Cannabis Permitting Guide
The County of San Luis Obispo, through adoption of various ordinances, has determined that certain commercial cannabis activities may have an impact on the area in which they are located. These types of uses require the approval of a land use permit, which sets conditions for the use's establishment and operation. Approval of a land use permit only entitles the use itself; separate permits or licenses may also be required including any proposed construction or grading activities.
It is recommended that applicants contact the following agencies during the application process:
- County Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures
- Air Pollution Control District
- Regional Water Quality Control Board
- Upper-Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District
- Cal Fire - San Luis Obispo County Fire Department
- County Department of Environmental Health Services
What is the process?
Pre-Notify Neighbors
The applicant provides a written letter to all property owners within 1,000 feet of the proposed project site informing them of the proposed project.
Application Package
A completed Application Package is required. Please download and complete a Application Package.
Apply for Business License
The applicant applies for a Business License through the Tax Collector's Office and schedules an appointment for a background check with the Sheriff's Office.
Reach Decision
During the public hearing, the hearing body considers the application and reaches a decision to either approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application.
Apply for State Licenses
The applicant applies for all applicable State Licenses. Check with planning staff to determine if the proposed project is eligible for concurrent processing of State license applications prior to County approval.
Enroll in Monitoring Program
Under the County of San Luis Obispo Inland and Coastal Zone Ordinances, all cannabis cultivation activities that receive a land use permit are required to participate in a County-run monitoring program. The purpose of the monitoring program is to verify that permitted activities are conducted in compliance with conditions of approval (including environmental mitigation measures) and relevant provisions of the local ordinances and state law.
To begin the process, the Cannabis Condition Compliance Monitoring Agreement and Monitoring Cost Accounting Agreement must be submitted.
Is there a charge for this service?
Please refer to the Department of Planning & Building Fee Schedule for application fees.
When and where is this service offered?
This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.
Location, directions and hours of operation
Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
976 Osos Street Room 200
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Tel: (805) 781-5600
Fax: (805) 781-1242
Permits/Inspections: (805) 788-6602
FAQS
Yes, a business license is required for existing cultivation sites operating under the Abeyance Resolution.
Yes, all commercial cannabis activities require a County business license.
No, not for personal use. Six cannabis plants, grown indoors, per dwelling unit, for personal use, are exempt from business license and land use permit requirements.
No; however, there are limits on the number of cultivation sites that can receive land use permit approval.
County business licenses are valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance, unless a shorter time period is specified by the Tax Collector.
Currently, most County business licenses require a $40 application fee. Most licenses then require an annual $31 renewal fee.
A licensee may transfer a license to another site with approval by tax collector after referral to applicable departments. However, a license is not generally transferable transferred to a new licensee. Changes in the underlying licensee will generally require a new license.
A licensee may transfer a business license to another site with approval by the Tax Collector after consultation with applicable departments. However, a license is not generally transferable to a new licensee. Changes to the underlying licensee will generally require a new license.
Common reasons that a business license for cannabis activities could be denied include lack of required land use authorization and/or failure to pass a criminal background check.
To apply for a County business license, an applicant must appear in person at the Tax Collector's Office located at 1055 Monterey Street, Room D-290. Please bring the following information when applying:
- Name of business
- Name and address of business owner
- Name of any corporation officers and address of home office
- Mail order businesses may be requested to submit a copy of their catalog for review
- If you are not the owner of the physical location of the business, the Department of Planning and Building may require a written statement from the owner of the property granting permission to operate the business at that location.
