Stanislaus County, CA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Storefront retail zone
- C-2 General Commercial only (§ 21.56.030(J))
- Countywide retail cap
- 7 CCA permits total (§ 6.78.070(A))
- Near-Modesto cap
- 5 retailers combined (§ 6.78.120(A)(4))
- Sales hours
- 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Pacific (§ 6.78.070(C))
- Permit issuer
- County Treasurer-Tax Collector
Summary
A storefront cannabis retailer, the closest thing to a walk-in dispensary, may operate in unincorporated Stanislaus County only within the General Commercial (C-2) district, and only after securing a discretionary use permit under Section 21.56.030(J). The county also caps retail permits countywide at seven and further limits stores near Modesto to five total.
Uses permitted subject to first securing a use permit in each case: ... J. Commercial cannabis retail (storefront only), or testing activities, subject to Section 21.08.020.D of this title.
Full Breakdown
D' among the uses in the C-2 General Commercial District that require a use permit rather than being allowed by right; the county last amended this list under Ordinance CS 1408 on December 9, 2025. 070(A) caps the total number of retail CCA permits at seven across all unincorporated county zoning districts combined. 120(A)(4) adds a further location limit: within Modesto's LAFCO-adopted sphere of influence and a half-mile band around it, no more than five retail permits combined may operate, and no more than three within any one-mile radius at any one time, with the county required to consult with the City of Modesto on siting. m. 070(B).
Violations & Fines
Operating a storefront cannabis retailer outside the C-2 district without the Section 21.56.030(J) use permit, or without a CCA permit, is enforceable as a violation of Chapter 6.78: Section 6.78.190 makes any violation a misdemeanor and lets the county or district attorney pursue administrative penalties, civil remedies, or criminal prosecution. Section 6.78.260 separately declares every violation a public nuisance and an immediate threat to public health and safety, allowing immediate fines under Government Code Section 53069.4. A CCA permit can also be suspended or revoked for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can a cannabis dispensary open in Stanislaus County?
Is there a limit on how many dispensaries can operate?
What hours can a licensed retailer sell cannabis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stanislaus County
California rules heatmap·Compare Stanislaus County to another location·View the California cannabis regulations overview
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