San Leandro, CA Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)

Section 4-33-200(d)(1) of Chapter 4-33, the Cannabis Dispensary Permits chapter, requires a dispensary permit applicant to show the proposed location is not within 1,000 feet of a public or private school, public library, youth center serving those 18 and under, a parks and recreation facility, a facility for religious worship or incidental religious education, or another dispensary, and not within 500 feet of a residential zone, unless the City determines the location will not impact the peace, order and welfare of the public. Dispensaries must also sit in a commercial or industrial zone or its equivalent.

The City issues no more than four valid dispensary permits citywide under Section 4-33-200(c), and each applicant needs both the dispensary permit and a conditional use permit under Zoning Code Article 22. Applications go through the City Manager's designated investigating official, who weighs the applicant's capacity, capitalization and history, and the permit is not effective until all fees are paid and every other required City permit and approval, including any conditional use permit and building permit, has been issued. Permits are not property rights: Section 4-33-200(h) makes them revocable and non-transferable to another person or location without City approval.

A dispensary permit must be renewed annually, with the permit holder contacting the City in writing at least 45 days before expiration and submitting a current business license and audited financial statements.