Orange County Ordinance No. 17-011 (codified at OCCO §7-9-146.8 through §7-9-146.14) strictly regulates personal cannabis cultivation in unincorporated areas. Indoor cultivation of up to 6 plants is permitted only within a fully enclosed and secured structure at a private residence. Outdoor personal cultivation is expressly prohibited.
Under Ordinance 17-011, adopted December 12, 2017, Orange County prohibits all outdoor personal cannabis cultivation within unincorporated areas. Indoor cultivation is limited to 6 living plants per private residence, consistent with California Health & Safety Code §11362.1 and §11362.2. Plants must be grown in a fully enclosed and secured area not visible from the exterior of the residence. The cultivation area must comply with all building, electrical, and fire codes. The ordinance also prohibits all commercial cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, testing, distribution, and retail operations in unincorporated Orange County. A 2026 zoning code amendment (CA 25-02) reaffirmed the outdoor cultivation prohibition and commercial cannabis ban.
Outdoor cultivation or exceeding the 6-plant limit is a violation of OCCO §7-9-146.14 and may be treated as a public nuisance. Commercial cannabis activity in unincorporated areas is a misdemeanor. OC Code Enforcement and the Sheriff's Department handle violations through the Neighborhood Preservation process, with potential civil citations and abatement.
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