SANTA CRUZ — Halloween and all its orange pumpkins and ghostly white costumes may be just around the corner, but next week’s Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meeting will have a distinctly green hue.

To his meeting Tuesdaythe council is expected to consider two proposed ordinances that would allow on-site cannabis consumption at existing retailers and agricultural sites. To add some predictability to the meeting’s busy agenda, items will be heard no earlier than 1:30 p.m. at the board’s offices at 701 Ocean St. in Santa Cruz.

The first item specifically relates to consumable items that may be inhaled at existing retail outlets or on adjacent parcels located in unincorporated territory. According to staff reportDesignated blowing areas would be subject to strict ventilation and odor requirements, and would have to comply with state smoke-free workplace regulations.

According to the county Cannabis Licensing OfficeThere are 12 licensed dispensaries in unincorporated territory, although not all local retailers are able to develop an on-site consumption system due to space, site, or economic restrictions.

Some local farmers also want in on the action, so a second prescription was developed to enable retail sales and establish similar consumer regulations where the buds themselves are actually grown. In a county whose economy relies heavily on tourism, advocates say these new rules could encourage agrotourism for visitors and locals interested in learning more about the cannabis industry and the growing process.

The agriculture-focused ordinance, according to county staff, is designed as a three-year pilot program that helps launch operational changes while leaving room for feedback and monitoring from operators, neighbors, general public and the county staff itself.

Based on county staff’s discussions with tour operators in other jurisdictions, the minimum viable number of retail farms participating in the program is three, but the ideal is five to seven.

Staff recommendations come to the board after nearly a year of community discussions, consultations with farmers and retailers, and research and informational interviews with neighboring jurisdictions.

According to the agenda report, in-depth economic analysis measuring the financial impact of on-site consumption sites at farms and retailers was limited, although staff speculated that the changes would result in a marginal increase of the total commercial cannabis tax collected by the county each year. Still, staff noted that greater financial benefits could arise if the ordinances help boost the county’s status as a popular tourist destination. It could also encourage collaboration between local businesses that develop tours offering multiple destinations and a variety of activities.

Two-unit developments

Another proposed ordinance that would bring the county in line with a recently implemented state housing law is also on the council’s agenda.

THE a prescription has been written as a local codification of state Senate Bill 9, which allows property owners in a single-family residential zone to build two units or subdivide land into two parcels for a total of four units.

According to the staff report, local jurisdictions may conduct a design review under state law, but public hearings will not be required for projects that follow state rules.

If you leave

What: The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is considering on-site cannabis programs at retailers and farms.

When: No earlier than 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

How: 701 Ocean St. Room 525, Santa Cruz or Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/81732202363.

Originally published: October 26, 2024 at 11:07 a.m.