OFFICE Of THE ClTV Ct ER*

REVISEDATCOUNCIL5/3/16

M1BHftY5 PM MI5

INTRODUCEDBYCOUNCILMEMBER

APPROVEDASTOFORM

CITYATTORNEY'SOFFICE

OAKLANDCITYCOUNCIL
ORDINANCENO.

C.M.S.

ORDINANCEAMENDING OAKLANDMUNICIPAL CODECHAPTER

5.81,MEDICALCANNABIS CULTIVATIONFACILITYPERMITS,TO
ALIGNWITHCALIFORNIA'SMEDICALMARIJUANAREGULATION
ANDSAFETYACTANDADOPTINGCEQAEXEMPTIONFINDINGS
WHEREAS,in1996,CaliforniavotersapprovedProposition215(codifiedat
HealthandSafetyCodesection11362.5andtitledthe"CompassionateUseActof
1996"),whichprovidescriminalimmunityforpatientsandprimarycaregiversforthe
cultivationandpossessionofcannabisifadoctorhasrecommendedthecannabisfor
medicalpurposes;and
WHEREAS,in2004,SenateBill420wasenacted(codifiedatHealthandSafety
Codesection11362.7etseq.andtitledthe"MedicalMarijuanaProgramAct")toclarify
thescopeoftheCompassionateUseActof1996. TheMedicalMarijuanaProgramAct
allowscitiesandothergoverningbodiestoadoptandenforcelawsconsistentwithits
provisions;and
WHEREAS,neithertheCompassionateUseActof1996northeMedical
MarijuanaProgramActprovidedaneffectivestatewideregulatorysystemforthe
medicalcannabisindustry,andthislackofuniformregulationcreateduncertaintyabout
thelegalityofmedicalcannabisactivitiesandendangeredthesafetyofendusers,who
havenothadthebenefitofamonitoredsupplychainformedicalcannabis,quality
control,testingorlabelingrequirements;and
WHEREAS,in2010,theOaklandCityCounciladoptedOrdinanceNo.13033
C.M.S.toestablishcitywidemedicalcannabiscultivationfacilityregulations(codifiedat
OMCChapter5.81),toprotectthepublichealth,safetyandwelfareofpatientsandthe
communityasawhole,buttodate,theCityhasneitherenforcedtheseprovisionsnor
issuedanylicensesorpermitspursuanttotheseregulations;and
WHEREAS,in2011,AssemblyBill2650wasenacted(codifiedatHealthand
SafetyCodesection11362.768). Thislawaffirmsthatcitiescanadoptordinancesthat

restrictthelocationandestablishmentofmedicalmarijuanacollectives,cooperatives,
anddispensaries;and
WHEREAS,inCityofRiversidev.InlandEmpirePatientsHealthandWellness
Center,Inc.(2013)56Cal.4th729,theCaliforniaSupremeCourtconcludedthatnothing
intheCompassionateUseActortheMedicalMarijuanaProgramActprecludesalocal
jurisdictionfromregulatingorprohibitingfacilitiesthatdistributemedicalmarijuana;and
WHEREAS,in2015,AssemblyBills243and266andSenateBill643were
enacted(codifiedatBusinessandProfessionsCodesection19300etseq.andtitledthe
"MedicalMarijuanaRegulationandSafetyAct");and
WHEREAS,theMedicalMarijuanaRegulationandSafetyActestablishesalong
overduecomprehensiveregulatoryframeworkformedicalcannabisinCalifornia
(includingproduction,transportationandsaleofmedicalcannabis),requires
establishmentofuniformstateminimumhealthandsafetystandards,testingstandards,
mandatoryproducttesting,andsecurityrequirementsatdispensariesandduring
transportoftheproduct,andprovidescriminalimmunityforlicensees;and
WHEREAS,theMedicalMarijuanaRegulationandSafetyActpreserveslocal
controlinanumberofways: (1)byrequiringmedicalcannabisbusinessestoobtain
bothastatelicenseandalocallicenseorpermittooperatelegallyinCalifornia,(2)by
terminatingtheabilityofamedicalcannabisbusinesstooperateifitslocallicenseor
permitisterminated,(3)byauthorizinglocalgovernmentstoenforcestatelawin
additiontolocalordinances,iftheyrequestthatauthorityanditisgrantedbythe
relevantstateagency,(4)byprovidingforcivilpenaltiesforunlicensedactivities,and
continuingtoapplyapplicablecriminalpenaltiesunderexistinglaw,and(5)byexpressly
protectinglocallicensingpractices,zoningordinances,andlocalactionstakenunder
theconstitutionalpolicepower;and
WHEREAS, theMedicalMarijuanaRegulationandSafetyActauthorizes
medicalcannabisbusinessestoverticallyintegratetheirbusinessandholdmultiple
statelicensesiftheyarelocatedinjurisdictionsthatadoptedalocalordinance,priorto
July1,2015,allowingorrequiringqualifiedbusinessestocultivate,manufacture,and
dispensemedicalcannabisormedicalcannabisproducts;and
WHEREAS,theCityofOakland'smedicalcannabisregulationshaveallowed
andwillcontinuetoallowanindividualqualifiedbusinesstocultivate,manufacture,and
dispensemedicalcannabisormedicalcannabisproducts;and
WHEREAS,extensivemedicalcannabisactivities,includingcultivationand
manufacturing,currentlyoccurintheCityandhavenotbeenexpresslyregulated;and
WHEREAS,theseactivitieshavecausedandcontinuetocauseongoingadverse
impactsthatcanbeharmfultothehealth,safetyandwelfareofOaklandresidentsand
constituteapublicnuisance,includingwithoutlimitationdamagetobuildingscontaining
indoormedicalcannabiscultivationfacilities,includingimproperanddangerous

