It is the purpose and intent of this article to regulate the cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and sales of medical and adult-use cannabis in order to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the city of South Lake Tahoe. The regulations in this article are meant to ensure compliance with the state cannabis laws and are not intended to and do not interfere with a patient's right to use medical cannabis as authorized by the state cannabis laws. Nor do these regulations criminalize the possession or cultivation of cannabis for medical or nonmedical purposes as permitted by the state cannabis laws. Cannabis businesses within the city must comply with all provisions of the city code for obtaining permits for a cannabis business and must comply with the state cannabis laws and all other applicable local and state laws.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1181 § 3)
For the purposes of this article, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
"Applicant"
means any person who is required to file an application for a cannabis use permit to operate a cannabis business under this article, including without limitation an individual owner, operator, or agent of a cannabis business.
"Cannabis"
shall have the meaning set forth in California Business and Professions Code Section 26001(f) and as subsequently amended.
"Cannabis business"
shall include:
a. 
Any business, facility, use, establishment, property, or location, whether fixed or mobile, where a commercial cannabis activity takes place.
b. 
Any building, facility, use, establishment, property, or location where any person or entity establishes, commences, engages in, conducts, or carries on, or permits another person or entity to establish, commence, engage in, conduct, or carry on, any activity that requires a state license under California Business and Professions Code Section 26000 and following, including but not limited to cannabis cultivation, cannabis distribution, cannabis manufacture, cannabis testing and cannabis retail sales, and the operation of a cannabis microbusiness.
"Cannabis product"
shall have the same meaning as in California Health and Safety Code Section 11018.1.
"Canopy"
means all areas occupied by any portion of a cannabis plant, encompassing all vertical planes (i.e., stacking of plants), whether contiguous or noncontiguous on any one site. The canopy shall be measured by taking the longest length and widest width of existing plants (including all gaps, walkways, and open areas between plants) and multiplying the longest length by the longest width to get the area of the cannabis canopy. Each level of a stacked cultivation will be calculated as a separate canopy.
"Commercial cannabis activity"
shall include the cultivation, possession, manufacturing, distribution, processing, storing, laboratory testing, packaging, labeling, transportation, delivery or sale of cannabis and cannabis products, or acting as a cannabis event organizer for temporary cannabis events.
"Cultivation"
means any activity involving the planting, growing, harvesting, drying, curing, grading, or trimming of cannabis.
"Cultivator"
means any cannabis business engaged in cultivation activities, but specifically excluding cultivation in a private residence or accessory dwelling unit authorized pursuant to SLTCC § 6.55.720.
"Day care center"
shall have that meaning as set forth in California Health and Safety Code Section 1596.76.
"Delivery"
means the commercial transfer of cannabis or cannabis products to a customer or patient. "Delivery" also includes the use by a retailer of any technology platform.
"Delivery operation"
means a cannabis business that engages in or otherwise provides deliveries.
"Distribution"
means the procurement, sale, and transport of cannabis and cannabis products between licensees.
"Distributor"
means any cannabis business engaged in distribution.
"Drug paraphernalia"
shall have the meaning set forth in California Health and Safety Code Section 11014.5, and as subsequently amended.
"Edible cannabis product"
means cannabis that is intended to be used, in whole or in part, for human consumption.
"Extraction"
means a process by which cannabinoids are separated from cannabis plant material through chemical or physical means.
"Identification card"
shall have the meaning set forth in California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.7(g), and as may be amended from time to time.
"Manufacture"
means to compound, blend, extract, infuse, package, label, or otherwise make or prepare a cannabis product.
"Manufacturer"
means any cannabis business that conducts any activities involving the manufacture of a cannabis product.
"Medicinal cannabis" or "medicinal cannabis product"
shall have the meaning set forth in California Business and Professions Code Section 26001(al)(1), which includes cannabis or a cannabis product, respectively, intended to be sold for use pursuant to the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Proposition 215), found at California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5, by a medicinal cannabis patient in California who possesses a physician's recommendation.
"Microbusiness"
means a cannabis business that engages in commercial cannabis activities of at least three of the following types of cannabis businesses: retailer, distributor, manufacturer, cultivator.
"Operator"
shall mean any person responsible for management of the cannabis business; any person listed as an officer, director, manager, or member in the statement of information filed with the Secretary of State for a cannabis business; any person listed in a governing document for a cannabis business, such as bylaws, articles of incorporation, or operating agreement; any person owning an interest in the cannabis business, unless the interest is solely a security, lien, or encumbrance; and any person that supervises an employee of the cannabis business.
"Owner"
shall have that meaning set forth in California Business and Professions Code Section 26001(ap) and as it may be amended.
