Dispensary Zoning: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Daly City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Daly City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Cannabis retail dispensaries are PROHIBITED in unincorporated San Mateo County. The Board of Supervisors has adopted a ban on all commercial cannabis retail licenses under MAUCRSA. Limited commercial cultivation (mixed-light greenhouse and nursery) is allowed only on parcels designated Agriculture in the General Plan with a County commercial cannabis license. Delivery from licensed operators in other jurisdictions into unincorporated areas is permitted per state law (Bus & Prof Code §26090) and cannot be banned locally.
View full Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo prohibits all cannabis dispensaries and commercial cannabis operations within city limits under Chapter 7.45 (Ordinance 2017-4). No storefront, mobile, or delivery cannabis businesses are permitted. The city exercised its local opt-out authority under CA Business and Professions Code Section 26200.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | Prohibited unincorporated | - |
| Cultivation | Ag-designated only | - |
| Mixed-Light Only | No outdoor commercial | - |
| School Buffer | 1,000 ft state minimum | - |
| Delivery | Allowed (state preempts) | Banned |
| Dispensaries | - | Banned — Ord. 2017-4 / Ch. 7.45 |
| Manufacturing | - | Banned |
| State Authority | - | CA B&P Code §26200 opt-out |
| Nearest Sales | - | Outside city limits |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Can I order cannabis delivery to my home in unincorporated La Honda or Pescadero?
Yes. Under California Business & Professions Code §26090 (affirmed by the 2020 court ruling in City of Santa Cruz v. BCC), licensed delivery retailers from any California jurisdiction can deliver to any address in the state, including unincorporated San Mateo County. The County cannot prohibit delivery.
Is there any way to open a dispensary in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Not currently. The Board of Supervisors has maintained a prohibition on retail cannabis in unincorporated areas. Advocates can petition the Board for an ordinance change, but unless the ordinance is amended, no retail licenses will issue. Some incorporated cities within the County do permit dispensaries.
San Mateo FAQ
Are there cannabis dispensaries in San Mateo?
No. San Mateo has banned all commercial cannabis operations including dispensaries, delivery, and manufacturing since 2017.
Can cannabis be delivered to San Mateo addresses?
No. The city's ban includes cannabis delivery services within city limits.
Will San Mateo ever allow dispensaries?
That would require the City Council to repeal or amend Ordinance 2017-4. Currently there are no pending proposals to do so.
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