On Nov. 8, 2016, a new California law went into effect legalizing the recreational use of cannabis by people 21 and older and creating a state regulatory and licensing system for cannabis businesses. Under the state law, cities are allowed to create their own regulations and licensing process.
City of Bishop
At the regular City Council meeting held June 14, 2021, the City Council adopted an ordinance amending Title 17, Chapter 17.79 entitled “Marijuana Cultivation and Marijuana Related Businesses,” amending Title 17, Chapter 17.80 entitled “Legal Requirements”, and adding Chapter 5.32 entitled “Commercial Cannabis Activity” which permits for up to two storefront retail cannabis businesses and two non-storefront retail cannabis businesses to operation within City limits. The City of Bishop has developed the cannabis business development agreement, application, and application procedures, found below, consistent with the ordinance.
Permitting Process
The City is currently NOT accepting applications for Storefront Cannabis Retail Dispensary Permit and Non-Storefront Cannabis Retail Dispensary (Delivery) Permit.
A maximum of two storefront businesses and two non-storefront (Delivery) businesses are allowed in City Limits at this time.
When applying for a Cannabis Business Permit please follow the steps in the Cannabis Business Permit Application Step-by-Step Guide. There are nine steps involved in the permit application process.
Before submitting an application, review your application in its entirety to ensure that it is complete and accurate. Please also be advised applicants will need to pay the fees associated with Storefront Cannabis Retail Dispensary Permit and Non-Storefront Cannabis Retail Dispensary (Delivery) Permit Applications when they submit their application to the Planning Department.
* Cannabis Business Application
* Step-by-Step Guide
Applications received by the City are reviewed and scored according to the Scoring Criteria included in the Step-by-Step Guide.
For an Applicant to qualify for a Cannabis Business Permit, the Applicant must score from an average of all scores at or above 80% of the total available points. The City will notify those applicants who qualify for the issuance of a Cannabis Business Permit and the next steps of the Permit Process.
All Cannabis Business Permit holders will need to undergo a background investigation of all principals and owners which includes LiveScan fingerprint screening, before being issued a final Cannabis Business Permit. Please coordinate with the Bishop Police Department at 760-873-5823.
Once Cannabis Business Permit holders are issued a Cannabis Business Permit they are able to begin working with the City's Planning Departments on negotiating their development agreement.
Cannabis Operator Permit Fees
* Cannabis Fee Schedule (Coming Soon)