electricalalterationsanduse,inadequateventilationleadingtomoldandmildew,
increasedfrequencyofhomeinvasionrobberies,andsimilarcrimes;and
WHEREAS,manyofthesecommunityimpactshavefallendisproportionatelyon
residentialneighborhoods. TheseimpactshavealsocreatedanincreaseinCity
responsecosts,includingcodeenforcement,building,fire,andpolicestafftimeand
expenses;and
WHEREAS,absentappropriateregulation,theseunregulatedmedicalcannabis
activitiesposeapotentialthreattothepublichealth,safetyandwelfare;
WHEREAS,theCityofOaklandwishestoamendOMCChapter5.81tocontinue
andexpandcitywideregulationofmedicalcannabisactivitiesinamannerthatprotects
thepublichealth,safetyandgeneralwelfareofthecommunity,andintheinterestof
patientswhoqualifytoobtain,possessandusemarijuanaformedicalpurposes,
consistentwiththeCompassionateUseActof1996,theMedicalMarijuanaProgram
Act,andtheMedicalMarijuanaRegulationandSafetyAct;and
WHEREAS,theCityofOaklandhasacompellinginterestinprotectingthepublic
health,safety,andwelfareofitscitizens,residents,visitorsandbusinessesby
developingandimplementingstrictperformanceandoperatingstandardsformedical
cannabiscultivation,manufacturingandotherfacilities;and
WHEREAS,itistheCityofOakland'spolicyinthepermittingofmedical
cannabisfacilitiestoencouragethehiringofhighunemploymentgroups,including
Oaklandresidentsthatwereformerlyincarcerated;and
WHEREAS,communitiesofcolorhavebeennegativelyanddisproportionately
impactedbydisparateenforcementofcannabislaws;and
WHEREAS,policearrestdatareportedtotheCannabisRegulatoryCommission
reflectdisproportionatelyhigherarrestsforcannabisoffensesincertainpolicebeats;
and
WHEREAS,individualsarrestedorpreviouslyincarceratedforcannabisrelated
offensesfacesignificantbarrierstoobtainingemployment,financialaid,publichousing,
andothereconomicopportunities;and
WHEREAS,theCityofOaklandseekstoprovideequityinownershipinthe
cannabisindustrythroughtheincorporationofaCultivation,Manufacturing,Distribution,
Testing,andTransportingPermitProgram;and
WHEREAS,aspartofitseffortstodevelopcomprehensiveamendmentstothe
existingcitywidemedicalcannabisregulations,staffconductedextensivepublic
outreach,includingpublicpresentationstotheCity'sCannabisRegulatoryCommission
inFebruary,July,andOctober2015;and

