Source: http://cannabusinesslaw.com/california-cannabis-laws-by-county/sonoma-county/city-of-santa-rosa/
Timestamp: 2017-09-23 21:54:52
Document Index: 371919663

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 9', '§ 1', '§ 11', '§ 1', '§ 12', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1']

“The City Council prioritized the development of medical cannabis regulations as one of the top 5 initiatives in 2016/17. On June 6th, the City Council reaffirmed that priority as part of their 2017/18 goal setting process. The City has made significant progress towards developing a regulated market for the medical cannabis industry to support cannabis businesses while developing processes and regulations that mirror other similar businesses that protect employees, the community at large, and the environment.”
Cannabis Business Tax Rates 2017/18
Cultivation: 2% of gross receipts (not an option if vertically integrated)
$5 per square foot of cannabis cultivation
Retail: 0% for Medical
20-46.030 Commercial Cultivation of Medical Cannabis.
Commercial Cultivation of Medical Cannabis shall be allowed to occur with a Conditional Use Permit or Minor Use Permit, as set forth below, in the following Zoning Districts: Light Industrial (IL), General Industrial (IG), and Limited Light Industrial (LIL) Zoning Districts.
Commercial cultivation operations up to 10,000 square feet in size shall be allowed with a Minor Use Permit. For the duration of this interim ordinance, all applications for a Minor Use Permit under this section shall be referred to the Planning Commission for hearing and decision pursuant to Section 20-50.020(A)(1).
Commercial cultivation operations over 10,000 square feet in size shall be allowed only with a Conditional Use Permit.
No Conditional Use Permit or Minor Use Permit for commercial cultivation of medical cannabis shall be granted unless the review authority first makes all of the required findings set forth in Section 20-52.050(Conditional Use Permits and Minor Conditional Use Permits).
Cultivation of Medical Cannabis for non-commercial, persona purposes by a Qualified Patient or Primary Caregiver, subject to the limitation, and requirements of subsection (g) of Health and Safety Code, Section 11362.777, is not a prohibited use in any City land use district.
Commercial Cultivation operators issued a Conditional Use Permit or Minor Use Permit pursuant to this interim ordinance shall be required to comply with such additional operational conditions or performance measures adopted by subsequent ordinance(s) of the City to comprehensively regulate medical cannabis.
Commercial Cultivation operators shall also be required to obtain a state license and shall comply with any applicable state licensing requirements, such as operational standards and locational criteria.
20-46.040 Public nuisance.
Any use or condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any provision of this Chapter shall be and hereby is declared a public nuisance and may be summarily abated by the City pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure, Section 731 or any other remedy available to the City.
20-46.050 Civil penalties.
In addition to any other enforcement permitted by this Chapter, the City Attorney may bring a civil action for injunctive relief and civil penalties pursuant to the provisions of this Code against any person or entity that violates this Chapter.
20-46.060 Expiration of Chapter.
This Chapter shall expire of its own accord upon the completion and effective date of the City’s comprehensive policy effort to regulate medical cannabis.
(Ord. 4060 § 2, 2016)
6. Medical cannabis. Operational permits are required to operate a medical cannabis facility or operation listed below:
6.3. Manufacturing (non-volatile)
6.4. Testing/lab
Chapter 10-40 MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARIES
10-40.040 Dispensary permit required to operate.
It is unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on, or to permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, in or upon any premises in the City the operation of a dispensary unless the person first obtains and continues to maintain in full force and effect a dispensary permit from the City as required in this chapter. (Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.050 Annual term of permits and renewals required.
(A) Permits issued under this chapter shall expire one year following the date of their issuance.
(B) Permits may be renewed by the City Manager for additional periods of up to two years in length upon application by the permittee, unless the permit is suspended or revoked in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or if the application for renewal fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
(C) Applications for renewal shall be made at least 45 days before the annual expiration date of the permit and shall be accompanied by the nonrefundable application fee referenced herein. Applications for renewal shall be acted on as provided herein for action upon applications for permits.
