What is the process for obtaining a license to cultivate commercial cannabis?
Please find the Division How-To guide on how to submit a new Cannabis Cultivation Business License Application .
How can I determine my property's zoning?
Check your zone by following the steps on this guide:
If your site is in one of the following zones, you CANNOT cultivate cannabis.
No cultivation in:
- RL: Rangeland
- FL: Forest Land
- TP: Timber Production
Should your site address not populate, or your zoning code not be listed, please call the Assessor’s office to retrieve your zoning code. Mendocino County Assessor’s Office: (707) 234-6800.
How many CCBLs can a person obtain?
A Person may obtain two (2) separate CCBL's of different CCBL types on a single legal parcel if the total square footage of the two (2) CCBL's does not exceed the largest maximum square footage authorized on a parcel for the relevant zoning district.
A Person may apply for one (1) CCBL of a single size (e.g. Type C, Type 1 or Type 2) that may include any combination of all three (3) cultivation types (e.g. indoor, outdoor, mixed-light), but if any cultivation would require the issuance of a permit pursuant to Chapter 20.242, the entire CCBL shall be subject to review under Chapter 20.242.
For more information regarding CCBL Density, please see the Department's .
Can I reassign or transfer my CCBL?
Only VALID (not expired) Mendocino County Cultivation Licenses or applications may be reassigned. If the license is expired, it will require renewal by the original license holder before it can be reassigned.
For instructions on how to transfer or reassign an application, please call the Cannabis Department at (707) 234-6680.
Can I cultivate commercial cannabis with an issued County CCBL?
The issuance of Mendocino County CCBL does not allow you to cultivate commercial cannabis until all County and State licenses have been acquired. CCBL holders and applicants must have either a provisional or annual state license with the Department of Cannabis Control ("DCC") before commercial cannabis cultivation can occur. Furthermore, the Cannabis Division requires cultivation license types align with the State application.
What if I would like to change my submitted site plan?
Please see the Department's How-To guide on . Modifications can be used to add or remove structures, power sources, and/or water sources. Additionally modifications should be submitted if an applicant would like to change operations or license types.
What activities is a CCBL holder authorized to conduct, including accessory uses, at their licensed cultivation site?
Accessory Use (No CFBL application required)
- Processing: trimming, drying, curing, and packaging of cannabis. Includes pre-rolls without infusions or additives.
Accessory Use (CFBL required)
- Distribution-Transport Only: transportation of cannabis and cannabis products. Please contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector for more information
- Self-Distribution: distribution of cannabis or cannabis products from a single permitted cultivation site or facility location, or, for a retail location, distribution of products to be sold at that retail site. Please contact the Planning and Building Department for more information.
- Micro-Business: means at least three of the following commercial cannabis activities: (1) cultivation of cannabis on an area 10,000 square feet or less, (2) distribution, (3) Manufacturing Level 1 (NonVolatile), and (4) acting as a licensed retailer/dispensary. Please contact the Planning and Building Department for more information.
What is a Compliance Plan?
The compliance plan will identify the violation(s) and may suggest corresponding remedial action(s) that may be taken to correct the violation(s), will identify the required permit(s) based on the uses identified in the CCBL application, and will include timelines for achieving code compliance for all violations and/or for submitting completed applications for each required permit.
How do I extend my Compliance Plan?
Compliance plans shall be for a term of one (1) year from the date of issuance of the CCBL. The Department may approve additional one (1) year extensions to the term of the compliance plan upon a showing of good faith efforts to correct all violations by the CCBL Holder/applicant. The Department shall have sole authority and discretion in determining good faith efforts and whether to extend a compliance plan.
To request an extension, please contact .
What is Track and Trace?
In January 2018, the California Cannabis Track-and-Trace ("CCTT") system was launched using METRC software. CCTT uses unique identifiers for reporting the movement of cannabis and cannabis products through the licensed commercial cannabis distribution chain.
Per Mendocino County Code (MCC) §10A.17.070(G) - Requirements for All Cannabis Cultivation Business Licenses (CCBL), CCBL Holders shall enroll in and comply with all requirements of any Track and Trace system established by the State of California. Non-compliance with Track and Trace requirements shall constitute a violation of the terms of this Chapter.
Please find the Department of Cannabis Control's (DCC) five-step guide to using the CCTT system here:
Please find more Division information on CCTT .
