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Board revokes 21 cannabis permits over unpaid fees; one permit held in suspension
Summary
Following the board’s October 2023 direction, Planning and Building recommended revocation of permits for operators who did not enter payment plans or pay Measure S or planning invoices. Supervisors approved revocation for 21 permits and left one permit suspended pending payment of planning fees.
The Board of Supervisors voted March 11 to revoke 21 cannabis permits for permit‑holders who did not comply with the board’s prior direction to enter payment plans and settle Measure S and planning invoices. One additional permit that staff identified as owing only planning‑department fees — and not Measure S tax — was removed from revocation and remains suspended while fees are pursued.
Background and staff recommendation Planning and Building told the board the action implements a directive from October 2023 that gave cannabis permit holders a path to remain in compliance by entering payment plans and paying outstanding Measure S assessments and department invoices. Staff said the 22 permits before the board represent permit holders who did not enter payment plans and therefore remain out of compliance; the group included 21 expired state licenses and one revoked state license. Those permits have been suspended since April 20, 2024.
Public comment and enforcement context Public commenters and the sheriff supported enforcement, noting the county has provided opportunities to come into compliance and that revocation sends a message to operators who remain noncompliant. Staff noted one of the permit files referenced a new property owner who bought the land but not the permit; staff said revocation in that case would not affect the property owner who does not hold the permit.
Board action and next steps Supervisor Madrone moved to adopt staff recommendations to revoke the 21 permits and to leave the single zoning clearance that owed only planning fees in suspension pending payment. The motion carried 5-0. Planning staff said they will notify permit holders and property owners, and follow the ordinance’s removal rules for cannabis infrastructure where permits are revoked.
Implication Revocation removes legal county authorization to cultivate under the county permit; staff said revocation will trigger notices requiring removal of cannabis infrastructure and will be enforced according to existing code procedures. Planning indicated the county will continue separate outreach for permit‑holders who entered payment plans but have not finished payments (these cases are scheduled for a later board item).