WHEREAS,afteradulynoticedpublicmeetingsonFebruary9,2016,andApril
26,2016,thePublicSafetyCommitteevotedtorecommendtheproposaltotheCity
Councilwiththeinclusionofanequitycomponentthatrequires50%ofallnewcannabis
permitsbeissuedtoapplicantswhoresideinpolicebeatsnegativelyand
disproportionatelyimpactedbyenforcementofcannabislaws;and
WHEREAS,theCityCouncilheldadulynoticedpublichearingonMay3,2016,to
considertheproposedamendmentsandallinterestedpartieswereprovidedanample
opportunitytoparticipateinsaidhearingandexpresstheirviews;and
WHEREAS,nothinginthisOrdinanceshallbedeemedtoconflictwithfederallawas
containedintheControlledSubstancesAct,21U.S.C.841ortolicenseanyactivitythat
isprohibitedundersaidActexceptasmandatedbyStatelaw;and
WHEREAS,nothinginthisOrdinanceshallbeconstruedto(1)allowpersonsto
engageinconductthatendangersothersorcausesapublicnuisance;or(2)allowthe
useofcannabisfornonmedicalpurposes;or(3)allowanyactivityrelatingtothesale,
distribution,possessionoruseofcannabisthatisillegalunderstateorfederallaw;and
compliancewiththerequirementsofthisOrdinanceshallnotprovideadefenseto
criminalprosecutionunderanyapplicablelaw;now,therefore
THECOUNCILOFTHECITYOFOAKLANDDOESORDAINASFOLLOWS:
SECTION1. Recitals. TheCityCouncilfindsanddeterminestheforegoing
recitalstobetrueandcorrectandherebyadoptsandincorporatesthemintothis
Ordinance.
SECTION2. PurposeandIntent. ItisthepurposeandintentofthisOrdinance
toclarifyandexpresslyauthorizenondispensarymedicalcannabisactivities,including
thecultivationofmedicalcannabis,inordertopreservethepublicpeace,health,safety,
andgeneralwelfareofthecitizensandresidentsof,andtravelersthrough,theCityof
Oakland,asauthorizedbytheMedicalMarijuanaRegulationandSafetyAct.
SECTION3. AmendmentofChapter5.81oftheOaklandMunicipalCode.
OaklandMunicipalCodeChapter5.81isherebyamendedasfollows(additionsare
shownindoubleunderlineanddeletionsareshownasstrikethrough):
Chapter5.81MEDICALCANNABISCULTIVATION.MANUFACTURINGAND
OTHERFACILITYPERMITS
5.81.010Findingsandpurpose.
A.
TheCityCouncil,basedonevidencepresentedtoitintheproceedingsleadingto
theadoptionofthisChapterherebyfindsthatthelackofregulationofmedicalcannabis
facilities other than medical cannabis dispensaries, including unregulated cultivation
manufacturing and processing of medical cannabis in the City has caused and is
causingongoingimpactstothecommunity.These impactsincludedamagetobuildings
containing indoor medical cannabis cultivation facilities, including improper and
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dangerous electrical alterations and use, inadequate ventilation leading to mold and
mildew, increased frequency of homeinvasion robberies and similar crimes, and that
many of these impacts have fallen disproportionately on residential neighborhoods.
These impacts have also created an increase in response costs, including code
enforcement,building,fire,andpolicestafftimeandexpenses.
B.
The Citv Council further finds that the creation of a permitting process
implementing public health and safety standards for medical cannabis facilities other
thandispensaries willnotonly improvepublichealth andsafetybutprovide ameasure
ofcertaintyforlegitimatebusinessesandthusencouragethemtosituateinOakland.
QB. TheCity acknowledgesthat thevotersof theState haveprovidedan exemption
toprosecution forthe cultivation, possession of cannabis for medical purposes under
the Compassionate Use Act (CUA), but that the CUA does not address land use or
building code impacts or issues arising from the resulting increase in cannabis
cultivationwithintheCity.
QG. TheCityacknowledgesthatsalesofmedicalmarijuanaaresubjecttotaxationby
boththeCityandtheStateandthattheCaliforniaStateBoardofEqualization (BOE)is
alsorequiringthatbusinessesengaginginsuchretailtransactionsholdaseller'spermit.
. Theprimarypurposeandintentof thisChapteristoregulatethecultivationand
processing of nondispensarv medical cannabis facilities, including the cultivation of
medicalcannabis,inamannerthatprotectsthepublic health,safety andwelfareofthe
community,asauthorizedbvtheMedicalMarijuanaRegulationandSafetyAct.
5.81.020Definitions.
The following words or phrases, whenever used in this Chapter, shall be given the
followingdefinitions:
A.
"Applicant" as used only in this Chapter shall be any industrial cannabis
cultivation, processing, manufacturing facility that applies for a permit required under
thisChapter.
B.
"Batch"asused onlyinthisChaptershall bedefinedbytheCityAdministratorto
meanadiscretequantityofdriedcannabisproducedandsoldtogether.
C.
"Cannabis"or"Marijuana"asusedonlyinthisChaptershallbethesame,andas
maybeamended,asisdefinedinSection5.80.0108.46.020.
D.
"Cannabis concentrate" as used only in this Chapter shall meanmanufactured
cannabis that has undergone a process to concentrate the cannabinoid active
ingredient,therebyincreasingtheproduct'spotency.
EB. "Cannabis Dispensary" asusedonly in thisChapter shallbe thesame, and as
may be amended, as is defined in Section 5.80.010 and is alsoreferred to herein as
"dispensary."
EE. "City Administrator" as used only in this Chapter shall mean the City
AdministratorfortheCityofOaklandandhisorherdesignee.

