Title
Introduce for First Reading an Ordinance Amending the Cannabis Dispensary Permit Ordinance, Chapter 4-33, Permitted Commercial Cannabis Activity Ordinance, Chapter 4-38, and Citations-Violations Ordinance, Chapter 1-12, to implement a nuisance abatement option for a single violation of the Cannabis Dispensary Permit and Permitted Commercial Cannabis Activity Ordinances.
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
* Public Safety
SUMMARY
Staff seeks Council authorization to declare illegal, unauthorized, or unpermitted cannabis grow or cultivation operations public nuisances and empower the City to begin nuisance abatement proceedings for a single violation of the Cannabis Dispensary Permit and Permitted Commercial Cannabis Activity Ordinances.
Illegal cannabis grows have proliferated around California and San Leandro due to the revenue being generated with perceptibly little risk. Since August 2021, the City has had eight (8) reported violent events at unauthorized cannabis grows/cultivation operations. Tragically, one incident resulted in a homicide. The impacts of violent crime are far reaching-impacting communities, families and especially victims.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council approve amendments to the Cannabis Dispensary Permit Ordinance, Chapter 4-33, Permitted Commercial Cannabis Activity Ordinance, Chapter 4-38, and Citations-Violations Ordinance, Chapter 1-12, to implement a nuisance abatement option for a single violation of the Cannabis Dispensary Permit and Permitted Commercial Cannabis Activity Ordinances.
BACKGROUND
Like many cities in the Bay Area and around the country, over the last year San Leandro has seen a marked increase in violent crime. In 2021, the City experienced an 8% increase in violent crime compared to 2020. There are myriad contributing factors, but one thing is irrefutable-Illegal cannabis grows jeopardize community safety. Since August 2021, the City has had eight (8) reported violent events at unauthorized c...
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