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Zoning administrator approves existing 10,000 sq. ft. cannabis cultivation site with conditions
Summary
Mendocino County staff recommended and the Zoning Administrator approved an administrative permit for an existing 10,000 sq. ft. mixed-light cannabis cultivation operation at 5730 Ridgewood Road (APN 10818223), subject to conditions addressing biological resources, timberland conversion and fire-safety requirements.
The Mendocino County Zoning Administrator approved Administrative Permit AP 2021-0008 on the record after a staff presentation and no public opposition.
County staff told the hearing the application, filed by Nassil Penney, seeks authorization for an existing 10,000 square-foot mixed-light cannabis cultivation operation at 5730 Ridgewood Road, approximately four miles east of the city of Willits on APN 10818223. Staff said portions of the cultivation operation and some supporting infrastructure—including water storage and processing structures—are located on an adjacent timberland production zone parcel, which triggers the administrative-permit requirement.
"Staff finds the project is consistent with the general plan and county code because this is an existing cultivation operation within previously disturbed areas, and no expansion is proposed," County staff said during the presentation. Staff reported referrals and comments from the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Health, CAL FIRE and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Agency comments, staff said, focused on fire-site disturbance, timberland conversion, protection of biological resources and ongoing regulatory compliance.
The applicant provided additional supporting documentation in response to agency concerns, including a tree removal affidavit and a botanical survey that staff said CDFW reviewed and accepted. The recommended conditions of approval require continued compliance with state and local agency requirements, the implementation of biological-survey best-management practices, compliance with any applicable Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement, and adherence to applicable CAL FIRE requirements.
Staff also cited a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption for existing facilities (CEQA Guideline §15301) in recommending approval.
The Zoning Administrator stated he had reviewed the proposed resolution and conditions of approval and approved the permit as recommended. No members of the public on Zoom or in the room asked to speak on the permit.
The permit approval is limited to authorizing the existing operation within previously disturbed areas; staff said no expansion of the cultivation footprint, grading, vegetation removal or new development is proposed. Any future changes that expand the footprint or change operations would require separate review and permitting.
