Cannabis Zoning Permits from Agriculture, Weights & Measures
The Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures (AWM) issues zoning permits. These zoning permits will only be issued for outdoor cultivation on parcels located in areas zoned for Agriculture.
The zoning districts include Land Intensive Agriculture (LIA), Land Extensive Agriculture (LEA), and Diversified Agriculture (DA) zoning designations.
Permit Types
There are three different types of outdoor cultivation that Agriculture, Weights & Measures will be issuing zoning permits for:
- Cottage Outdoor (25 Plants or less)
- Specialty (5,000 square feet or 50 plants or less)
- Small Outdoor (5,001 to 10,000 sq. ft.)
Each of these three permits will utilize the same application form.
A complete Cannabis Cultivation Zoning Permit Application, along with all attachments, is required by the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures at the time of the intake appointment.
To schedule an intake appointment, call the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures at (707) 565-2371.
Application and Checklist: Cannabis Cultivation Zoning Permit Application (PDF: 379 kB)
NOTE: Some cultivation zoning permits are issued by the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures, while Permit Sonoma also issues cultivation zoning and usage permits. See Cultivation for more information.
Agriculture/Weights and Measures Cannabis Zoning Permit Application Fees
Effective July 1, 2019
| Services | Rates |
|---|---|
| Cottage Outdoor1 | $ 2,615 |
| Specialty Outdoor1 | $ 3,233 |
| Small Outdoor1 | $ 3,869 |
1 Includes one application review, one pre-grow site inspection, and one growing season site monitoring visit.
Any additional time will be billed at the Agricultural Division staff hourly rate of $177 (¼ hour minimum charge).
Permit Renewal
Renewal Application: Cannabis Cultivation Renewal Application
A complete application for renewal must be submitted 60 days prior to the expiration date of the current permit.
Applications for permit renewal may be administratively approved by the agency having jurisdiction provided there are no outstanding violations related to health, safety, land use, or tax.
Agriculture/Weights and Measures Cannabis Zoning Permit Renewal Fees
Effective July 1, 2019
| Services | Rates |
|---|---|
| Annual Site Monitoring Fee (Cottage, Specialty, Small) | $ 600 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee (Cottage, Specialty) | $ 18 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee (Small) | $ 36 |
| CEQA Notice of Exemption Recording Fee | $ 50 |
| Renewal Small Outdoor (hourly rate, ¼ hour minimum) | $ 177/hour |
Any additional time will be billed at the Agricultural Division staff hourly rate of $177 (¼ hour minimum charge).
Annual Cultivation Site Monitoring for Permit Sonoma Permitted Sites
| Services | Rates |
|---|---|
| Indoor & Mixed Light Cultivation and Indoor Nursery* | $ 600 |
| Outdoor Cultivation: Cottage and Specialty* | $ 600 |
| Outdoor Cultivation: Small* | $ 600 |
| Outdoor Cultivation: Medium and Outdoor Nursery* | $ 900 |
*Includes 1 site monitoring visit. Any additional time billed at Agricultural Division staff hourly rate of $177 (¼ hour minimum charge).
Miscellaneous Fees
| Services | Rates |
|---|---|
| Re-Inspections and/or Re-reviews at Staff Hourly Rate | $ 177/hour |
| Crop Loss Inspections at Staff Hourly Rate | $ 177/hour |
Any additional time billed at Agricultural Division staff hourly rate of $177 (¼ hour minimum charge).
Cultivation Inspection
The Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures is responsible for inspecting all cultivation sites, whether the operator's permit is issued by Permit Sonoma or the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures.