Commercial Cannabis Business Zoning and Regulations in Concord
Commercial cannabis land uses in the City of Concord are only permitted after the approval of a corresponding city cannabis license [Section 18.20.020]. These businesses are primarily restricted to areas within the Commercial Cannabis Overlay District, though certain storefront retailer licenses may be permitted outside of these areas subject to a competitive selection process [Section 18.110.030, Section 18.110.040].
Commercial Cannabis Overlay District
The City of Concord has established a Commercial Cannabis Overlay District to regulate the location and number of cannabis businesses. This overlay district allows for manufacturing, testing laboratories, microbusiness, non-storefront retail, and distribution (Type 11 and Type 13) [Section 18.110.030].
Prohibited Locations and Buffer Zones
The City of Concord maintains strict separation requirements for these businesses. No sensitive land use or cannabis business may be located within 600 feet of a commercial cannabis overlay district, which is designated as a buffer zone [Section 18.110.030].
Permit Requirements and Allowed Uses
The following table summarizes the permit requirements for cannabis-related uses within the Commercial Cannabis Overlay District.
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required |
|---|---|
| Commercial Cultivation | Not Allowed |
| Distribution (Type 11) | Administrative Permit (AP) |
| Distribution Transport Only (Type 13) | Administrative Permit (AP) |
| Indoor Personal Cannabis Cultivation | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Industrial Hemp Cultivation | Not Allowed |
| Manufacturing | Administrative Permit (AP) |
| Microbusiness | Administrative Permit (AP) |
| Non-Storefront Retail | Administrative Permit (AP) |
| Storefront Retail | Not Allowed (unless special license issued) |
| Testing Laboratory | Administrative Permit (AP) |
Note: The permit requirements listed above are summarized from the Land Use tables for the respective districts in which the Commercial Cannabis Overlay District may be applied [Sections 18.30, 18.40, 18.45, 18.50, 18.55, 18.60].
General Requirements for Cannabis Businesses
All permitted cannabis businesses in the City of Concord must adhere to the following:
- Licensing: Businesses must obtain a city cannabis license, a Bureau of Cannabis Control (or other appropriate state regulatory) license, and a business license prior to operating [Section 18.110.050].
- Development Standards: The development standards within any commercial cannabis overlay district are those in effect in the underlying zoning district [Section 18.110.060].
- Conflict of Regulations: Where a conflict exists between the commercial cannabis overlay district regulations and any other section of the Concord Development Code or Municipal Code, the more restrictive regulations shall prevail [Section 18.110.080].
- Storefront Retailers: Storefront retailer cannabis licenses, and distributor transport only (Type 13) licenses issued in conjunction with a storefront retailer license, may be allowable in locations outside of the commercial cannabis overlay districts, subject to selection by the city council after a competitive selection process [Section 18.110.040].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.20.020 (Use classifications)
- Section 18.30 (Residential Districts)
- Section 18.40 (Office and Commercial Districts)
- Section 18.45 (Downtown Districts)
- Section 18.50 (Business Park and Industrial Districts)
- Section 18.55 (Public/Quasi-Public District)
- Section 18.60 (Community Land Districts)
- Section 18.110.030 (Commercial cannabis overlay districts created)
- Section 18.110.040 (Commercial cannabis overlay district exception)
- Section 18.110.050 (Use classifications)
- Section 18.110.060 (Development standards)
- Section 18.110.080 (Conflict between regulations)