Cannabis storefront retail license applications now available in Santa Barbara County

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Applications for cannabis storefront retail licenses are now available in Santa Barbara County, and applicants have just over a month to prepare.

Businesses can only submit those applications during the first week of November.

Only one storefront will be allowed in each of six communities - Orcutt, Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos, Isla Vista, Toro Canyon, and the Eastern Goleta Valley.

The county held virtual meetings in each community about the selection process, and it is implementing community feedback in the scoring criteria.

"There's greater emphasis placed on one, local experience and two, a parking plan," said Barney Melekian, assistant CEO of the Santa Barbara County Executive Office. He also said there would be "slightly less emphasis placed on odor control for retail outlets in part because in part there are really no issues" with odor in those retail spaces.

Melekian said that community benefit was also a major point of feedback, and will be considered.

Applications are reviewed on a merit-based criteria scoring system. There are two score sheets, based on business operations and neighborhood compatibility.

The county says you may see the first retail openings next spring.