Council introduces ordinance to amend cannabis rules in municipal code

Lake Elsinore City Council opened a public hearing and introduced by title proposed amendments to Chapter 17.156 of the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code governing cannabis uses; the introduction and waiver of further reading passed 5-0.

Community Development staff explained the amendments as clarifying the regulatory framework for cannabis businesses permitted in manufacturing zones (M1 and M2), describing changes to permit counts, operational hours and retail limits. Staff said the proposed changes would modify how maximum permits are counted between zones, remove the requirement for a finding of public convenience that previously enabled additional permits, extend hours of operation from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., and remove a 25% retail square-foot cap while continuing to allow retail only in conjunction with other cannabis uses such as cultivation, distribution or manufacturing. The planning commission reviewed the draft on May 20, 2025, and recommended approval 5-0.

Council discussion was supportive. Councilman Sheridan said he read the staff report and applauded the subcommittee and staff for the work: "I read the staff report and I applaud the work of the subcommittee and the staff. This was a lot of work and I support it 100%." After the public hearing was closed, the council introduced the ordinance (motion by Councilwoman Natasha Johnson; second by Councilman Sheridan) and the motion passed 5-0.

The staff report and the ordinance text reflect the city’s approach to combining permit-counting in the M1 and M2 zones and other clarifying edits; the exact revised numeric caps and final ordinance language were those introduced and will return for further reading and formal adoption as required by law.