and Tracking of Product and of Gross Sales. Each commercial cannabis business shall have in place a point-of-sale tracking system to track and to report on all aspects of the commercial cannabis business including, but not limited to, such matters as tracking of cannabis and cannabis products, inventory data, and gross sales (by weight and by sale price) and shall ensure that such information is compatible with the City's recordkeeping systems. The system must have the capability to produce historical transactional data for
review by the City. All information provided to the City pursuant to this subsection shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed, except as may otherwise be required under law. (e) All cannabis and cannabis products sold, cultivated, manufactured, delivered, distributed or tested shall be cultivated, manufactured, delivered, distributed or tested by State licensees that maintain operations in full conformance with the state and local laws and regulations.
(f) Emergency Contact. Each commercial cannabis business shall provide the City Manager with the name and telephone number (office and mobile) of an on-site employee or owner to whom emergency notice can be provided on a 24-hour per day, 7-day per week basis. (g) Signage and Notices.
1. In addition to the requirements otherwise set forth in this Section, business identification signage for a commercial cannabis business shall conform to the signage requirements of the McFarland Municipal Code, including, but not limited to, issuance of a City of McFarland sign permit.
2. Business identification signage shall be limited to that needed for identification only and shall not contain any logos or information that identifies, advertises, or lists the services or the products offered. No commercial cannabis business shall advertise by having a person holding a sign and advertising the business to passersby, whether such person is on the premises of the commercial cannabis business or elsewhere including, but not limited to, the public right-of-way.
3. No signs placed on the premises of a commercial cannabis business shall obstruct any entrance or exit to the building or any window.
4. Each entrance to a commercial cannabis business shall be visibly posted with a clear and legible notice indicating that smoking, ingesting, or otherwise consuming cannabis on the premises or in the areas adjacent to the commercial cannabis business is prohibited.
5. Signage shall not be directly illuminated, internally or externally. No banners, flags or other prohibited signs may be used at any time.
(h) Minors. Persons under the age of twenty-one (21) years shall not be allowed on the premises of a commercial cannabis business. It is unlawful and a violation of this Chapter for any person to employ any person at a commercial cannabis business who is not at least twenty-one (21) years of age. The entrance to the commercial cannabis business shall be clearly and legibly posted with a notice that no person under the age of twenty-one (21) years of age is permitted to enter upon the premises of the commercial cannabis business. (i) Odor Control. Odor control devices and techniques shall be incorporated in all commercial cannabis businesses to ensure that odors from cannabis are not detectable off-site.
Commercial cannabis businesses shall provide a sufficient odor absorbing ventilation and exhaust system so that odor generated inside the commercial cannabis business that is distinctive to its operation is not detected off the premises, anywhere on adjacent property or public rights-of-way, on or about the exterior or interior common area walkways, hallways, breezeways, foyers, lobby areas, or any other areas available for use by common
tenants or the public, or within any other unit located inside the same building as the commercial cannabis business. As such, commercial cannabis businesses must install and maintain the following equipment or any other equipment which the City Manager determines has the same or better effectiveness:
1. An exhaust air filtration system with odor control that prevents internal odors from being emitted externally;
2. An air system that creates negative air pressure between the commercial cannabis business's interior and exterior so that the odors generated inside the commercial cannabis business are not detectable on the outside of the commercial cannabis business.
(j) Display of Commercial Cannabis Permit, State License and City Business License. The original copy of the commercial cannabis permit issued by the City pursuant to this Chapter, the required State license, and the business license issued by the City pursuant to the McFarland Municipal Code shall be posted inside the commercial cannabis business in a location readily visible to the public.
(k) Criminal History Records Check.
1. Every owner of each commercial cannabis business must submit to annual fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history records checks, conducted by the City or another agency authorized or requested to do so by the City, as an application requirement in connection with each application for issuance or renewal of a commercial cannabis permit for the commercial cannabis business.
