Commercial Cannabis

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***Updated 1/12/2023***

On October 4, 2021, the City Council of the City of Barstow adopted comprehensive regulations for commercial cannabis businesses. These regulations establish permit requirements, operational standards, and separation and zoning criteria, for any commercial cannabis business operating in the City. See below for more information.

All commercial cannabis businesses, including: retail/dispensary, manufacturing, cultivation, delivery, distribution, and testing and research, are required to obtain approval of a Conditional Use Permit from the City’s Planning Commission, a Cannabis License issued by the City's Community Development Department, and obtain a State issued License from the Bureau of Cannabis Control prior to operating in the City of Barstow.


Current Application Window Status:

CLOSED

Applications are not being accepted at this time.


Forms:

Cannabis License Checklist

Cannabis License Application (Revised 01/30/2023)

Annual Cannabis License Renewal Form

Annual Background Renewal Packet

Community Benefits Program / Promotional Fund Payment Form

Monthly & Yearly Cannabis License Payment Form

Quarterly Inspection Payment Form

Personnel List 

Resources:

Ordinance 977-2021  Cannabis Land Use

Ordinance 974-2021 Uses Related to Cannabis

Building and Fire Code Requirements - Cannabis Related Occupancies

Zoning Map - Commercial Zone

Zoning Map - Industrial Zone

For more information regarding current regulations, the cannabis application process in Barstow, or to schedule an appointment please contact the Community Development Department at:

cannabisdivision@barstowca.org


Frequently Asked Questions:

(This FAQ will be updated as City staff receives and responds to more frequently asked questions.)

Q: What is the application fee?
A: The application fee is $18,644.85 per use and is non-refundable.

Q: Is there a renewal fee?
A: The annual renewal fee is $14,107.85 per use and is non-refundable.   

Q: What is the quarterly compliance inspection?
A: The quarterly compliance inspection fee is $550.00 per quarter.

Q: How should my application packet be assembled?
A: The cannabis application packet should be assembled in the order of the cannabis checklist; in addition, an electronic copy of all application sections on either a compact disk or usb memory device is to be required.

Q: Will the City accept DocuSign or another form of electronic signature for application signature or signature on any portion of the application?
A: Yes, the City will accept DocuSign or similar electronic signature formats where original signatures are required.

Q: Where can I access the City’s cannabis operating fee requirements?
A: The operating fees for cannabis can be found on the Cannabis Application, under the Development Agreement, Operating Fees, Section 1 and 2. The initial rate for retail is 3%; an annual fee of ($5) per square foot x total square footage of the premises for all other operations.

Q: What is the live scan code?
A: ORI – CA0360100

Q. Who must be live scanned during the initial application submittal?
A. All Corporate Officers listed on the application must submit a live scan during the application process. Failure to do so may result in delayed processing of this application and/or denial of application.

Q: Where can I start a Cannabis business?
A: Before applying, applicants must secure property within the City of Barstow in one of the approved zones. Applicant will be asked to provide a copy of the lease agreement for tenants, or a grant deed for property owners.

Q: How do I check in on my application once I submit?
A: When you submit your application, you will be assigned an application number. Please have this number ready if you would like to discuss your application. Only officers on the application will be able to discuss specifics regarding the project with the Cannabis Division. We aim to give you comments regarding your submittal within 30 days. If an applicant resubmits application materials due to the department’s corrections, the 30 day period may begin again.

Q: What other approvals are necessary?
A: When an application is submitted to the City, it is routed to different departments and agencies that may have additional requirements based on the specifics of your project. You will receive comments from these agencies and may need to make edits to your plans or to procure additional approvals prior to being routed to the Planning Commission.

Q: What is required for a transfer of person/entity to another?
A: For a transfer of one person or entity to another, original permit holder must submit a signed and dated letter on professional letterhead detailing his/her intention to be removed from the business and permit.

Q: What is required to make an application appointment?
A:  In order to make an appointment, the applicant must have a completed application packet with all required items. Required items are listed on the Cannabis License Checklist. City Staff are not able to complete the application packet for an applicant. The application appointment is strictly to submit the completed application for review and pay the application fees.

Q: What cannabis related activities are permitted in the green zones?
A: The Commercial Zone allows for indoor cultivation, delivery, distribution, manufacturing, retail storefront, testing, temporary cannabis event, and any other activities defined by the State of California except for outdoor cultivation. The Industrial Zone allows for indoor cultivation, delivery, distribution, manufacturing,  testing, temporary cannabis event, and any other activities defined by the State of California except for outdoor cultivation or dispensary