G.
"Cultivate" as usedonlyinthis Chaptershallmean to plant,grow, harvest, dry,
cure, grade or trim more than 48 ounces of dried cannabis and/or to plant, grow,
harvest,drv.cure,grade ortrimcannabisinanareagreaterthan96souarefeetoftotal
areawithinoneparcelofland.
R
"CultivationArea" asusedonly inthisChapter hereinaftershallmean theactual
area in use for the entire cultivation process of cannabis plants (including seedling
production, vegetation, and maturation), as well as reasonable walking space, such
that,for example,two trays used for maturation, each measuring tensquare feet and
stackedverticallyon topof eachother shallbecounted as20squarefeetofcultivation
area.
G.
"Industrial Cannabis Cultivation, Processing, Manufacturing Facility" hereinafter
"cultivation and manufacturing facility" shall mean any facility used for cultivating,
warehousing, storing, processing and/or manufacturing more than48 ounces of dried
cannabis, and/or cultivating or storing medical cannabis in an area greater than 96
square feet of total area within one parcel of land. Any establishment engaged in,
permittedtobeengagedinorcarryingonanymedicalcannabiscultivation,processing,
or manufacturing or other activity mentioned in this Chapter shall be deemed a an
industrial cannabis cultivation and manufacturing facility as described in Section
5.81.040.
H.
"Distribute"as usedonlyin thisChapter shallmean theprocurement, sale, and
transport of medical cannabis and medical cannabisproducts between state licensed
medicalcannabisentities.
I.
"Ediblecannabisproduct"asused onlyinthisChaptershallmeanmanufactured
cannabis that is intended to be used, in whole or in part, for human consumption,
including,butnotlimitedto.chewinggum.
J.
"Manufactured cannabis"as usedonly inthisChapter shallmean rawcannabis
that has undergone a process whereby the raw agricultural product has been
transformedintoaconcentrate,anedibleproduct,oratopicalproduct.
K.
"Manufacture" as used only in this Chapter shall mean to produce, prepare,
propagate,orcompoundmanufacturedmedicalcannabisormedicalcannabisproducts.
directly or indirectly, bv extraction methods, independently bv means of chemical
synthesis,orbvacombinationofextractionandchemicalsynthesis.
LH. "Medical^Cannabis^Collective"asusedonlyinthisChapter shallbethesame,
andasmaybeamended,asifdefinedinSection5.80.010.
M.
"Medicalmarijuana" or"Medical cannabis"as usedonly inthis Chaptershall be
thesame,andasmavbeamended,asisdefinedinSection5.80.010.
M "ReParcelofILand"asusedonlyinthisChaptershallbethesame,andasmav
beamended,asisdefinedinSection5.80.01Omeananvsinglepieceofrealpropertyas
identified bythe County Assessor's parcel number (APN) that is used to identify real
property,itsboundaries,andallthorightscontainedtherein.
0J. "Permittees"asusedonlyinthisChapterareindividualsorbusinessescultivation
andmanufacturingfacilitiesthathave obtainedapermit underthisChapterto cultivate.
distribute,manufacture,testortransport.

EK. "PrimaryeGaregiver"asusedonlyinthisChaptershallbethesame,andasmay
beamended,asisdefinedinSection5.80.010.
QL "QualifiedgPatient"asusedonlyinthisChapter shallbethesame, andasmay
beamended,asisdefinedinSection5.80.010.
R.
"Testing" as used only in this Chapter shall mean the conducting of analytical
testingofcannabis,cannabisderivedproducts,hemp,orhempderivedproducts.
S.
"Topicalcannabis"asusedonlyinthisChaptershallmeanaproductintendedfor
externalusesuchaswithcannabisenrichedlotions,balmsandsalves.
T.
"Transport"asusedonlyinthis Chaptermeans thetransferof medicalcannabis
or medical cannabis products from thepermitted business location of one licenseeto
the permitted business location of another licensee, for the purposes of conducting
commercialcannabisactivity,asdefinedbvstatelaw.
U.
"Transporter"as usedonly inthis Chaptermeansapersonlicensed totransport
medical cannabis or medical cannabis products between state licensed medical
cannabisfacilities.
V.
"VolatileSolvents"asusedonlyinthisChaptershallmeanthosesolventsusedin
the cannabis manufacturing process determined to be volatile bv the California
DepartmentofPublicHealthorOaklandFireDepartment.
M,
"WrittenRecommendation"asused onlyinthis Chapter shallbethe same, and
asmaybeamended,asifdefinedinSection5.80.010.
W. "GeneralApplicationpermit" shallmean allapplications issuedunder OMC5.81
withtheexceptionof Cultivation.Manufacturing. Distribution.Testing, andTransporting
EguitvPermitsissuedundersection5.81.030.
5.81.030Permitrequired.
A.
Except for hospitals and research facilities that obtain written permission for
cannabis cultivation under federal law, it is unlawful to establish any cultivatgiofi,
distribute,andmanufactureim.testor transporMaoititvwithout avalid businesspermit
issuedpursuanttotheprovisionsofthisChapter. Possessionofothertypesof Stateor
Citvpermitsorlicensesdoesnotexemptanapplicantfromthereouirementofobtaining
apermitunder thisChapter. Itisunlawfulforanventity organizedonaforprofitbasis.
except for hospitals and research facilities, to engage in any medical cannabis
cultivationwhatsoever.
B.
The CityAdministrator shall issue, asdetailed below, specialbusiness permits
forthe operationof industrialmedicalcannabis cultivationprocessing, distributing.aa4
manufacturing, testing and transporting facilities. In recommending tho granting or
denyingofsuchpermitandingrantingordenyingthesame,theCityAdministratorshall
give particular considoration to the capacity, capitalization, complaint history of the
proposedcultivation andmanufacturingfacilityasdetailedinSection5.81.040, andany
otherfactorsthat inher/hisdiscretionshe/hedeems necessaryto thepeaceand order
andwelfareofthepublic. Allapplicantsshallpayanynecessaryfees includingwithout

