Commercial Cannabis Activity Zoning Clearance Application
Commercial Cannabis Activity: Measure O and Zoning Clearance
On November 3, 2020, Ventura County voters passed Measure O to allow commercial cultivation of cannabis, processing, and distribution activities in unincorporated areas under certain conditions and standards. To operate a commercial cannabis business in Ventura, you need to obtain: (1) A Cannabis Business License; and (2) A Commercial Cannabis Activity Zoning Clearance.
- Cannabis Business License: Apply through the County Executive Office and submit your application and fee directly to cannabis@venturacounty.gov .
- Commercial Cannabis Activity Zoning Clearance: Apply through the County Planning Division at cannabis.rma@venturacounty.gov . The fee for this permit is $2,518.
Cannabis Business License Applications and application fees should be submitted directly to the County Executive Office at cannabis@venturacounty.gov.
Key Requirements
- A 1,200-foot radius map must be provided to demonstrate there are no sensitive uses within 1,200 feet of the premises. Sensitive uses include:
- Day care centers
- Schools
- Youth centers
- Drug rehabilitation centers
- Parks
- Residential neighborhood
- A sample 1,200-foot radius map can be viewed here. You can also request custom maps from RMA GIS Staff for a fee by contacting GISHELP@venturacounty.gov.
Definitions
The following definitions relate to the separation of the commercial cannabis from sensitive uses:
- Premises: The designated structures or land where the commercial cannabis activity will be.
- School: An institution of learning for minors including nursery schools, preschools, kindergartens, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. Excludes vocational or professional institutions of higher education.
- Day care center: Licensed infant centers, preschools, extended day care facilities, and school age childcare centers. Excludes family day care homes.
- Youth centers: Public or private facility primarily used for recreational or social activities for minors
- Drug rehabilitation center: A state or local agency, licensed private or nonprofit entity, or combination thereof that operates drug abuse rehabilitation programs or offers medical or psychotherapeutic treatment.
- Park: An area of land used for community recreation owned or operated by a public entity. Excludes state or federal park or forestland.
- Residential neighborhood: Urban residential zones listed in the Ventura County Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance Section 8104-3 as of March 4, 2020.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the Commercial Cannabis Activity Zoning Clearance, contact the Planning Division at cannabis.rma@venturacounty.gov or (805) 654-5025.
For questions about the Cannabis Business License contact the County Executive Office at cannabis@venturacounty.gov or (805) 654-5071.
Contact Us
County Planning Division
cannabis.rma@venturacounty.gov
(805) 654-5025