Commission approves Cali Love dispensary at 157 N. Butte Street after public hearing

The Willows Planning Commission on Aug. 5 voted 3–1 to approve a conditional use permit for Cali Love LLC to operate a retail cannabis dispensary in a 1,824‑square‑foot tenant space at 157 North Butte Street (CUP‑25‑01).

Joe Betancourt, Willows community development services director, outlined the regulatory history that led to the application and recent ordinance changes. Betancourt said the city council adopted a cannabis ordinance in 2017 and later revised setbacks and zoning, which opened additional central commercial and light industrial zones for dispensaries. He told commissioners the council’s 2024 resolution removed some setback requirements and set a 600‑foot buffer from K‑12 schools.

Delaney Garlick, a planner with Harrison Associates, summarized the application: the tenant space is 1,824 square feet, the operator proposed a secure entry and retail area, and staff recommended the commission approve the CUP and find the project categorically exempt from CEQA under guideline 15301 because it occupies an existing facility. Garlick told the commission the operator “has demonstrated compliance with the general provisions including, but not limited to, hours of operation, odor control measures, security measures, labeling and packaging, inspections, limits on sales, maintenance of licenses and insurance, and accounting of the sales.”

During public comment, Steven Sutton, speaking for Cali Love Willows (the applicant), described the business as a small, locally owned operator with experience in other Northern California locations and emphasized community engagement and compliance: “We are seasoned, experienced operators who understand what it takes to run a responsible, well regarded cannabis business.” Reverend Linda Robert spoke in opposition, describing personal concerns about youth access and community impacts near churches and schools.

Commission discussion addressed delivery, security, hours, and enforcement. Staff said deliveries are allowed under the city’s code if tied to a brick‑and‑mortar store and that any future changes (new ownership, delivery footprint or different storefront) would require separate review. Commissioners asked about electronic ID scanning, video surveillance, backup power for cameras, and how inspections would be handled; the applicant explained the point‑of‑sale system flags expired IDs and that staff visually verify IDs as well. Staff noted condition language requiring alarm monitoring and video surveillance in accordance with state and local rules.

A motion to approve the CUP carried on a roll‑call vote: Chair Bridal — No; Vice Chair Quorum — Aye; Commissioner Ocampo — Aye; Commissioner Nygaard — Aye. The motion passed 3–1. Staff will forward the approved CUP to the city council as the next step in the multi‑phase licensing process; the CUP allows the applicant to proceed with the business‑license phase and city council review for final authorization.

Conditions attached to approval include: adherence to the security and surveillance plan, limiting exterior visibility of products and cannabis graphics, compliance with state Department of Cannabis Control requirements, required insurance naming the city as additional insured, and record‑keeping and inspection provisions. Staff confirmed the initial city term for a retail cannabis authorization involves an initial licensing step followed by renewals; applicants must apply for renewal at least 90 days before expiration to avoid automatic expiration of the city license.

The commission’s approval does not change county or state licensing processes and will be followed by the city council review and final authorization steps.