San Diego, CA Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Buffer distance
- 1,000 feet citywide
- Code section
- SDMC §141.0614
- Sensitive uses
- Schools, parks, libraries, churches
- Measurement
- Property line to property line
- State baseline
- BPC §26054 (600 feet)
Summary
SDMC §141.0614 requires 1,000 feet between any Marijuana Outlet and a school, public park, library, child-care center, playground, residential care facility, church, or another marijuana outlet, measured property line to property line citywide.
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.
Full Breakdown
Under SDMC §141.0614, every Marijuana Outlet in San Diego must sit at least 1,000 feet from any K-12 school, public park, public library, licensed child-care center, playground, residential care facility, church, or another Marijuana Outlet. Distances are measured property line to property line. The buffer is stricter than California's 600-foot baseline under Business and Professions Code §26054 and applies citywide regardless of zone. Pre-existing legally permitted outlets generally continue when a sensitive use opens later, but new applications and relocations are denied if any buffer is breached on the application date. The Development Services Department verifies compliance during permit review.
Violations & Fines
Operating within a buffer triggers denial or revocation of the conditional use permit and Cannabis Business Tax certificate. Continued operation brings civil penalties under SDMC §11 and state Department of Cannabis Control action against the state license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the 1,000-foot buffer measured?
Does a new school close my dispensary?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California cannabis regulations overview
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Buffer Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle buffer zones.