limitation application fees, inspection fees and regulatory fees that may be required
hereunder.
The City Administrator shall issue in the first year of this cultivation and
manufacturing facility,program no moro than four permits. Two years after the first
permithas beenissued,the CityAdministrator shallreturntotheCityCounciltoreport
onthedevelopmentofthisprogram,anddeterminehowadditionalpermits tomeetthe
needs of medical cannabisdispensaries and other lawful cannabis providers shall be
administered,ifany.
QD. All cultivation, distribution, andmanufacturina. testing and transportinofaeitiiy
permits shall be special business permits and shall be issued for a term of oneiwe
years,subject toannual reviewoneyear fromthe date ofpriorissuance. Noproperty
interest, vested right, or entitlement to receive a future license to operate a medical
marijuanabusinessshalleverinuretothebenefitofsuchpermitholderassuch permits
are revocable at anytimewith our without cause bythe CityAdministrator subjectto
Section5.81.120.
Cultivation, distribution. af>dmanufacturing, testing, and transportinofaoititv
permitsshallonlybegrantedtoentitiesoperatinglegallyaccordingtoStatelaw.
E.
Morethanonemedicalcannabisoperatormavsituateonasingleparcelofland
however. each operator will be reouired to obtain a permit for their applicable permit
category.
F.
Noproposed useunderthisChapter shallbelocated withina600foot radiusof
anv public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12.
inclusive(butnotincludinganvprivateschoolinwhicheducationisprimarilyconducted
inprivatehomes)nor situateinanareaother thanasprescribedbelowunless theCitv
Administratorinhis/herdiscretiondeterminesthatthelocationwillnotimpactthepeace
orderandwelfareofthepublic.
G.
Fiftypercent (50%) ofallpermits issuedunderOMC 5.81shall beissued toan
Oakland resident who meets the Eouitv Permit Program reguirements set forth in
Section5.81.030(H) below.At notime shallthenumber ofGeneral Applicationpermits
issued under 5.81 in total exceed the number of Equity Permits under 5.81 in total
issuedbvtheCitvAdministrator.
H.
Cultivation. Manufacturing.Distribution.Testing,and Transporting EouitvPermit
Program Criteria. Applicant must have at least one member who meets all of the
followingcriteria:
1.
2.

3.

BeanOaklandresidentwho.
ResidesforatleasttwoyearspriortothedateofapplicationinOakland
PoliceDepartmentBeats26Y.30X.30Y.31Z.32Y.and34X(OaklandPolice
DepartmentBeatMapisattachedandincorporatedhereinbvreference):or
thoseindividualswho,withinthelasttenyears,havebeenpreviously
incarceratedformariiuanarelatedoffenseasaresultofaconvictionarising
outofOakland.California:
Maintainsnotlessthana50%ownershipintheDispensaryapplicantentity
partnership.limitedliabilitycorporation,collective,corporation,worker
cooperativeorotherrecognizedownershipentity:and

4.

Priormarijuanaorcannabisconvictionshallnotbeabartoequityownership

5.81.040
IndustrialcCultivation.distribution,testingandtransportingofmedical
marijuana.
A
.
Any use of activity that involves possessing, cultivating, processing and/or
manufacturing and/or more than 96 square feet of cultivation area shall constitute
industrialcultivationofmedicalcannabisandshallonlybealloweduponthegrantingof
a permit as prescribed in this Chapter.Possession of other types of State or City
permits or licenses does not exempt an applicant fromthe requirementof obtaininga
permitunderthisChapter.
AS ThepProposedlocation of acultivation, distribution,testing or transportingand
manufacturingfacilitylocations shallbe in areas where "light manufacturing industrial,"
"research and development." or their equivalent use, is permitted by right under the
Oakland Planning Code, as may be amended; provided, however, that no vested or
otherrightshallinuretothebenefitofanycultivation,distribution,testingortransporting
andmanufacturingfacilitypermittee. PublicnoticeshallbegivenasprovidedinSection
5.02.050, and the investigating official referred to in Section 5.02.030 to whom the
applicationshallbereferred,shallbetheCityAdministrator.
B.
The aforementioned location restrictions shall not apply to existing dispensary
cultivation facilities located at a retail location if the Citv Administrator in his/her
discretiondeterminesthat thelocation willnot impactthepeace, order and welfare of
thepublic.
C.
Themaximumsize ofanvareas ofcultivationshallnotexceed anvlimitationsor
restrictionssetforthinStatelaw.
5.81.045Manufacturingofmedicalmarijuana.
A.
Proposed locations for manufacturing of medical cannabis products using
nonvolatile solvents shall be in areas where "custom manufacturing industrial." or its
equivalent use, is permitted bv right under the Oakland Planning Code, as mav be
amended,or inresidential zonesifthemanufacturingis compliantwith therestrictions
imposedoncottaoefood operatorsundertheCaliforniaHomemade FoodAct. Chapter
6.1 (commencing with Section 51035^ of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5 of the
GovernmentCode.
B.
Proposedlocationsformanufacturingofmedicalcannabisproductsusingvolatile
solventsshallbeinareaswhere"generalmanufacturingindustrial"oritseouivalentuse
ispermittedbvrightundertheOaklandPlanningCode,asmavbeamended.
5.81.050Applicationforpermit.
A.
All applicants shall pay an application fee as specified in the Master Fee
Schedule.

