Wednesday, April 17, 2024
The Moorpark City Council last week unanimously granted final approval to designate two specific locations within the city for licensed, non-storefront, delivery only medical cannabis distribution centers.
These approved locations are limited to portions of two industrial properties, one in the 700 block of Science Drive and the other in the 5900 block of Condor Drive. Located in Moorpark’s M-1 industrial zone, the sites are the only ones in the city that adhere to the required 600-foot buffer from sensitive areas such as residential zones, schools, parks, licensed daycare facilities, youth centers and places of religious assembly.
The ordinance was initially adopted on Jan. 3 and returned to the council on Jan. 17 for a second reading and adoption. It is set to become effective 30 days after its passage, expected in mid-February.
This decision permits cannabis deliveries from these designated locations once businesses acquire a conditional use permit, outlining parameters such as operating hours, security, and other regulations.
“We’re playing defensive here, limiting that to two parcels in the city, which is constrictive but consistent with the law,” said City Manager Troy Brown.
Moorpark already imposes restrictions on all cannabis-related businesses, prohibiting locations for the retail sale of medical cannabis via delivery. However, the enactment of SB 1186 by Gov. Gavin Newsom, effective Jan. 1, prevents cities from prohibiting the delivery of me- dicinal cannabis to authorized patients, mandating compliance within their jurisdictions.
Doug Spondello, the city’s deputy community development director, highlighted the importance of complying with state law, noting that the city must identify suitable locations to accommodate this use despite receiving no applications or inquiries so far.
Staff noted the decision applies solely to delivery-only establishments, maintaining the prohibition on other cannabis outlets, including storefronts.
Despite some residents urging holding off on a decision, Spondello said city staff sees no merit in delaying the process, as the CUP procedure would address additional concerns and allow residents to provide additional input.
He said delaying approval could lead to unintended consequences, enabling any medicinal cannabis delivery business to submit an application, with its suitability determined based on the city’s zoning ordinance.
In addition to city approval, any applicant must obtain a state license from the state Department of Cannabis Control, similar to liquor licenses.
Moorpark Police Chief Darin Hendren is not concerned about a medicinal cannabis delivery business in the city, citing experiences in neighboring cities like Thousand Oaks and Ojai, which reported no increase in criminal activity associated with such businesses.
“If we can put the correct measures and security in place (during the CUP process), no, it wouldn’t keep me up at night,” he said.
Our Hometown DMCA Notices
Newspaper website content management software and services