"Package" or "packaging"
means any container or wrapper that may be used for enclosing or containing any cannabis or cannabis products. The term "package" does not include any shipping container or outer wrapping used solely for the transportation of cannabis or cannabis products in bulk quantity to another licensee or licensed premises.
"Park"
shall mean any land, with public access, intended to provide recreation. For the purposes of this article, "park" also includes public beaches.
"Permittee"
shall mean any person issued a cannabis use permit under this article.
"Physician"
shall mean a licensed medical doctor, including a doctor of osteopathic medicine as defined in the California Business and Professions Code.
"Property"
shall mean the designated structure or structures and land specified in the cannabis use permit application that is owned, leased or otherwise held under the control of the applicant or permittee where the commercial cannabis activity will be or is conducted.
"Retailer"
means any cannabis business that engages in the sale of cannabis or cannabis products to customers, including medical and adult-use cannabis or cannabis products.
"School"
means any public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or any of grades one to 12, inclusive, but does not include any private school in which education is primarily conducted in private homes.
"State cannabis laws"
means and includes California Health and Safety Code Sections 11362.1 through 11362.45; California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 (Compassionate Use Act of 1996); California Health and Safety Code Sections 11362.7 to 11362.83 (Medical Marijuana Program); California Business and Professions Code Section 26000 et seq. (Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA)); all state laws enacted or amended pursuant to SB-94, Chapter 27, Statutes of 2017; the California Attorney General's Guidelines for the Security and Non-Diversion of Marijuana Grown for Medical Use issued in August 2008, as such guidelines may be revised from time to time by action of the Attorney General; California Labor Code Section 147.5; California Revenue and Taxation Code Sections 34010 through 34021.5; California Fish and Game Code Section 12029; California Water Code Section 13276; all state regulations adopted by the Department of Cannabis Control; any license issued by the Department of Cannabis Control; and all other applicable laws of the state of California regulating cannabis or cannabis products.
"Testing laboratory"
means a laboratory, facility, or entity that offers or performs tests of cannabis or cannabis products and is licensed by the Department of Cannabis Control.
"Youth centers"
shall mean any youth center, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 11353.1(e)(2), any playground, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 11353.1(e)(1), and any child day care facility, as that term is defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 1596.750.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1161 § 1; Ord. 1181 § 3)
A. 
No person or entity may cultivate cannabis in any residence in the city, except that a person may cultivate no more than six living cannabis plants inside his or her private residence or inside an accessory structure to his or her private residence located upon the grounds of that private residence that is fully enclosed and secured against unauthorized entry; provided, that the owner of the property provides written consent expressly allowing the cannabis cultivation to occur, there is no use of gas products (CO2, butane, propane, natural gas, etc.) on the property for purposes of cannabis cultivation, and the cultivation complies with California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.2(a)(3), as it may be amended.
B. 
Amortization of Existing Residential Cultivation Permits. All residential cultivation permits previously issued by the city are hereby deemed amortized and are null and void.
C. 
No Vested Rights. No person(s) shall have any vested rights to any permit, right or interest under this article, regardless of whether such person(s) cultivated cannabis prior to adoption of the ordinance codified in this article.
D. 
Public Nuisances. Cultivation shall not create a public nuisance and adversely affect the health or safety of persons residing in or near the residence where the cultivation occurs. A public nuisance may be deemed to exist if cultivation produces:
1. 
Odors which are disturbing to people of normal sensitivity residing or present on adjacent or nearby properties or areas open to the public;
2. 
More than three substantiated responses to valid confirmed complaints in a one-year time period to the residence from law enforcement officers;
3. 
More than three disruptions in a one-year time period to the free passage of persons or vehicles in the neighborhood;
4. 
Excessive noise which is disturbing to people of normal sensitivity on adjacent or nearby properties or areas open to the public in accordance with SLTCC § 4.70.160;
5. 
Adverse effects to health or safety through creation of mold, mildew, dust, glare, heat, noise, noxious gases, odor, smoke, traffic, parking, vibration, or other impacts, or be hazardous because of the use or storage of materials, processes, products or wastes.
E. 
Environment. Runoff and waste disposal by the residence where cultivation occurs must be in compliance with any applicable city, county, regional, state, and federal laws and regulations. A violation of any applicable city, county, regional, state, or federal law will be deemed a violation of this article.
F. 
Cultivation of cannabis in residences shall be in conformance with the following requirements:
1. 
Cultivation shall only occur in fully enclosed and secure structures. All outdoor cultivation of cannabis is strictly prohibited.
2. 
Cultivation shall only occur in residences which are in full compliance with the city code, including the building code and fire code.
3. 
No cooking, baking, or alteration as to form and substance of cannabis for commercial purposes, and/or sale, is permitted in a residence which cultivates cannabis.
