Title
REF250038 - CANNABIS CONSUMPTION VENUE ORDINANCE
a. Conduct a public workshop to review and receive public input regarding ordinance options for a Cannabis Consumption Venue Ordinance for areas in unincorporated Monterey County; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
Project Location: Unincorporated Monterey County
Proposed CEQA action: A planning workshop is exempt per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15262.
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Planning Commission:
a. Conduct a public workshop to review and receive public input regarding ordinance options for a Cannabis Consumption Venue Ordinance for areas in unincorporated Monterey County; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
Planning File Number: REF250038
Project Location: Countywide - limited to areas where Cannabis Retail Facilities are allowed in each Planning Areas: North County Inland, Greater Salinas, Carmel Valley Master Plan, Greater Monterey Peninsula, Toro, Central Salinas Valley, Cachagua, South County, Fort Ord Master Plan, Del Monte Forest, Carmel Area, Big Sur Coast, North County Coastal
SUMMARY:
The County of Monterey has current regulations that allow certain types of cannabis uses, including regulations and procedures that require a discretionary permit be obtained to operate a cannabis retail facility. The Board of Supervisors directed staff to prepare an ordinance that could allow cannabis consumption on sites that allow cannabis retail uses. In fall 2025, the Board of Supervisors’ Cannabis Committee considered preparation of such an ordinance and directed staff to prepare a draft ordinance and conduct outreach at a Planning Commission workshop.
County staff has prepared draft ordinances amending the adopted regulations (Exhibit 2 including Exhibit 2-A Draft Amended Chapter 7.90 and Exhibit 2-B Draft Amended Chapter 21.67) that would allow existing and future permitted cannabis retailers to also include cannabis consumptio...
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