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Cannabis Business

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Allowable Uses 

The City of Vista allows for a variety of cannabis businesses, including:

The number of businesses is limited and the areas in which a business can operate is restricted. 

In addition, on May 28, 2024, the City Council adopted ordinances amending Vista Municipal Code Chapter 8.12, Smoking in Public Places, and Vista Development Code Chapter 18.76, Temporary Use Permits, to allow for temporary cannabis events on private property. Highlights of the ordinance include the following:

  •  A permitting process for Cannabis Temporary Use Permits (TUPs) through a Zoning Administrator public hearing. Applications must be submitted no less than sixty (60) calendar days before the event.
  • The applicant must comply with city business license requirements, have an event organizer license from the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), a state temporary cannabis event license and any retailer must also possess a valid commercial adult use cannabis business license in compliance with Chapter 5.95 of the Municipal Code. The retailers at the event must comply with the required tax provisions of the Code.
  • At events, cannabis consumption must not be visible from any public place or nonage restricted area.
  • Temporary cannabis events are restricted to persons 21 years of age or older and the event organizer must use a driver’s license scanner to verify age and authenticate IDs.
  • Sale or consumption of alcohol or tobacco is prohibited at a temporary cannabis event.
  • Events must comply with the Noise Ordinance and hours are limited to 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Temporary Use Permit Application - Cannabis Related Events

Vista Development Code Chapter 18.76, Temporary Use Permits

Vista Municipal Code 8.12, Smoking in Public Places

 

On October 22, 2024, the City Council Adopted Ordinance 2024-12 amending various VMC chapters to allow for up to two temporary cannabis events at Brengle Terrace Park annually.  Highlights of the ordinance include the following:

  • Events are limited to two consecutive days (except not on City holidays)
  • Requires a two-step process that includes a prescreening process and a revenue sharing agreement. Pre-screening applications shall be submitted no more than eighteen (18) months and no less than ninety (90) calendar days before the first day of the event.
  •  The applicant must comply with city business license requirements, have an event organizer license from the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), a state temporary cannabis event license and any retailer must also possess a valid commercial adult use cannabis business license in compliance with Chapter 5.95 of the Municipal Code. The retailers at the event must comply with the required tax provisions of the Code.
  • At events, cannabis consumption must not be visible from any public place or nonage restricted area.
  • Temporary cannabis events are restricted to persons 21 years of age or older and the event organizer must use a driver’s license scanner to verify age and authenticate IDs.
  • Sale or consumption of alcohol or tobacco is prohibited at a temporary cannabis event.
  • Events must comply with the Noise Ordinance and hours are limited to 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

While remaining subject to negotiation and the City’s discretion, the City will generally require a revenue-sharing threshold of 10% of gross revenues (excluding cannabis goods sales) in its Brengle Terrace Park temporary cannabis events license agreements.

Brengle Terrace Park has very limited availability for booking private events. Please contact Recreation and Community Services at 760-643-5261 to determine current dates availability at Brengle Terrace Park.

Prescreening applications, along with payment, must be submitted in person to the City Clerk's Office during regular business hours.

Prescreening Application - Brengle Terrace Park Temporary Cannabis Event

Vista Municipal Code 8.12, Smoking in Public Places

Vista Municipal Code 12.08 Park and Recreation Area Use Regulations

Vista Municipal Code 12.13, Park Events

 

Unauthorized Cannabis Uses

“Unauthorized cannabis use” means any cannabis use other than an authorized cannabis use (Development Code §18.02.696).  “Authorized cannabis use” means a cannabis use which: 1) holds a current and valid local cannabis license, special use permit (if required by local ordinance), and a state license of its operations, facilities and premises; and 2) operates in compliance with all applicable state laws, state regulations, local ordinances, local regulations, local permits and applicable licensing or permitting conditions (Development Code §18.02.107).   Authorized uses are identified on this page and governed by the following Vista Municipal Code Chapters: 5.94, 5.96, 5.97, and 5.98. 

Vista Development Code Chapter 18.02

 

State Resources

California State Laws and Regulations

 

Notifications

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