Planning commission approves variance for 30-foot camera poles at Glass House greenhouse site

The Ventura County Planning Commission voted 4-0 on July 9 to approve a variance allowing GH Camarillo LLC, doing business as Glass House, to install two steel poles topped with security cameras at Greenhouses 3 and 4 of its Camarillo site to meet California cannabis surveillance rules. The project site is at 645 West Laguna Road on about 159 acres in unincorporated Ventura County.

Planning Manager Christina Borrero told commissioners staff had evaluated the request and found the project categorically exempt under CEQA sections 15301 (existing facilities) and 15303 (small structures). She said the variance seeks relief from NCZO provisions addressing accessory-structure height (section 8106-1) and interior/rear lot line setbacks (section 8106-5.1a) so the facility can meet surveillance and line-of-sight communications requirements. "So the total height would be 31 feet, but the cameras would be located at the 30 foot level," Borrero said.

Borrero and staff said state cannabis rules require fixed digital video surveillance within 20 feet of all points of entry and exit on a licensed premises, and the site's emergency access lane behind Greenhouses 3 and 4 prevents placing cameras outside the setback. Staff recommended approval with conditions including a contact person for complaints and a condition compliance review roughly every three years.

Luis Farias, an Amarok representative for the applicant, thanked staff and said the team looked forward to approval. Miguel Campos, Glass House's director of security, described the cameras as a safety measure: "The purpose of the cameras is to be able to provide, a security advantage just in case there's any inbound imminent threats," he said, adding the system helps monitor activity across the property.

A commissioner moved to approve the variance "with staff recommendations," and the motion was seconded. Roll call produced four yes votes and the motion passed, 4 to 0. The approval authorizes the two poles and associated equipment as described in the staff report; the permit modification submitted in January 2026 remains under county processing for any additional ministerial approvals or conditions.

Staff materials list prior approvals and clearances for the site, including CDP 4924 (a 20-acre greenhouse approval) and subsequent zoning clearances in 2021 and 2023 for conversions to commercial cannabis cultivation. The staff report notes previously approved poles and cameras at other greenhouses on the property, and said the poles at Greenhouses 3 and 4 are needed for system performance and line-of-sight communications with existing cameras.

The commission's action was procedural approval of the variance with the conditions recommended by staff; no public speakers opposed the item during the hearing. The county will implement the staff conditions and monitor compliance through the scheduled reviews.