Visalia council authorizes $12,000 contract amendment to study cannabis fees and advances regulatory framework

The Visalia City Council authorized staff to amend an existing sole-source contract to hire consultants to complete a fee-nexus (Phoenix) study and appropriated $12,000 from the general fund for the contract amendment as the city advances a local cannabis business ordinance framework.

Devin Jones, economic development manager, presented elements of a draft cannabis business ordinance and related zoning updates, describing allowable use types, buffer distances from sensitive uses (600 feet from churches, parks, schools and licensed daycares, and a 100-foot residential buffer), and a proposed application and selection process. "The specific request is to amend the sole source contract with HDL... we need the assistance of HDL to help us with the fee nexus study," Jones said.

Jones said staff proposes to establish the regulatory framework while initially setting the number of licenses to be issued to zero; the council may change license counts later by resolution. He described post-selection obligations, including time frames for securing conditional use permits and building permits and limits on license transfers.

Council voted 4-0 to authorize the contract amendment and appropriation. In public comment, some residents urged caution while business operators encouraged a local and equitable licensing approach; an operator from Fresno emphasized local ownership and the high upfront costs applicants face.

Why it matters: The council's action funds a technical study needed to set program fees and positions the city to adopt a comprehensive cannabis regulatory framework that includes zoning, buffers, application rules and financial terms. Staff said a future ordinance and fee resolution will return for council adoption.