Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cannabis Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bell Gardens extends moratorium on cannabis retail permits for 12 months
Summary
Council adopted interim urgency Ordinance 966U to extend a moratorium on accepting or processing cannabis retail applications while staff prepares a permanent ordinance, citing close proximity to sensitive uses and the need to study potential impacts; staff said seven applications exist and five are operating or pursuing operation.
Bell Gardens city council voted April 13 to adopt an interim urgency ordinance (No. 966U) extending a temporary moratorium on accepting, processing and approving applications for cannabis retail businesses for up to 12 months or until the council adopts a permanent regulatory framework.
City planner Alonso Hernandez said the moratorium is intended to give staff time to study the potential effects "of the over‑proliferation of cannabis uses within the city," including impacts on proximity to sensitive uses and the economic vitality of existing businesses. He reviewed the city’s recent history of cannabis regulations and said there are currently seven active retail applications; staff reported one operating business and others pursuing operation.
A member of the public questioned the total number of cannabis shops and whether Bell Gardens has a cannabis sales tax; that commenter urged a cap at seven retail permits. Alonso and staff summarized the existing permitting history and explained the urgency ordinance would remain in place for up to 12 months or until the council acts. The staff report said previously approved development agreements may continue unless suspended, revoked or modified.
The council voted to adopt Ordinance 966U on a roll call vote (Barca: yes; Chavez: yes; Sanchez: yes; Mayor Prom: yes; Mayor De la Rosa: yes). The ordinance extends the existing moratorium while staff prepares a permanent policy recommendation and conducts further study and community outreach.
What’s next: Staff will return with findings and recommendations before the moratorium’s expiration and before any permanent code or permit system for cannabis retail is adopted.