(D) Applications for renewal made less than 45 days before the annual expiration date shall not stay the annual expiration date of the permit.
(E) Permits may be revoked or suspended by the City Manager at any time, as provided in this chapter and City Code. (Ord. 4020 § 1, 2014; Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.060 General tax liability.
An operator of a dispensary shall also be required to apply for and obtain a general City tax certificate or exemption as a prerequisite to obtaining a permit pursuant to the terms hereof, as required by the State Board of Equalization. (Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.070 Imposition of fees.
Every application for a permit or renewal shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee, as established by resolution of the City Council from time to time. This application or renewal fee shall not include fingerprinting, photographing, and background check costs and shall be in addition to any other business license fee or permit fee imposed by this code or other governmental agencies. Fingerprinting, photographing, and background check fees will be as established by resolution adopted by the City Council from time to time. (Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.080 Limited use of fee revenue.
The revenue raised by payment of the dispensary permit fee shall be placed in a separate account and such revenue shall be used solely for the purpose of funding regulation, enforcement and education programs to mitigate the potential additional costs to administer the program as well prevent adverse social consequences and effects of medical cannabis sales and use. (Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.090 Limitations on number and size of dispensaries.
(A) During the initial six months from the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section, the City Manager may not grant or cause to be granted more than two permits for medical cannabis dispensaries in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(B) After six months have lapsed from the effective date of said ordinance, the City Manager may consider additional applications for dispensaries and grant additional permits in compliance with all provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 4020 § 2, 2014; Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.100 Limitation on location of dispensary.
(A) A dispensary may only be located within commercial and industrial designated areas, i.e., general plan and zoning districts, except that a dispensary may not be located within the Downtown Commercial, CD zoning district.
(B) A dispensary shall be in a highly visible location that provides good views of the dispensary entrance, windows and premises from the public street.
(C) A dispensary shall not be allowed in the following areas at the time of its permitted establishment:
(1) Within 500 feet of a youth-oriented facility, a school, a smoke-shop which sells paraphernalia for consuming drug or tobacco products, or another dispensary; or
(2) Within any residential zoned parcel or primary land use, or any property with an underlying residential or mobile homes general plan land use designation.
(D) The distance between a dispensary and above listed uses shall be made in a straight line from the boundary line of the property on which the dispensary is located to the boundary of the property on which the building or structure, or portion of the building or structure, in which the above listed use occurs or is located.
(E) A waiver of the provisions in subsection (C) of this section may be granted if the applicant demonstrates on plans and materials presented for review and the City Manager determines that a physical barrier or similar condition exists which achieves the same purpose and intent as the distance separation requirements established herein. (Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.110 Operating requirements.
(A) Criminal History. Any applicant, his or her agent or employees, or any person exercising managerial authority of a dispensary on behalf of the applicant shall not have been convicted of a felony, or of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or engaged in misconduct related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a permittee. A conviction within the meaning of this section means a plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere.
(B) Minors.
(1) It is unlawful for any permittee, operator, or other person in charge of any dispensary to employ any person who is not at least 18 years of age.
(2) Persons under the age of 18 shall not be allowed on the premises of a dispensary unless they are a qualified patient or a primary caregiver and they are in the presence of their parent or guardian.
(3) The entrance to a dispensary shall be clearly and legibly posted with a notice indicating that person under the age of 18 are precluded from entering the premises unless they are a qualified patient or a primary caregiver and they are in the presence of their parent or guardian.
(C) Operating Hours. Dispensaries may operate between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. up to seven days per week unless the reviewing authority imposes more restrictive hours due to specific considerations for a particular location. The basis for any restriction on hours shall be specified in any permit issued.
(D) Dispensary Size and Access.
(1) Dispensary size shall be limited, as deemed appropriate and necessary, to best serve patient needs within the intent of this chapter and reduce potential adverse impacts that might otherwise occur on surrounding neighborhoods, businesses and demands on City services. The City may, upon renewal of an application, limit the number of patients at a particular location if there is shown to be adverse impacts to the surrounding neighborhoods, businesses and demands on City services due to the number of patients being served.
