Board approves Winter Haven cannabis dispensary and indoor consumption lounge; parking variance granted

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 23 approved a conditional use permit, a negative declaration under CEQA and a variance to reduce parking for a proposed cannabis dispensary and indoor consumption lounge in Winter Haven (CUP 23‑0018, Variance 24‑001).

County planning staff described the project site as the eastern portion of the vacant former Jimmy's Market in the Winter Haven commercial corridor and said the operator proposed a retail dispensary and a lounge open seven days a week. The county's contracted economist, DMG Economics, reported the facility would generate modest economic activity over 30 years — roughly $24 million — and estimated seven full‑time equivalent (FTE) operational jobs and one FTE during tenant improvements. The firm projected a net positive fiscal effect for the county of roughly $6 million over 30 years after estimated local costs.

The permit hearing drew residents who supported new business and jobs but also raised neighborhood concerns about traffic, parking, and public safety — particularly an annual April 20 event tied to cannabis culture that can draw large crowds. Speakers asked whether a traffic impact study had been done and described up to 1,500 vehicles on Winter Haven Drive during peak events. Planning staff said the environmental review concluded a traffic study was not required because the parcel's prior use as a grocery store yielded comparable traffic levels.

Applicant representatives said the owners operate another licensed dispensary in Winter Haven that has operated for more than three years without compliance problems and that the team has experience operating retail and lounge venues in other jurisdictions. The applicant agreed to conditions the county described, including an odor control requirement and a condition to submit event plans for large gatherings; county staff noted the local ordinance already requires permits for special events.

After discussion, the board first approved an appeal of the planning commission's denial of the project and then passed separate resolutions approving the negative declaration, the conditional use permit and the parking variance. The board's votes on the four related motions were recorded as carried; the initial appeal approval passed on a 4‑1 vote. Supervisors who seconded and moved the specific resolutions are recorded in the official minutes. No amendments to conditions were announced on the floor.

County staff said the variance was granted in part because the older commercial building cannot meet current on‑site parking requirements and the applicant offered off‑site employee parking on an adjacent parcel it owns. Staff also noted a condition requiring contributions for sheriff's training and other standard public safety conditions. The board instructed staff to ensure event permitting and enforcement measures are applied for any large gatherings tied to the business.

The planning file for CUP 23‑0018 and variance 24‑001 now moves forward with the county resolution approvals; business licensing, building permits and compliance with sheriff and air district conditions remain prerequisites before operation.