Cannabis Applications Open in City of Baldwin Park, CA

​Currently the City of Baldwin Park, CA is accepting applications to obtain a permit for Medical Cannabis Manufacturing and Distribution activities.  This application process started September 14, 2017 and will last until further notice. 

This application process is a competitive process. Only 15 applicants will be selected for permit issuance. All fees paid are nonrefundable regardless of outcome. 

Anyone interested in operating a medical cannabis business within the City of Baldwin, CA must consider the following:

Item 1:  Primary Background Information

As part of the application process each applicant will be required to submit a LiveScan/Background Check Authorization Form. 

In addition to completing the form the following will need to be submitted:

• Receipt of background check and Live Scan
• Pictures (2) of applicant (two passport quality photographs 2” x 2”)
• Copy of Social Security Card
• Copy of Valid Driver’s License, Valid DMV issued ID Card or Valid Passport
• Proof of address (DMV-issued ID/driver’s license, and/or recent utility bill under Principal’s name)
• List whether the applicant(s) has/have other licenses and/or permits issued to and/or revoked from the applicant in the three years prior to the year of the permit application.  This list should include such other licenses and or permits relating to similar business activities as in the permit application. If applicable, please list the type, current status, issuing/denying for each license/permit.
• List any and all partners or principals who have been found guilty of (a) a violent felony, (b) a felony or misdemeanor involving fraud, deceit, embezzlement, or moral turpitude, or (c) the illegal use, possession, transportation or distribution (or similar activities) related to controlled substances, as defined in the Federal Controlled Substance Act, with the exception of medical cannabis-related offenses for which the conviction occurred after the passage of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996.

 
Essential Supplemental Information Required:

Criminal history:  Applicant must state that no Manager or Principal of an applicant has any violent or serious felony conviction(s) as specified in Sections 667.5 and 1192.7 of the Penal Code or any felony conviction involving fraud, deceit or embezzlement.  Applicant must identify any pending criminal complaint(s). The Applicant must certify, as a condition of maintaining the permit, that it will not employ any person with any type of violent or serious felony conviction(s) as specified in Sections 667.5 and 1192.7 of the Penal Code or any felony conviction involving fraud, deceit or embezzlement.  Applicants must certify as a condition of maintaining the permit that they will not employ as managers or employees any person with any controlled substance related misdemeanor conviction
 
Item 2:  Consider all Fees Pertaining to Submitting a Cannabis Permit Application
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All fees are to be paid by cashier’s check or money order and made payable to the “City of Baldwin Park”.

Item 3:  Acceptable Commercial Cannabis Business Locations
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Choosing the right location is critical for your business.

Information on the facility location will be required when submitting the Baldwin Park Cannabis Permit Application.  Here is a list of information that is needed:

• Proposed Location of Business (Include APN’s)
• Name and Address of Property Owner
• Name and Address of school closest to the proposed location
• Description of the neighborhood around the proposed location
• Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
• Safety and Security Plan
• Air Quality Plan

Required Plan Submittals (Plans must be drawn to scale):

• Site Plan for each potential location. The Site Plan must be dimensioned and show the entire parcel, including parking and additional structures. 
• Conceptual Building Elevations if new construction.  If existing buildings, include any proposed exterior building alterations if applicable.
• Floor Plans, including any proposed interior alterations.
• Vicinity Map. It is the Applicant’s responsibility to prove to the City that the cannabis operation’s location is at least 600 feet from all sensitive uses and 50 feet from all residential zones.  The measurement is from property airspace line to property airspace line on each lot.  However, in the case of commercial condominiums, measurement is taken from the airspace property line.  
• Photos of the site and building(s) from all sides/directions

Please note that multiple sites can be considered per application.  Attach proof of ownership or signed statement from the owner/signed lease agreement. 

Essential Supplemental Information Required:

• Suitability of the proposed property:  Applicant must demonstrate that the proposed location(s) exceeds all buffer zones established in the Cannabis Ordinance.

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City of Baldwin Park Cannabis Map:

Item 4:  Complete the Permit application and Essential Supplement Information

Complete the Baldwin Park Cannabis Permit Application in addition to the background information, finding a location and paying the required fees. 

There are several pieces of Essential Supplemental information that must be submitted along with the application:
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• Suitability of security plan:  The security plan needs to include the presence of security personnel on premises or patrolling the premises twenty-four (24) hours per day. The security plan must demonstrate a method to track and monitor inventory so as to prevent theft or diversion of cannabis. The applicant must describe the enclosed, locked facility that will be used to secure or store cannabis when the location is open and the steps taken to ensure cannabis is not visible to the public. The Applicant's security plan must include measures to prevent the diversion of cannabis to persons under the age of twenty-one (21).
• Suitability of business plan and financial record keeping:  The Applicant must describe a staffing plan that will provide and ensure safe dispensing, adequate security, theft prevention, and the maintenance of confidential information
• Regulatory compliance history:  Applicant must provide a record of any citations, sanctions, investigations, suspensions or any time in which Applicant has had their license, permit, registration or authorization revoked for any reason, including criminal, patient safety, workplace safety, wage and hour, discrimination. Applicant must identify whether it has had a permit or license revoked by any city or the State of California.  Applicants must also identify any administrative penalties assessed against their business.
• Good legal standing:  Applicant must certify that the Cultivation and/or Manufacturing facility, including its principals and managers acting in their own official capacities, have not violated any local, state or federal tax, environmental, consumer protection, food safety, workplace safety, discrimination, human rights, employment, labor or other laws relevant to the operation of a cannabis business in the state.
• Community engagement:  It is a good idea for each applicant to identify any involvement in the community, other non-profit association, or neighborhood association. Applicant should identify the percentage of employees it guarantees will be hired from the City of Baldwin Park, if any.  Applicant should identify if it is a minority owned business.  Applicant should have a comprehensive strategy to recruit, hire, promote and train a diverse workforce, including women, people of color, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and immigrants.
• Environmental impact:  It the facility uses renewable energy sources then this needs to be indicated. 
• Labor relations:  Applicant shall state whether it provides employer-paid health insurance benefits for its employees as required by state and/or federal law.  Applicant must establish that it provides equipment, standards and procedures for the safe operation of its facilities and engages employees on best practices. Applicant should identify if it provides training and educational opportunities for employee development. Applicant must certify that neither it nor its Principals have any previous record of violating federal or state laws relating to workplace safety, wages and compensation, discrimination, or union activity.
• Mitigation fees:  The mitigation fee the business is willing to pay to the City must be included in the Development Agreement.  A separate fee shall be identified for each cannabis operation category (i.e., Cultivation, Manufacturing, Testing, and Distribution/Transportation).  The fee for cultivation will be calculated based on square footage. The fee for other categories shall be proposed by each applicant.