Palm Springs council advances removal of cannabis lounge event provision
Council members said the subsection was unnecessary because the zoning code already governs special events and directed staff to return with an ordinance removing it.
The Palm Springs City Council on Wednesday approved an ordinance that would remove a subsection on outdoor special events from the city’s rules for cannabis consumption lounges.
The council had asked for the change when it adopted Ordinance 2121 on Sept. 9. That ordinance set local procedures for expanded activities allowed at lounges under California Assembly Bill 1775. That bill allows local cities and counties to permit licensed cannabis retailers and lounges to diversify their businesses into Amsterdam-style cafes.
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Council members determined then that the subsection was unnecessary because the Palm Springs Zoning Code already sets procedures for special events, and they directed staff to return with an ordinance removing it.
The subsection allowed lounges to host outdoor special events by submitting written verification of how they would comply with applicable rules, conditions of approval, public safety requirements and nuisance mitigation standards.
According to a staff report prepared for Wednesday’s meeting, lounges can continue to host outdoor special events under the land use procedures in the zoning code.
Councilmember Grace Garner asked how cannabis businesses would learn that a standard process exists for outdoor events. She said she wanted to avoid confusion and make sure everyone was on the same page. Staff said that the process would be communicated to operators.
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