Submit Your Lake Elsinore Cannabis Application Before the April 15 Deadline

The deadline to procure a cannabis business license in Lake Elsinore is fast approaching. Applications have been open since March 1, 2018 and will close on April 15, 2018 – so it’s important to begin the process today!


Cultivation and Manufacturing

The City of Lake Elsinore will now allow for cultivation, testing and manufacturing in specific light industrial (M-1) and heavy industrial (M-2) zones. However, there are limits to the amount of facilities that may open within each zone. A maximum of ten total cannabis-related facilities will be allowed (five within each zone).

Limited retail and distribution uses are only permitted as accessory use to an approved facility permitted for cultivation or manufacturing. The City expressly states that they are open to adding additional businesses in the future, should they see economic benefits.

Application Process

Not surprisingly, the application process can be a bit extensive. Here is what you need to get started:

• Submit a conditional use permit and acquire a cannabis business permit
• Submit a planning application
• Sign and enter into an agreement with Lake Elsinore
• Pay a minimum deposit of $21,101
• Include a signed, notarized letter from the property owner with the application

The city will look for several things when evaluating your application:

• Financial health. How do your financials look? You must keep accurate records and submit financial reports on a yearly basis.
• Security. With such a high volume of cash flowing in and out of your business, are you properly prepared with the right security measures? Your site must have a security plan approved by the Sheriff’s department.  A security plan must include things such as alarms, storage for cannabis, on hand cash plans and video camera/surveillance details.
• Insurance. Applicants must obtain an insurance policy that has a minimum of $1,000,000 in aggregate policy limits.  Additional insurance policies are likely looked fondly upon, if they make sense to your specific business.
• Safety. You must provide signage that clearly states minors are not allowed, consumption of cannabis and alcohol within your business is prohibited and that all of your products have been safely tested.
• Onsite restrictions. It is mandatory that exterior doors are locked, all employees wear ID badges and managerial staff is onsite. Having a plan to manage these onsite restrictions is crucial for a safe and functioning cannabis business.
• Community. Lake Elsinore takes community outreach seriously. This is perhaps the one area where cannabis applicants can showcase their unique business dynamics.  The city wants to know how your business will benefits its residents. Will you contribute to job growth? Will you be improving the building in which your business resides? Answer these questions, while simultaneously informing the public of your intentions, and you have a better likelihood of obtaining your desired permit.

Your location must also be entirely indoors (excluding greenhouses) and all operators must not have any kind of criminal history.

Zoning

The city has provided a map of the M1 and M2 zones. This map will provide a high-level view of the areas in which the land-use zoning is allowed.


If you have questions about the application or the Lake Elsinore permit approval process, you can call the city at this number: 951-674-3124. Since the April 15, 2018 deadline is quickly approaching please contact California Cannabis CPA for immediate assistance in submitting your application.



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