Sacramento is accepting applications for marijuana cultivators. Applicants who are interested in obtaining a license to grow marijuana in Sacramento can obtain details from the Office of Cannabis Policy and Enforcement. This office is responsible for creating policies and regulating the Sacramento Cannabis market as well creating and overseeing the application process. On November 22, 2016, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2016-0051. This ordinance outlines the regulations for cannabis cultivation businesses. Under the ordinance, cultivation permits will be issued for three different cultivation permit types:
The application process is complex and designed to ensure that the city, neighbors, and employees are operating in adherence to the law and safety standards outlined by Sacramento. Individuals should look to hire professionals to draft the site plans, consolidate & write the application, and provide overall project management support to ensure business continuity. Depending on how much construction is required and how big of a cultivation site the applicant intends creating, the application fees can range from ~$17,000 to ~$34,000. Considering the cost of the permitting process, hiring a professional to manage the project will be a worthwhile investment to mitigate the potential risk of not getting a license. Applicants who are interested in opening a marijuana business in Sacramento must follow the below steps to obtain a permit. While it appears that the process may be easy, the paperwork required for a full and complete application should be well-written and organized to track all deliverables.
The Conditional Use Permit and Business Operating Permit applications will be processed concurrently. Step One: Find a property that is zoned for cannabis cultivation Applicants must check to see if their property is located in a zone that allows for marijuana businesses to operate. Cultivation will be reviewed on a case by case basis to operate in the following zones:
The City of Sacramento has made it easy to see if your property is in an acceptable zone. You can enter the address in the Zoning & Property Details tab to identify the zone of your property. Keep in mind, if you are leasing your property, that the landlord will have to submit a letter indicating that they give you permission to operate a marijuana business in their building. Step Two: Apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) In order to operate a cultivation business in Sacramento, you will need both a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Division (CUP); and a Business Operating Permit from the Office of Cannabis Policy and Enforcement (BOP). A CUP, or proof of application for a CUP, is required for applying for a BOP. You can download the Conditional Use Permit Application. In the application, there is a checklist of items that must be gathered to complete the application. Applicants must also include a Neighborhood Responsibility Plan (NRP) Agreement.
Online applications will not be accepted by the City of Sacramento. Applications must be submitted in person at the Planning Division, 300 Richards Blvd. 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95811 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. (The office is open until 4 p.m. but applications are not accepted after 3 p.m.) Online applications will not be accepted by the City of Sacramento. Applications must be submitted in person at the Planning Division, 300 Richards Blvd. 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95811 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. (The office is open until 4 p.m. but applications are not accepted after 3 p.m.) Step Three: Apply for a Business Operating Permit Once you have submitted a complete application for a Conditional Use Permit, you will receive an application file number. Applicants must use this number, to submit an application for a Business Operating Permit. This permit shows the city that you have thought through how you will run your business. If you are new to the cannabis space, you should consider tapping on a business with experience in designing the Standard Operating Procedures for running an effective cultivation. To submit the BOP application, the applicant must include the following items:
You can apply for a Business Operating Permit online or download the Business Operating Permit Application to submit it in person at the Revenue Division, 915 I Street Rm 1201, Sacramento, CA 95814. Before submitting an application online, applicants can read the Citizen Portal User Guide. To apply for the BOP, Class A applicants must pay $9,700, Class B applicants must pay $20,210, and Class C applicants must pay $28,910. Step Four: Contact Sacramento County Agricultural Commission Marijuana growers who will use pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, etc.) during the cultivation process must contact the Sacramento County Agricultural Commission prior to their use. This is required to remain in compliance with requirements of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Prior to contacting the department, applicants can read about Legal Pest Management Practices for Cannabis Growers in California. Currently, they do not appear to have an application listed on the site, however, you will want to contact the department for more details. Step Five: Obtain Background Checks Finally, all applicants (including all management and staff) are required to go through a background check and get a Live Scan fingerprint in person at the Revenue Division. LiveScan fingerprinting is part of the background check requirements will be done strictly by appointment only. Fingerprinting is not required at the time of submission of your BOP, but is part of the review and approval process. To schedule an appointment, please call the Permits staff at 916-808-5852. The LiveScan costs $88/person and is due at the time of your appointment. |