Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cannabis Inspection Emblem Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission recommends code change to adopt county cannabis 'emblem' inspection program
Summary
The commission voted to recommend incorporation of Los Angeles County's cannabis emblem program into Baldwin Park code, enabling the county to continue retail cannabis inspections; a parks commissioner urged attention to public consumption at bus stops and near the library.
The Baldwin Park Planning Commission on Feb. 26 voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council amend zoning chapters to incorporate Los Angeles County's emblem program for retail cannabis businesses, allowing county public-health inspectors to continue inspections and enforcement within the city's jurisdiction.
Planning staff characterized the item as a straightforward change to add county code references—portions of County Title 11 (Health) and Title 8 (Consumer Protection)—into the Baldwin Park Municipal Code so the county can continue cannabis inspection services under its existing contract with the city. Staff said the City Council previously approved the contract in November and this amendment was a deferred item to add the county program language into city code.
The program requires participating retail cannabis businesses to display an emblem or sticker denoting county regulation and inspection, staff said. Commissioners asked whether the county reports violations to the city; staff replied that communication with county public-health officials is in place and the dialogue is two-way.
Anita Diaz, a member of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission, spoke during public comment raising concerns about public consumption of cannabis at transit stops, at Morgan Park and in front of the public library, saying it can be a nuisance for bus riders and families using library programs. "They go on social media, or they might be job hunting or accessing social services, which is perfectly understandable. But then again, they're consuming, cannabis. They're smoking cannabis," Diaz said. She asked whether the city has zoning or enforcement tools to limit public consumption near those locations.
No specific violations were identified in staff remarks, and staff said the emblem program pertains to retail cannabis operations only. The Planning Commission adopted Resolution PC 25-08 recommending approval of the zoning-text amendment to incorporate the county emblem program; the item is recommended to be found categorically exempt from CEQA.
The amendment now goes to the City Council for final approval. If adopted, county inspectors would continue conducting retail cannabis inspections and the city and county would coordinate on enforcement communication.
