Successfully completing the commercial cannabis application process requires compliance with Chapter 17.18 of the Calaveras County Code, applicable local land use requirements, adopted environmental mitigation measures, County department clearances, and all required State licensing and regulatory programs.

Chapter 17.18 establishes both applicant-based eligibility and parcel or premises-based eligibility. The Division of Cannabis Control and Planning Department evaluates whether the applicant has a valid basis to apply, whether the proposed parcel or premises qualify for the requested activity, and whether the application materials are complete enough for interdepartmental review.

Eligibility to Apply (§17.18.050)
To determine whether you are eligible to participate in the County’s commercial cannabis program, carefully review §17.18.050, particularly §17.18.050.D.1.

If you are attempting to acquire or procure eligibility from an existing eligible operator, carefully review §17.18.050.D.15.

Parcel or Premises Eligibility
To determine whether a parcel or premises is eligible for commercial cannabis cultivation, carefully review the acreage and zoning requirements found in §17.18.050.D.2.

Applicants must also verify compliance with setback and separation requirements found in §17.18.090.Q.

Complete Application Materials
Applications must include all forms, ownership information, landowner consent when applicable, site plans, operational information, State license documentation, and all other materials required by §17.18.060 before an application may proceed.

Interdepartmental Review
Commercial cannabis permits generally require clearance from multiple County departments, including land use, building safety, grading, access, wastewater, tax compliance, environmental health, and site operation compliance.

In order to remain consistent with the Environmental Impact Report and subsequent EIR addendums adopted by Calaveras County, the County’s commercial cannabis regulatory ordinance under Chapter 17.18 incorporates environmental mitigation measures as part of the permit approval and operational compliance process.

Permit holders and applicants must implement and maintain all applicable mitigation measures associated with their approved cannabis activity. These measures may address grading, drainage, stormwater quality, biological resources, water supply, wastewater disposal, traffic circulation, fire access, noise, odor control, site security, and other operational impacts, depending on the nature and location of the proposed operation.

The California Business and Professions Code also requires that CEQA compliance be complete or actively underway, where authorized by law, before the California Department of Cannabis Control may issue a State cannabis license.

View County CEQA Documents Here

Commercial cannabis applicants must satisfy required mitigation measures, agency clearances, financial assurances, environmental compliance items, and operational standards before a County permit may be issued or continued.

Commercial cannabis cultivation businesses must meet all basic requirements of the Building Code and Fire Code. They must also comply with workplace safety requirements, state and local grading regulations, stormwater runoff regulations, environmental health regulations, and all other applicable State and local requirements.

Section 17.18.070.A.2 requires an applicant to provide evidence of a site inspection conducted by an enforcement official resulting in a finding that the premises and parcel satisfactorily comply with Chapter 17.18.

No cultivation permit will be issued until all structures identified in the cultivation plan are suitable for their proposed use and all required permits have been finalized.

Applicants should coordinate with the applicable County departments before submitting, modifying, or continuing a commercial cannabis permit.

Review Chapter 17.18 of the Calaveras County Code for complete eligibility requirements, operating restrictions, transfer provisions, permit standards, enforcement provisions, and other regulatory requirements applicable to commercial cannabis activities.

View Full Chapter 17.18

This information is a general summary only. Site-specific requirements depend on the proposed use, existing structures, permit history, fire district, wastewater system, access, grading, agency approvals, tax status, site conditions, and conditions identified during County review or inspection. Applicants should review Chapter 17.18 and contact the applicable County department before submitting materials.