Cannabis Forms and Information

What permits do I need to start a cannabis business and how do I obtain them?

Visit the "How to Apply for Cannabis BOP" to learn more about each cannabis business type, application, and requirements.

What is a Conditional Use Permit?

A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a City Planning Division land use permit which must be obtained for the subject property before any cannabis permits can be issued. The CUP process, which includes a public hearing, evaluates the site to determine whether or not a cannabis business is an appropriate use of the property, consistent with the City’s General Plan and not detrimental to the public health, safety, convenience, or welfare of persons residing, working, visiting or recreating the in the surrounding neighborhood and will not result in the creation of a nuisance.

A CUP is approved by either the Zoning Administrator or the Planning and Design Commission and involves a public hearing and compliance with the General Plan, Zoning Code, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

How do I find out if a property has a CUP?

You can check to see if a property has a CUP by entering the property address or, if you have a CUP application, the CUP file number (starts with a Z or a P) by using this tool will also give you the application status.

How do I know if a cannabis business is allowed on the property where I plan to operate?

You can look up the zoning designation for your property by entering your address. You can also send an email to the planning department and provide the assessor's parcel number and/or the address of the property.

What is the term of a cannabis Business Operating Permit?

Business Operating Permits are valid for one year from the time they are issued and required to be renewed annually.

What is the City's tax on cannabis businesses?

All cannabis businesses are subject to a 4% gross receipts tax.

Is there a cap to the number of permits the City will issue?

The square footage for cultivation and distribution in the Southern Industrial area of District 6 is capped at 2.5 million sq. ft.

As of April 22, 2025, the storefront dispensary cap is 43 permits.

Otherwise, there is no cap to the number of permits the City will issue. However, this can change due to a number of factors, which may include the availability of land or properties, or the number of existing cannabis businesses in the City.

Is there a limit to the number of permits a cannabis business can obtain?

The City does not have a limit on the number of cannabis permits a business can hold. However, a business that holds a testing license cannot hold any other cannabis licenses.

Is cultivation in a greenhouse allowed?

Greenhouse cultivation is allowed, as long as it is not visible from public right-of-way. The structure must be a detached, single story building with a maximum height of 20 feet measured from grade to the highest roof ridge, and a maximum building area of 5,500 sq. ft.

If I have multiple buildings in one parcel and plan to use all of them for cultivation, do I need multiple CUPs?

No, you only need one CUP if the uses for the buildings are all cultivation.

What type of manufacturing is allowed by the City?

The City allows both non-volatile and volatile manufacturing.

What is considered a small manufacturing site?

Small manufacturers are those whose gross receipts are less than $100,000 per year.

What type of permit do I need to operate a cannabis delivery service?

Visit the "How to Apply for Cannabis BOP" to learn more about how to apply for a cannabis delivery-only permit.

It is important to note that you cannot operate as a courier or a third party delivery service. To qualify for a delivery-only dispensary, you will need a brick-and-mortar location with a Conditional Use Permit for a dispensary, and a Business Operating Permit.

What are the Business Operating Permit Fees?

Business Operating Permit fees are listed by business type on our and can be viewed by utilizing this link.

Is a Cannabis Business Permit transferable?

Sacramento City Code Section 5.150.050 - Permits not transferable. "Cannabis business permits issued pursuant to this chapter are not property and have no value. Cannabis business permits may not be transferred, sold, assigned or bequeathed expressly or by operation by law. Any attempt to directly or indirectly transfer a cannabis business permit shall be unlawful and void, and shall automatically revoke the permit. (Ord. 2017-0046 § 1)"

If there are any changes in ownership, the owners on the applications must complete and sign a Business Information Change Form and submit it to OCM no later than 30 days before the change occurs. Required documentation can be found on the form.

Does the City of Sacramento have a social equity program?

Yes, the City of Sacramento has a social equity program called the "Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Equity (CORE) Program. Detailed information can be found under the CORE tab on our homepage.

Is onsite consumption allowed in Sacramento?

Please review the City's Cannabis Consumption - Authorized Locations Policy by utilizing this link here.

How do I get a permit for an onsite consumption event at Cal Expo?

The City does not allow onsite consumption permit for Cal Expo. It can only issue the local authorization required to get a State license for an onsite consumption event at Cal Expo. To request local authorization, please complete the local authorization request form and email it along with the required documents listed on page 3 of the form to cannabis@cityofsacramento.org.

Where can I find the State regulations?

As of July 13, 2021, the three State agencies that regulate cannabis have consolidated into the Department of Cannabis Control. Regulations for all cannabis license types as well as all licensing information can be found on its website at cannabis.ca.gov.

How can I request a list of cannabis businesses in Sacramento?

You can request this and any other information that are considered as public information by submitting a Public Records Request to the Clerk's Office.

How do I report an illegal cannabis activities?

You can report an illegal cultivation activity to the Sacramento Police Department anonymous crime tip portal. For other illegal cannabis activities, please contact 311 or send an email to 311@cityofsacramento.org. To report odors from cannabis cultivation sites, please send an email to cannabis@cityofsacramento.org.