In November 2016, California legalized recreational cannabis for individuals 21 and older and established a regulatory system for cannabis businesses. However, local governments like the City of Bishop have the authority to create additional regulations and licensing processes for cannabis-related activities.
Cannabis Ordinances in Bishop
On June 14, 2021, the Bishop City Council adopted an ordinance amending several chapters of the city’s municipal code related to cannabis businesses. This ordinance permits:
- Two storefront retail cannabis businesses
- Two non-storefront (delivery) retail cannabis businesses operate within the city limits.
The ordinance and its accompanying cannabis business development agreement and application procedures are available through the city's planning department.
Cannabis Business Permitting Process
Currently, the City of Bishop is not accepting new applications for Storefront Cannabis Retail Dispensary or Non-Storefront Cannabis Retail Dispensary (Delivery) permits. However, the following process will apply when applications reopen:
- Application Submission: Applicants must follow the Cannabis Business Permit Application Step-by-Step Guide, which outlines the nine steps of the application process.
- Fees and Accuracy: Applications must be thoroughly reviewed for completeness and accuracy. A fee must be paid upon submission to the Planning Department.
- Scoring and Qualification: Applications are evaluated based on a scoring system. To qualify for a Cannabis Business Permit, the applicant must score at least 80% of the total available points.
- Background Investigation: Qualified applicants undergo a background check, including LiveScan fingerprint screening, coordinated by the Bishop Police Department.
- Final Permit and Development Agreement: Once issued a Cannabis Business Permit, businesses can begin working with the Planning Department to negotiate their development agreement.
Cannabis Operator Fees
Details regarding cannabis operator permit fees will be available soon in the city's upcoming Cannabis Fee Schedule.
Additional Resources and Contacts
- For more information, visit the California Department of Cannabis Control, California Department of Public Health, or Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch (MCSB).
- For inquiries, contact Elaine Kabala, Associate Planner, at (760) 873-8458.
