Testing Laboratories, Distribution, Manufacturing (Cannabis Enterprise Businesses)

On December 10, 2019, the City Council adopted a series of ordinances that allow for testing laboratories and a limited number of distributors and manufacturers; referred to as cannabis enterprise businesses.  The ordinances went into effect on January 10, 2020, enacting Vista Municipal Code Chapter 5.98, updating Chapters 18.02 and 18.06 of the Vista Development Code, and amending uses permitted within ‘Use Area B’ of the Vista Business Park Specific Plan.

The following are some of the rules established by VMC Chapter 5.98:

• The location of a cannabis enterprise must: (1) be within the RLI zone; (2) be authorized pursuant to a special use permit if the cannabis enterprise facility is a cannabis distributor (Type 11) or a cannabis manufacturer (Type 6); and (3) be outside a 600 hundred foot radius surrounding any day care center, youth center, or school providing instruction in kindergarten or any grades 1 through 12.

• Cannabis enterprise licenses shall be limited as follows: (1) a maximum of two cannabis manufacturer (Type 6 or Type 7 – Manufacturer 2) licenses; and (2) a maximum of two cannabis distributor (Type 11) licenses. Limits are not imposed on the number of allowable cannabis testing laboratory licenses.

• No person shall be employed at, or volunteer at, a cannabis enterprise facility unless the person holds a valid employee permit issued pursuant to this section. 

• A cannabis enterprise shall utilize onsite armed and state licensed security staff twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week unless otherwise approved in writing by the Sheriff's Office.

A Special Use Permit is required for Distribution and Manufacturing.  For information on this process, and to check on the availability of licenses, please contact the Planning Department at 760-639-6100.

Resources

VMC 5.98 Licensing of Cannabis Testing, Distribution, and Manufacturing

Vista Business Park Specific Plan Map 

Application Packet for Cannabis Testing Laboratory, Distribution, and Manufacturing

Forms for current operators

Cannabis Enterprise Change in Management or Ownership Application Packet

Cannabis Enterprise Change in Management or Ownership Application Packet

Cannabis Enterprise Relocation or Modification Application

Cannabis Enterprise Business Renewal Application Form