B.
All applicants shall submit written information to the City Administrator
includina.but not limited to.that shall include, as applicable, plans for security, odor
mitigation, waste disposal, pest management, product testing, worker safety and
compensation, local hiring, non diversion of product, facility location, capitalization,
business plans, applicant complaint history, criminal background checks, plan for
minimizing environmental impacts, compliance with Citv building and fire codes, and
any additional information deemed necessary by the City Administrator. The Citv
Administrator mav design application forms specific to each permitted category and
reouireinspectionsofproposedfacilitiesbeforeissuingapermitunderthisChapter.
C.
AllapplicantsshallberankedbyapointorsimilarsystemestablishedbytheCity
Administrator based on information submitted by each applicant and any additional
informationthatmavbe submitted toor discovered bv the CitvAdministrator.TheCitv
Administrator shallestablish criteria forminimizingthe carbon footprint, environmental
impactandresourceneedsofpermittedfacilities. Applicantsthatdemonstratethevcan
satisfy this environmental criteria, such as cultivators seeking to operate greenhouse
facilities,willbegivenpreferenceintheprocessingoftheirapplication.
D.
Allapplicants shalldemonstratecompliance with Statelaw, duringthe courseof
the permit application procedure described under this Section, prior to issuing any
permit,andupontheissuanceofapermit,thereafter.
5.81.070Operatingandperformancestandards.
A.
Facilitiespermitted underthis Chaptershallnot beopentothepublic. TheCity
Administratorshallestablish operatingand performancestandards forpermittees. The
intentoftheseoperatingandperformancestandardsistominimizeanvnegativeeffects
andenhancethebenefitsofpermittedfacilitiesonthesurroundingcommunity.
B.

ThefollowingstandardsshallbeincludedintheCitvAdministrator'sregulations:
1.
No cannabis or cannabis odors shall be detectable bv sight or smell
outsideofapermittedfacility.
2.
Permitted facilitiesmustinstallsecurity cameras capableofdocumenting
activity inside and outside the facility, as determined bv the Oakland Police
Department.
3.
Permitted facilities shall maintain a staff that is at least 50% Oakland
residentsandatleast 25%Oaklandresidents incensustracts identifiedbv the
CitvAdministrator ashaving high unemployment rates. TheCitv Administrator
mavpromulgatestandardsforphasinginthisrequirementforexistingfacilities.
4.
Permitted facilities that hire and retain formerly incarcerated Oakland
residents mav apply for a tax credit or license fee reduction based on criteria
establishedbvtheCitvAdministrator.
5.
All employees shall be paid a living wage as defined bv OMC Chapter
2.28.
6.
Permittedfacilitiesmustimplementatrackandtraceprogramthatrecords
the movement of medical cannabis and medical cannabis products in their

10

custody and make these records available to the Citv Administrator upon
request.
Noncompliance of such operating standards shall constitute a breach of the
permit issued hereunder and may render such permit suspended or revoked based
upontheCityAdministrator'sdetermination.
5.81.080Examinationofbooks,records,witnessesInformationconfidential
Penalty.
A.
The CitvAdministrator shallbe providedaccess to anv licensed medical cannabis
cultivation, manufacturing, and other facility during normal business hours to verify
compliancewiththischapter.
A|. The City Administrator shall be provided access to any and all financial
information at any time, as needed to conduct an audit of the permittees under this
Chapter to verify tax compliance under Chapter 5.80 5.81 and/or gross receipts tax
requirements.
B. TheCity Administrator is authorized toexamine the books, papers, tax returns
andrecordsofanypermitteeforthepurposeofverifyingtheaccuracyofanydeclaration
made,orifnodeclarationwasmade,toascertainthebusinesstaxdue.
The City Administrator is authorized to examine a person under oath, for the
purpose of verifying the accuracy of any declaration made, or if no declaration was
made,toascertainthebusiness tax,registration orpermitfeesdueunderthisChapter.
In order to ascertain the business tax, registration or permit fees due under this
Chapter,theCityAdministratormaycompel,byadministrativesubpoena,theproduction
ofrelevantbooks, papersand recordsand theattendance ofall personsas partiesor
witnesses.
GD. Everypermitteeisdirected andrequired tofurnish tothe CityAdministrator, the
means, facilities and opportunity for making such financial examinations and
investigations.
QjE. AnypermitteerefusaltocomplywiththisSection shallbedeemeda violationof
this Chapter, and administrative subpoenas shall be enforced pursuant to applicable
law.

5.81.100Liabilityandindemnification.
A.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, any actions taken by a public officer or
employee undertheprovisions ofthis Chaptershallnot become apersonal liabilityof
anypublicofficeroremployeeoftheCity.
B.
To the maximum extent permitted bv law,ffhe permittees under this Chapter
herebyagreetosave,shalldefend(withcounselacceptableto theCitvV indemnifyand
keeBhold harmless the City of Oakland, the Oakland Citv Council, and its respective
officials, officers, employees, representatives, agents and volunteers (hereafter
collectively called "Citv") from anv attliabilitv. damages, actions, claims, demands,

11

litigation, loss (direct or indirect, causes of action.of proceedingsT or judgment

