Santa Barbara supervisors approved changes to the county’s permissive cannabis rules last week amid growing frustration from residents and officials in Goleta, Lompoc, Carpinteria, and elsewhere.
The county’s cannabis ordinance now bans cannabis grows on Ag 1 properties 20 acres or less, eliminating a number of perspective businesses. For Ag 1 properties over 20 acres, a conditional use permit is required. Permits must also be obtained through the Planning Department, which lengthens the process.
“Supervisors also voted to notify more people in an area when a cannabis business or grow is opening up shop,” KSBY reports.
About 200 people were in attendance, including the mayors of several local cities. One of those cities, Solvang, just passed a resolution calling on the board to restrict cannabis activity around the Santa Ynez Valley.
Some people pleaded for more restrictions, while others expressed support for the cannabis cultivators. In the end, a majority of supervisors agreed that changes had to be made. The vote was 4-1, with Supervisor Steve Lavagnino dissenting.