Nevada County Community Development Agency
Nevada City, CA – On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Nevada County Supervisors adopted a zoning code ordinance amendment to the County’s Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Ordinance that would allow for two retail dispensaries in the unincorporated county areas of Soda Springs and North San Juan, one-day cannabis events similar to farmers markets and a “Nevada County Grown” requirement for retail sales at cultivation sites
At the meeting, Supervisors also unanimously adopted a resolution to approve a Competitive Application Selection Process for up to two retail storefront commercial cannabis dispensaries and the establishment of a Retail Commercial Cannabis Application Evaluation Committee.
After hearing from the public, supervisors struck language that would have required applicants to pay property taxes before permits could be issued and a voluntary “exclusion zone” that some expressed was confusing and would lead to neighborhood disputes.
“After thoughtful consideration of public comments, Nevada County is moving forward with a clear plan that considers the needs of our local cannabis marketplace and provides reasonable protection for our rural neighborhoods. This is a balance, and we carefully weigh the impacts of any ordinance change,” said District 5 Supervisor Hardy Bullock.
The ordinance amendment includes the following general changes:
- Up to two retail cannabis dispensaries will be allowed within the unincorporated area of the County, specifically, one in Soda Springs Rural Center and one in the North San Juan Rural Center area, with the approval of the selection committee and a Use Permit. Before the ordinance changes, no retail dispensaries were allowed in the unincorporated areas of the county.
- Cannabis-related businesses, including indoor cultivation, manufacturing, testing laboratories and distribution, will be allowed with a permit in industrial-zoned areas of the unincorporated county. Before the ordinance changes, no cannabis activities were allowed in industrial zones.
- Temporary cannabis events similar to Farmer’s Markets with cannabis products available for sale would be allowed in the North San Juan and Soda Springs Rural Centers. Up to 8 events per year, per area, would be allowed with a permit. The events would only be one day per event.
- The ordinance will require all cannabis products sold at cultivation sites as part of a microbusiness that include retail sales to be from Nevada County farms only. The dispensaries would not have this restriction and could sell products grown and produced from outside of Nevada County.
The changes are another step in providing clarity in this growing sector of the local economy and are responsive to community feedback.