2. The criminal history records check may be conducted utilizing the California Department of Justice Live Scan system or any other system deemed necessary or appropriate in the discretion of the City Manager. The City Manager is authorized to request subsequent notification service, if Live Scan is used, or an equivalent service, if another system is used, sufficient to obtain ongoing notifications of criminal offenses committed by owners of commercial cannabis businesses. In the event the City Manager does so, and such subsequent notification or equivalent service reveals a conviction or other conduct, such a conviction or other conduct shall constitute grounds for immediate suspension or revocation of the subject commercial cannabis permit.
3. Owners and responsible persons shall be disqualified from involvement with a commercial cannabis business where the results of a criminal history records check would constitute grounds for denial.
4. A fee for the City's costs of conducting the criminal history records check, as established by resolution of the City Council, shall be paid at the time the application for a commercial cannabis permit is submitted. The fee may be established as a trust deposit for actual costs. The fee, or the initial trust deposit, shall be in an amount the City Manager estimates will cover the costs of conducting the criminal history records check, including City review and processing services and any third-party fees. If a trust deposit-based fee is established, it shall be used and drawn upon as a retainer to cover the actual costs of such investigation. If the initial trust deposit is not sufficient, the applicant shall provide additional amounts as necessary within thirty (30) days of a request from the City. If the applicant fails
to do so, the investigation shall cease and shall not continue until such additional amounts are paid.
5. In the alternative to subsection (k)(4) above, the commercial cannabis business or the subject owner, may provide the City Manager with a completed criminal history records check performed by a third-party vendor, as deemed necessary or appropriate in the discretion of the City Manager. If this alternative is used, the fee established pursuant to subsection (k)(4) above shall not apply, except as may be necessary for the City to confirm the validity and the results of the records check used.
(l) Upon completion of the investigation or in the event the applicant withdraws its application, any unused amount of any trust deposit made pursuant to this Chapter will be refunded to the applicant within thirty (30) days of request by the applicant. (m)Loitering. The owner and/or operator of a commercial cannabis business shall prohibit loitering on the premises of the commercial cannabis business. (n) Permits and other Approvals. Prior to the establishment or operation of any commercial cannabis business, the person intending to establish a commercial cannabis business must first obtain all applicable planning, zoning, building, and other applicable permits from the relevant governmental agency which may be applicable to the zoning district in which such commercial cannabis business intends to establish and to operate. (o) Greenhouses. Greenhouses may be utilized only for commercial cannabis cultivation businesses, including nurseries. Greenhouses used for cannabis cultivation shall be fully enclosed permanent structures with solid walls that are clad in an opaque material with climate control, such as heating and ventilation capabilities and supplemental artificial lighting, and that use a combination of natural and supplemental artificial lighting. The cultivation activities conducted within a greenhouse shall not be visible from any public right-of-way or adjacent private property. All greenhouses shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter and the McFarland Municipal Code, including the adopted requirements of the California Building Code, the California Fire Code and any other code adopted or incorporated by reference within the McFarland Municipal Code, as amended.
Greenhouse must have a minimum of 2,000 square feet.
(p) No commercial cannabis business may store food grade alcohol or any other volatile chemical, solvent or substance in an amount which exceeds the maximum authorized amount determined by the Fire Chief. Subject to the foregoing, use of food grade alcohol solely for the purposes of cleaning machinery and dissolving wax, unless otherwise prohibited by the State, is allowed.
(q) Commercial cannabis businesses shall comply with all pesticide use requirements of local, state and federal law.
(r) All weighing devices used by commercial cannabis businesses shall be maintained in compliance with local, state or federal law and applicable regulations regarding device registration with the Agricultural Commissioner.
(s) Commercial cannabis businesses shall comply with all applicable provisions of the California Building Standards Code, as adopted or incorporated into the McFarland Municipal Code.
