The city of Chula Vista held a forum on Dec. 13 to explain the application process for obtaining a license to sell, manufacture, distribute, test and deliver recreational cannabis in Chula Vista.
Storefront and non-storefront retail licenses are limited to three per council district, for a total of 12 citywide. Of the three retail licenses per district, no more than two can be storefront retailers. Up to 10 licenses will be allowed for indoor cultivation. There will be no limit on licenses for distribution, manufacturing and testing laboratories. State law requires all cannabis delivery services have both a state license and local authorization. Eight licensed non-storefronts or licensed delivery businesses will be allowed in the city.
“We will be putting out a notice in January two weeks before we start accepting applications,” said Kelley K. Bacon, city of Chula Vista’s deputy city manager.
One hundred fifty attendees preregistered for the forum. A draft of the application is currently available online to reference and was presented at the forum.
A panel of eight city staff led the forum — Kelly Broughton, director of development services; Justin Gibson, division chief over prevention-CVFD; David Bilby, director of finance/treasurer; Lou El Khazen, building official/code enforcement manager; Kelley K. Bacon, deputy city manager; Mike Varga CVPD police sergeant; Megan McClurg, deputy city attorney; and Glen Googins, city attorney.
“I’m getting overwhelming interest in that (880 Broadway) building,” said Ron Bramberger, president of Boardwalk Development Inc.
“We have scouted locations,” said Alex Dominguez with Alpha Business Corp Services. “We’ve been looking at locations but nothing solid.”
The city and Hdl Cannabis Consulting Services will be working in conjunction to approve or decline applicants. Applicants who pass phase I will be moved into phase II. Processing phase I applicants is tentatively set for four to six months, according to McClurg.
“The application will be electronic,” said Broughton. Staff cautioned applicants to make sure they use the most recent revision of the application when they apply.
The application fees and excise taxes, unavailable at press time, will be available at a later date.
Background experience, proof of control of $250,000 in liquid assets, a business plan, an operating plan, fingerprint and background checks are required. Applicants have to supply a photo, proof of a government issued ID, business formation documents including all documents filed with the California Secretary of State among other documents.
“We’ll be doing background checks on owners and all key employees,” said Mike Varga, police sergeant, Further information can be found at: www.chulavistaca.gov/cannabis.
