[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6470821,"mediaKeyId","5778919-99fe2259f878252241f5d58f3b24f569","parentId",5778919,"title","Council approves permit framework for cannabis consumption lounges, rejects a per-district cap","audioSeconds",1712,"startMs",10580000,"endMs",12292000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778919-99fe2259f878252241f5d58f3b24f569&start=10580&end=12292","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778919-99fe2259f878252241f5d58f3b24f569/thumbnail_10580000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6470821/Sacramento/Sacramento-County/California/Council-approves-permit-framework-for-cannabis-consumption-lounges-rejects-a-per-district-cap","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6470821-c65d2c07316ca4345be74c7c64ff59ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176693&Signature=PU9hQgq4IHjG9XLFBH9eWz-xCZclBxbIoSa~KO7D1iQUcmvRkjVswwZida1nMJkiq-NcsO0thfEthKGaXjHE8-~WIvXCE~HHRKzUHgHDXiTwKtwWlrVf1WYxawSIqIrDE~ADtT1DBkcIAVrZK9xPGaesSe5YEkjFna3Vw~1ftxdXvRcpHXRrPV~rtjZLio4TaxiOXnORpaILB4EjeZdXwtZkuveF0om02B2C1F-N1iDzEd5XW3mQIRxSHtMifreUdDHlwsr-s-j1s-rDMFU7B9x7UyZhCQKN1d~0h-HHNay~~jbiSGndfA0sa1U63~Bd8ZF6HaXjq~zzYgjztSB9Tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Sacramento","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","The Sacramento City Council on Oct. 25 advanced the city’s five-year pilot program for cannabis consumption lounges by directing staff to put the program into ordinance form and by clarifying permitting and review procedures.

Staff said the pilot — previously authorized by the council — allows two types of lounge add-ons for storefront dispensaries: Type 1 (non-smoking consumption) and Type 2 (smoking and ingestibles). The Office of Cannabis Management surveyed 36 storefront dispensaries and received eight responses indicating interest in operating lounges; staff said the permit requires substantial investment in ventilation and safety systems and that the application fee will be set after a city fee study. Core participants in the city’s equity program would have the application fee waived.

Council considered whether to limit lounges by a fixed number per council district (staff’s earlier draft recommended up to five lounges per district to achieve geographic equity). After debate, the council voted to remove the per-district cap and instead directed staff to proceed without district limits. The council also agreed to relocate the council call-up review from the business-operating permit (Title 5) to the conditional use permit stage (Title 17), meaning that call-up and public review would occur during land-use review before a business invests in ventilation and other lounge upgrades.

Fiona Masson of the Office of Cannabis Management said the city would process complete lounge applications in chronological order under a “first-in-line” approach and that staff would return with a fee resolution and any code amendments needed to implement training, staffing and safety requirements. Councilmembers asking policy questions voiced differing views on smoking lounges; some members said they would prefer to move cautiously, while others favored fewer limits and more opportunities for legal consumption venues.

On a recorded roll call the council approved the motion to move the ordinance forward without a per-district cap; the clerk recorded the final tally as six ayes and four noes (the transcript records the roll and the clerk’s post-vote statement). Staff will bring back ordinance text and a fee resolution for formal adoption and implementation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Sacramento - 2:00 PM City Council","oneSentenceSummary","The council directed staff to adopt an ordinance for a cannabis consumption lounge pilot and moved the call-up review to the conditional-use stage; council rejected proposed per-district caps and approved a first-come, first-served route for qualified dispensaries.","taxTitle","Sacramento , Sacramento County, California","taxId",2896,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6470826,"Sacramento council debates zoning changes for cannabis businesses, asks staff to craft hybrid permitting approach",4733,5861000,10594000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778919-99fe2259f878252241f5d58f3b24f569&start=5861&end=10594","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778919-99fe2259f878252241f5d58f3b24f569/thumbnail_5861000.jpg","/articles/6470826/Sacramento/Sacramento-County/California/Sacramento-council-debates-zoning-changes-for-cannabis-businesses-asks-staff-to-craft-hybrid-permitting-approach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6470826-258b5a898d4f5cd3065f8a1bc847a27b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176693&Signature=nUc3v7q28TLhKqSugOD2JKsLlOJOiZbKJNHfFOAW8GjN6cl-T78VP95s5pvKa9gP2jYj6Ymv7axtbqdklJS8FGU1O5M6nGiMKmhzho7H1OXv4QSDL~iVHw9r8LecgW9N4RPUnbFMzYw0qckt7QQQpPKiPd8j3Ci-7WAOqZ3OwPoi2zlULKrohGf8Bv~afRVQGxJvTU7m2Z1OGE9ugN2qYyru5aE8FSDNa6KQ0cMRvgw96EdNS3CMj~PxihPSIHWm4HmAgrD948PQYefgQVpTUa0cyM0VypfQ0EPlzbxcDKpG51wCQAxCShSuOZ00rn2cO5cZSVWy2~OkYZPxrYH4Vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented proposed amendments to Title 17 on Oct. 25 that would change how cannabis businesses are sited and permitted in Sacramento, prompting extended public comment and council discussion about buffers, permit types and legacy operators.

