Attachment 2: Cannabis Retailer Input
Dispersion of locations is more ideal than clustering in one allowed area.
Both from standpoint of allowing retailers to capitalize on a unique proximity to a consumer region, but also to lessen risk of inflated property rental rates or purchase prices.
Rent rates could go up if property owners know that only certain areas will allow the cannabis businesses.
This not only hurts the cannabis business but other retailers that may need to be in those areas.
Not necessary to require a buffer but discourage clustering.
High traffic areas are ideal, not only from local/regional consumers, but also from tourists to the National Parks, etc.
Majority seemed more interested in existing buildings, but new builds were not out of the question.
For the smaller businesses, availability of quality, affordable existing building options were preferred over the highest trafficked commercial corridor.
Parking access critical:
Given the high foot traffic of typical cannabis stores, the retailers were all mindful of the potential impacts to neighboring businesses and traffic flow so stressed the importance of ample dedicated parking. Ideal sites should include well-designed, shared commercial centers or standalone locations with adequate access and circulation.
Adjacent businesses that typically benefit from proximity to cannabis shops: gas stations, quick-serve restaurants, and local food businesses.
Real Estate Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCRs) that include “morality clauses” will often restrict access to cannabis retailers.
Particular zones of interest include:
C-R (Regional Commercial)
C-S (Service Commercial)
C-MU (Commercial Mixed-Use)
D-MU (Downtown Mixed-Use)
Particular commercial corridors of interest include:
Downtown:
Most of the retailers talked to were interested in downtown, though some cited limited parking access and potential parking impacts to neighboring businesses as the main reason they might not be as interested in downtown.
Furthermore, areas near downtown such as the Microbrewery Overlay District were likely sufficient for some of those interested in downtown area.
Some of those interested in Downtown attributed it to them being a “boutique”, higher end retail establishment, aligning more with a downtown presence than a typical shopping center layout.
Mooney:
Caldwell and Mooney area
South of Walnut
North Dinuba Blvd:
Dinuba Blvd. corridor
Riggin/Dinuba Blvd
198 corridor:
Ideal for capturing visitors to National Parks and commuters Some of the retailers surveyed shared their experience with other application processes. Below are some of the main points:
If a signed lease or site commitment is to be required as part of the application process (which we should require), there should be as much certainty for the applicants that the sites they are considering will be allowed to operate as cannabis businesses. So, zoning considerations should be clearly outlined beforehand.
Suggest a merit-based selection process to ensure quality applicants.
Suggest including a community benefit component in the application process.
This should also include identification of prior commitments to other communities and demonstrated proof of such community benefit commitments being carried out.