Ord 2249 - Amending Los Gatos Muinicipal Code Title 18, Section 14.120 Prohibiting the establishment of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries, to further prohibit Marijuana Cultivation and DeliveriesORDINANCE 2249
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING LOS GATOS
MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 18, SECTION 14.120 PROHIBITING THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES, TO FURTHER
PROHIBIT MARIJUANA CULTIVATION AND DELIVERIES
THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. FINDINGS
1. In 1970, Congress enacted the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) which, among other
things, makes it illegal to import, manufacture, distribute, possess or use marijuana in the
United States.
2. In 1996, voters of the State of California approved Proposition 215, known as the
Compassionate Use Act (CUA), codified as Health and Safety (H &S) Code Section
11362.5.
3. The CUA creates limited exemptions from state criminal liability for seriously ill
qualified patients who are in need of medical marijuana for specified purposes and
who obtain and use marijuana under limited, specified circumstances.
4. In 2003, the State Legislature enacted the Medical Marijuana Program Act (MMPA)
(H &S Code §§ 11362.7 - 11362.83) to clarify the scope of the CUA and allow cities
and other governing bodies to adopt and enforce regulations consistent with the
MMPA.
5. The CUA expressly anticipates the enactment of additional local legislation by stating:
"[n]othing in this section shall be construed to supersede legislation prohibiting
persons from engaging in conduct that endangers others, nor to condone the diversion
of marijuana for nonmedical purposes." (H &S Code § 11362.5).
6. Neither the CUA nor MMPA create a right to the unregulated cultivation of medical
marijuana and California courts recognize that the regulation of cultivation of medical
marijuana does not conflict with either the CUA or MMPA. (Browne v. County of
Tehama (2013) 213 Cal.AppAth 704; Maral v. TOWN of Live Oak (2013) 221
Ca1.App. 4th 975.)
7. Neither the CUA nor MMPA preempt a TOWN's police power to prohibit the
cultivation of all marijuana within that TOWN. (Mara! v. TOWN of Live Oak, supra,
221 Cal.App. 4th 975.)
8. Several California cities and counties have experienced offensive and serious adverse
impacts associated with and resulting from cultivation of marijuana. According to these
cities, cultivation of marijuana increases risks of criminal activity, degrades the natural
environment, and poses fire hazards to the land itself and surrounding areas.
Ordinance 2249 Pagel of9 February 16, 2016
9. In 2008, the California Attorney General adopted guidelines for interpreting and
implementing California's medical marijuana laws, entitled "Guidelines for the Security
and Non - Diversion of Marijuana Grown for Medical Use (August 2008.)" (The
"Attorney General Guidelines "). The Attorney General Guidelines state that patients,
caregivers, or "[a]ny group that is collectively or cooperatively cultivating and
distributing marijuana for medical purposes should be organized and operated in a
manner that ensures the security of the crop and safeguards against diversion for non-
medical purposes."
10. The experience of other cities has been that many individuals who cultivate marijuana
are not qualified patients, caregivers, cooperatives or collectives in compliance with the
MMPA and Attorney General Guidelines, and thus are engaged in cultivation,
distribution and sale of marijuana in a manner illegal under both California and federal
law. As a result, the TOWN would be obligated to commit substantial resources to
regulate and oversee the cultivation of medical marijuana to ensure that such cultivation
is lawful and not a means for illegal drug trafficking. Furthermore, it is unclear whether
even with significant resources and dedication toward the problem, the Town would be
able to prevent illegal conduct associated with marijuana cultivation, such as illegal
transport and distribution of that marijuana between persons who are not qualified
patients or caregivers under the CUA and MMPA.
11. Both state and federal courts recognize concerns about nonmedical marijuana use in
connection with the CUA and MMPA. (See, e.g., Bearman v. California Medical Bd.
(2009) 176 Cal.AppAth 1588; People ex rel. Lungren v. Peron (1997) 59 Cal.AppAth
1383, 1386; Gonzales v. Raich (2005) 545 U.S. 1).