4. 
From a public right-of-way, there shall be no exterior evidence of cannabis cultivation occurring at the residence.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1181 § 3)
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, to conduct or carry on (or to permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on) in or upon property located within the city, the operation of a cannabis business unless that person has first obtained and continues to maintain in full force and effect: a valid cannabis use permit issued by the city for that property and a valid cannabis public safety license issued by the city to the owner and/or operator of the cannabis business, pursuant to Chapter 4.180 SLTCC.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1181 § 3)
A. 
Cannabis Businesses Allowed.
1. 
Only those types of cannabis businesses set forth in this section shall be allowed within the city:
a. 
Retailers.
b. 
Microbusinesses.
c. 
Testing labs.
d. 
Cultivators.
e. 
Manufacturers.
f. 
Distributors.
g. 
Delivery operations.
Any and all cannabis businesses, activities, nonprofits, associations, enterprises, collectives, cooperatives or dispensaries not expressly described herein are expressly prohibited. Temporary cannabis events are prohibited within the city.
2. 
No more than one cannabis business may exist in the same suite or unit on a lot or parcel of property.
3. 
An owner and/or operator of a cannabis business may not own or operate more than one retail cannabis business, including a microbusiness with a retailer component, within the city.
4. 
No more than four retailers are permitted in the city, including microbusinesses with a retailer component. Delivery operations of medicinal cannabis to medicinal cannabis patients or their primary caregivers within the city that originate from retailers outside the city's jurisdictional limits are not subject to this limitation.
5. 
No more than two microbusinesses are permitted in the city, unless after the application period referenced in SLTCC § 6.55.750(C) there are open permits for retailers, cultivators, manufacturers, or distributors, in which case the city council may adopt a resolution to reopen the application period to allow additional microbusinesses combining the open permit types.
6. 
No more than two cultivators are permitted in the city.
7. 
No more than four manufacturers are permitted in the city.
8. 
Distributors are permitted in the city only as part of a microbusiness, unless one or more of the permitted microbusinesses do not include a distributor component, in which case a distributor shall be permitted for each microbusiness without a distributor component.
B. 
Limitations on Location.
1. 
Permissible Zoning. Subject to limitations described in this article and other parts of this title, and applicable regulations of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, cannabis businesses may operate only in a location where such land use will be consistent with the land uses authorized under the applicable area plan, plan area statement, and/or community plan for such location. Table 6.55.740 sets forth the applicable permissible use categories for each type of cannabis business.
Table 6.55.740
City Cannabis Business Type
TRPA Permissible Use Categories
a. Retailers (including delivery operations)
"food and beverage retail sales" and "general merchandise stores"
b. Microbusinesses
i. Retailer
See a.
ii. Distributor
See f.
iii. Manufacturer
See e.
iv. Cultivator
See d.
c. Testing labs
"industrial services"
d. Cultivators
"industrial services"
e. Manufacturers
"food and kindred products" and "small scale manufacturing"*
f. Distributors
"wholesale and distribution"
Notes:
* The applicable TRPA permissible use category for a manufacturer will depend on the type of cannabis product being manufactured.
2. 
Areas and Zones Where Cannabis Businesses Are Not Permitted.
a. 
Notwithstanding subsection (B)(1) of this section, a cannabis business may not operate on a parcel or lot located within 1,000 feet of a school, or 600 feet of a youth center, or 600 feet of a day care center, or 150 feet of any park, any religious institution, any residential or outpatient drug or alcohol treatment facility licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services, or hospital, that is in existence at the time the cannabis use permit is issued.
Distances under this subsection shall be calculated as a straight line from any parcel line of the property on which the cannabis business is located to the parcel line of the real property on which the facility, building, or structure, or portion of the facility, building or structure, in which the listed use occurs or is located. Locational restrictions shall apply to an entire parcel if any portion of the parcel is located within the applicable buffer distance.
b. 
Cannabis businesses may not operate on a parcel or lot located within a residential designated land use area, as depicted in the city's general plan.
C. 
Transfer of Cannabis Use Permits.
1. 
Permit – Site Specific. A permittee shall not operate a cannabis business under the authority of a cannabis use permit at any place other than the parcel and specified address of the cannabis business stated in the application for the permit. All permits issued by the city pursuant to this article shall be nontransferable to a different location.
2. 
Transfer of a Permitted Cannabis Business. A permittee shall not transfer ownership or control of a cannabis business or attempt to transfer a cannabis use permit to another person unless and until the transferee obtains an amendment to the cannabis use permit from the planning commission to the permitting requirements of this article stating that the transferee is now the permittee. Such an amendment may be obtained only if the transferee files an application with the development services department in accordance with all provisions of this article accompanied by the required transfer review application deposit.