^includinglegalcosts,thosefor attorneys' fees,expert witnessor consultantfees. Citv
Attorneyorstafftime,expensesorcostsl(collectivelycalled"Action"^againsttheCitvto
attack,setaside, voidorannual,anvmedicalcannabisrelatedapprovalsandactionsm
consequenceoftho grantingofthispormit, andwillinallthingsstrictly complywith the
conditionsunderwhichtbissuchpermitisgranted,ifany. TheCitvmavelect,initssole
discretion,toparticipateinthedefense ofsaidActionandthepermitteeshallreimburse
theCitvforitsreasonablelegalcostsandattorneys'fees.
C.
Withinten(101calendardavsoftheserviceof thepleadingsupontheCitvofanv
Action as specified in Subsection B above, the permittee shall execute a Letter of
Agreement with the Citv. acceptable to the Office of the Citv Attorney, which
memorializes the above obligations. These obligations and the Letter of Agreement
shallsurvivetermination,extinguishmentor invalidationofthemedicalcannabisrelated
approval. Failure to timely execute the Letter of Agreement does not relieve the
applicantofanvoftheobligationscontainedinthisSectionoranvotherreouirementsor
performanceoroperatingstandardsthatmavbeimposedbvtheCitv.
5.81.101ResidentialPersonaluseandindividuallimitsfornonlicensedmedical
cannabiscultivation.
NotwithstandingStatelawregardingmedicalcannabiscultivation,noqualifiedpatientor
primary caregiver may cultivate medicalcannabis in an area of more than 32 square
feetononeparcelofland,unlesstheyformacooperativeorcollective.
A collective or cooperative of qualified patients or primary caregivers, may cultivate
medicalcannabiscoveringan areaofnomorethan 32square feetinaresidentialunit
or if in a nonresidential building on one parcel of land per each member of the
cooperative or collective, up to amaximum of 216 cannabis/marijuana plants within a
maximum growing area of 96 square feet indoor or 60 outdoor cannabis/marijuana
plantsononeparcelofland.
Inthe absenceofapermit underthisChapter,suchcultivation shallbesubject tothe
followingoperatingstandards:
A.
Cultivation, processing, possession, and/ormanufacturing ofmedicalmarijuana
in any residential areas shall be limited to qualified patients, primary caregivers, and
medicalcannabiscollectives orcooperatives comprisedofnomorethan threequalified
patients and/or their primary caregivers. Every member of the medical cannabis
collective or cooperative shall possess an identification card issued by the County of
Alameda,or theStateof California,or anotheragencyrecognized bythe Citypursuant
toCaliforniaHealthandSafetyCodeSection11362.7etseq.
B.
Cultivation,processing,possessing, and/ormanufacturingofmedicalcannabisin
residentialareasshallbeinconformancewiththefollowingstandards:
1.
Theresidential facilityshallremain atalltimes aresidence withlegal and
functioning cooking, sleeping and sanitation facilities. Medical cannabis
cultivation, processing, possession, and/or manufacturing shall remain at all
timessecondarytotheresidentialuseoftheproperty;

12

2.
Cultivation possession, processing and/or manufacturing of medical
cannabisin residentialareas shalloccur only in asecured residencesoccupied
bythequalifiedpatientorprimarycaregiver;
3.
No individual residential facility or other facility housing the cultivation,
processingand/ormanufacturingofmedicalcannabisshallcontainmorethan 48
ouncesofdriedcannabis,and/ormorethan96squarefeetofcultivationarea;
4.
If requiredby thebuilding or firecode, thewall(s) adjacentto theindoor
cultivationareashallbeconstructedwith5/8"TypeXfireresistantdrywall;
5.
The cultivation area shall be in compliance with the current adopted
edition of the California Building Code 1203.4 natural ventilation or 402.3
mechanicalventilation(oritsequivalent(s));
6.
The cultivation areashall not adverselyaffect the health or safetyof the
residence or nearby properties through creation of mold, mildew, dust, glare,
heat,noise, noxiousgasses, odor,smoke,traffic, vibration,or other impacts, or
behazardousbecauseoftheuseorstorageofmaterials,processes,products or
wastes;
7.
Allhigh amperageelectricalequipment (exceedingsixamps) usedinthe
cultivation of medical cannabis, (e.g., lighting and ventilation) shall be plugged
directlyinto a walloutlet or otherwise hardwired; the use of extension cords to
supplypowerto highamperage electricalequipment (exceedingsixamps) used
inthecultivationofmedicalcannabisisprohibited;
8.
Anyelectricalrewiring orremodelingshallfirst requireanelectricalpermit
fromtheCity;
9.
The use of butane gas products for personal use medical cannabis
cultivationisprohibited;and
10. Fromapublicrightofway, thereshall benoexteriorevidence ofmedical
cannabiscultivationoccurringattheproperty.
C.
If a qualified patient or primary caregiver who is cultivating, possessing,
processing and/or manufacturing medical cannabis for personal use at the residence
has a doctor's recommendation that the above allowable quantity does not meet the
qualifiedpatient'smedicalneeds,thequalifiedpatientorprimarycaregivermaypossess
anamountofmarijuanaconsistentwiththepatient'sneeds,asspecifiedbysuchdoctor.
5.81.110Prohibitedoperations.
A.
AUAnv cultivatinaoft. distributing, processing, and manufacturing, testing, or
transporting facilities that do not havewithout a permit under this Chapter afejs
expresslyprohibited. Nousethatpurportstohavecultivated,distributed,manufactured,
tested ortransported or processedmarijuana shallbe deemedtohave beenalegally
established use under the provisions of the Oakland Planning Code, the Oakland
MunicipalCode,or anyotherlocalordinance, ruleorregulation,andsuchuseshallnot
be entitled to claim a vested right, legal nonconforming or other similar status.
However, for the limited purpose of state licensing priority, operators mav submit a