(2) A dispensary shall not be physically increased in size (i.e., floor area or buildings utilized) without a prior approval amending the existing dispensary permit.
(3) The entrance into the dispensary building shall be locked at all times with entry strictly controlled; e.g., a buzz-in electronic/mechanical entry system is highly encouraged. A viewer shall be installed in the door that allows maximum angle of view of the exterior entrance.
(4) Security personnel shall be employed to monitor site activity, control loitering and site access.
(5) Only dispensary staff, primary caregivers, qualified patients and persons with bona fide purposes for visiting the site shall be permitted at a dispensary.
(6) Potential patients or caregivers shall not visit a dispensary without first having obtained a valid written recommendation from their physician recommending use of medical cannabis.
(7) Only a primary caregiver and qualified patient shall be permitted in the designated dispensing area with dispensary personnel. All other authorized visitors shall remain in the designated waiting area in the front entrance/lobby.
(8) Restrooms shall remain locked and under the control of management.
(E) Dispensary Supply. A dispensary may possess no more than eight ounces of dried cannabis per qualified patient or primary caregiver, and maintain no more than six mature or 12 immature cannabis plants per qualified patient or primary caregiver. However, if a qualified patient or primary caregiver has a physician’s recommendation that this quantity does not meet the qualified patient’s medical needs, the dispensary may possess an amount of cannabis consistent with the patient’s needs.
(F) Dispensing Operations.
(1) A dispensary shall dispense medical cannabis to meet monthly medication needs of qualified patients, similar to typical pharmacy operations. The dispensary shall strongly discourage and avoid daily or weekly visits by patients as a routine practice.
(2) A dispensary shall only dispense to qualified patients or caregivers with a currently valid physician’s approval or recommendation in compliance with the criteria in California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 et seq.
(3) Prior to dispensing medical cannabis, the dispensary shall obtain and maintain verification from the recommending physician that the individual requesting medical cannabis is a qualified patient.
(4) A dispensary shall not have a physician on-site to evaluate patients and provide a recommendation for medical cannabis.
(5) Patient records shall be maintained on-site and verified as needed, which is determined to be at least every 12 months or upon expiration of the verification on file if it expires sooner than 12 months with the qualifying patient’s physician or doctor of osteopathy.
(6) Information on prior years’ operations shall be provided annually, as required in this chapter. The operator shall adjust the operations as necessary to address issues.
(G) Consumption Restrictions.
(1) Cannabis shall not be consumed on the premises of the dispensary by any member of the public. The term “premises” includes the actual building, as well as any accessory structures, parking areas, or other surroundings within 200 feet of the dispensary’s entrance. Dispensary employees who are qualified patients may consume cannabis within the enclosed areas of the building in designated spaces outside the presence of members of the public and provided that such consumption is by vaporization or oral consumption and not smoking.
(2) Dispensary operations shall not result in illegal redistribution of medical cannabis obtained from the dispensary, or use in any manner that violates local, State or City Codes.
(3) Patients shall not openly medicate in public places.
(H) Retail Sales and Cultivation Prohibited.
(1) No cannabis shall be cultivated on the premises of the dispensary, except in compliance with Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 et seq.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) below, no dispensary shall conduct or engage in the commercial sale of any product, good or service. The term “commercial sale” does not include the provision of medical cannabis on terms and conditions consistent with this chapter and applicable law.
(3) No dispensary shall sell or display any drug paraphernalia or any implement that may be used to administer medical cannabis unless specifically authorized in its permit. An applicant may request that up to 150 square feet be authorized to display or sell devices for administration of medical cannabis which may only be sold to qualified patients or primary caregivers or to sell other related products to qualified patients if the sale of such products is a use approved by the Zoning Administrator to be in compliance with the City’s zoning code and any other applicable state or local regulations.
(4) A dispensary shall not cultivate, distribute or sell medical cannabis for a profit.
(5) A dispensary shall not pay any supplier(s) of medical cannabis more than the costs incurred for cultivation and preparation.
