Story By Brian Whitehead | The San Bernardino Sun
Commercial cannabis businesses are bound for Fontana years after local voters overwhelmingly supported legalizing recreational use of the drug.
In a first for the city, three permits for retail operations will be available – one for the area north of Baseline Avenue, another for the area between Baseline and Valley Boulevard, and the last for the area south of Valley.
No more than one business can operate in a geographical zone, and while there is no distancing requirement between shops, they are to be at least 600 feet from schools, parks, day cares, youth centers and city boundaries.
Each location could generate as much as $1 million annually for the city through taxes and special fees.
Mayor Acquanetta Warren was joined by council members Phillip Cothran Jr., Peter Garcia and John Roberts in approving the move July 12.
Councilman Jesse Sandoval opposed.
“We are benefitting from some mistakes other cities have made and good policies others cities have made,” Warren said ahead of the vote. “I have to applaud our staff for putting together what I think is a first-class ordinance.”
A four-phase process overseen by the city manager will determine which applicants receive licenses.
The City Council will not play a role at any point.
Applicants will be judged subjectively by an independent third party on their qualifications, operating plan and community improvement proposals. All parties involved in the application process will be vetted thoroughly.
A second independent party will subsequently interview top scorers and generate final tallies.
The point leader in each geographical zone must then confirm their location within 60 days to obtain a license.
Permits will be good for three years initially. Licensees have 18 months to open before their permit is revoked. All recipients must have their state licensing.
After the initial term, permits are renewed annually.
Once open, a business must have air filters and odor control, strict inventory control and reporting procedures, and 24-hour security. There is to be no consumption or loitering on the property and everyone who works at or enters the building must be at least 21 years old.
Permits are revocable for non-compliance.
Read the full article at The San Bernardino Sun
