1 8/7/2025
RiversideCA.gov1
RiversideCA.gov
RETAIL STOREFRONT CANNABIS BUSINESS PERMIT GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIACity CouncilAugust 19, 2025Community & Economic Development Department RiversideCA.gov2
BACKGROUND
• Commercial Cannabis Business Program adopted with Title 19 updates by City CouncilFebruary 2023 • City Council approved changesMarch 2025
• Title 19 and Ch. 5.77 changes presented to Planning CommissionMay 2025 • City Council Adopted Changes to RMC August 5
• Revised Guidelines matching those changesPresent
2 8/7/2025
RiversideCA.gov3
LAND USE CHANGES TO CHAPTER 5.77 Establish a minimum separation between CCBs of 1,000 feetEstablish a minimum separation between a CCB and a park of 1,000 feetCompatibility with Businesses under ABC regulationsProhibit establishment of CCBs within Downtown and Midtown RiversideCA.gov4
NON-LAND USE CHANGES TO CHAPTER 5.77 Limit of one permit per wardModifications to Permit sale and Transfer processOwnership List to be submitted to the City two times per year 3 8/7/2025
RiversideCA.gov5
AMENDMENTS TO GUIDELINES Highest Ranked Applicants•The RMC provides for up to 14 permits•Max of 1 permit per ward, capping the initial number of permits at 7. •The Top 7 Ranked Applicants will remain provisional applicantsOne Permit Per Ward•Preferred Site Location selection will now include the 1 permit per ward limitVoluntary Selection of Preferred Location•Current Applicants are not able to select a new preferred location after step 2.2•New process established allowing a voluntary resubmittal•Covers Disqualifications and unexpected site issuesExpiration of Ranking•Provides City Manager ability to extend expiration date for 2 additional 12-month periods RiversideCA.gov6
RECOMMENDATIONSStaff recommends that the City Council: 1. Adopt a Resolution amending the Storefront Retail CommercialCannabis Business Permit Procedure Guidelines and ApplicationReview Criteria.2. Direct the City Manager to establish a rule and publish on theCity’s website, resetting the authorized preferred location listand require the top seven ranked applicants to submit newpreferred site locations.