Staff said the city's cannabis study found regulated cannabis businesses have not increased crime or reduced property values and that such businesses contribute substantial economic activity and tax revenue. Staff recommended adopting firm 600-foot “sensitive use” buffers around certain uses and switching most cannabis permitting from discretionary conditional use permits to administrative, ministerial approvals — a change staff said would create predictable approval rights for applicants that meet clear siting standards.

The Planning and Design Commission recommended a different approach: it proposed additional sensitive uses (including faith-based institutions and childcare centers) and recommended retaining conditional use review where buffers apply so projects in those areas could be evaluated with public hearings. Public commenters — including several long-standing dispensary operators and equity applicants — urged the council to preserve a pathway for existing businesses in buffers and to allow conditional review for sites within buffers so operators could make their case.

Councilmembers expressed a range of views. Some favored streamlining and aligning more closely with state law to reduce barriers for legal operators and support economic development. Others highlighted overconcentration of cannabis businesses in parts of the city and cautioned that administrative approvals without public hearings could disadvantage neighborhoods that already host many cannabis operations. Several councilmembers said legacy dispensaries that previously secured conditional use approvals should retain a path to participate in future programs (for example, on-site consumption pilots).

Council did not adopt final code changes at the meeting. Instead councilmembers gave staff direction to prepare ordinance language reflecting a hybrid approach: keep a public discretionary path (conditional use) for sites where sensitivities apply, allow administrative permitting where a site is clearly outside buffers, and protect legacy operators with a pathway to apply for special approvals, including participation in consumption pilots, when appropriate.","After lengthy public comment, councilmembers directed staff to balance sensitive-use buffers, maintain a public review path and streamline permits for cannabis businesses; the council did not adopt final ordinance language at the meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6470830,"Sacramento updates council on urban level flood protection, seeks implementation plans after SB 639 extension",1001,4862000,5863000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778919-99fe2259f878252241f5d58f3b24f569&start=4862&end=5863","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778919-99fe2259f878252241f5d58f3b24f569/thumbnail_4862000.jpg","/articles/6470830/Sacramento/Sacramento-County/California/Sacramento-updates-council-on-urban-level-flood-protection-seeks-implementation-plans-after-SB-639-extension","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6470830-af4a2f3ac3d2b305fd8892a2d20fe181/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176693&Signature=T89FVrb~mQFc2tjporduGA-B~SlEhuLo7kZ3Zve9OlBC~49nBF~6mcE40ScpyrqRfCdzOX~gx0cQWFW29OLK3Sc-bVfGFDo6fu5bxEyJrETcJsKhsbRQqicEpLXxtMOc4J9bWaa2xX7MR8j9WUyLSLVQM33Dd4qQg2mWp0pT~S-5EXv0seHl4815ousJ6cAiCHyaocJGHDAEA6PZ00nePcbSYpxjLlQ3tuH-BbXp7D4Vyiu4XH9faw42uUQbbCc3fG85diS~GDA4Ixmii9fC6bfAoddSpIces92v7e097e0j6OYfoyt7bEqND0U6Gbto41247iFu8okNM~5QhZtbPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Sacramento City Council on Oct. 25 that most levee improvement projects are complete but some work in Natomas and the Beach Lake areas needs more time, and that the legislature is poised to extend deadlines for those subareas.