12. The use, possession, and cultivation of marijuana remain illegal under the federal CSA
( Bearman v. California Medical Bd., supra, 176 Cal.AppAth 1588). Federal courts
recognize that marijuana is deemed to have no accepted medical use (Gonzales v. Raich,
supra, 545 U.S. 1; United States v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers' Cooperative (2001) 532
U.S. 483, 491), that medical necessity is not a defense to prosecution under the CSA
(United States v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers' Cooperative, supra, 532 U.S. 483, 491),
and that despite protections under California's CUA and MMPA, the federal
government may enforce the CSA (Gonzales v. Raich, supra, 545 U.S. 1).
13. Neither the CUA nor the MMPA create implied or actual limitations on local land use or
police power regulation of land used for the cultivation of marijuana. (TOWN of
Riverside v. Inland Empire Patients Health and Wellness Center, Inc., (2013) 56 Cal. 4a'
729, 759- 760).On October 9, 2015, Governor Brown signed 3 bills into law (AB 266,
AB 243, and SB 643) which collectively are known as the Medical Marijuana
Regulation and Safety Act (hereafter "MMRSA "). The MMRSA set up a State licensing
scheme for commercial medical marijuana uses while protecting local control by
requiring that all such businesses must have a local license or permit to operate in
addition to a State license. The MMRSA allows the TOWN to completely prohibit
commercial medical marijuana activities and all cultivation activities.
Ordinance 2249 Page 2 of 9 February 16, 2016
14. Marijuana plants cultivated outdoors often produce, especially as they mature to harvest,
a distinctive, strong odor that can be detectable and offensive beyond the borders of the
property on which it is grown.
15. Cities, counties, and air quality districts in which marijuana is grown outdoors have
received large numbers of complaints of odors related to the cultivation of marijuana.
16. Marijuana grown indoors has likewise led to dozens of complaints made to the TOWN
from nearby uses based on a concern over criminal activity and its impact on
neighborhood safety, including but not limited to excessive foot and vehicle traffic,
erratic driving, and marijuana smoke emanating from the subject location.
17. Marijuana, even when grown for medical purposes, has a high market value.
18. The strong smell and visibility of marijuana creates an "attractive nuisance" that entices
others to the cultivation, and increases the risk of crimes such as burglary, trespass,
robbery, and armed robbery, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. The
cultivation of medical marijuana can also result in various code violations, including
improper and dangerous electrical alterations and use. These secondary effects pose
serious safety risks, and require the commitment of scarce police and public resources.
19. An ordinance prohibiting all cultivation and delivery is necessary and appropriate to
maintain and protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Los Gatos.
SECTION 2. AMENDMENTS
Los Gatos Municipal Code, Title 14 (Licenses and Miscellaneous Business Regulations), Article
XII (Medical Marijuana Dispensaries) is amended to read as follows:
ARTICLE XII. - MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES
See. 14.120.010. - Purpose, findings and intent.
(a) In enacting this article, the town council finds as follows:
(1) In 1970, Congress enacted the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) which, among other
things, makes it illegal to import, manufacture, distribute, possess or use marijuana in
the United States.
(2) In 1996, the voters of the State of California approved Proposition 215 [the
Compassionate Use "Act" (codified as Health and Safety (H &S) Code Section
11362.5 et seq.)].
(3) The Act creates a limited exception from criminal liability for seriously ill persons
who are in need of medical marijuana for specified medical purposes and who obtain
and use medical marijuana under limited, specified circumstances.
(4) On January 1, 2004, the "Medical Marijuana Program" (MMP), codified as H &S
Code Sections 11362.7 to 11362.83, was enacted by the state Legislature to clarify
the scope of the Act and to allow cities and other governing bodies to adopt and
enforce rules and regulations consistent with the MMP.
Ordinance 2249 Page 3 of 9 February 16, 2016
(5) The Act expressly anticipates the enactment of additional local legislation. It
provides: "Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede legislation
prohibiting persons from engaging in conduct that endangers others or to condone
the diversion of marijuana for nonmedical purposes." (H &S Code Section 11362.5.)
