Agenda Item Wording:
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Ordinance Adoption - First reading and public hearing for Ordinance No. 2026-05, adding Chapter 4.04, "Commercial Cannabis Activity" to the Visalia Municipal Code, rescinding Chapter 5.66, amending Chapter 8.64, and approving Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-01, and adoption of Resolution No. 2026-42, establishing the application and selection process for both storefront and non-storefront retail cannabis business license applications.
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Agenda Date: 07/20/2026
Prepared by:
Devon Jones, Economic Development Manager, devon.jones@visalia.city, (559) 713-4190
Paul Bernal, Planning and Community Preservation Director, paul.bernal@visalia.city, (559) 713-4025
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council hold a public hearing and introduce the first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-05, adding Chapter 4.04, "Commercial Cannabis Activity" to the Visalia Municipal Code, rescinding Chapter 5.66, amending Chapter 8.64, and approving Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-01, and adopt Resolution No. 2026-42 establishing the application and selection process for both storefront and non-storefront retail cannabis business license applications.
Summary:
The consultant, HdL, along with staff and the City Attorney's office, have prepared the Cannabis Ordinance, Ordinance No. 2026-05 (primarily Chapter 4.04), based on input and feedback provided by City Council and Planning Commission in several past work session meetings. The Cannabis Ordinance is currently worded to establish the number of businesses permitted to operate in the City of Visalia at zero; however, the ordinance effectively establishes the regulatory framework for such businesses to operate when Council elects to proceed with permitting such businesses to operate within the City of Visalia at a future date. This is based on prior direction from Council during work session discussions.
Furthermore, the storefront and non-storefront retail cannabis business applicati...
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