Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Information

Chapter 7.90 of the County of Monterey code provides regulations for the local permitting of cannabis operations under specified conditions in the unincorporated areas of the County of Monterey. This ordinance, together with Chapters 7.02, 20.67, 21.67, 20.69, and 21.69 of the County of Monterey Code requires necessary licenses and land use entitlements for all commercial cannabis operations and establishes criteria for issuing local permits pursuant to the Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act and establishes an effective regulatory and enforcement system consistent with the guidance issued by the United States Department of Justice.

Commercial Cannabis Regulations

• Inland Zoning (Title 21, Chapter 21.67)
• Coastal Zoning (Title 20)

To learn more about the County of Monterey Cannabis Program, please visit the official County of Monterey Cannabis Program website.

Click to Learn More About Personal Use and Cultivation.

Personal Cannabis Cultivation

Chapter 7.95 of the Monterey County Code requires an annual permit for the personal cultivation of cannabis by any qualified patient or primary caregiver. Personal cultivation may not exceed 100 square feet of canopy area on any one parcel. To obtain a permit for personal cultivation, an applicant must submit an application with the following information:

1. Contact information (phone, email, and mailing address);
2. A 24 hour or nighttime contact phone number;
3. Written proof that the applicant is 18 years old or older;
4. A site map showing the location, size, and setback from property lines of the cultivation on the property including the Assessor’s Parcel Number;
5. Evidence of ownership of the parcel or permission to cultivate on the parcel from the property owner; and
6. Evidence demonstrating where the cultivation is to occur, including information that the cultivation will take place in an area 100 square feet total canopy area or less, and will not exceed 10 feet in height (note: plants shall not be visible from off-site and should be located within a lockable fenced area or enclosed accessory structure on the site).

Annual renewal of the Personal Medical Cannabis Permit is free provided there are no changes or violations from the previous year. The State does not require a permit for personal medical cultivation. With the adoption of Proposition 64 (Adult Use of Marijuana Act), up to 6 plants may be grown for personal use. The County may subsequently adopt policies for personal recreational/adult use cannabis cultivation under the new state law.

Please Note: County of Monterey will comply with all relevant laws regarding public records and protection of sensitive information.