Remy Mendoza of the Community Development Department presented an overview of flood risk, the regulatory framework and next steps toward achieving the state's urban level of flood protection (200-year standard). She said Sacramento must show compliance by Dec. 31 but that some projects could extend beyond that date without legislative relief.

Staff said the city and regional agencies previously relied on “adequate progress” findings tied to reports from the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA). Because projects in the North Natomas Basin and Beach Lake subareas have experienced unforeseen delays, the city co-sponsored Senate Bill 639 earlier this year to extend the compliance deadline for those subareas; the presenter said SB 639 had passed both houses and was anticipated to be signed by the governor before an Oct. 12 deadline mentioned in staff materials.

Staff recommended the council adopt a resolution accepting the Dry Creek North levee engineers report and make a type 1 finding that the area meets the 200-year urban level of flood protection. Staff said it plans to return Oct. 21 with additional engineers reports for the American River North, American River South and Robla/Creek levee systems and, after SB 639 is signed, will bring adequate progress reports for the areas getting an extension.

Councilmember Katie Kaplan said SB 639’s passage was “positive” but warned SAFCA should not offload unfunded responsibilities onto the city. The council adopted the Dry Creek North engineers report and the related finding, with the clerk recording the vote in the meeting minutes.","City staff briefed the council on progress toward meeting the state's 200-year urban level of flood protection, asked council to accept a Dry Creek North engineers report and said state legislation (SB 639) will extend deadlines for Natomas and Beach Lake subareas.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6470835,"Sacramento approves long-term contracts to process residential organics, officials say program meets state recycling law",1431,3432000,4863000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778919-99fe2259f878252241f5d58f3b24f569&start=3432&end=4863","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778919-99fe2259f878252241f5d58f3b24f569/thumbnail_3432000.jpg","/articles/6470835/Sacramento/Sacramento-County/California/Sacramento-approves-long-term-contracts-to-process-residential-organics-officials-say-program-meets-state-recycling-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6470835-6a161e9b0ab6f703194d7907614c208b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176693&Signature=nmFilwgXsvxFUJjxC7niDplPVx-BqLFXVSihw9zQ3cIgS694f3qQ823OFOo3obn6cU8Vi~NEJ4TxrCGbB5G~TgUsQ6tXjjemqaWnSEOJWRacpwtg6fTF9wbGG6M1dCJWqdHwOONpLmjwuTwExIoMr4NMY8K6Kod9pIQOIqhfmPWGow85BmODjm0adZRmU~kFVm2D8cb8XtoHtfyqXeFu-7~UCp7AMuuLROFzZQqtxgA7SAQf6qLD5sHUkdq8pPnTbkOKfWocgFQbCDd~BoYCLrUQ2yXS5KaJAqQFiTmaZckAehgpcACqcVYsYqBedbImFwB6-Ydy8g-4Rngi7dAxuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sacramento City Council approved three 10-year agreements to process the city’s residential organic waste on Oct. 25, the city’s solid waste director told the council.

City staff recommended the contracts with three vendors so the city can continue to collect and process leaf, yard and food waste from weekly collection and special leaf-season pickups. The agreements are designed to keep Sacramento in compliance with Senate Bill 1383, the state law that requires jurisdictions to divert 75 percent of organic waste from landfills by 2025.

The contracts were developed through a regional procurement led with Sacramento County and the city of Folsom. Staff said the joint request-for-proposal process secured economies of scale, better pricing and options to route material to different local processing sites to minimize truck miles and maintain regulatory compliance.

City staff said the evaluation produced three recommended contractors and that the new agreements include modest tonnage minimums and high maximum capacities so the city would not “pay for air” and can redirect material if a facility becomes unavailable. Staff also said the contracts support the city’s climate action goals and its compost giveaway program, which has distributed more than 13,000 bags of compost (about 500 tons) to residents since April.

During public comment, a representative of the California Compost Coalition backed the agreements and described the proposed compost as “certified organic compost” and “clean, source-separated” material that will benefit agriculture and soil health in the region. Councilmembers thanked staff and noted the contracts help stabilize future residential rates; staff said no residential rate increase is forecast for the next two to three years.

