San Bernardino's Cannabis Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles cannabis regulations a little differently. In San Bernardino, California, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Buffer Zones

Cannabis businesses must sit at least 600 feet from any residentially zoned parcel and at least 600 feet from any K-12 school, licensed daycare center, youth center or park, measured parcel line to parcel line, under Municipal Code § 5.10.250(B).

Key details: Residential buffer: 600 feet from residential zoning. School/daycare/youth center/park buffer: 600 feet. Measurement method: Parcel line to parcel line, straight line. Religious facilities/libraries: Considered, not a fixed buffer. Governing section: SBMC § 5.10.250(B).

Locating or operating a commercial cannabis business within a required 600-foot buffer, without a Council-adopted ordinance permitting a lesser distance, violates Chapter 5.10 and can result in permit denial or revocation. Violations are declared a public nuisance under § 5.10.430, with each day treated as a separate offense under § 5.10.440, subject to civil, administrative or criminal remedies under §§ 5.10.450 and 5.10.460.

Dispensary Zoning

San Bernardino has not opted out of commercial cannabis. Businesses may operate only on property zoned CG, CG-2, CG-3, CR-2, CR-3, CCS-1, CCS-2, CH, IL, IH or OIP under Municipal Code Chapter 5.10, and only after winning one of a capped number of city-issued permits.

Key details: Permitted zones: CG, CG-2, CG-3, CR-2, CR-3, CCS-1/2, CH, IL, IH, OIP. Retail/microbusiness cap: 17 permits citywide. Governing chapter: SBMC Chapter 5.10. Enforcing department: Community Development and Housing. Unauthorized location: Declared a public nuisance.

Operating a commercial cannabis business outside the eleven permitted zones, or without a city-issued commercial cannabis business permit, violates Chapter 5.10 and is enforceable as a public nuisance under § 5.10.430, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense under § 5.10.440. The city may pursue permit revocation, civil, administrative or criminal penalties, and injunctive relief; remedies are cumulative, not exclusive, under § 5.10.460.

Home Cultivation

San Bernardino adults 21+ may grow up to 6 cannabis plants indoors at their residence under Prop 64 (H and S Code 11362.2). Outdoor grows are banned citywide, and plants must be secured and out of public view.

Key details: State law: Prop 64 / H and S Code 11362.2 allows up to 6 plants. Outdoor grow: Prohibited citywide. Security: Must be in a locked, secure space inaccessible to minors. Visibility: Not visible from public or neighboring property. Odor: Must not be detectable at property line.

Compared to other cities, San Bernardino takes a harder line on home cultivation. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

San Bernardino's cannabis regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming San Bernardino is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects San Bernardino's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.