(6) A dispensary shall meet all the operating criteria for the dispensing of medical cannabis as is required pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 et seq.
(I) Operating Plans.
(1) Floor Plan. A dispensary shall have a lobby waiting area at the entrance to receive clients, and a separate and secure designated area for dispensing medical cannabis to qualified patients or designated caregivers. The primary entrance shall be located and maintained clear of barriers, landscaping and similar obstructions so that it is clearly visible from public streets, sidewalks or site driveways.
(2) Storage. A dispensary shall have a suitable locked safe on premises, identified as a part of the security plan, for after-hours storage of medical cannabis.
(3) Minimum Staffing Levels. The premises shall be staffed with at least one person during hours of operation who shall not be responsible for dispensing medical cannabis.
(4) Odors Control. A dispensary shall have an air treatment system that ensures off-site odors shall not result.
(5) Security Plans. A dispensary shall provide adequate security on the premises, as approved by the City Manager, including lighting and alarms, to insure the safety of persons and to protect the premises from theft.
(6) Security Cameras. Security surveillance cameras shall be installed to monitor the main entrance and exterior of the premises to discourage loitering, crime, illegal or nuisance activities.
(7) Security Video Retention. Security video shall be maintained for 72 hours.
(8) Alarm System. A professionally monitored robbery alarm system shall be installed and maintained in good working condition. Santa Rosa City Code Section 6-68.130 requires that an alarm permit be obtained prior to installing an alarm system.
(9) Emergency Contact. A dispensary shall provide the City Manager with the name, phone number and facsimile number of an on-site community relations staff person to whom one can provide notice if there are operating problems associated with the dispensary. The dispensary shall make every good faith effort to encourage neighborhood residents to call this person to try to solve operating problems, if any, before any calls or complaints are made to the City.
(J) Signage and Notices.
(1) The building entrance to a dispensary shall be clearly and legibly posted with a notice indicating that smoking, ingesting or consuming cannabis on the premises or in the vicinity of the dispensary is prohibited.
(2) Signs on the premises shall not obstruct the entrance or windows.
(3) Address identification shall comply with City Code Section 18-16.034 and Fire Department illuminated address signs bulletin.
(4) Business identification signage shall be approved in accordance with the City’s sign permit process set forth in Chapter 20-38 and any other applicable ordinances with the additional requirement that signs shall not contain any logos or information that identifies, advertises or lists the specific products or services offered by the dispensary.
(K) Employee Records. Each owner or operator of a dispensary shall maintain a current register of the names of all employees currently employed by the dispensary, and shall disclose such registration for inspection by any City officer or official for purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of this section.
(L) Patient Records. A dispensary shall maintain records of all patients and primary caregivers using only the identification card number issued by the county, or its agent, pursuant to California Health and Safety CodeSection 11362.71 et seq., as a protection of the confidentiality of the cardholders, or a copy of the written recommendation from a physician or doctor of osteopathy stating the need for medical cannabis.
(M) Staff Training. Dispensary staff shall receive appropriate training for their intended duties to ensure understanding of rules and procedures regarding dispensing in compliance with state and local law, and properly trained or professionally-hired security personnel.
(N) Site Management.
(1) The operator of the establishment shall take all reasonable steps to discourage and correct objectionable conditions that constitute a nuisance in parking areas, sidewalks, alleys and areas surrounding the premises and adjacent properties during business hours if directly related to the patrons of the subject dispensary.
(a) “Reasonable steps” shall include calling the police in a timely manner; and requesting those engaging in objectionable activities to cease those activities, unless personal safety would be threatened in making the request.
(b) “Nuisance” includes but is not limited to disturbances of peace, open public consumption of cannabis or alcohol, excessive pedestrian or vehicular traffic, illegal drug activity, harassment of passerby, excessive littering, excessive loitering, illegal parking, excessive loud noises, especially late at night or early in the morning hours, lewd conduct or police detentions and arrests.
(2) The operator shall take all reasonable steps to reduce loitering in public areas, sidewalks, alleys and areas surrounding the premises and adjacent properties during business hours.