After discussion the council voted to approve the processing agreements. Staff said the contracts are 10-year processing agreements with options for renewal; the contract authorization includes not-to-exceed amounts that cover renewal options and contingencies, and the city stressed the near-term commitment would be for the 10-year terms being approved.","City Council approved three 10-year contracts to process residential organics collected by the city's weekly program, part of efforts to comply with state Senate Bill 1383 and reduce landfill disposal.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6470840,"Sacramento City Council honors SHRA executive director LaChelle Dozier and City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood",3067,97000,3164000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778919-99fe2259f878252241f5d58f3b24f569&start=97&end=3164","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778919-99fe2259f878252241f5d58f3b24f569/thumbnail_97000.jpg","/articles/6470840/Sacramento/Sacramento-County/California/Sacramento-City-Council-honors-SHRA-executive-director-LaChelle-Dozier-and-City-Attorney-Susana-Alcala-Wood","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6470840-58a6e68b358896695555e1c6a77c1c78/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176693&Signature=dp9YmcwFAHefS18qvT61GP9nGf56aIJcHIafHDwSpe5ZXsOuyIbI-Oa~GY~dELfWTxKdgN5camvisgFmjm5KHgwb9NJZ-DJfVRKk9092Y39JVUm~PBSLFy1qcVdoecChf~RobC8KyE6o0FQg2Gr5B5UBnp4wsDX64ESMHjK-qa~caIMxRpg~UdSOHAFtaFWkndvuvvkbNwvt4wMBJSSR5cGY5kTmU0fZJ43Hp6OsMNAcBiqJURo9SSj65T5OCj3Hp878LvK1thuMN1cErNDDFiqcmRACtW0vZlVOV8KiCPgp4rWhMQIYPGaU2lQnk5kJokSic9H5cMuwwGWdnkmdWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sacramento City Council on Oct. 25 held special presentations honoring LaChelle Dozier, executive director of the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA), and Susana Alcala Wood, the city's attorney, recognizing their years of public service and leadership.

Councilmember Mai Vang read a resolution noting that Dozier joined SHRA in 2002 and became executive director in February 2009. The resolution credited Dozier with managing a budget of more than $300 million and leading programs that expanded affordable housing, preserved housing stock and revitalized neighborhoods. Councilmember Jennings said Dozier had “always centered racial equity in everything that you do.”

The resolution highlighted projects including the Mirasol Village redevelopment, which replaced the Twin Rivers public housing community and created new homes, an early childhood education center and a future light-rail connection. Councilmembers said Dozier helped SHRA adapt operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw rental assistance that brought more than $200 million in federal funds to serve more than 16,000 families.

“Your leadership will be missed,” Jennings said, thanking Dozier for “a record of leadership and community impact.” Mayor Kevin McCarty told Dozier, “We want to give you your flowers today and salute you for all that you've done.” Dozier said she was “honored and humbled” and described housing as “the foundation for everything,” thanking staff, partners and her family.

Later the council honored Susana Alcala Wood for her nearly eight years as Sacramento city attorney and more than 27 years in the legal profession. Vice Mayor Eric Guerra called Alcala Wood “a trailblazing leader” and noted her role advising the council, the city manager and city departments during the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of civil unrest.

“She's the people's lawyer,” Mayor McCarty said, noting the city attorney's role in enforcing code and representing the city in court. Alcala Wood, who told the council she is leaving to take a position in San Jose, thanked colleagues and staff and recognized her family in the audience.

Both presentations included extended remarks from councilmembers, the mayor and members of the community who praised the honorees' years of service, leadership and mentoring of staff.","The City Council on Oct. 25 held special presentations recognizing LaChelle Dozier for 23 years at the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency and Susana Alcala Wood for nearly eight years as city attorney; both were praised for leadership in housing and legal affairs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves permit framework for cannabis consumption lounges, rejects a per-district cap

Sacramento council debates zoning changes for cannabis businesses, asks staff to craft hybrid permitting approach

Sacramento updates council on urban level flood protection, seeks implementation plans after SB 639 extension

Sacramento approves long-term contracts to process residential organics, officials say program meets state recycling law

Sacramento City Council honors SHRA executive director LaChelle Dozier and City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood