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Fresno, CA Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Code
FMC §9-3309
School buffer
800 feet minimum
Retailer-to-retailer
800 feet minimum
State minimum
600 feet schools

Summary

Fresno requires commercial cannabis retailers to maintain at least 800-foot buffers from schools, daycare centers, youth centers, and other cannabis retailers under FMC §9-3309 and California Business & Professions Code §26054.

(a) A licensee shall not sell alcoholic beverages or tobacco products on or at any premises licensed under this division. (b) A premises licensed under this division shall not be located within a 600-foot radius of a school providing instruction in kindergarten or any grades 1 through 12, daycare center, or youth center that is in existence at the time the license is issued, unless the department or a local jurisdiction specifies a different radius. The distance specified in this section shall be measured in the same manner as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 11362.768 of the Health and Safety Code unless otherwise provided by law.

Source: Cal. Business & Professions Code §26054View official code

Full Breakdown

Fresno Municipal Code §9-3309 imposes buffer distances exceeding California's statewide minimums. Cannabis retailers must sit at least 800 feet from public and private K-12 schools, licensed daycare centers, and youth recreation centers, measured property line to property line. Retailers must also sit at least 800 feet from each other to prevent clustering. State law (Bus. & Prof. Code §26054) sets a 600-foot minimum from schools, but local jurisdictions may impose stricter buffers. Fresno's Planning Department verifies compliance during the permit application's mapping review before any council approval.

Violations & Fines

Permits are denied for non-compliant locations. Operating after permit denial or buffer breach triggers enforcement under FMC §9-3329 with fines up to $1,000 per day and closure orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the 800-foot buffer measured?
From the closest property line of the cannabis business to the closest property line of the protected use. Planning staff use GIS measurements during permit review.
Do home-based daycares count?
Yes. Licensed family daycare homes count as protected uses under Fresno's buffer rules. Applicants must search the state daycare licensing database before applying.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fresno

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All Fresno rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno to another location·View the California cannabis regulations overview

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