Cannabis Regulations in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Santa Cruz County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Dispensary Zoning
Unincorporated Santa Cruz County closed cannabis retail licensing to new applicants on November 30, 2016, per SCCC § 7.130.090, so no new dispensary may open. Existing licensees may keep renewing annually. When licensing was open, retail businesses were confined to PA, C-1, C-2, C-4 or CT zone districts under § 7.130.110(E)(1), and the County's own zoning use chart still lists cannabis dispensaries as not allowed in any district for new entrants.
Santa Cruz County Cannabis Dispensary Zoning Rules
Significant RestrictionsSCCC §§ 7.130.090, 7.130.110(E)(1)
Acceptance of applications for an original retail business license shall open on September 1, 2016, and close on November 30, 2016. After November 30, 2016, no additional applications for an original retail business license may be accepted. ... No license may be issued to operate a retail business unless the retail business is located in a zone district designated as PA (Professional and Admini...
Buffer Zones
SCCC § 7.130.110(E) keeps a licensed cannabis retail business at least 600 feet from a school, another cannabis retailer, or a drug or alcohol treatment facility, and at least 300 feet from any residentially zoned parcel. The Licensing Official can waive either buffer on findings that public benefit outweighs land-use concerns, but only after public notice and a 21-day appeal window.
Santa Cruz County Cannabis Buffer Zone Rules
Significant RestrictionsSCCC § 7.130.110(E)(2), (E)(3)
No license may be issued to operate a retail business located within 600 feet from (a) a school; (b) another cannabis retail business; or (c) an alcohol or drug treatment facility. ... The distance specified in this subsection shall be the horizontal distance measured in a straight line from the property line of the school or other retail business to the closest property line of the lot contain...
Cannabis Regulations by City in Santa Cruz County
1 cities in Santa Cruz County have their own cannabis regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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