Cannabis

Cannabis Permitting Process

Please note that this process flow is a very high level and general process flow. Some applications require additional steps and time depending on the permitting type. Each Application is Unique, this information is provided for planning purposes only.

1. Pre-Application Conference
2. Permit Application submitted
3. 30 Days to Determine Application Completeness
4. Complete Applications submitted to partner agencies for review (30 Days)
5. CEQA Analysis 180 days to complete (parallel review to agency review process)
6. Staff Report
7. Application Reviewed by Review Authority (Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator)
8. If Approved There is a 15 Day Appeal Period
9. Project Approved

Additional Resources

• Application Checklist (PDF)
• Cultivation Article 27 (PDF) - Please refer to pages 27 through 110 for Cannabis Conditions

Resource Documents From Meetings

View Agendas and Minutes

2022 Meetings

1. 08/29/2022: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
2.  09/12/2022 Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
3.  09/26/2022 Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
4.  10/11/2022 Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
5.  10/24/2022 Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
6.  11/06/2022 Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation-- Fire Districts Meeting
7.  11/14/2022 Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation 
8.  12/12/2022 Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
   
   

2023 Meetings

1. 02/06/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
2. 02/27/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
3. 03/13/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
4. 03/27/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
5. 04/17/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
6. 04/24/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
7. 05/08/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
8. 05/22/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation 
9. 06/05/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
10. 06/12/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation
11. 06/20/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Presentation

Draft Meeting Minutes 

• 08/21/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Minutes - Draft

Definitions and Recommendations 

• 04/24/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Waterboard Definitions 
• 04/24/2023: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Waterboard vs. DCC Definitions
• 05/08/2023: Cannabis License Type Definitions 
• 05/08/2023: Cannabis License Type Zoning Chart 
• 05/22/2023: LCCA Retail Zoning Recommendations Edited
• 05/22/2023: LCCA Task Force License and Zoning Grid - Version 2
• 06/05/2023: LCCA Task Force License and Zoning Recommendations Table 1
• 06/05/2023: LCCA Task Force License and Zoning Recommendations Table 2
• 06/05/2023: LCCA Uses Generally Permitted
• 07/10/2023: CA State Law Regarding Onsite Cannabis Consumption
• 07/24/2023: Cannabis Ordinance Task Force Recommendations
• 09/18/2023: Cannabis Ordinance Task Force Zoning and License Recommendation Table
• 09/18/2023: Cannabis Ordinance Task Force Zoning and License Recommendation List

Cannabis Applications

Please review our Lake County Cannabis information before submitting an application.

Email the Cannabis Division (cannabis@lakecountyca.gov) if you have additional questions regarding which type of permit is needed, or to request an application.

Once you have reviewed the information above and have gathered all required documents, please send these documents via our online File Transfer Form.

Please include in your message description:

1. Project Name
2. Applicant
3. Property Owner
4. Project Address
5. APN (if known)
6. License Type(s) requested
   • Please review our Lake County license types if you are unsure which you mean to apply for. Please label the types clearly, for example, “A-Type 1: “Specialty Outdoor”.
   • Note, that Lake County License Types differ from State License Types.

After You Submit Your Application

Once you submit your application, we will initially match your application to the appropriate fees. Please allow up to 10 business days for this process. An email will be sent at that time requesting the appropriate application payment. Please do not remit payment until you receive our email communication. Once we receive payment, we will review your application for completeness.

If applying for a Pre-Application meeting, please request a Pre-Application Form by emailing the Cannabis Division (cannabis@lakecountyca.gov).

Please Note

Only 12 Cannabis Use Permit applications and only 12 Cannabis Pre-Applications are accepted per month by the department in total. If the maximum amount of applications have been received within a given month, any applications beyond that number will be returned.

Cannabis Questions

For answers to common cannabis application questions, please see our Cannabis FAQ page.

If you have additional cannabis questions, please email the Counter Planner (planningcounter@lakecountyca.gov).

Planners are available to answer your land-use questions via the above email.

To expedite the process, please leave complete information related to your inquiry. Include pertinent property, permit, and owner information.

Lake County Cannabis Ordinances & Resolutions

• Ordinance 3092 (PDF)
• Ordinance 3096 (PDF) - Clarification of Definition of Public Lands in Regard to Commercial Cannabis Cultivation
• Ordinance 3100 (PDF)
• Ordinance 3101 (PDF)
• Ordinance 3103 (PDF)
• Ordinance 3106 (PDF)
• Ordinance 3107 (PDF)
• Ordinance 3110 (PDF)
• Ordinance 3111 (PDF) - Prohibition of Water Hauling to Unpermitted Sites
• Resolution 2021-15 Cannabis Assessment (PDF) - Moratorium on the Issuance of Early Activation Permits for Land Use Projects
• Resolution 2021-32 Cannabis Early Activation (PDF)
• Resolution 2021-51 Admin (PDF)
• Ordinance and Resolution Descriptions (PDF)
• Ordinance 2947 (PDF)
• Draft Ordinance - Clean Version
• Draft Ordinance - Redline Version

California Regulations

• Calif DepCC Medicinal and Adult-Use Commc Cann Regs, Title 4, Current Full Text, 2022-Nov
• Calif DepCC Modification to Proposed Text of Consolidated Cannabis Regulations, 2022-July

Section 1, Subsection (a) of Section 27.3(at)(2)(i)(b) of Chapter 21

Unless the property proposed for cannabis cultivation has already been enrolled in the applicable County water quality protection programs by October 31, 2020, the Lake County Community Development Department will not accept a cannabis permit application for that property. Proof of enrollment is a Notice of Applicability. A receipt alone showing that application was made for the Notice of Applicability will not be accepted in its stead.

Please note, this policy was approved by the Board of Supervisors on May 12, 2020:

Section 1, Subsection (a) of Section 27.3(at)(2)(i)(b) of Chapter 21 of the Lake County Code is hereby amended, and shall read as follows:

The property proposed for commercial cannabis cultivation shall be enrolled with the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board or State Water Resources Control Board for water quality protection programs as of October 31, 2020, or the applicant shall provide written verification from the appropriate board that enrollment is not necessary.

Disclaimer

The information here has been provided as a convenience to the reader. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this website. However, in the event of a discrepancy between this website and the governing municipal, building, or zoning by-law, and any other governing by-law, the governing by-law will take precedence.