Zoning administrator approves 10,000 sq ft cannabis cultivation cap on TPZ parcels

The Mendocino County Zoning Administrator on May 8 approved an administrative permit to incorporate a third parcel into an existing outdoor cannabis cultivation project while keeping the total mature canopy capped at 10,000 square feet.

Jamie Henry, project planner, said the operation for applicant Tristan Boss is located within Forest Land and Timberland Production zoning districts on three parcels totaling approximately 293 acres. Henry said the permit does not replace or override any cannabis business license application but incorporates the third parcel into the previously approved project (AP 20180051). She said the total mature canopy remains capped at 10,000 square feet with 3,360 square feet allocated for immature canopy.

Henry told the zoning administrator the project proposes no tree removal, permanent land conversion or disruption to grazing or timber production potential. The project uses pre-cleared areas and existing infrastructure, operates off-grid on solar power with a backup generator, and sources water from a permitted spring diversion with on-site storage and wildlife exclusion fencing in place.

Henry said the Mendocino County Cannabis Department provided comments that all associated building permits must be finalized before areas are used for commercial operations. From a land-use perspective, she concluded the project is consistent with the Forest Land and Timberland Production zoning and the county general plan, and she recommended approval with conditions. She also cited CEQA Sections 15301 and 15303 (use of existing facilities and limited new development) and Section 15303 exceptions as the basis for a categorical exemption.

With no applicants or public speakers present, Acting Zoning Administrator Russ Ford opened and closed the public hearing and approved the administrative permit, finding the project categorically exempt and subject to the facts, findings and conditions in the staff report.