Commission extends container-storage permit for Central Coast Agriculture with conditions

The Lompoc Planning Commission on May 13 approved an amendment to a previously authorized conditional use permit for Central Coast Agriculture’s container-storage operation at 1401 West Central Avenue.

Staff described the site as an interim use occupying 4.8 acres at the rear of a larger parcel in the Central Coast Business Park specific plan, where the applicant currently uses about 200 refrigerated metal storage containers to store frozen cannabis. The applicant asked the commission to delete a prior development-plan requirement (COA P24) and to allow an extended permit term in light of federal regulatory uncertainty that has affected plans for a larger 'cannabis campus.' Staff recommended adoption of Resolution 103126 (amendment 2026-00003).

Commission discussion flagged duplicated fire-condition entries and an inconsistent acreage reference (staff confirmed the correct project area is 4.88 acres and acknowledged a numbering/typographic error in the original conditions). Staff also confirmed conditions require removal of containers if operations cease and that financial assurance is on file to fund removal when necessary.

Applicant representative Jared Vicker said Central Coast Agriculture remains a major local employer and has worked closely with staff on redline edits. “We’re one of the largest employers in the city,” Vicker said, and described the amendment request as a practical response to interstate-market uncertainty and changing federal rescheduling prospects.

A commissioner moved to adopt Resolution 103126 approving the amendment and to delete the duplicate fire-condition language; the motion was seconded and passed. The resolution approves the requested amendment to CUP20-01 with the specific deletion of duplicate fire-condition entries, and leaves in place conditions requiring container removal if operations cease.

The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript. Staff noted they will correct condition numbering and verify the final resolution text in the record file.