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Gardena council introduces ordinance to permit non‑storefront medical cannabis delivery; vote 4‑1
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance 18‑75 to comply with SB 1186 by allowing non‑storefront medical cannabis delivery in M‑1/M‑2 zones with 600‑foot buffers from sensitive uses; council voted to introduce the ordinance 4–1 (Francis opposed).
The Gardena City Council voted to introduce Ordinance 18‑75, a measure to amend the Gardena Municipal Code to allow non‑storefront medical cannabis delivery within the city and to bring local regulations into compliance with state law (SB 1186).
City staff told the council the ordinance would lift the city's prior ban on medical cannabis delivery for patients and caregivers while preserving the city's authority to regulate other cannabis uses such as cultivation and retail storefronts. Amanda Greg, staff presenter, said non‑storefront retailers would be limited to M‑1 and M‑2 industrial zoning districts and would be required to locate at least 600 feet from ‘‘sensitive receptors’’ including public and private schools, daycares and public parks.
Staff explained licensing and enforcement would be administered through the Police Department. The ordinance would require applicants and employees to obtain state licenses and undergo local background checks; staff said drivers must be at least 21 and state regulations require inventory tracking and recordkeeping. Vehicle advertising would be restricted under state regulations, and staff said insurance beyond standard vehicle coverage is not separately required by the city.
Council members pressed staff on verification and enforcement. Council member Francis asked how vendors would confirm medical authorization and whether drivers would be age‑verified; staff responded that state licensing and the businesses themselves bear primary responsibility and that city licensing adds background checks and local oversight.
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka moved to introduce Ordinance 18‑75, find it exempt from CEQA under the stated exemption and direct staff to file a notice of exemption. The motion passed on roll call with Council members Tanaka, Love, Henderson and Mayor Serta voting yes and Council member Francis voting no. The ordinance was introduced and will return for a second reading and formal adoption at a future meeting.
If adopted after the second reading, the ordinance would allow only medical (not recreational) delivery within the city under the described zoning and buffer rules; staff said neighboring jurisdictions with looser rules may host businesses serving Gardena residents.
