Bellflower has 12 Cannabis Licenses Available in LA County

​The City of Bellflower is a growing economic Los Angeles suburb with a population of over 130,000 and growing 10% annually year after year.  Recently, Bellflower passed a local ordinance which will allow for 12 licenses for dispensaries, cultivators and processors.  Regardless of the type of canna-business, the application process and Business Development plan are the same. The city has agreed to review applications on a First-in/First-out basis.  Start-ups and investors will need to work quickly to successfully navigate Bellflower’s regulations and approval procedures to ensure they become a leading candidate in the application process.  

WRITE AN OPERATIONS PLAN
To start, applicants will need to draft an Operations Plan for the City that outlines well thought out financial projections for both cost and revenue. Additionally, the Operation Plan must tell a compelling story about the specific business objectives, goals, and with the parameters which will guide safe operations.   
This will not as simple as a quick spread-sheet of high level estimates for overhead and sales.  City plan submissions need a comprehensive investment and business operating strategy.  Thorough Operating Plans include the following items:

• Product Development and Marketing Plans inclusive of advertising, product variations, equipment, competitor intelligence and market research.  
• Security Protocols and Regulatory Logistics
  • Security for Cannabis operations in Bellflower requires all entrances of the facilities to be locked at all times with 24-hour HD video surveillance.  
  • Footage needs to be maintained and available for up to 45 days.  
• Laboratory Testing shall be compliant with the California Medical Marijuana Safety and Regulation Act standards.
• Employee Training Strategy for bud-tenders, cultivators, technical support, etc.
• Technology Investments; web and mobile application development, digital marketing, grow equipment and/or environmental constraints.
• Commercial Property options should identify options for lease versus purchase estimates.  
  • Approved licenses will ensure the locations do not operate within 600 feet from a school, religious facility, park, daycare, youth center or rehabilitation facility.
  • The city will require specifics on the intended location, so ensure a commercial property relator is consulted to advocate for the intended location(s).

 A projected profit and loss statement will not only need to be assessed by the City of Bellflower, but it should also be reviewed by a qualified CPA and a strategic advisor to ensure best practices are identified and adhered to.

 APPLY FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
Next, businesses will apply for a Conditional Use Permit by submitting the Operations Plan for approval to the Building Official and Police Chief.  Interested parties must submit a business permit application directly to the City. Then background checks will be performed on the principals of the company followed by a Conditional Use Permit application. 

BELLFLOWER APPLICATION SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

• Completed application form submitted and authorized by the property owner
• Completed environmental form
• Radius map showing all properties within 300 feet
• Mailing labels (quantity of 3 each) listing the property owners within 300 feet
• Twenty (20) sets of plans, including a site plan, floor plans, and building elevations
• The cost of the project study

Consider time constraints, especially with the deadline of December 31, 2017 to have a local cannabis license, necessary for the application for State Recreational Use Cannabis License.  A medical marijuana business permit can cost up to $30K, while a Conditional Use Permit is less than $500.  These fees are in addition to the business license which must be obtained and maintained annually.  The medical marijuana business permit must also be renewed every year and the fees are the same as the initial cost.  
Once the application process is in flight, the appropriate vendors and operations model should be ready for execution.  This includes the appropriate second and third-party partnerships, investor agreements, legal and financial management procedures ensuring they are all prepared to execute.
 PLAN EXECUTION
Once approval is granted by the City of Bellflower, individuals can begin executing the Operations Plan. The execution of each phase can be delivered in increments and should include, but is not limited to:

• Coordinating facility design and set-up with a cultivation expert
• Installation of security equipment and outlining safety policies
• Identifying and procuring the appropriate equipment and supplies
• Securing a domain name and engage a professional graphic artist and website designer to create a strong brand
• Creation of a strong digital presence within the City of Bellflower and across the State of California
• Becoming the preferred local cannabis brand and/or dispensary outlet

 The cannabis business financial platform, legal oversight strategy and operations model which should continually be monitored and evaluated to ensure the footprint is a continued success.
 
CONCLUSION
Bellflower is an up-and-coming suburban city in the county of Los Angeles and one of the few cities in LA County who are offering opportunities for investors and new business owners with 12 licenses being offered.
Whether a dispensary, cultivator or processor, the planning, application, execution and application process is the same.  While at the highest level the process may sound simple, applicants may run into a number of hurdles. It will be critical to follow all steps outlined by the city to ensure partnership and gain approval. Currently, the city has not published the application but you can expect it in the near future. In the meantime, you can call the City of Bellflower at (562) 804-1424, ext. 2207 to get more information.
 
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