13

petitionto the CitvAdministrator'sOffice for adetermination of good standing prior to

January1.2016.
B.
Anyviolations ofthisChapter mavbesubjectto administrativecitation,pursuant
toChapters1.08 and1.12.andotherapplicable legal,injunctive oreouitableremedies.
No enforcement of this provision shall take place, though, until after the Citv
Administrator has published information on how to apply for cultivation, distribution
laboratory.manufacturingandtransportingpermitsandnoenforcementshalltakeplace
againstapermitapplicantwhiletheirapplicationispending.
5.81.120Revocation,suspensionandaAppeals.
Notwithstanding Section 5.02.100, any decision, except for suspension and or
revocation,pursuant tothisChapterbytheCityAdministrator orhis/her designeeshall
befinalandconclusive,withnoappealtotheCityCouncil oranyotherappellatebody.
For suspensions and/or revocations the Citv shall follow the procedures set forth in
Section5.02.080 onlytheCitv Administratoranindependent hearingofficershall make
an initial determination with an appeal to an independent hearing officer the Citv
Administratorinwritingwithin14daysoftheCitvAdministrator'sAdministrativeHearing
Officer's decision in accordance with procedures in set forth in Section 5.02.100. The
decisionoftheindependenthearingofficershallbefinalandconclusive.
SECTION4. Reporting. CitystaffshallreportbacktoCityCouncilnolaterthan
oneyearfromthedateofadoptionofthislegislation,providinginformationaboutthe
implementation,reviewofeffectivenessoftheincludedstandards,includingequity
standards,issuesthathavearisen,ifany,andwhetheranychangesarerecommended.
SECTION5. CaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct. TheCityCouncil
independentlyfindsanddeterminesthatthisactionisexemptfromCEQApursuantto
CEQAGuidelinessections15061(b)(3)(generalrule),15183(projectsconsistentwitha
communityplan,generalplan,orzoning),15301(existingfacilities),15308(actionsby
regulatoryagenciesforprotectionoftheenvironment)and15309(inspections),eachof
whichprovidesaseparateandindependentbasisforCEQAclearanceandwhen
viewedcollectivelyprovideanoverallbasisforCEQAclearance. TheEnvironmental
ReviewOfficerordesigneeshallfileaNoticeofExemptionwiththeappropriate
agencies.
SECTION6. Severability. TheprovisionsofthisOrdinanceareseverable,and
ifanysection,subsection,sentence,clause,phrase,paragraph,provision,orpartofthis
Ordinance,ortheapplicationofthisOrdinancetoanyperson,isforanyreasonheldto
beinvalid,preemptedbystateorfederallaw,orunconstitutionalbydecisionofany
courtofcompetentjurisdiction,suchdecisionshallnotaffectthevalidityofthe
remainingportionsoftheordinance. Itisherebydeclaredtobethelegislativeintentof
theCityCouncilthatthisOrdinancewouldhavebeenadoptedhadsuchprovisionsnot
beenincludedorsuchpersonsorcircumstancesbeenexpresslyexcludedfromits
coverage.

14

SECTION7. OrdinanceEffectiveDate. PursuanttoSection216oftheCharter

oftheCityofOakland,thisOrdinanceshallbecomeeffectiveimmediatelyuponfinal
adoptionifitreceivessixormoreaffirmativevotes;otherwiseitshallbecomeeffective
upontheseventhdayafterfinaladoptionbytheCounciloftheCityofOakland.
SECTION8. GeneralPolicePowers. ThisOrdinanceisenactedpursuantto
theCityofOakland'sgeneralpolicepowers,includingbutnotlimitedtoSections106of
theOaklandCityCharterandSection7ofArticleXIoftheCaliforniaConstitution.
INCOUNCIL,OAKLAND,CALIFORNIA,
PASSEDBYTHEFOLLOWINGVOTE:

y172016

AYES BROOKS,CAMPBELLWA3HIN6TON,GALLO,GUILLEN,KALB,KAPLAN,REIDANDPRESIDENT
GIBSONMCELHANEY"7J
NOES &
ABSTENTION&

LATONDASIMMONS
CityClerkandClerkoftheCouncil
oftheCityofOakland,California

IntroductionDate

DateofAttestation:

MAY 032016

15

NOTICEANDDIGEST
ORDINANCE AMENDING OAKLAND MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER
5.81, MEDICAL CANNABIS CULTIVATION FACILITY PERMITS, TO
ALIGN WITH CALIFORNIA'S MEDICAL MARIJUANA REGULATION
ANDSAFETYACTANDADOPTINGCEQAEXEMPTIONFINDINGS
ThisordinanceamendstheCityofOakland'sexistingcitywidemedicalcannabis
regulationstoalignwithnewstatelaw,theMedicalMarijuanaRegulationand
SafetyAct,byestablishingpermittingprocessesformedicalcannabiscultivators,
manufacturers,testinglaboratories,distributorsandtransporters.