2018 Cannabis Land Use Ordinance Update

Sonoma County Cannabis Program 750

On October 16, 2018, the County updated the Cannabis Ordinance which went into effect on November 15, 2018. This update had a limited scope focused on neighborhood compatibility issues and aligning the Ordinance with state law where appropriate.

2018 Amendments to the Cannabis Ordinance include:

Minimum lot size of 10 acres for all commercial cannabis cultivation operations in agricultural and resource zones (LIA, LEA, DA, and RRD)
New setback of 600 feet from schools for indoor cultivation in agricultural and resource zones
Reduction to the setback from public parks may be allowed with a use permit under certain circumstances
Adult use/recreational cannabis is allowed only with a use permit
Use permit term extended to 5 years (zoning permits are still 1 year)
25% additional area for propagation to support onsite cultivation is allowed with a use permit;
New license types:
- Centralized Processing (Cap of 9)
- Microbusiness (combo of different cannabis businesses, allowed only in industrial)
- Distributor-Transport Only- okay for all zones where cultivation is allowed