(t) Commercial cannabis businesses shall comply with all local, state and federal laws and regulations and best practices applicable to storage and disposal of chemicals, solid waste, contaminants, hazardous materials, adulterated, deteriorated or excess cannabis and cannabis products, and all byproducts of the commercial cannabis business. (u) In no case shall any commercial cannabis business utilize any volatile solvents or other flammable, explosive or toxic substances to process or manufacture cannabis products in the City, except as expressly authorized pursuant to both a Type 7 State license and a Cityissued commercial cannabis permit. (v) All food products, food storage facilities, food-related utensils, equipment and materials shall be approved, used, managed and handled in accordance to the provisions of the California Retail Food Code, California Health and Safety Code Sections 113700 through 114437. All food products shall be protected from contamination at all times, and all food handlers must be clean, in good health and free from communicable diseases. (w)All cannabis and cannabis products, prior to leaving any licensed premises for transfer to any retailer, shall be properly labeled and placed in resealable, tamper-evident, childresistant packaging, shall include a unique identifier for the purposes of identifying and tracking cannabis and cannabis products, and shall otherwise comply with applicable State laws, including Business and Professions Code Section 26120, and applicable State regulations, all as may be amended from time to time.
(x) The premises of all commercial cannabis businesses shall have sufficient lighting such that all areas subject to monitoring by the security surveillance camera system shall be always visible to all cameras of the system.
Section 19.04.240 - Operating Requirements for Cultivation Businesses and Nurseries. (a) Outdoor commercial cultivation and outdoor nursery activity is prohibited. (b) If a commercial cannabis business includes nursery activities, only one nursery may be located on the premises of the commercial cannabis business, and the nursery activity must be permitted pursuant to this Chapter and State law.
(c) Cannabis cultivation and nursery activity shall be conducted in accordance with state and local laws related to land conversion, grading, electricity, water usage, water quality, woodland and riparian habitat protection, agricultural discharges, and similar matters.
(d) Pesticides and fertilizers shall be properly labeled and stored to avoid contamination through erosion, leakage or inadvertent damage from pests, rodents or other wildlife. (e) In no case shall any hazardous, flammable or explosive substances be used to process or manufacture cannabis products on site, except as otherwise stated in this Chapter pertaining to food grade alcohol.
(f) The cultivation of cannabis and any nursery activity shall at all times be operated in such a way as to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public, the employees working at the commercial cannabis business, visitors to the area, neighboring properties, and the end users of the cannabis being cultivated, to protect the environment from harm to streams, fish, and wildlife; to ensure the security of the cannabis being cultivated; and to safeguard against the diversion of cannabis.
(g) Stacking shall be allowed in a given structure only to the point that measuring the total canopy of each level of stacking is cumulatively no greater than the maximum canopy size allowed under State laws or regulations applicable to the State cultivation license held by the commercial cannabis business
(h) All applicants for a commercial cannabis permit for cultivation or nursery activity shall submit the following, which shall be subject to approval by the City Manager prior to issuance of a commercial cannabis permit to the applicant, in addition to the information otherwise required for a commercial cannabis permit application:
1. An operations plan that meets or exceeds minimum legal standards for water usage, conservation and use; drainage, runoff, and erosion control; watershed and habitat protection; and proper storage of fertilizers, pesticides, and other regulated products to be used on the parcel, proper disposal of waste materials, and a description of the nursery or cultivation activities and schedule of activities during each month of growing and harvesting, or explanation of growth cycles and anticipated harvesting schedules for all-season harvesting.
2. A description of a legal water source, irrigation plan, and projected water use.
3. Identification of the source of electrical power and plan for compliance with applicable Building Codes and related codes.
4. Plan for addressing odor and other public nuisances which may result from the nursery or cultivation site.
Section 19.04.250 Cannabis Manufacturing Business Operating Requirements. (a) Manufacturer 1 (Type 6) permittees shall utilize only manufacturing processes that are either solventless or that employ only nonflammable, nontoxic solvents that are generally recognized as safe pursuant to the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. Sec. 301 et seq.).
(b) Manufacturer 2 (Type 7) permittees shall utilize only manufacturing processes that use solvents exclusively within a closed-loop system that meets all of the following requirements:
1. The system uses only solvents that are generally recognized as safe pursuant to the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. Sec. 301 et seq.).
2. The system is designed to recapture and contain solvents during the manufacturing process, and otherwise prevent the off-gassing of solvents into the ambient atmosphere to mitigate the risks of ignition and explosion during the manufacturing process.
3. A licensed engineer certifies that the system is commercially manufactured, safe for its intended use, and built to codes of recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices, including, but not limited to, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), or OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs).
