Years after Costa Mesa voters decided to legalize cannabis retail stores, city council members are moving to limit just how many shops can operate – putting a cap of 35 shops.
It’s part of an ongoing effort to change the municipal codes on cannabis businesses while also streamlining how shops get permits.
The council voted on the changes 6-1 April 2, with Mayor John Stephens dissenting
Some of the proposed amendments include increasing the distance between youth centers and storefronts from 600 feet to 1000 feet and establishing a 250 foot distance between properties zoned residential, according to a staff report.
Of the less restrictive changes, the council decided to not require a 24 hour security guard unless deemed necessary.
Officials also plan to suspend applications until there are less than 10 operating storefronts. According to the city website, there’s currently nine operating within Costa Mesa.
“I think we’re trying to set something a little longer term and send a message based on what we’ve learned, based on how this council was influenced to design this ordinance,” said Councilman Don Harper at the April 2 meeting. “I think the city in conjunction with the prior council, I don’t know who was on the council that put up Measure Q, I think that was a mistake. We’ve learned from that.”
Measure Q, which was passed by voters in 2020, authorized retail cannabis shops to move into Costa Mesa. It came two years after Measure X which allowed non-retail cannabis businesses to move into the city like labs and distributors.
Stephens, who sits on cannabis industry ad hoc committees, pushed for processing the 35 conditional use permits for cannabis shops, which is 12 more than they currently have.
“We process no other cannabis applications for three years. In three years the city council will have a meeting and determine whether to accept any other cannabis applications, and if they decide to do so, what additional restraints or buffers should be placed on those applications respectively,” Stephens said.
Harper disagreed with having a future council decide on further cannabis regulations.
“I get a council in seven years that gets influenced inappropriately and chases revenue as opposed to what the community wants and what I still think is good for our youth,” Harper said.
The mayor disagreed, saying future council members should have some say on the issue.
“I trust the body. Seven people will be here and they’ll be able to make a decision based on the status quo, what’s happening in the industry and how many businesses are operating,” Stephens said.
He also urged staff to process the remaining permits by the end of the year.
The cost of badge fees and background checks are still being looked at with a plan of returning to the council on April 16.
Councilman Loren Gameros suggested the fees be cut down in half at the March 19 council meeting.
The second reading of the ordinance is set to be voted on at the next city council meeting on April 16.
Gigi Gradillas is a Voice of OC intern. You can reach her at Gigi.Gradillas@gmail.com. Follow her on X @gigigradillas.
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