3. 
Request for Transfer with a Revocation or Suspension Pending. No cannabis use permit may be transferred (and no permission for a transfer may be issued) when the development services department has notified the permittee in writing that the permit has been or may be suspended or revoked for noncompliance with this chapter and a notice of such suspension or revocation has been provided.
4. 
Transfer Without Permission. Any attempt to transfer a cannabis use permit either directly or indirectly in violation of this chapter is declared void, and the permit shall be deemed revoked.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1161 § 2; Ord. 1181 § 3)
A. 
Cannabis Public Safety License. Applicants seeking a cannabis use permit to operate a cannabis business within the city shall first submit an application for a cannabis public safety license. Upon the chief of police's, or their designee's, approval of the application for a cannabis public safety license, the applicant may submit an application for a cannabis use permit to operate a cannabis business.
B. 
Except as set forth in this article, applications for cannabis use permits shall be processed consistent with Article VII, Use Permits and Variances. The city manager, or their designee, may recommend, and the city council may establish by resolution, any necessary procedures and application requirements.
C. 
Use Permits for Retailers, Cultivators, Manufacturers, Distributors, and Microbusinesses. Because only a limited number of retailers, cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, and microbusinesses are permitted, an application period for these businesses shall be established that allows applicants to be placed on a qualified applicant list. The process and selection criteria for selection of the best applicants to be placed on the qualified applicant list shall be established by resolution of the city council.
D. 
Applications shall include a requirement that applicants demonstrate owner consent to operate a cannabis business on the property. Applications for cannabis retailers shall also include a statement as to whether the use will include delivery of cannabis and cannabis products to locations outside the retailer's property. If delivery services will be provided, the application shall describe the operational plan and specific extent of such service, security protocols, and how the delivery services will comply with the requirements set forth in this article and state law.
E. 
Site Plan. Applicants shall submit a site plan that shall include a floor plan, and a scaled premises diagram showing the boundaries of the cannabis business and property with all boundaries, dimensions, entrances and exits, interior partitions and walls, with labeling of each room, windows and common shared entryways. If the proposed cannabis business consists of only a portion of the property, the diagram shall be labeled indicating which part of the property is the proposed cannabis business and what the remaining property is used for.
F. 
Cost Recovery. Every application for a cannabis use permit shall be accompanied by a deposit (in an amount established by resolution of the city council) and the applicant shall replenish such deposit at the request of the city to allow for recovery of the city's full cost of reviewing and issuing said permit.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1181 § 3)
A. 
Criteria for Issuance. In addition to the required findings for issuance of a special use permit in SLTCC § 6.55.620(B), the planning commission, or the city council on appeal, shall make all of the following findings in determining whether to grant, modify, or deny a cannabis use permit for any cannabis business:
1. 
If the cannabis business is a microbusiness, retailer, manufacturer, distributor, or cultivator, the applicant is on the qualified applicant list established and maintained by the city.
2. 
The cannabis use permit application is complete and the applicant has submitted all information and materials required.
3. 
The proposed location of the cannabis business will comply with the buffer requirements in SLTCC § 6.55.740(B) and is not likely to have a potentially adverse effect on the health, peace, or safety of persons due to the proximity of the proposed cannabis business to a school, youth center, park, church, state licensed drug or alcohol treatment facility, or hospital.
4. 
The proposed location of the cannabis business is not likely to have a potentially adverse effect on the health, peace, or safety of persons due to the proposed cannabis business's proximity to another existing or permitted cannabis business, and no significant nuisance issues or problems are likely or anticipated.
5. 
The design of the cannabis business is compatible with the city's design guidelines.
6. 
The property is located on a property which is consistent with all development standards of this title.
7. 
The location is not prohibited under the provisions of this title or any local or state law, statute, rule, or regulation.
8. 
The cannabis business will not violate any provision of the SLTCC or condition imposed by a city-issued permit, or any provision of any other local or state law, regulation, or order, or any condition imposed by permits issued in compliance with those laws.
9. 
The site plan for the cannabis business has incorporated features necessary to assist in reducing potential nuisance and crime-related problems. These features may include, but are not limited to, procedures for allowing entry; reduction of opportunities for congregating and obstructing public ways and neighboring property; and limiting furnishings and features that encourage loitering and nuisance behavior.
B. 
Supplemental Findings – Cannabis Testing Laboratory. In addition to the findings required for the approval of a cannabis use permit as set forth in subsection (A) of this section, the planning commission, or the city council on appeal, shall consider the following supplemental findings in determining whether to grant, modify, or deny a cannabis use permit for a testing lab:
1. 
