What's the First Step to Opening a Cannabis Business in Hesperia?

The first step is finding out if your property is eligible for a cannabis business. 

Step 1. View the Zoning Map Cannabis Delivery Services Zoning Map, is your property within the zone on the map? If the answer is YES, proceed to Step 2. If the answer is NO, the property is not eligible.

Step 2. Is your property outside all of the noted sensitive areas (denoted by red or black zoning lines? If the answer is YES, proceed to Step 3. If the answer is NO, the property is not eligible.

Step 3. If the answers to Steps 1 and 2 are YES. Please call the Planning Division at 760-947-1224. Distance restrictions are in place within the cannabis zone, Planning staff will confirm eligibility.

I have an Eligible Property, what do I do now?

The following steps are the basic steps required to complete Part I and Part II. Each step may include additional steps or require additional information from the applicant in order to complete the step and receive approval.

Step 1.  Review the Medical Cannabis Delivery Business Checklist  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Step 2. Prepare your Medical Cannabis Delivery Business Permit Application using the Checklist as a guide. 

Step 3. When you are within 7 DAYS of submitting a complete application, email tbulgarelli@cityofhesperia.us to receive the DOJ fingerprint form.

Step 4. Get fingerprinted (the City will receive your results electronically) DO NOT USE THE CITY FORM FOR EMPLOYEES OR MANAGERS

Step 4. Submit your application and pay all required fees for Part I

Step 5. City will review and provide comment on Part I. 

Step 6. Receive Part I Approval

Step 7. Submit all required documents for Part II and pay all required Part II fees

The following additional applications must be completed and returned with Part II

1. Medical Cannabis Business License Application
2. Certificate of Occupancy Application
3. Tenant Improvement Packet (includes Letter of Intent) Entire Packet must be completed and delivered with Part II.
4. MDAQMD Clearance Form  
5. Building Permit Worksheet    

Step 8. City will review and provide comment on Part II. 

Step 9. Receive a Building Permit (issued only to the business owner or a licensed contractor)

Step 10. Make the modifications to the building per the approved building plans from Part II.

Step 11. Call for inspections as work is completed. 

Step 12. When your tenant improvement is nearly complete and you are ready to call for your Final Inspection, email jmcastillo@cityofhesperia.us to schedule your Planning Final. 

Step 13. Submit your required insurance certificates conforming to Title 5.50 Insurance Requirements to jmcastillo@cityofhesperia.us for approval by the City.  NOTE: Submitting insurance that does not conform to the requirements will delay the ability to schedule a final approval for the Part II Building Permit.

Step 14. After Planning approval, call for your Building Final

Step 15. If the Building Permit is finaled, visit City Hall to receive your business license. A Certificate of Occupancy will be mailed to you. 

Applicants with questions can contact Jacquelyn Castillo, Administrative Analyst at 760-947-1345 or email jmcastillo@cityofhesperia.us during normal business hours.

Completing the DOJ process for Owners, Applicants and Employees

Part I - Applicants and Owners

Part I requires the owner(s) and applicant(s) to furnish proof of livescan (fingerprinting) through the Department of Justice to the City as part of the permitting process.  When applicants are within 7 days of submitting a complete Part I application, they should email jmcastillo@cityofhesperia.us for the DOJ form. 

Part II - Employees and Managers

The City form CANNOT be used for employees or managers. Please do not make copies of the form provided to the applicant for employee livescan.  The City does not require the results of livescan for employees to be provided to the City.