Title
a. Consider amending the requirements for the Outdoor Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Pilot Program related to proof of prior cultivation;
b. Consider setting a limit for aggregate outdoor cultivation canopy under the Pilot Program;
c. Consider directing Housing and Community Development staff to amend Chapters 20.69 (Coastal) and 21.69 (Inland) of the Monterey County Code; and
d. Provide further direction as appropriate. (REVISED VIA SUPPLEMENTAL)
Report
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Consider amending the requirements for the Outdoor Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Pilot Program related to proof of prior cultivation;
b. Consider setting a limit for aggregate outdoor cultivation canopy under the Pilot Program;
c. Consider directing Housing and Community Development staff to amend Chapters 20.69 (Coastal) and 21.69 (Inland) of the Monterey County Code; and
d. Provide further direction as appropriate.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
At the Board of Supervisors Cannabis Committee (Committee) meeting on November 2, 2023, there was discussion regarding requirements Chapters 20.69 and 21.69 of Monterey County Code (MCC). These Chapters pertain to the Outdoor Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Pilot Program (Pilot) within coastal and inland zones respectively. Current regulations require an applicant to provide proof that cannabis had been cultivated on the site under the medicinal cannabis rules that preceded the commercial cannabis regulations. Proof includes evidence that cannabis was cultivated on the site prior to January 1, 2016. In discussing the requirements, the Cannabis Committee was split on the recommendation to amend the outdoor cannabis cultivation, acknowledging prior decisions from the Board of Supervisors, most recently in August of 2022 so the Cannabis Program (Program) staff were directed to return to the full Board to reconsider with the narrow focus of removing the requirement for proof of prior cultivation.
MCC se...
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