Six Virtual Meetings Look for Comments on Merit-Based Selection Process
A total of six cannabis storefronts will open in areas controlled by Santa Barbara County — in other words, outside its cities — and the public is invited to comment on the business application criteria and neighborhood compatibility. Six virtual meetings will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays starting July 1, each focusing on one of the locations: Isla Vista, Santa Ynez, Toro Canyon/Summerland, Orcutt, Eastern Goleta Valley, and Los Alamos. Information on the merit criteria, licensing team, and how to attend the virtual meetings are at cannabis.countyofsb.org/retail.sbc.
In a 19-minute video, Steven Yee, a fiscal analyst with the CEO’s office, and Kathryn Lehr, a senior planner, go into detail about the complicated, three-step cannabis storefront application process. Each application is first reviewed for completeness and zoning compliance. They then go through a check against the requirements of the county Business License Ordinance, and a third-party consultant scores the business proposal. Applicants that succeed advance to an internal selection committee — including Planning, Fire, and Environmental Health — which reviews compliance with Neighborhood Compatibility Plans and other criteria. While that hoop is being leapt through, the applicant could finish the business license process.
On the planning review side, the storefronts can be open or closed to the public and can be exclusively delivery services. They are not allowed within 750 feet of K-12 schools, day care, or youth centers; none are allowed in Montecito. Residents and businesses within 1,000 feet of the proposed retail store will be notified of the pending application. Once a permit is approved, anyone opposed has only 10 calendar days to appeal.
The information requested of applicants includes anyone with 10 percent or more ownership, other cannabis operations owned, a 24-hour phone number for complaints, and state licensing information. The license is good for one year. Renewals include a review of complaints.
Published: June 23, 2020
The post Santa Barbara County to Ask Community About Cannabis Storefronts appeared first on L.A. Cannabis News.
Credit: Source link