4. The system has a certification document that contains the signature and stamp of a professional engineer and the serial number of the extraction unit being certified. (c) No compressed gases used in the manufacturing process shall be stored on the premises of any manufacturer in excess of the amount authorized by the Fire Chief (d) No manufacturer may engage in the retail sale, by delivery or otherwise, of any manufactured cannabis products, including edible cannabis products, on a retail basis in the City.
(e) All cannabis products shall be properly packaged and labeled in accordance with Business & Professions Code Section 26120 and applicable State regulations before leaving the commercial cannabis manufacturing business. All edible cannabis products must be in an opaque (non-see-through) package.
(f) Manufacturers shall comply with all applicable federal, State and local laws and regulations relating to manufacturing safety procedures.
Section 10.04.260 - Cannabis Testing Laboratory Operating Requirements. (a) Commercial cannabis testing laboratories (e.g. businesses requiring a Type 8 State license) shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and/or guidelines governing testing procedures and safety measures.
(b) Testing laboratories are prohibited from obtaining permits to engage in any commercial cannabis activity, except testing. A commercial cannabis business which holds a commercial cannabis permit for testing shall not be issued or hold any other commercial cannabis permit.
(c) Testing laboratories shall not employ any individual who is also employed by any other State licensee that does not hold a Type 8 State license. (d) Testing laboratories must be accredited by an accrediting body that is independent from all other persons involved in commercial cannabis activity, and must provide proof of said
accreditation, to the satisfaction of the City Manager, as a prerequisite to obtaining a commercial cannabis permit authorizing testing of cannabis or cannabis products.
Section 19.04.270 - Cannabis Retail/Delivery Businesses Operating Requirements (a) Retail sales of cannabis and cannabis products in the City shall be conducted by delivery only.
(b) All commercial cannabis businesses conducting deliveries shall have permitted premises in the City from which all deliveries to addresses in the City or outside of the City shall be conducted.
(c) The premises of all commercial cannabis businesses that are permitted to conduct deliveries shall be closed to the general public at all times and shall be accessible only to employees and persons with a bona fide business or regulatory purpose for accessing the premises.
(d) In accordance with Business & Professions Code Section 26070.1, cannabis or cannabis products purchased by a customer shall not leave the permitted premises of a retailer unless they are placed in an opaque package. Lake i
(e) Retailers shall not accept, possess, or sell cannabis or cannabis products that are not packaged and labeled as they will be sold at final sale and in accordance with Business & Professions Code Section 26120, as may be amended. Retailers shall not package or label cannabis or cannabis products.
(f) No employee or other person acting on behalf of a commercial cannabis operation permitted to conduct deliveries may possess or deliver more than $3,000 worth of cannabis or cannabis products at any given time.
(g) No delivery shall be made to any person other than the person who requested the delivery, except when the person requesting the delivery is a qualified patient and the person receiving the delivery is his or her primary caregiver, or vice versa. (h) Any person who is present on the permitted premises of a commercial cannabis business permitted to conduct deliveries who is not an employee, officer, agent, or representative of the retailer must sign in and wear a "visitor" identification badge at all times while on the premises.
(i) Proof of the required State license and commercial cannabis permit, and a copy of all requests/orders for deliveries being conducted, shall be carried at all times in all vehicles being used to make deliveries, and shall be immediately available upon request from law enforcement officers.
(j) Deliveries shall not be conducted between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Section 19.04.280 - Total Area Devoted to Commercial Cannabis Businesses (a) No more than 200 acers or eight million, seven hundred and twelve thousand (8,712,000) square feet of area shall be permitted for use by commercial cannabis businesses in the City. Notwithstanding the foregoing, land annexed into the City after the date of enactment of this Chapter shall not be subject to, nor shall be counted toward, this restriction. (b) The square footage of premises of each permitted commercial cannabis business shall be a minimum of 2,000 square feet in area. A coexisting, Commercial Cannabis business, subtenant, may be located, with the City Manager or designee’s approval or conditional approval, in a building area of less than 2,000 square feet where the Commercial Cannabis business is in conjunction with another approved Commercial Cannabis activity permitted in a building larger than 2,000 square feet.