The owners, permittees, operators, and employees of the testing lab will not be associated with any other form of commercial cannabis activity.
2. 
The testing lab meets the accreditation requirements set forth in California Business and Professions Code Section 26100(h) and any applicable regulations enacted by the Department of Cannabis Control.
3. 
The testing lab operating plan demonstrates proper protocols and procedures for statistically valid sampling methods and accurate certification of cannabis and cannabis products for potency, purity, pesticide residual levels, mold, and other contaminants according to adopted industry standards.
C. 
Supplemental Findings – Cultivators. In addition to the findings required for the approval of a cannabis use permit as set forth in subsection (A) of this section, the planning commission, or the city council on appeal, shall consider the following supplemental findings in determining whether to grant, modify, or deny a cannabis use permit for a cultivator:
1. 
The cultivation of cannabis for commercial purposes shall only be cultivated within a fully enclosed space.
2. 
The cultivation of cannabis for commercial purposes shall be limited to 22,000 square feet of total canopy size per property.
3. 
The cultivation of cannabis will be conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the use of pesticides.
4. 
The applicant for cultivation for cultivation of cannabis with a total canopy size greater than 5,000 square feet per property has submitted documentation that electrical power used for commercial cannabis activity meets the average electricity greenhouse gas emissions intensity required by the local utility provider pursuant to the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program, and has submitted an energy efficiency plan showing measures being taken to minimize energy consumption in lighting, HVAC, and dehumidifying equipment.
D. 
Supplemental Findings – Manufacturers. In addition to the findings required for the approval of a cannabis use permit as set forth in subsection (A) of this section, the planning commission, or the city council on appeal, shall consider the following supplemental findings in determining whether to grant, modify, or deny a cannabis use permit for a manufacturer:
1. 
The manufacturer shall be limited to 2,500 square feet of fully enclosed space.
2. 
The manufacturer shall not undertake any volatile extraction activities, and shall only conduct the operations authorized under the "Type 6," "Type N," or "Type P" license categories, as defined in the Department of Cannabis Control regulations, Title 4 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 17006, as may be amended.
E. 
Criteria for Denial. The planning commission shall deny an application that meets any one of the following criteria:
1. 
Any supervisor, employee, or person having a 10 percent or more financial interest in the cannabis business has been convicted of a felony or a drug-related misdemeanor reclassified by Section 1170.18 of the California Penal Code (Proposition 47) within the past 10 years. A conviction within the meaning of this subsection means a plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere;
2. 
Any person who is listed on the application or is an owner or operator, is a licensed physician making patient recommendations for medical cannabis pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.7;
3. 
Any person who is listed on the application or is an owner or operator is less than 21 years of age;
4. 
The proposed cannabis business does not comply with the provisions of this article or state cannabis laws; and
5. 
The planning commission is unable to make a required finding contained in this section.
F. 
Planning Commission Determination. If the planning commission, by a majority vote of a quorum of commissioners, denies the application, the planning commission shall specify in writing the reasons for the denial of the application, and notify the applicant that the decision shall become final unless the applicant seeks an appeal pursuant to Chapter 2.35 SLTCC.
G. 
Indemnification. Cannabis use permits shall contain a condition requiring the dispensary, through its management members, to execute an agreement in a form approved by the city attorney whereby the cannabis business (1) releases the city, and its agents, officers, elected officials, and employees from any injuries, damages, or liabilities of any kind that result from any arrest or prosecution of the cannabis business or its management members, employees, or members for violation of state or federal laws; (2) defends, indemnifies and holds harmless the city and its agents, officers, elected officials, and employees for any claims, damages, or injuries brought by any party arising out of the city's decision to permit the operation of the cannabis business; and (3) defends, indemnifies and holds harmless the city and its agents, officers, elected officials, and employees for any claims, damages, or injuries of any kind brought by adjacent or nearby property owners or other third parties due to the operations at the cannabis business.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1161 §§ 3 – 5; Ord. 1181 § 3)
An applicant or any interested party who disagrees with the planning commission's decision to issue, issue with conditions, or to deny or revoke a cannabis use permit may appeal the planning commission's decision to the city council in accordance with the appeal provisions of Chapter 2.35 SLTCC.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1181 § 3)
[1]
Code editor's note: This section was renamed from "Appeal from planning commission determination" to "Cannabis use permit" per correspondence from the city in April 2024.
A. 
Authority to Suspend or Revoke a Cannabis Use Permit. Any permit issued under the terms of this article may be suspended or revoked by the planning commission.
B. 
