Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Background

On June 26, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 934, to conditionally permit cannabis retail uses within the City of Bell Gardens (“City”).  Other cannabis activities, such as cultivation, manufacturing, testing remain prohibited within the City limits. Prospective cannabis retailers must comply with additional city requirements, including but not limited to the acquisition of a business permit.

Cannabis retailers who wish to enjoy a grant term that exceeds 18 months or vested land use rights may also request a development agreement (“DA”) in exchange for public benefits.  Public benefits shall be allocated to support the City’s various programs and resources for residents, including support for youth and educational programming and enforcement of Ordinance No. 934.

Proposed cannabis retail uses are subject to a number of siting and distancing requirements, additional development and design standards, and strict adherence to operating standards.  Applicants for a CUP may also be subject to additional conditions of approval to protect public health, safety, or general welfare. Authorized and licensed cannabis retailer establishments shall be subject to multiple inspections to ensure public safety and compliance with conditions of approval.   Prospective cannabis retailers shall also be required to comply with state requirements, including but not limited to the issuance of a state license from the Department of Cannabis Control.
 

Applying for a Commercial Cannabis Conditional Use Permit

Prospective cannabis retailers must obtain a conditional use permit (“CUP”) to permit a cannabis retail use.  Applicants may also request a development agreement (“DA”) to ensure vested rights and lengthier grant terms:

City of Bell Gardens Cannabis Use Quick Facts

1)  Beginning July 27, 2023, the City will begin accepting CUP applications to permit a cannabis retail use. The City is only responsible for permitting in the within its own jurisdictional areas. Therefore, if you are located within an incorporated city or an unincorporated County of Los Angeles area, please contact that city or the County of Los Angeles to inquire about the cannabis regulations. 

2)  The City Community Development Department will begin accepting complete applications for CUP for cannabis retail on July 27, 2023. Zoning and land use requirements for cannabis retail uses can be found in Title 9 of the BGMC. Filing requirement instructions are available.  Counter hours are from 7:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. or with an appointment until 5:30p.m, Monday through Thursday (City Hall is closed on Fridays). Applicant may make an appointment with the Community Development Department by contacting the Planning Division at via phone (562) 806-7722 or via email at planning@bellgardens.org.

3)  Applicants who wish to request a DA may do so by indicating on the CUP application.  Applicants requesting a DA shall be responsible for full cost recovery of staff time spent preparing and executing the DA, as well as monitoring compliance with the DA terms for the term of the DA.  Prospective cannabis retailers requesting a DA shall also be required to provide public benefits in return for vested land use rights.  Procedures and minimum terms were approved by the City Council in Resolution No. 2023-43.

4) Development Agreement shall be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with applicants and shall be responsible for full cost recovery of all  staff time spent  negotiating, executing and monitoring the terms of the agreement.

5)  Business permit requirements and operating standards are located in Title 5 of the BGMC.  The issuance of a business permit is contingent on the receipt of a state license for retail operations from the Department of Cannabis Control.  More information on state licensing is available at https://cannabis.ca.gov/. 

6)  No cannabis retailer may commence operations without obtaining a business regulatory permit required by Chapter 5.12 of the BGMC; a conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 9.50 of the BGMC; the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, finalized Building Job Card, or equivalent document signed by the Building Official; the appropriate state licenses issued by the DCC; and any other applicable governmental agency approvals.  We encourage you to consult with an attorney or other expert to ensure compliance with all local and state requirements.

7) Cannabis Retail CUP/DA Approval Process Flow Chart