Title
a. Receive a report regarding options and issues for expanding medical cannabis permitting opportunities in Monterey County; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
(Medical Marijuana Regulations - REF150048-Inland; REF160042-Coastal/County-wide)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a report regarding options and issues for expanding medical cannabis permitting opportunities in Monterey County; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
SUMMARY:
On July 12, 2016, the Board adopted an ordinance amending the non-coastal zoning regulations (Title 21 of the Monterey County Code), and a resolution of intent to amend the Coastal zoning regulations (Title 20 of the Monterey County Code) regulating medical marijuana uses in Monterey County. At that meeting, the Board requested that staff return with a report outlining options for permitting a limited number of outdoor commercial cannabis cultivation operations. There was interest expressed to consider options that would not have the potential to result in significant environmental impacts such that preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) would not be required.
On Friday, August 26th, 2016, staff presented options, outlined below, to the medical marijuana ad hoc committee (Committee) regarding expanding outdoor cultivation. After considering the options, the ad hoc committee recommends making no changes at this time for reasons explained in this report. The following options were considered by the Committee:
Option 1: Wait; Do nothing at this time. Hold off exploring changes from the ordinances that were adopted until we see what happens with County and State ballot measures, State regulations (estimated 2018), financing, etc. Gain experience with the approved regulations adopted by the County as well as other jurisdictions before considering changing or expanding.
Option 2: Establish green zones (Zoning overlay). Conduct an opportunity and constraints anal...
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