SANTA CRUZ – Halloween and all its orange pumpkins and spooky white costumes could also be fast approaching, but next week's Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meeting could have a distinctly green hue.
On his Meeting on TuesdayThe board is anticipated to think about two proposed regulations that may allow on-site cannabis consumption at existing retailers and farms. To add some predictability to the meeting's packed agenda, topics will likely be discussed no before 1:30 p.m. within the board's boardroom at 701 Ocean St. in Santa Cruz.
The first point relates specifically to consumable items which may be inhaled in existing retail locations or on adjoining parcels in unincorporated areas. According to the staff reportDesignated puffing zones are subject to strict ventilation and odor requirements and must comply with government regulations for smoke-free workplaces.
According to the district Cannabis Licensing OfficeThere are 12 licensed pharmacies in unincorporated areas, although not all local retailers would have the ability to ascertain an on-site consumption system because of space, location or economic constraints.
Some local farmers also want to participate within the campaign, so a Second regulation A law has been drafted allowing retail sales and introducing similar consumption regulations where the buds themselves are literally grown. In a county whose economy depends largely on tourism, advocates say these recent rules could provide incentives Agritourism for visitors and locals who wish to learn more concerning the cannabis industry and the cultivation process.
According to county staff, the farm-focused ordinance is meant as a three-year pilot program that may allow operational changes to be implemented while providing room for feedback and monitoring from operators, neighbors, the general public and county staff themselves.
Based on discussions between county staff and tour operators in other jurisdictions, the minimum viable variety of participating retail establishments for this system is three, but five to seven is good.
The staff's recommendations come to the board after nearly a yr of collaborative discussions, consultations with farmers and retailers, and research and briefings with neighboring jurisdictions.
According to the agenda report, a radical economic evaluation to measure the financial impact of on-site consumption sites at farms and retailers was limited, although staff speculated that the changes would lead to a small increase in the whole cannabis business tax collected by the county every year. But staff noted that broader financial advantages could arise if the regulations help bolster the county's status as a desirable tourist destination. It could also encourage collaboration between local firms developing multi-destination tours and quite a lot of activities.
Two unit developments
Also on the board's agenda is one other proposed ordinance that may align the county with a recently implemented state housing law.
The Regulation was drawn up as an area codification of State Senate Bill 9, which allows property owners inside a single-family residential zone to construct two dwelling units or to subdivide a property into two lots for a complete of 4 dwelling units.
According to the staff report, local jurisdictions can conduct design reviews in accordance with state law, but public hearings usually are not required for projects that comply with state regulations.
When you go
What: The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is considering on-site cannabis consumption programs at retailers and farms.
When: Tuesday on the earliest, 1:30 p.m.
How: 701 Ocean St. Room 525, Santa Cruz or Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/81732202363.
Originally published:
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