Dispensary Zoning: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View permits a small, capped number of cannabis retail storefronts under a local regulatory framework. Dispensaries need a City commercial cannabis permit and must meet strict zoning buffers.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose regulates commercial cannabis operations under SJMC Chapter 6.88. Dispensaries and retail cannabis businesses require a Cannabis Regulatory Permit from the City and must comply with strict zoning requirements. Cannabis businesses are generally limited to commercial and industrial zoning districts and must maintain buffer distances of at least 150 feet from schools, 1,000 feet from other cannabis businesses, and specified distances from residential zones, parks, and community centers.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Retail cap | Small cap (historically ~4) | - |
| State buffer | 600 feet from schools | - |
| Permits | State DCC + City cannabis permit | - |
| On-site consumption | Not allowed | - |
| Hours | Typically 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. | - |
| Code Section | - | SJMC Chapter 6.88 |
| School Buffer | - | 150+ feet from schools |
| Business Buffer | - | 1,000 ft from other cannabis businesses |
| Operating Hours | - | 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Tax | - | Cannabis Business Tax per SJMC Ch. 4.66 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I open a new dispensary in Mountain View?
Only if the City is currently accepting applications and has available capacity under the cap. Check with the City Attorney's Office for current status.
Is cannabis delivery legal in Mountain View?
Yes. State-licensed delivery services can deliver to Mountain View addresses even though on-site consumption is not permitted at retailers.
San Jose FAQ
Where can a cannabis dispensary operate in San Jose?
Dispensaries are limited to certain commercial and industrial zones with required buffer distances from schools, parks, residential areas, and other cannabis businesses.
How many dispensaries does San Jose allow?
The City issues a limited number of Cannabis Regulatory Permits. The exact number of available permits is set by the City Council and has been adjusted over time.
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