A cannabis use permit may be revoked if it appears to the planning commission that the cannabis business has violated any of the requirements of this article or the security plan required pursuant to Chapter 4.180 SLTCC, or the cannabis business is being operated in a manner which constitutes a nuisance, or the cannabis business has ceased to operate for 30 days or more, or the owner or operator of the cannabis business fails to maintain a valid and current public safety license, or the cannabis business is being operated in a manner which conflicts with or violates state cannabis laws.
C. 
Any cannabis use permit revoked pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be expired and shall no longer entitle the permittee to any uses authorized by the cannabis use permit.
D. 
Revocation, expiration or nullification of a cannabis public safety license pursuant to SLTCC § 4.180.060 and § 4.180.070 shall automatically terminate the cannabis use permit issued to the licensee and shall terminate the ability of the licensee to operate a cannabis business without initiation of revocation proceedings by the planning commission.
E. 
Annual Review of Cannabis Businesses. The development services department is hereby authorized to conduct an annual review of the operation of each permitted cannabis business within the city for full compliance with the operational, record-keeping, nuisance and other requirements of this article, in coordination with any other departments of the city. Each cannabis business shall pay a fee in an amount established by resolution of the city council which shall be collected in order to reimburse the city for the time involved in the annual review process. The staff may initiate a permit suspension or revocation process for any cannabis business which, upon completion of an annual review, is found not to be in compliance with the requirements of this chapter or which is operating in a manner which constitutes a public nuisance. Staff may, based upon its annual review of the operation of a cannabis business, place on a planning commission meeting agenda, a proposal to suspend or revoke a cannabis use permit.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1181 § 3)
A. 
All Cannabis Businesses. All cannabis businesses shall be operated, maintained, and managed on a day-to-day basis in compliance with the following operational conditions and requirements:
1. 
State Licensing and Compliance with State Cannabis Laws. The city recognizes that state law requires dual licensing at the state and local level for all cannabis businesses. All operators shall therefore be required to diligently pursue and obtain a state cannabis license at such time as the state begins issuing such licenses, and shall comply at all times with all applicable state cannabis laws.
2. 
Cannabis Public Safety License. A cannabis business shall maintain a cannabis public safety license at all times. The failure to maintain a cannabis public safety license, revocation of a cannabis public safety license, or lapse in renewal of a cannabis public safety license shall be the basis for immediate termination of the right to operate a cannabis business under a cannabis use permit.
3. 
Employees. It shall be unlawful for the applicant, owner, operator, or any other person effectively in charge of any cannabis business to employ any person who is not at least 21 years of age.
4. 
Minors. Persons under the age of 21 years shall not be allowed on the premises of a cannabis business unless they are a qualified patient. The entrance to each cannabis business shall have, clearly and legibly posted, a notice indicating that persons under the age of 18 are prohibited from entering the premises unless they are a qualified patient and they are in the presence of their parent or guardian.
5. 
Every cannabis business shall display, at all times during its regular business hours, the cannabis use permit and cannabis public safety license issued for such cannabis business in a conspicuous place so that the same may be readily seen by all persons entering the cannabis business.
6. 
No cannabis business shall hold or maintain a license from the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the sale of alcoholic beverages, or operate a business on the premises of the cannabis business that sells alcoholic beverages, or otherwise allow alcoholic beverages to be possessed, distributed, or consumed on the premises.
7. 
No cannabis business shall be a retailer of tobacco products.
8. 
Operation of a cannabis business shall not result in illegal redistribution or sale of cannabis obtained, or the use or distribution in any manner which violates state cannabis laws or this article.
9. 
Odors. All cannabis businesses shall be sited and/or operated in a manner that prevents cannabis odors from being detected off-site. All structures utilized for indoor cannabis cultivation shall be equipped and/or maintained with sufficient ventilation controls (e.g., carbon scrubbers) to eliminate nuisance odor emissions from being detected off-site.
10. 
Security. The cannabis business shall at all times comply with all elements of its security plan, submitted as a part of its cannabis public safety license application pursuant to Chapter 4.180 SLTCC.
11. 
Signage and Advertising. The cannabis business shall comply with all applicable provisions of Chapter 6.40 SLTCC and any applicable Tahoe Regional Planning Agency regulations. All advertising shall comply with California Business and Professions Code Section 26151.
12. 
On-Site Consumption. On-site consumption is allowed at permitted retailers and microbusinesses with a retailer component upon approval of an amended public safety license under SLTCC § 4.180.050 and, if the addition of on-site consumption increases the floor area used for retail, approval of an amended cannabis use permit under subsection (B)(2) of this section.
13. 
Additional Conditions. The planning commission may impose additional conditions which it deems necessary to ensure that operation of the cannabis business will be in accordance with the standards and regulations provided in this title, the standards set forth by separate resolution of the city council, and applicable state laws.
B. 