(3) The operator shall ensure that the hours of operation shall not be a detriment to the surrounding area.
(4) The operator shall provide patients with a list of the rules and regulations governing medical cannabis use and consumption within the City and recommendations on sensible cannabis etiquette.
(O) Trash, Litter, Graffiti.
(1) The operator shall clear the sidewalks adjoining the premises plus 10 feet beyond property lines along the street as well as any parking lots under the control of the operator as needed to control litter, debris and trash.
(2) The operator shall remove all graffiti from the premises and parking lots under the control of the operator within 72 hours of its application.
(P) Compliance with Other Requirements. The operator shall comply with all provisions of all local, state or federal laws, regulations or orders, as well as any condition imposed on any permits issued pursuant to applicable laws, regulations or orders.
(Q) Confidentiality. The information provided for purposes of this section shall be maintained by the City Manager as confidential information, and shall not be disclosed as public records unless pursuant to subpoena issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(R) Display of Permit. Every dispensary shall display at all times during business hours the permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter for such dispensary in a conspicuous place so that the same may be readily seen by all persons entering the dispensary.
(S) Reporting and Payment of Fees. Each permittee shall file a sworn statement with the City Manager indicating the number of patients served by the dispensary within the previous calendar year, and pay all annual permit fees. (Ord. 4020 §§ 3—8, 2014; Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.120 Application preparation and filing.
(A) Application Filing. A complete application submittal packet shall be submitted including all necessary fees and all other information and materials required by the City and this chapter. All applications for permits shall be filed with the City Manager, using forms provided by the City. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide information required for approval of the permit. The application shall be made under penalty of perjury.
(B) Eligibility for Filing. Applications may only be filed by the owner of the subject property, or person with a lease signed by the owner or duly authorized agent allowing them to occupy the property for the intended use.
(C) Filing Date. The filing date of any application shall be the date when the City receives the last submission of information or materials required in compliance with the submittal requirements specified herein.
(D) Effect of Incomplete Filing. Upon notification that an application submittal is incomplete, the applicant shall be granted an extension of time to submit all materials required to complete the application within 10 days. If the application remains incomplete in excess of 10 days the application shall be deemed withdrawn and new application submittal shall be required in order to proceed with the subject request. The time period for granting or denying a permit shall be stayed during the period in which the applicant is granted an extension of time.
(E) Effect of Other Permits or Licenses. The fact that an applicant possesses other types of state or City permits or licenses does not exempt the applicant from the requirement of obtaining a dispensary permit.
(F) Submittal Requirements. Any application for a permit shall include the following information.
(1) Applicant(s) Name. The full name (including any current or prior aliases, or other legal names the applicant is or has been known by, including maiden names), present address, and telephone number of the applicant;
(2) Applicant(s) Mailing Address. The address to which notice of action on the application is to be mailed;
(3) Previous Addresses. Previous addresses for the past five years immediately prior to the present address of the applicant;
(4) Verification of Age. Written proof that the applicant is over the age of 18 years of age;
(5) Physical Description. Applicant’s height, weight, color of eyes and hair;
(6) Photographs. Passport quality photographs for identification purposes;
(7) Employment History. All business, occupation, or employment of the applicant for the five years immediately preceding the date of the application;
(8) Tax History. The dispensary business tax history of the applicant, including whether such person, in previously operating in this or another city, county or state under license has had a business license revoked or suspended, the reason therefor, and the business or activity or occupation subsequent to such action of suspension or revocation;
(9) Management Information. The name or names and addresses of the person or persons having the management or supervision of applicant’s business;
(10) Criminal Background. A background investigation verifying whether the person or person having the management or supervision of applicant’s business has been convicted of a crime(s), the nature of such offense(s), and the sentence(s) received therefore;
(11) Employee Information. Number of employees, volunteers, and other persons who will work at the dispensary;
(12) Statement of Dispensary Need. A statement and/or information to establish the need for the additional dispensary to serve qualified patients in the area;
(13) Plan of Operations. A plan of operations describing how the dispensary will operate consistent with the intent of State law and the provisions of this chapter, including but not limited to:
(a) Ensuring cannabis is not purchased or sold by the dispensary in a manner that would generate a profit.
