Belmont will likely see its first couple dispensaries soon, as the city began permitting limited cannabis retail operations more than a year ago.
If approved, Canna-Bel dispensary will be located at 1397 El Camino Real, which currently houses the restaurant Sumac. NUG dispensary would be nearby at 1539 El Camino Real.
At the end of 2023, the city created a zoning district, located on El Camino Real between O’Neill Avenue and F Street, which permits cannabis retail and distribution businesses, provided they complete the full review process. The district allows a maximum of two cannabis businesses, which must be located at least 600 feet from child care facilities or schools.
Allowing cannabis businesses in the city was a multiyear effort and came with a mix of support as well as pushback. The prospective cannabis businesses still need to go before the Planning Commission in March, but the council voiced support for moving forward with the applications and community benefits.
“In an environment where we don’t know what’s happening federally with funding, and if there are things we can control at the local level, adding additional retail to Belmont and diversifying our funding is a good thing,” Councilmember Cathy Jordan said. “I do support both locations.”
Cannabis operators face a 6% business license tax on gross receipts — compared to 0.4% for other retailers — as well as an additional 1.5% to 2% of gross receipts during the first year of operation to go toward Parks and Recreation-related programming or other discretionary community spending. The NUG dispensary would also make a $50,000 donation to the Parks and Recreation Department for a mobile recreation vehicle, according to a staff report.
Unlike most councilmembers, Gina Latimerlo said she preferred that the city move ahead with only one cannabis operator for the time being.
“There are things unique to this business and to this market that we, as a city, need more experience with, so I have no objection to having a cannabis store. I still support the zoning where we have it, but I don’t think we dive into the deep end here,” Latimerlo said. “I think we walk into the shallow end, like at 4 feet, so I support moving forward with only one of these at this time, not both.”
After Planning Commission input, the City Council will also vote on final approval of the retail permits.
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(2) comments
What happens to Sumac Restaurant?
Not a fan of these businesses.
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