Supplemental Conditions – Retailers. In addition to each of the conditions of operation set forth in subsection (A) of this section, a cannabis retailer shall be operated, maintained, and managed in compliance with the following supplemental conditions:
1. 
Retailers may not sell drug paraphernalia and implements that may be used to ingest or consume cannabis except where such sales and operations comply with Health and Safety Code Section 11364.5.
2. 
Retailers shall not be enlarged in size (i.e., increased floor area) without the planning commission's prior review and approval and an approved amendment to the existing cannabis use permit applied for and issued pursuant to the requirements of this article.
3. 
Retailers shall only sell, deliver, or give away medical cannabis to individuals authorized to receive medical cannabis in accordance with state cannabis laws. Retailers of medical cannabis shall require such persons receiving medical cannabis to provide valid official identification, such as a Department of Motor Vehicles driver's license or State Identification Card, each time he or she seeks to purchase medical cannabis.
4. 
Hours of Operation. Retailers may only operate during the hours between 6:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m., except that authorized on-site consumption areas may operate until 2:00 a.m. with no cannabis sales after 10:00 p.m. The planning commission may further restrict a retailer's days and hours of operation as a condition of a cannabis use permit. A retailer shall post its approved days and hours of operation on a sign located on the street frontage of the cannabis business in a manner consistent with the city's sign regulations. Delivery operations of medicinal cannabis to medicinal cannabis patients or their primary caregivers are not subject to these limited hours of operation.
5. 
Retailers shall not have a physician on-site to evaluate patients and/or provide recommendations for the use of medical cannabis.
6. 
State Seller's Permit. Retailers shall, at all times during operation, maintain a valid seller's permit required pursuant to Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code.
7. 
Retailers shall make available lock bags on site for purchase or shall provide information on how to obtain a lock bag.
8. 
Cannabis and cannabis products shall only be sold as prepackaged consumer products, and each type of product shall be prepackaged in a uniform amount per package. Cannabis and cannabis products shall be prepackaged for general sale and not at the request of any specific customer.
C. 
Supplemental Conditions – Cultivators. In addition to each of the conditions of operation set forth in subsection (A) of this section, a cannabis cultivation operation shall be operated, maintained, and managed in compliance with the following supplemental conditions:
1. 
Outdoor commercial cultivation prohibited. The cultivation of cannabis for commercial purposes may only be cultivated within a fully enclosed space.
2. 
The cultivation of cannabis for commercial purposes shall be limited to 22,000 square feet of total canopy size per property.
3. 
The cultivation of cannabis must be conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the use of pesticides. Any fumigation or insecticidal fogging shall comply with the California Fire Code Chapter 26 (Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging).
4. 
Screening. Cannabis plants shall not be visible from any location beyond the property.
5. 
Cultivators shall maintain either the "Type 1A" (specialty indoor), "Type 1B" (specialty mixed-light), "Type 1C" (specialty cottage), "Type 2A" (small indoor), "Type 2B" (small mixed-light), "Type 3A" (indoor), "Type 3B" (mixed-light) or "Type 4" (nursery) licenses as defined in California Business and Professions Code Section 26061, and issued by the Department of Cannabis Control, at all times of operation.
6. 
Cultivators may not engage in retail sales at the same property as cultivation.
D. 
Supplemental Conditions – Delivery Operations. In addition to each of the conditions of operation set forth in subsection (A) of this section, a cannabis delivery operation shall be operated, maintained, and managed in compliance with the following supplemental conditions:
1. 
Delivery operations shall only be operated by a permitted cannabis retailer that has a physical location and a retail storefront in the city open to the public. A cannabis retailer shall not conduct sales exclusively by delivery. Delivery operations of medicinal cannabis to medicinal cannabis patients or their primary caregivers within the city that originate from retailers outside the city's jurisdictional limits are not subject to this limitation, but any such delivery operation is required to obtain a public safety license under Chapter 4.180 SLTCC.
2. 
Vehicles used for deliveries shall have a GPS tracker, and records shall be maintained regarding the location of all deliveries. No more than maximum of $3,000 in cash, or equivalent value of cannabis or cannabis products, may be carried at any time.
E. 
Supplemental Conditions – Microbusinesses. In addition to each of the conditions of operation set forth in subsection (A) of this section, each microbusiness shall be operated, maintained, and managed in compliance with the following supplemental conditions:
1. 
Except as modified by this subsection (E), each microbusiness with a retail component shall comply with all conditions of operation set forth in subsection (B) of this section, each microbusiness with a cultivator component shall comply with all conditions of operation set forth in subsection (C) of this section, each microbusiness with a manufacturer component shall comply with all conditions of operation set forth in subsection (F) of this section, and each microbusiness with a distributor component shall comply with all conditions of operation set forth in subsection (G) of this section.
