Dispensary Zoning: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
San Jose and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
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 →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale prohibits all commercial cannabis retail activity including dispensaries, delivery-only businesses, cultivation, manufacturing, and testing within city limits.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Dispensaries | - | Prohibited |
| Delivery businesses | - | Prohibited |
| Cultivation | - | Prohibited commercially |
| Manufacturing | - | Prohibited |
| Authority | - | B and P Code 26200 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Are there cannabis dispensaries in Sunnyvale?
No. Sunnyvale bans all commercial cannabis retail including storefront and delivery-only dispensaries.
Can I order cannabis delivery in Sunnyvale?
State-licensed delivery services based in other cities may currently deliver to Sunnyvale residents, but no operator can be based in the city.
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