(6) The Town Council takes legislative notice of the fact that several California cities
and counties which have permitted the establishment of medical marijuana
dispensaries have experienced serious adverse impacts associated with and resulting
from such dispensaries. According to these communities, according to news stories
widely reported and according to medical marijuana advocates, medical marijuana
dispensaries have resulted in and/or caused an increase in crime, including
burglaries, robberies, violence, illegal sales of marijuana to, and use of marijuana by,
minors and other persons without medical need in the areas immediately surrounding
such medical marijuana dispensaries. The town council reasonably anticipates that
the Town of Los Gatos will experience similar adverse impacts and effects. A
California Police Chiefs Association compilation of police reports, news stories and
statistical research regarding such secondary impacts is contained in a copyrighted
2009 white paper report entitled White Paper of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries by
California Police Chiefs Association Task Force.
(7) The Town Council further takes legislative notice that as of June 2011, according to
at least one compilation, 103 cities and 15 counties have adopted moratoria or
interim ordinances prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries. The town council
further takes legislative notice that 143 cities and 12 counties have adopted
prohibitions against medical marijuana dispensaries.
(8) The Town Council further takes legislative notice that the California Attorney General
has adopted guidelines for the interpretation and implementation of the state's
medical marijuana laws, entitled "GUIDELINES FOR THE SECURITY AND
NON - DIVERSION OF MARIJUANA GROWN FOR MEDICAL USE (August
2008)." The Attorney General has stated in the guidelines that "[a)lthough medical
marijuana 'dispensaries' have been operating in California for years, dispensaries, as
such, are not recognized under the law."
(9) The Town Council further takes legislative notice that concerns about nonmedical
marijuana use arising in connection with Proposition 215 and the MMP also have
been recognized by state and federal courts. (See, e.g., Bearman v. California
Medical Bd. (2009) 176 Cal.AppAth 1588; People ex rel. Lungren v. Peron (1997)
59 Cal.AppAth 1383, 1386 to 1387; Gonzales v. Raich (2005) 545 U.S. 1.)
(10)The Town Council further takes legislative notice that the use, possession,
distribution and sale of marijuana remain illegal under the CSA ( Bearman v.
California Medical Bd. (2009) 176 Cal.App.4th 1588); that the federal courts have
recognized that despite California's Act and MMP, marijuana is deemed to have no
accepted medical use (Gonzales v. Raich, 545 U.S. 1; United States v. Oakland
Cannabis Buyers' Cooperative (2001) 532 U.S. 483); that medical necessity has been
ruled not to be a defense to prosecution under the CSA (United States v. Oakland
Cannabis Buyers' Cooperative, 532 U.S. 483); and that the federal government
properly may enforce the CSA despite the Act and MMP (Gonzales v. Raich, 545
U.S. 1).
Ordinance 2249 Page 4 of 9 February 16, 2016
(11) The Town Council further takes legislative notice that the United States Attorney
General announced in 2008 its intention to maintain enforcement of federal laws as
applied to medical marijuana dispensaries which otherwise comply with state law.
There is no certainty how long this uncodified policy will remain in effect, and the
underlying conflict between federal and state statutes still remains.
(12) The United States Department of Justice issued a memorandum dated June 29, 2011
that outlined the Department's intent to enforce the Controlled Substances Act (CSA)
in jurisdictions. considering legislation that would sanction and regulate commercial
cultivation and distribution of marijuana for purportedly medical use.
(13) On October 9, 2015, Governor Brown signed 3 bills into law (AB 266, AB 243, and
SB 643) which are collectively known as the Medical Marijuana Regulation an d
Safety Act (hereafter "MMRSA "). The MMRSA set up a State licensing scheme for
commercial medical marijuana uses while protecting local control by requiring that
all such businesses must have a local license or permit to operate in addition to a
State license. The MMRSA allows the City to completely prohibit commercial
medical marivana activities and all cultivation activities.