(b) Controls that will assure medical cannabis will be dispensed to qualifying patients or caregivers only.
(c) Controls that will ensure limitations on numbers of patients is adhered to.
(d) Controls that will ensure access to dispensary premises is adequately monitored and restricted to pre-approved qualified patients and caregivers.
(e) Method for ensuring that a qualified patient’s physician is not recommending cannabis for less than medically appropriate reasons;
(14) Written Project Description. A written description summarizing the proposed dispensary use size, number of patients, characteristics and intent;
(15) Written Response to Dispensary Standards. The applicant shall provide a comprehensive written response identifying how the dispensary plan complies with the each of the standards for review in this chapter, specifically the limitation on number and size, limitation on location, and operating requirements sections;
(16) Written Response to Criteria for Review Section. The applicant shall provide a written response indicating how each of the criteria for review has been satisfied;
(17) Security Plan. A detailed security plan outlining the proposed security arrangements for insuring the safety of persons and to protect the premises from theft. The plan shall include installation of security cameras, a robbery alarm system monitored by a licensed operator, and a security assessment of the site conducted by a qualified professional;
(18) Floor Plan. A sketch or diagram showing the interior configuration of the premises, including a statement of the total floor area occupied by the dispensary. The sketch or diagram need not be professionally prepared, but must be drawn to a designated scale or drawn with marked dimensions of the interior of the premises to an accuracy of plus or minus six inches;
(19) Site Plan. A sketch or diagram showing exterior configuration of the premises, including the outline of all structures, parking and landscape areas, and property boundaries. The sketch or diagram need not be professionally prepared, but must be drawn to a designated scale or drawn with marked dimensions to an accuracy of plus or minus six inches;
(20) Neighborhood Context Map. An accurate straight-line drawing depicting the building and the portion thereof to be occupied by the dispensary, all properties and uses within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property on which the dispensary permit is requested, and: (a) the property line of any dispensary within 500 feet of the primary entrance of the dispensary for which a permit is requested, (b) the property line of any “smoke shop” within 500 feet of the primary entrance of the dispensary, and (c) the property lines of any school, park, or residential zone or use within 500 feet of the primary entrance of the dispensary;
(21) Lighting Plan. A lighting plan showing existing and proposed exterior premises and interior lighting levels that would be the minimum necessary to provide adequate security lighting for the use and comply with all City standards regarding lighting design and installation;
(22) City Authorization. Written authorization for the City, its agents and employees to seek verification of the information contained within the application;
(23) Statement of Owners Consent. A statement in writing by the applicant that he or she certifies under penalty of perjury that the applicant has the consent of the property owner and landlord to operate a dispensary at the location;
(24) Applicants Certification. A statement in writing by the applicant that he or she certifies under penalty of perjury that all the information contained in the application is true and correct;
(25) Other Information. Such other identification and information as deemed necessary by the City Manager to demonstrate compliance with this chapter and City Codes, including operating requirements established in this chapter.
(G) Renewal Applications. Applications for renewal shall be accompanied by the following minimum information:
(1) The operator shall report the number of patients served and pay applicable fees, as required by this chapter.
(2) The operator shall provide a detailed description of any adjustments and changes proposed or that have occurred in dispensary operations to address issues, or comply with laws.
(3) The operator shall identify any problems encountered during operations and how they have been addressed.
(4) The operator shall identify how the dispensary has managed its operations to comply with the operating requirements of this chapter and with State law.
(5) Any proposed change in the services or products provided. (Ord. 4020 §§ 9, 10, 2014; Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.130 Criteria for review.
The review authority shall consider the following criteria in determining whether to grant or deny a dispensary permit, and renewals of a permit:
(A) That the dispensary permit is consistent with the intent of Proposition 215 and related State law, the provisions of this chapter and the City Code, including the application submittal and operating requirements herein.
