§ 21.67.030. Permits required.

Except as provided in Section 21.67.090 of this Chapter, commercial cannabis activities shall not be allowed in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County without first securing all permits, licenses, or other entitlements required by County regulation and state law and regulation.

A.

An administrative permit shall be required for all commercial cannabis activities. The application for an administrative permit, and for amendments thereto and extensions thereof, shall be processed in accordance with Chapter 21.70 of the Monterey County Code. The Chief of Planning is the Appropriate Authority to consider an administrative permit for commercial cannabis activities and to consider extensions of and amendments to such permits unless the matter is referred to public hearing under Section 21.70.060 of this Chapter. Appeals from the decision of the Chief of Planning shall be governed by Chapter 21.80 of the Monterey County Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the procedures for suspension and revocation of an administrative permit granted under this Chapter shall be as set forth in Sections 21.67.110 and 21.67.120 of this Chapter.

B.

In addition to an administrative permit, a commercial cannabis permit pursuant to Chapter 7.90 of the Monterey County Code shall be required for all commercial cannabis activities.

C.

Upon implementation of state regulations pursuant to California Business and Professions Code Section 26012, a valid license from the state shall be required to operate any commercial cannabis activity.

D.

The owner shall post or cause to be posted on site the administrative permit and all required County and state permits and licenses required to operate. Such posting shall be in a central location, visible to the patrons, at the operating site, and in all vehicles that deliver or transport cannabis or cannabis products.

E.

The owner and all permittees shall maintain clear and adequate records and documentation demonstrating that all cannabis or cannabis products have been obtained from and are provided to other permitted and licensed cannabis operations. The County shall have the right to examine, monitor, and audit such records and documentation, which shall be made available to the County upon request.

F.

The owner and all permittees shall conduct commercial cannabis activities in compliance with all required County permits, state licenses, County regulation, and state law and regulation. The owner shall be responsible for the payment of all required inspection fees, permit fees, and taxes.

G.

Commercial medical cannabis activities that were legally established prior to the effective date of Ordinance No. 5270 enacting this Chapter (August 12, 2016) had one year from the effective date of the ordinance to obtain all required County permits, licenses, and entitlements, or to terminate their operations.

(Ord. No. 5292, § 16, 12-5-2017; Ord. No. 5306, §§ 19—21, 11-6-2018)