Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Culver City has reopened its application process and is currently accepting applications for all types of commercial cannabis business permits.

The City is accepting applications for the following license types:

• Storefront Retail
• Delivery-only (Non-Storefront) Retail
• Manufacturing
• Distribution
• Indoor Cultivation
• Testing Laboratory

Yes. Businesses may apply for multiple permit categories (e.g., both manufacturing and distribution), provided they meet all the specific requirements for each type and are located in appropriately zoned areas.

Both experienced cannabis operators and new entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply. The City supports a safe, equitable, and well-regulated industry.

Applicants should refer to the City's website for the most current application guidelines. Regular updates may be posted, so it's advisable to check back frequently. You can also reach the City of Culver City’s cannabis permitting office via:

• Phone: (310) 253-5897
• Email: cannabis.permit@culvercity.org

Each license type must operate in zones designated for that particular activity. Refer to city planning documents or contact the City directly for zoning maps and location requirements. Please refer to the Zoning section.

All rules and regulations are detailed in the Culver City Municipal Code:

• CCMC Chapter 11.17 – Commercial Cannabis Business
• CCMC Chapter 11.32 – Cannabis Business Tax

Yes, all cannabis businesses must apply for and receive a Business Tax Certificate in order to operate legally.

Cannabis businesses are subject to the following tax rates:

Taxes are due quarterly and assessed annually based on fiscal year.

The Step 1 fee for the first permit category is $3,208.50. Additional fees apply depending on the business type:

• Storefront Retail: Add $3,121.68
• Manufacturing: Add $1,655.46
• Cultivation: Add $517.09
• For each additional permit category applied for at the same time: Add $2,202.98

Yes. A background check fee of $317.30 per Responsible Person applies for all those acting as a responsible person for all permit types.

Yes. In addition to the standard Step 1 and background check fees, step 1 includes the following fees:

• Step 1(a) Fee:(PDF, 78KB) $3,906.24. During this step, applications will be reviewed and force ranked by each member of a three-person panel comprised of City staff members.

• Step 1(b) Fee:(PDF, 101KB) $5,374.01. During this step, a five (5) person review committee will review each application, watch a public presentation conducted by each applicant, conduct an in-person interview with representatives from each applicant, review a report of interviews with local officials in jurisdictions where the applicant has previously operated a business, and, where feasible, a report from a site visit existing business operated by the applicant.

Step 2 fees are not applicable to Storefront Retail. For other categories:

• First permit category: $317.03
• Each additional permit category applied for simultaneously: Add $158.51