Porterville — The City Council voted to introduce an ordinance and approve a development agreement permitting Cannabis Express to relocate a retail cannabis dispensary to 1432 West Olive Unit A, enabling the applicant to begin state licensing for the new site.

City staff explained development agreements must be tied to a specific property and that the Olive Avenue site requires a new agreement because prior entitlements for the Main Street location are not transferable. The ordinance would attach the development agreement to the Olive Avenue property and allow the business to start the state licensing process once the state grants approvals; the existing Main Street location will cease operations once the new site is operational.

Councilmembers, including Councilman Beltran, voiced concern about the new location’s proximity to Putnam School and the Porterville Adult School. "The owner cut the property line exactly 600 feet from Putnam School. I didn't like that," Beltran said, noting the 600‑foot setback is the minimum required by statute. City Attorney confirmed staff had verified applicable state setback rules and that the proposed location met legal requirements.

Councilman Rivas, after a site tour, said the proposed Olive Avenue store has security measures and would bring jobs to the community. After discussion, council approved introduction/first reading and directed staff to place the ordinance for second reading and adoption; the recorded vote was 4‑1 in favor.

What happens next: The ordinance was introduced and will return for second reading and possible adoption at a future council meeting; once local approvals are in place and the state issues licenses, the new location will open and the Main Street site will close.

Vote: recorded as 4 yes, 1 no.