Dispensary Zoning: Palm Springs vs Riverside
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Palm Springs, CA and Riverside, CA?
Palm Springs has fewer restrictions than Riverside.
Palm Springs, CA
Riverside County
Palm Springs was among California's first cities to license retail cannabis (Ordinance 1867, 2015) and permits dispensaries, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and testing under a local license plus state authorization. Retail is limited to specific commercial and industrial zones with buffers from schools, parks, and daycares.
View full Palm Springs rules →Riverside, CA
Riverside County
The City of Riverside has adopted a regulated commercial cannabis program with strict zoning and licensing requirements. Dispensaries are limited to specific commercial and industrial zones with buffer distances from schools, parks, youth centers, churches, and residential areas. The city caps the number of dispensary licenses and requires a conditional use permit. Both a local license and state Department of Cannabis Control license are required.
View full Riverside rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palm Springs | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Zoning | - | Limited commercial and industrial zones |
| License Cap | - | Number of dispensary licenses limited |
| Buffer Distances | - | From schools, parks, churches, residences |
| CUP Required | - | Conditional use permit needed |
| Dual License | - | City and state DCC licenses required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palm Springs FAQ
Where can cannabis dispensaries locate in Palm Springs?
Dispensaries are allowed in specific zones under Ord. 1867 with 600-ft buffers from schools, daycare centers, and youth facilities. Contact the Cannabis Division at City Hall for the current licensed-location map.
Riverside FAQ
Where can cannabis dispensaries operate in Riverside?
Dispensaries are restricted to specific commercial and industrial zones with required buffer distances from schools, parks, churches, and residential areas. A conditional use permit is required.
How many dispensaries are allowed in Riverside?
The city caps the number of cannabis dispensary licenses. Applicants must obtain both a local permit and a state license from the Department of Cannabis Control.
Compare other topics
See how Palm Springs and Riverside compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool