Step 1: Initial Application & Background Checks
☐ Submit Live Scan background checks for all owners and managers to CA DOJ and FBI.
☐ Obtain Zoning Verification from City confirming location compliance.
☐ Submit Cannabis Business Application: Part 1 + pay Step 1 Fees.
☐ Receive notification of application and background approvals to proceed to Step 1(a).
☐ Pay Step 1(a) fee.
Step 1(a): Application Ranking Panel Review
☐ Application reviewed and ranked by 3-person City panel.
☐ Await selection – Top 3 to 6 applicants proceed to Step 1(b).
☐ If selected, receive notification and pay Step 1(b) fee.
Step 1(b): Interview and Review Committee
☐ Participate in panel interview (minimum 2 largest equity holders + lead local manager must attend).
☐ City contacts jurisdictions where you currently or previously operated.
☐ If feasible, allow site visit of another business you operate.
☐ Review committee scores your application (top 3 applicants move on).
☐ If selected, receive Step 1(c) Approval Letter.
Step 1(c): Conditional Use Permit & Public Engagement
☐ Apply for Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
☐ Apply for required LA County permits (e.g., Public Health Permit).
☐ Mail and post notice for required public meeting (within 2,500 ft of site, 10-day notice).
☐ Hold public meeting (at least 2 largest equity holders + lead local manager must attend).
☐ Complete CUP process with Planning Commission.
☐ Receive approval to proceed to Step 1(d).
Step 1(d): City Council Review
☐ Present at public City Council meeting.
☐ Await City Council vote – approval leads to Step 2 Approval Letter.
Step 2: City & County Permits
☐ Apply for Culver City Business Tax Certificate.
☐ Apply for any required City permits (e.g., building, signage).
☐ LACDPH notifies City of approval for build-out.
☐ Receive Step 3 Approval Letter.
Step 3: Facility Build-Out
☐ Pay required building permit fees.
☐ Begin and complete site build-out, with all required City/County inspections.
☐ Pass final LACDPH site inspection.
☐ Submit Step 3 Fees to City.
☐ City conducts final Cannabis Site Inspection.
☐ Pass City cannabis site inspection (must meet Municipal Code requirements).
Step 4: Final Permits & Operation
☐ Submit Annual Cannabis Business Permit Fee.
☐ Receive Cannabis Business Permit from City.
☐ Receive Business Tax Certificate.
☐ Notify LACDPH and receive final Public Health Permit and other County approvals.
☐ Obtain California State Cannabis License.
☐ Open for business.
Important Notes for Applicants
- You may not begin operation until the Cannabis Business Permit, City Tax Certificate, County Public Health Permit, and State License are all received.
- Fees are due at each step and must be paid in full to proceed.
- City may limit permits and use a lottery or selection process if applications exceed available slots.