Lake Elsinore planning commission approves cannabis zoning and development agreement changes

The Lake Elsinore Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve amendments to Chapter 17.156 of the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code on cannabis uses and to recommend that the City Council approve amendments to development agreements for six existing cannabis businesses.

The ordinance amendment consolidates the cap on the number of cannabis permits to a maximum of 10 total across the city's industrial zones (M1 and M2) rather than the previous split of five in each zone. The change also removes the prior requirement that the city make a finding of public convenience to allow more than the capped number. Staff recommended extending permitted hours for cannabis operations from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., removing the 25% cap that had limited the proportion of retail space within a business, and clarifying and consolidating language throughout the code to simplify administration. Staff said retail businesses will no longer be allowed to operate as stand-alone retail; retail must be accompanied by a non‑retail component such as cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, or…