2. 
Microbusinesses undertaking manufacturing activity shall utilize only extraction processes that employ nonvolatile solvents for the purposes of extracting cannabinoids and processes that are recognized as safe pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Microbusinesses undertaking manufacturing activity shall maintain a license of the "Type 6," "Type N," or "Type P" license categories, as defined in Title 4 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 17006, as may be amended.
3. 
The cultivation of cannabis for commercial purposes by microbusinesses shall be limited to 10,000 square feet of total canopy size per property.
4. 
A microbusiness with a retail component may engage in retail sales on the same property as a cultivation component, but shall limit access to the public to only the retail component of the microbusiness.
F. 
Supplemental Conditions – Manufacturers. In addition to each of the conditions of operation set forth in subsection (A) of this section, manufacturers shall be operated, maintained, and managed in compliance with the following supplemental conditions:
1. 
Manufacturers shall not engage in on-site retail sales of cannabis or cannabis products.
2. 
Manufacturers shall utilize only extraction processes that employ nonvolatile solvents and are recognized as safe pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
3. 
Standard of Equipment. Manufacturing, processing, and analytical testing devices used by manufacturers must be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed or otherwise certified by an approved third party testing agency or engineer and approved for the intended use by the city's building official and fire code official.
4. 
Food Handler Certification. All owners, employees, volunteers, or other individuals that participate in the production of edible cannabis products shall be state-certified food handlers. The valid certificate number of each such owner, employee, volunteer, or other individual must be on record at the property where the individual participates in the production of edible cannabis products.
5. 
Edible Cannabis Product Manufacturing. Manufacturers that sell or manufacture edible cannabis products shall obtain a county health permit to sell and/or manufacture edible cannabis products. Permit holders shall comply with county health permit requirements.
6. 
The manufacturer shall maintain a manufacturer license of "Type 6," "Type N," or "Type P" license categories, as defined in Title 4 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 17006, as may be amended.
G. 
Supplemental Conditions – Distributors. In addition to each of the conditions of operation set forth in subsection (A) of this section, distributors shall be operated, maintained, and managed in compliance with the following supplemental conditions:
1. 
No distributor may distribute cannabis from an unlicensed cannabis cultivator or manufacturer. Distributors may only distribute cannabis products between other licensed businesses within the state of California.
2. 
Distributors may not sell cannabis products directly to consumers, and cannabis distribution facilities shall be fully enclosed and inaccessible to the general public.
H. 
Maintenance, Access to, and Inspection of Records.
1. 
Every cannabis business shall maintain on-site, at the property designated for the operation of the cannabis business, all records of the cannabis business.
2. 
Financial Records. The cannabis business shall maintain a written accounting record or ledger of all cash, receipts, credit card transactions, reimbursements (including any in- kind contributions), and any and all reasonable compensation for services provided by the cannabis business, as well as records of all operational expenditures and costs incurred by the cannabis business in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices and standards typically applicable to business records.
3. 
Record Retention Period. The records required in this subsection (H) shall be maintained by the cannabis business for a period of five years and shall be made available to the city within 24 hours of written request.
4. 
A duly designated city police department or finance department representative may enter and shall be allowed to inspect the premises of every cannabis business as well as the financial and membership records of the cannabis business required by this article at any time during the cannabis business's designated business hours, or at any appropriate time to ensure compliance and enforcement of the provisions of this article. Such representative may also require the cannabis business to also provide access to such financial records electronically. It shall be unlawful for any owner, operator, or any other person having any responsibility over the operation of the cannabis business to refuse to allow, impede, obstruct or interfere with an inspection of the cannabis business or the required records thereof.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1161 §§ 6 – 9; Ord. 1181 § 3)
An operator of a cannabis business shall be required to apply for and obtain a business and professions tax certificate pursuant to Chapter 3.35 SLTCC as a prerequisite to obtaining a cannabis use permit or operating within the city pursuant to the terms of this article. The cannabis businesses shall be subject to sales tax and other applicable taxes in a manner required by state law.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1181 § 3)
No person(s) shall have any vested rights to any permit, right or interest under this chapter, regardless of whether such person(s) cultivated, sold, distributed or otherwise engaged in acts related to the use of cannabis prior to adoption of the ordinance codified in this article.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1181 § 3)
Any use or condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any provision of this article shall be and hereby is declared a public nuisance and may be subject to administrative citations as set forth in Chapter 2.30 SLTCC, summarily abated by the city pursuant to Chapter 4.40 SLTCC and/or Code of Civil Procedure, Section 731, or subject to any other remedy available to the city.
(Ord. 1126 § 1; Ord. 1181 § 3)