Shingle Springs, [Dec. 23, 2023] – In the heart of Shingle Springs, a commercial cannabis retail storefront, previously catering exclusively to medical marijuana consumers, is on the verge of a transformative shift. The business, currently operating without the necessary building permits, is seeking approval for a Commercial Cannabis Use Permit (CCUP) that would not only legitimize its existing medical cannabis sales but also usher in adult-use recreational commercial cannabis transactions.
The establishment, occupying a fully developed 0.52-acre parcel with a multitenant commercial building shared with an automotive services business, has encountered regulatory challenges since its inception. A Code Enforcement case was initiated in 2015 due to the conversion of the tenant site to a medical cannabis retail outlet without the required building permits.
The project applicant has responded by applying for a Tenant Improvement (TI) permit, a crucial step to rectify the outstanding Code Enforcement case. As per regulatory conditions, finalizing the TI permit is imperative before the business can transition into operating as a recreational dispensary.
However, building permits are not the only regulatory obstacles the project faces. The proposed parking area, hastily developed without adherence to County parking and landscaping standards, is another issue at the forefront of regulatory concerns. The project has been mandated to align with these standards before it can commence operations as a dual-use dispensary.
Existing Conditions:
The project site within the Shingle Springs Community Region, is a flat 0.52-acre parcel hosting a fully developed multitenant commercial building. Shared with an automotive services business, the site’s parking is planned to spill over to a neighboring parcel under the same ownership. The area, zoned as Community Commercial (CC), features adjacent residential uses to the south.
Project Description:
The proposed project seeks a CCUP for a retail storefront facility open to the public, intending to sell both recreational and medicinal commercial cannabis. The existing cannabis retail sales business occupies a 2,750 square feet space in the rear tenant area. Operational hours for retail sales and delivery are restricted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with security measures in place, including lighting and alarms, to ensure safety and deter theft.
The project aims to transition from its current status as a medical cannabis retail storefront to a dual-use facility, with the operation of such legal establishments permitted in the CC zone district through the issuance of a CCUP. However, stringent regulations cap the total number of public-access cannabis retail storefronts at seven, with an additional allowance for one more in the Shingle Springs Community Center zoning district, bringing the County’s potential total to eight.
As the community eagerly awaits the Planning Commission hearing scheduled for January 11, 2024, it remains to be seen whether the project will navigate the regulatory labyrinth and secure the coveted Commercial Cannabis Use Permit. All eyes are on the stakeholders as they strive to meet county standards and ensure compliance with state regulations in this pivotal moment for Shingle Springs’ cannabis retail landscape. Stay tuned for updates as we follow the developments closely.
