Council adopts $22,566.98 cannabis business assignment fee

The Stanton City Council unanimously adopted a resolution adding a $22,566.98 cannabis business assignment fee to the city—s master fee schedule to cover the administrative cost of reviewing permit transfers for commercial cannabis businesses. The vote followed a public hearing without public speakers.

Staff explained the fee is intended to cover the labor-intensive review that a transfer requires: community development staff review of applications, legal review, background checks and preparation of a public hearing or staff report to the city manager. Under the Stanton Municipal Code, transfer of cannabis permits is generally limited (for example, transfers are typically permitted after four years of continuous operation, although partial transfers are allowed earlier under specific circumstances) and transfer applicants must demonstrate equivalent or better operational, financial and security capabilities. Staff said those reviews are nearly as complex as initial permit evaluations.

Councilmember Taylor moved adoption of the resolution and Mayor Pro Tem Donald Torres seconded. The council approved the fee by roll call vote of 5—0. Staff will begin applying the fee to any permit transfer applications submitted after the effective date in the city—s fee schedule.