Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo, Seaside, Coachella, Salinas and Temporary Event Permit Updates

Exciting news! If you are applying or thinking about applying for licenses in Santa Barbara county, San Luis Obispo, Seaside, Coachella or Salinas, we have some big updates for you today.  In addition, California is moving one step closer to allowing additional flexibility for temporary cannabis events.  Read all the details below.

• On March 20, 2018 Santa Barbara County will meet to consider cannabis business licensing ordinances. On April 4, 2018 they will vote on the adoption of the cannabis business licensing ordinance.  This is exciting news as Santa Barbara county consists of 8 cities and 325 million people. We will continue to update you once these meetings occur.
• San Luis Obispo, a part of San Luis Obispo county, appears closer to allowing the county’s first recreational cannabis stores.  City Council reviewed potential new commercial cannabis laws on February 20, 2018, discussing the topic but did not make a formal decision.  A vote is expected to occur May 1, 2018.  Council members stated they were open to allowing up to three retail recreational cannabis stores.  We will continue to update you on the progress of San Luis Obispo.
• Seaside, California introduced a first reading of an ordinance that would allow three additional cannabis dispensary use permits and make other modifications to improve clarity around cannabis uses.  Further information to come next month.
• Coachella, California had their second reading on February 14, 2018 and adopted the following ordinances:
  • Ordinance No. 1114 amends the zoning code and allows for medical, adult use cannabis retailers and delivery services.  Ordinance No. 1115 establishes a retail cannabis zone where medical and adult-use cannabis retailers and delivery services would be allowed.
  • Ordinance No. 1118 approves the development agreement for the Date Palm Business Park Commercial Cannabis Project (cultivation and manufacturing).
  • Ordinance No. 1120 establishes regulations pertaining to cannabis retailer and cannabis retail microbusiness regulatory permits. The ordinance will create a Retail Cannabis Regulatory Permit procedure by adding Chapter 5.69 to the Coachella Municipal Code. The ordinance will also allow for on-site consumption and temporary cannabis event permits.

We will continue to update you as the city releases more specific information.  If you’d like to get a head start or have any permit/licensing questions – California Cannabis CPA is available to discuss your questions and needs.

• Salinas, California updated their cannabis permit pricing:

Commercial Cannabis Permit – New Application: $2,932.89
Commercial Cannabis Permit – Amendment – Major: $2,395.65
Commercial Cannabis Permit – Amendment – Minor: $788.79
Commercial Cannabis Permit – Amendment – Administrative: $205.39
Commercial Cannabis Permit – Appeal: $513.99
Commercial Cannabis Permit – Renewal: $1,346.03

Click here for all updated Salinas cannabis permit pricing.

Will there be additional temporary cannabis events?

Recently, two bills were introduced that discuss the topic of cannabis at temporary events.  Under the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), cannabis special events can only take place at a county fair or district agricultural association event. Assembly Bill 2641 and Assembly Bill 2020 have been introduced and are attempting to widen those restrictions.

AB 2641 would authorize the Bureau of Cannabis Control to issue temporary event licenses and would authorize a state temporary event licenses to be issued for an event.  Therefore, events could be held at any venue approved by local jurisdiction.

AB 2020 would provide additional flexibility and give local jurisdictions the ability to determine where and when they want to hold a cannabis special event within their borders. Oakland, California was one of the first supporters of AB 2020 as it wants to allow for cannabis at their Art and Soul Festival. Although this might prove difficult, if Oakland is allowed to add cannabis to this popular festival, it is likely other cities will follow suit.


We will keep you updated on the progress of these two bills as AB 2020 is set to be read in March 2018.  In the meantime, please contact California Cannabis CPA with your questions related to temporary cannabis licenses.​