(14)Marijuana plants cultivated outdoors often produce, especially as they mature to
harvest, a distinctive, strong odor that can be detectable and offensive beyond the
borders of the property on which it is grown. Cities, counties, and air quality districts
in which marivana is grown outdoors have received large numbers of complaints of
odors related to the cultivation of marijuana.
(15) Marijuana, even when grown for medical puMoses, has a high market value.
(16) The strong smell and visibility of marijuana creates an "attractive nuisance" that
entices others to the cultivation, and increases the risk of crimes such as burglary,
trespass, robbery, and armed robbery, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The cultivation of medical marijuana can also result in various code violations,
including improper and dangerous electrical alterations and use. These secondary
effects pose serious safety risks, and require the commitment of scarce police and
public resources.
(17) An ordinance prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries, all cultivation and delivery
of mariivan a and prohibiting the issuance of any permits, licenses and entitlements
for medical marijuana dispensaries cultivation and delivery, is necessary and
appropriate to maintain and protect the public health, safety and welfare of the
citizens of Los Gatos.
(b) The purpose of this article is to prohibit the establishment, operation, and location
(fixed or mobile) of medical marijuana dispensaries and cultivation in the Town of Los
Gatos.
Sec. 14.120.015. Definitions and exceptions.
(a)For the purposes of this article, "marijuana" shall have the same meaning as set forth
in California Health and Safety Code Section 11018 as of the effective date of this article
and as subsequently amended. Currently under Section 11018, "marijuana" means all
parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin
extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative,
mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin. It does not include the mature
Ordinance 2249 Page 5 of 9 February 16, 2016
stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the
plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the
mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil or cake, or the sterilized
seed of the plant which is incapable of germination. "Marijuana" shall also include
concentrated cannabis, the separated resin, whether crude or purified, obtained from
marijuana, and any foodstuffs infused with marijuana or concentrated cannabis.
(b)For the purposes of this article, "medical marijuana dispensary" shall have the same
meaning as "dispensary" as set forth in California Business and Professions Code Section
19300.5(n) as that section may be amended from time to time. A medical marijuan a
dispensary also means any facility or location, whether fixed or mobile, where medical
marijuana is provided, sold, made available or otherwise distributed to one or more of the
following: a primary caregiver, a qualified patient or a person with an identification card.
(c) For the purposes of this article, the terms "primary caregiver," "qualified patient" and
"person with an identification card" shall be as defined in California Health and Safety
Code Section 11362.7.
(d)For purposes of this article, a "medical marijuana dispensary" shall not include the
following uses, provided that the location of such uses are otherwise regulated by
applicable law, and further provided any such use complies strictly with applicable law,
including, but not limited to, California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 et seq.
and California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.7 et seq.:
(1)A clinic licensed pursuant to Chapter 1 of Division 2 of the California Health and
Safety Code.
(2)A health -care facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 of Division 2 of the Health and
Safety Code.
(3)A residential care facility for persons with chronic life - threatening illness licensed
pursuant to Chapter 3.01 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code.
(4)A residential care facility for the elderly, licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.2 of Division
2 of the Health and Safety Code.
(5)A residential hospice, or a home health agency, licensed pursuant to Chapter 8 of
Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code.
(e) For purposes of this article "Medical marijuana cultivation" shall have the same
meanine as "cultivation" set forth in California Business and Professions Code Section
19300.5(1) as that section may be amended from time to time.
(fl For purposes of this article "Medical marijuana delivery" shall have the same meaning
as "deliverv" set forth in California Business and Professions Code Section 19300.5(m)
as that section may be amended from time to time.
Sec. 14.120.020. Prohibition of medical marijuana dispensaries.
(a)Medical marijuana dispensaries are prohibited in the Town of Los Gatos. No medical
marijuana dispensary, fixed or mobile, shall establish, locate, operate, or otherwise be
permitted within the Town of Los Gatos.
Ordinance 2249 Page 6 of 9 February 16, 2016
(b)The town shall not issue, approve or grant any permit, license or other entitlement for
the establishment or operation of a medical marijuana dispensary.
Sec. 14.120.025. Prohibition of medical mariivana cultivation and delivery.
