Lake County cannabis task force nears final recommendations as debate over farmland protection zone continues

The Lake County Cannabis Ordinance Task Force delivered an update to the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 14 outlining remaining topics before the group finishes recommendations to update county cannabis rules, but a sharp public debate over whether to expand the county—s Farmland Protection Zone (FPZ) marked the meeting.

Task force staff said progress has been steady on definitions, permitting pathways and inspection schedules but listed a set of topics still under discussion, including: how to treat incomplete or abandoned cannabis applications; records retention and electronic reporting; potential increases to setbacks for odor complaints; limits on third-party contractors and farm labor registrations; whether the county—s October 31, 2020 Water Board cutoff should remain in place; limits on application submittals; and how to calculate canopy.

The standing recommendation to require annual inspections for years 1— and 5 after permit approval, and reduce inspection frequency for permits in good standing thereafter, remains in place. Task force members also recommended clarifying generator and pesticide rules; keeping Clear Lake off-limits to cultivation; and revising rules about greenhouse…