(c) Accessory Structures in Support of Commercial Cannabis Businesses may, at the City Manager’s or designee approval or conditional approval, be authorized. The ratio of 1:1 square footage (Accessory Structure vs Commercial Cannabis Business) shall not exceed 25,000 square feet. (Example: Commercial Cannabis Business with 25,000 square feet may be authorized to have up to 25,000 square feet of Accessory Structures). All Accessory Structures shall be affixed to concrete foundations and must conform to the California Building Code (CBC), California Electrical Code (CEC) and American Mechanical Code (AMC). Accessory structures shall meet the requirements of Section 8.029.05.080 Security Measures and must have exterior lights around all four sides or appropriate detached lighting as approved by the City. Accessory structure(s) may be less than the minimum square footage as established in 8.029.05.290 (b). Accessory Structures shall be screened from public view – design of screening shall be at the discretion of the City Manager or designee. Accessory Structures square footage shall be included as established by Section 8.029.05.290 Total Area Devoted to Commercial Cannabis Businesses. Temporary buildings for a Non-Store Front Delivery license by be permitted by the City Manager or his designee. However, reasonable progress must be made on a permanent structure, or the license may be revoked. The permanent fencing requirements required by this chapter, for the site, shall apply to these temporary buildings.
Section 19.04.290 - Periodic Review by the City Council.
Upon request of the City Manager, the City Attorney and the Chief of Police shall report to the City Council with findings on the operation of any commercial cannabis business permitted pursuant to this Chapter and a recommendation as to whether the business should be permitted to continue operating for the remaining period of its commercial cannabis permit (in addition to whatever other recommendations may be made) and whether the City should renew the permit upon application for renewal. Any termination or revocation of a permit based on such findings shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
Section 19.04.300 - Promulgation of Regulations and Standards.
The City Manager, in his or her discretion, is authorized to promulgate reasonable regulations as he or she deems necessary to implement procedures or requirements in furtherance of the purposes of this Chapter. Regulations promulgated by the City Manager shall have the same force and effect of law and shall become effective upon the date of approval and execution of such regulations by the City Manager.
Section 19.04.310 - Community Relations.
(a) Each commercial cannabis business shall provide the City Manager with the name, telephone number, and email address of a community relations contact to whom notice of problems associated with the commercial cannabis business can be provided. (b) The owner, manager, and community relations representative of a commercial cannabis permit holder operating in the City shall, upon request of the City Manager, meet to discuss costs, benefits, and other community issues resulting from implementation or application of this Chapter.
Section 19.04.320 - Unpaid Fees Deemed Debt to City.
The amount of any unpaid fee, cost or charge imposed pursuant to this Chapter shall be deemed a civil debt to the City that is recoverable in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 19.04.330 - Permit Holder Responsible for Violations.
Commercial cannabis permit holders shall be responsible for all violations of State or local laws or regulations, whether or not committed by the permit holder or any employee or agent of the permit holder, which occur in or on the premises of the commercial cannabis business, whether or not said violations occur within the permit holder's presence.
Section 19.04.340 – Effect on Other Ordinances
Except as designated in this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall control for regulation of commercial cannabis businesses as defined herein if other provisions of the code conflict therewith. This chapter shall not, however, relieve any person of his or her duty to comply with such laws if additional obligations, duties, or prohibitions are imposed thereby.
Section 19.04.350 – Unlawful Businesses Prohibited
In no event shall any business license be granted for any use or activity that is illegal or unlawful under federal, state or city laws or regulations. No business license issued hereunder shall be construed as authorizing the conduct of or continuance of any illegal or unlawful business, or the furnishing, sale or provisioning of any service, good or product that is illegal under this code, the laws of the State of California, or the laws of the United States of America. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a business license may be granted for businesses permitted under this chapter, provided the applicant has complied with all provisions of this code and state law.
Section 19.04.360 – City Manager Designee
The City Manager may designate a staff member to be the City Manager’s designee and act on some or all the City Manager decisions of this chapter.