(a) The cultivation and delivery of medical marijuana are prohibited in all areas of the
Town of Los Gatos. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to:
(1) Cultivation of marijuana, either indoors or outdoors.
(2) Operation of a marijuana nursery, as defined by California Business and Professions
Code section 19300.5(a -h) as it now reads or as amended.
(3) Medical marijuana manufacturing sites, as defined by California Business and
Professions Code section 19300.5(a -fl as it now reads or as amended.
(fib Notwithstanding Subsection (a), nothing in this Chapter shall prohibit:
(1) The carriage of medical cannabis or medical cannabis products on public roads by
licensees acting in compliance with California Business and Professions Code section
19340 and any adopted state and local regulations.
(2) Licensed transporters operating in compliance with California Business and
Professions Code sections 19337 and 19338 and any adopted state and local regulations.
Section 14.120.030 Enforcement.
(a) The remedies provided by this Chapter are cumulative and in addition to any other
remedies available at law or in equity.
(b) Violations of this Chapter are subiect to a civil action brought by the district attorney
or Town Attorney. punishable by a civil fine not less than two hundred fifty dollars
($250) and not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.
(c) Any violation of this Chapter is hereby declared to be a misdemeanor. Violations of
this Chapter may in the discretion of the district attorney, be prosecuted as infractions or
misdemeanors. Notwithstanding this declaration, consistent with the holding in Kirby v.
County of Fresno (2015) 242 Cal.App.4th 940, neither a qualified patient nor a primary
caregiver who cultivates or delivers marijuana for the personal medical purposes of the
patient upon the written or oral recommendation or approval of a physician shall be
subject to arrest or criminal prosecution for a violation of this Chapter as a misdemeanor.
(d) Violations of this Chapter are hereby declared to be public nuisances and may be
enforced pursuant to the procedure of this Code.
(e) Any person that violates this chapter shall be guilty of separate offense for each and
every day during any portion of which such person commits, continues, permits, or
causes a violation thereof, and shall be penalized accordingly.
Ordinance 2249 Page 7 of 9 February 16, 2016
M In addition to other remedies provided by this chapter or by other law, any violation of
this Chapter may be remedied by a civil action brought by the planning director or his
designee including, for example, administrative or iudicial nuisance abatement
proceedings, civil or criminal code enforcement proceedings, and suits for injunctive
relief.
SECTION 4. CEQA
The Town Council finds and determines that the adoption of this ordinance is exempt from the
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines under
the General Rule (Section 15061(b)(3)), which sets forth that the CEQA applies only to projects
which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with
certainty that the proposed Town Code text amendments will have no significant negative effect
on the environment.
SECTION 5. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held by a
court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such a decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this ordinance. The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos hereby declares
that it would have passed this ordinance and each section or subsection, sentence, clause and
phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences,
clauses or phrases be declared invalid. Except as expressly modified in this Ordinance, all other
sections set forth in the Los Gatos Town Code shall remain unchanged and shall be in full force
and effect.
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect immediately and will be enforced thirty (30) days after its
adoption.
SECTION 7. PUBLICATION AND POSTING
In lieu of publication of the full text of the ordinance within fifteen (15) days after its passage, a
summary of the ordinance may be published at least five (5) days prior to and fifteen (15) days
after adoption by the Town Council and a certified copy shall be posted in the office of the Town
Clerk, pursuant to GC 36933(c)(1).
Ordinance 2249 Page 8 of 9 February 16, 2016
SECTION 8. INTRODUCTION AND ADOPTION
This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los
Gatos on the 2 "a day of February 2016 and adopted by the following vote as an ordinance of the
Town of Los Gatos at a meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos on the 16th day of
February 2016. This ordinance takes effect 30 days after it is adopted.
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Marcia Jensen, Steve Leonardis, Rob Rennie, Marico Sayoc, Mayor Barbara Spector
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN
ATTEST:
�'
MAYO THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
ATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE:
CLERIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: o�
Ordinance 2249 Page 9 of February 16, 2016