(B) That the dispensary location is not identified as having significant crime issues (e.g., based upon crime reporting district/statistics as maintained by the Police Department).
(C) That there have not been significant numbers of calls for police service, crimes or arrests in the area or to an existing dispensary location.
(D) That an applicant or employee is not under 18 years of age.
(E) That all required application materials have been provided and/or the dispensary has operated successfully in a manner that shows it would comply with the operating requirements and standards specified in this chapter.
(F) That all required application or renewal fees have been paid and reporting requirements have been satisfied in a timely manner.
(G) That an appropriate limit on size of the dispensary has been established and the requested permit is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable State or local ordinance.
(H) That issuance of a dispensary permit for the size requested is justified to meet needs of residents.
(I) That issuance of the dispensary permit would serve needs of residents at this location.
(J) That the location in not is prohibited by the provisions of this chapter or any local or state law, statute, rule or regulation and no significant nuisance issues or problems are anticipated or resulted.
(K) That the site plan, floor plan, and security plan have incorporated features necessary to assist in reducing potential crime-related problems and as specified in the operating requirements section. These features may include, but are not limited to, security on-site; procedure for allowing entry; openness to surveillance and control of the premises; the perimeter, and surrounding properties; reduction of opportunities for congregating and obstructing public ways and neighboring property; illumination of exterior areas; and limiting furnishings and features that encourage loitering and nuisance behavior.
(L) That no dispensary use, owner, permittee, agent, or employee has violated any provision of this chapter including grounds for suspension, modification or revocation of a permit.
(M) That all reasonable measures have been incorporated into the plan and/or consistently taken to successfully control the establishment’s patrons’ conduct resulting in disturbances, vandalism, crowd control inside or outside the premises, traffic control problems, ingesting cannabis in public, or creation of a public or private nuisance, or interference of the operation of another business.
(N) That the dispensary would not adversely affect the health, peace or safety of persons living or working in the surrounding area, overly burden a specific neighborhood with special needs or high impact uses, or contribute to a public nuisance; or that the dispensary has resulted in repeated nuisance activities including disturbances of the peace, illegal drug activity, ingesting cannabis in public, harassment of passerby, excessive littering, excessive loitering, illegal parking, excessive loud noises, especially late at night or early in the morning hours, lewd conduct, or police detentions or arrests.
(O) That any provision of the City Code or condition imposed by a City issued permit, or any provision of any other local, State or Federal law, regulation, or order, or any condition imposed by permits issues in compliance with those laws has not been violated.
(P) That the applicant has not violated any local or State law, statute, rule or regulation respecting the distribution, possession, or consumption of cannabis.
(Q) That the applicant has not knowingly made a false statement of material fact or has knowingly omitted to state a material fact in the application for a permit.
(R) That the applicant, his or her agent or employees, or any person who is exercising managerial authority on behalf of the applicant has not been convicted of a felony, or of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or has engaged in misconduct related to the qualifications, functions or duties of a permittee. A conviction within the meaning of this section means a plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere.
(S) That the applicant has not engaged in unlawful, fraudulent, unfair, or deceptive business acts or practices. (Ord. 4020 § 11, 2014; Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.140 Investigation and action on application.
After the making and filing of a complete application for the dispensary permit and the payment of the fees, the City Manager shall conduct a background check of the applicant and all employees and conduct an investigation of the application, and take action as follows:
(A) The City Manager shall refer the application to any other City departments as necessary to complete his or her investigation into the application.
(B) Within 45 days after completion of his or her investigations, the City Manager shall either grant or deny the application in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(C) In approving a dispensary permit, the City Manager may impose conditions, restrictions or require revisions to the proposal to comply with the purpose and intent of this chapter.
(D) The City Manager shall cause a written notice of his or her decision to issue or deny a permit or renewal to be mailed to the applicant by U.S. mail.
(E) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the City Manager, in his or her discretion, may refer an application for a permit to the City Council.
(F) That all required application or renewal fees have been paid and reporting requirements have been satisfied in a timely manner. (Ord. 4020 § 12, 2014; Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.150 Appeal from City Manager’s determination.
