Planning Commission approves Yolo Greene use permit for 1 acre canopy and a non‑storefront delivery license

The Yolo County Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve a cannabis use permit enabling Yolo Greene LLC to continue cultivating up to one acre of canopy and to pursue a retail non‑storefront (delivery) license, staff and the applicant said.

Associate planner Tracey Gonzales presented the staff report, describing the project site as a roughly 7.89‑acre agricultural‑zoned parcel on County Road 85C about a half mile south of Esparto. The existing operation includes a greenhouse, hoop houses, and a processing area; the proposal would relocate the outdoor hoop‑house cultivation into enclosed greenhouses within the same southern footprint and install a permanent ADA‑compliant restroom to replace portable toilets.

Staff noted the site is served by a private well, septic system and water tanks; access is via a 32‑foot wide gravel easement from County Road 85C. Gonzales said the applicant would maintain setbacks and a 100‑foot buffer from nearby riparian areas (Townsend Drain) as required by county conditions. Within a half‑mile buffer there are approximately 35 residences on agriculturally zoned parcels; the nearest home is about 145 feet to the east of the existing cultivation area and another about 275 feet to the west.

The permit keeps cultivation at one acre and adds a retail non‑storefront delivery license, which the applicant said would allow sales without an on‑site storefront; the applicant indicated most large transfers would continue to be handled by off‑site licensed distributors and testing facilities. Applicant Jeff Raven told the commission delivery logistics are still evolving and that the license would reduce the need for separate contracted transportation pick‑ups between farm, tester and distributor.

Regulatory controls and conditions: Staff recommended and the commission adopted conditions requiring the operator to upgrade to the Valley Clean Energy Ultra Green (or equivalent) service within six months; to use LED or similarly efficient lighting with full shielding and mechanical blackout curtains to minimize light escape; to implement an odor control plan (the applicant submitted a plan certified by a professional engineer that proposes carbon filtration and administrative controls); and to provide contact information to property owners within 1,000 feet. The project was also conditioned to maintain the site and noncannabis property in good repair and to control weeds and appearance.

Public and advisory review: Gonzales said the Esparto Citizens Advisory Committee recommended approval 6-0 after discussing buffers, pesticide use, security and the move to indoor greenhouses. No written opposition letters were filed with staff; two members of the public contacted staff informally with questions prior to the commission meeting.

Commission action: Commissioner motioned to approve staff’s recommendation; the roll call vote was recorded as Commissioners McCormick, Dubin, Mohler, Duquette and Sala voting "aye." The motion passed 5-0. The approval allows the applicant to apply for county and state licenses subject to the conditions recorded in the staff report.

Next steps: The applicant may apply for state licensing for cultivation and for the retail non‑storefront license. County inspectors and planners will monitor compliance with conditions and tax and operational reporting requirements.