El Cerrito Cannabis Retail Business Permit Applications Are Due March 30!

The city of El Cerrito, California is currently issuing operating permits for cannabis retail businesses. Applications are due by Friday, March 30, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. In addition, El Cerrito will only be issuing a maximum of TWO operating permits for cannabis retail businesses. Therefore, it’s imperative to submit all application information quickly and accurately.  Let’s take a quick look at what is needed.


Application Checklist

El Cerrito was kind enough to provide an application checklist. This is a great resource to utilize while applying. Remember, with a maximum of 2 permits, it’s important everything is done right the first time. Below is a list of the important items required, but be sure to refer back to this checklist before submitting.

• Deposit: a $20,000 US dollar deposit is required.
• A detailed letter about your business. This is your time to get detailed and share your business plan.  It’s important to differentiate yourself from other applicants. El Cerrito suggests that the following items are included in your letter:
  • A description of all activities taking place, or that may occur, onsite
  • Operating hours
  • A summary of how you plan to adhere to performance standards outlined in Municipal code (in section 6.80.070). This includes questions such as: how will you ensure security, insurance and accurate tracking of cash payments?
  • The types of products that will be sold
  • Expected revenue for each product
  • An estimate how many individuals will be on your premise at any given time. This includes everyone from staff to potential customers.
  • What are the sources of the cannabis that is sold at your business?
  • A detailed description of how you plan to store and discard hazardous material
• Personal Owner and Employee Information: include the names of all owners and employees.  Additional information is also required, such as:
  • Birthdays
  • Current/Past Addresses
  • Work History
  • Criminal Records
  • Social Security Numbers
  • Past businesses that were owned
  • Any litigation you’ve been involved in within the last 10 years
• Licenses: include the state license types that you have obtained or are planning to obtain. If you are waiting to obtain the license, write a description of how you plan to meet state licensing requirements.  In addition, if you have or are planning to get cannabis licenses in other states, counties or cities, include that information.
• Pro Forma financial information: include a 3-year plan about your operations and revenue estimates. The city wants to know that you have a concrete plan and can accurately project revenue, volume and costs. Use your keen business skills to develop a plan to the best of your abilities (or consult with one of our experts!)
• Plans: include floor and site plans. These must include detailed items such as property lines, parking plans, driveways and walkways. Your floor plan will be even more detailed, showcasing the interior of the building with walls, furnishings, doors and windows clearly marked.  The city also cares about the exterior appearance of the building to confirm it fits with the design standards of the city.
• Security Plans: you will be dealing with high volumes of cash, so El Cerrito needs to know what your business has planned to keep onsite customers safe, how you plan to limit cash on hand, and how you will secure your property.
• Insurance Certificate: you must have commercial general liability and comprehensive automobile liability coverage. To further protect yourself, we suggest looking into other types of insurance (and these can help your application). Check the application checklist for specifics on the insurance needed for El Cerrito.
• Community Benefits: now this is where you can REALLY shine. Opening a business can offer a tremendous amount of economic benefits to a city. How will your business benefit the community of El Cerrito. How will you bring job growth? Will you be improving the building in which you do business? Describe these items and your vision in great detail.  This is a great opportunity to showcase the bigger picture.

Zoning Requirements


Future cannabis retail businesses are only permitted in the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Area. In addition, they are permitted on the San Pablo Avenue Commercial and San Pablo Avenue Community street types.


If a business is within the theater district designation, cannabis storefront retail is only allowed in the upper floor locations. However, there must be access to an elevator. If an elevator is not available, a building official must approve another means of accessibility. In addition:

• Operating permits will not be granted to any business within 600 feet of youth areas.  This includes schools, libraries, parks and recreational facilities.
• You cannot be within 1,000 feet of another licensed cannabis business.

El Cerrito is expected to publish specific land use buffers within their online zoning map in the coming weeks. Join our mailing list and we will notify you when they become available.

Ready to Apply?

The city references Senior Planner Sean Moss as a resource should you have specific questions regarding the application process. You must submit all questions by TODAY Thursday, March 22, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

Are you ready to submit your Operating Permit Application and start a dispensary? We’ve helped countless of cannabis businesses secure permits in California and would be thrilled to help you do the same. Contact us today.

​