(A) An applicant aggrieved by the City Manager’s decision to issue or denya permit may appeal such decision to the City Council by filing a written notice stating all grounds on which the appeal is based and paying applicable appeal fee with the City Clerk within 10 working days of the City Manager’s written notice of decision. If an appeal is not taken within such time, the City Manager’s decision shall be final.
(B) The City Council shall consider the appeal within 45 days of the date of filing the appeal. The City Clerk shall give 10 days notice to the person filing the appeal of the time and place of the meeting scheduled on the appeal by serving notice personally or by depositing it in the United States post office at Santa Rosa, California, postage prepaid, addressed as shown on the appeal papers. The Council shall have the authority to determine all questions raised on such appeal. No such determination shall conflict with any substantive provision of this chapter. (Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.160 Effect of denial.
When the City Manager shall have denied or revoked any permit provided for in this chapter and the time for appeal to the Council shall have elapsed, or, if after appeal to the Council, the decision of the City Manager has been affirmed by the Council, no new application for a permit shall be accepted from the applicant and no such permit shall be issued to such person or to any corporation in which he shall have any beneficial interest for a period of three years after the action denying or revoking the permit. (Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.170 Suspension and revocation.
(A) Any permit issued under the terms of this chapter may be suspended or revoked by the City Manager when it shall appear to him or her that the permittee has violated any of the requirements of this chapter or the dispensary is operated in a manner that violates the provisions of this chapter, including the criteria for review and operating requirements sections, or conflicts with State law.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no permit shall be revoked or suspended by virtue of this section until written notice of the intent to consider revocation or suspension of the permit has been served upon the person to whom the permit was granted at least five days prior to the date set for such review. Such notice shall contain a brief statement of the grounds to be relied upon for revoking or suspending such permit. Notice may be given either by personal delivery to the person to be notified, or by depositing it in the U.S. mail in a sealed envelope, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to the person to be notified at his/her address as it appears in his/her application for a permit.
(C) If any person holding a permit or acting under the authority of such permit under this chapter is convicted of a public offense in any court for the violation of any law which relates to his or her permit, the City Manager may revoke such permit forthwith without any further action thereof, other than giving notice of revocation to the permittee. (Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.180 Transfer of permits.
(A) A permittee shall not operate a dispensary under the authority of a dispensary permit at any place other than the address of the dispensary stated in the application for the permit.
(B) A permittee shall not transfer ownership or control of a dispensary or transfer a dispensary permit to another person unless and until the transferee obtains an amendment to the permit from the City Manager stating that the transferee is now the permittee. Such an amendment may be obtained only if the transferee files an application with the City Manager in accordance with this all provisions of this chapter accompanied by a transfer fee in an amount set by resolution of the City Council, and the City Manager determines in accordance this chapter that the transferee would be entitled to the issuance of an original permit.
(C) No permit may be transferred when the City Manager has notified the permittee that the permit has been or may be suspended or revoked.
(D) Any attempt to transfer a permit either directly or indirectly in violation of this section is declared void, and the permit shall be deemed revoked. (Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.190 Time limit for filing application for permit (pre-existing dispensary).
All persons lawfully operating within the City immediately prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter must apply for and obtain a dispensary permit within 90 days of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. Continued operation of a dispensary without a permit more than 90 days after the effective date of said ordinance shall constitute a violation of this chapter. (Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.200 Time limit for filing applications upon annexation.
Any dispensary that was legally established in the County and which is subsequently annexed into the City must apply for and obtain a dispensary permit in compliance with the provisions of this chapter within 90 days from date of annexation. Continued operation of a dispensary without a permit more than 90 days after annexation shall constitute a violation of this chapter. (Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)
10-40.210 Violations.
(A) It is unlawful for any person, individual, partnership, co-partnership, firm, association, joint stock company, corporation, limited liability company or combination of the above in whatever form or character to violate any provision or fail to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter.
(B) A violation of this chapter shall be punished in accordance with City Code Section 1-28.010. (Ord. 3754 § 1, 2005)