HomeMy WebLinkAbout65C - MERIT BASED COMMERCIAL CANNABISREQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
NOVEMBER 21, 2017
TITLE:
CONFIRMATION OF MERIT -BASED
CRITERIA FOR ADULT -USE COMMERCIAL
CANNABIS RETAIL BUSINESSES
{STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 3,2; 3,5; 4,3)
CI MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file.
DISCUSSION
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
APPROVED
❑ As Recommended
❑ As Amended
❑ Ordinance on 1s' Reading
❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading
❑ Implementing Resolution
❑ Set Public Hearing For
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
Pursuant to Chapter 40 (Commercial Cannabis), the maximum number of adult -use commercial
cannabis retail businesses is 30. Applications for new adult -use cannabis retail businesses that do
not receive an operational status letter will be evaluated using merit -based criteria. Regulatory
Safety Permit (RSP) top -scoring applicants will be required to complete the application process,
and enter into a required operating agreement pursuant to Chapter 40. If an applicant wants to
expedite the process, they can proceed with a RSP application concurrently, at their own risk. In
the event that two or more applications score a perfect tie, permits will be awarded to applications
based on order received as indicated by the permit processing software in use at the time the
applications were received until the maximum cap on adult -use commercial cannabis retail
businesses (30) is reached.
Merit criteria were drafted to reflect the goals of the community and those contained in the City's
Strategic Plan. Administrative policies will be kept on file with the Planning and Building Agency
to specify the criteria used to evaluate each category and how points will be awarded therein.
Following input received at the November 9, 2017 City Council meeting, merit criteria were revised
to address youth, sustainability, and similar community elements.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Approval of this item supports the City's efforts to meet Goal #3 - Economic Development,
Objective #2 (create new opportunities for business/job growth and encourage private
development through new General Plan and Zoning Ordinance policies), and Objective #5
(leverage private investment that results in tax base expansion and job creation citywide); and Goal
#4 - City Financial Stability, Objective #3 (achieve a structurally balanced budget with appropriate
reserve levels).
65C-1
Confirmation of Merit -Based Criteria for Adult -Use Commercial Cannabis Retail Businesses
November 21, 2017
Page 2
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Candida Neal, AICP
Acting Executive Director
Planning & Building Agency
AP:rb
S:RFCA\2017\11-21-17\Commercial Cannabis Retail Merit RFCA
Exhibit: 1. Merit Criteria for Commercial Cannabis Retail Businesses
65C-2
_
^All
Draft Adult -Use Retail Cannabis Merit -Based Criteria _and _Possible Points
applications for a Regulatory Safety Permit (RSP) will be evaluated using the merit criteria
outlined below. Applicants must submit supplemental documentation or references with the
RSP application that support the statements below for review by the City.
No.
Merit Criteria Points
Applicant demonstrates control of a site that is in full compliance with the
1
requirements of Chapter 18 and/or Chapter 40 of the Santa Ana Municipal
Code (base requirement'). Up to 20
2
Applicant demonstrates experience in operating a permitted or licensed
commercial cannabis activity within the United States (base requirement'). Up to 20
Applicant demonstrates past experience in and commits to any of the
following* *2:
This criteria evaluates the items listed below.
3
• Local hiring and sourcing practices3
• Sustainable business or building practices
• Community benefit and/or youth programs in Santa Ana Up to 30
4
Applicant is currently on the Measure BB lottery waitlist. Up to 10
Applicant's principal officer's, director's, or owner's primary residence is in
5
the City of Santa Ana and the person has been residing at the primary
residence for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the
date of the application. Up to 10
Applicant, entity, or premises:
This criteria evaluates the items listed below.
• Has no previous record of failing to make timely reporting or
6
remitting of their Santa Ana medical marijuana and/or commercial
cannabis business license taxes or any other payments required by
their entitlements if operating in another jurisdiction
• Is not the subject of any outstanding code enforcement activity Up to 10
Maximum Possible Points 100
1 Base requirement indicates that the applicant must satisfy a portion of each criteria (nos. land 2) in order to
qualify for consideration and scoring
1 A community benefits plan will be reviewed and incorporated into the required operational agreement for any
selected commercial cannabis business operating in Santa Ana.
3 Note: Pursuant to Chapter 40, any facility employing two or more individuals is required to enter into a labor
peace agreement.
EXHIBIT 1
Page d/!b/2017
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