Frequently Asked Questions

On February 15, 2018, Ordinances No. 3683-C.S and 3684-C.S. (PDF), amending the Municipal Code to regulate commercial cannabis activity and personal cultivation, went into effect. More information is available on the Commercial Cannabis Regulations web page.

Ordinance documents and City Council resolutions are available in the City Document Archives.

Commercial Cannabis zoning, the zoning districts that allow commercial cannabis businesses, are specified in the link. In addition, buffers are 600 feet from schools, daycare establishments and youth centers, 200 feet from parks and libraries, and 100 feet from residential property. To see what the current zoning of a specific address or parcel number is, you may refer to the City of Modesto Geographic Information System (GIS). Please direct other zoning-related inquiries to the City of Modesto Planning Division at 209-577-5267.

No commercial cannabis activity is permitted in a defined downtown area. View the prohibited area map on our website.

The Permit Application period for Retail Dispensary Commercial Cannabis Businesses (Dispensaries) for Phase 1 and Phase 2 is now closed. 

For Non-Retail Commercial Cannabis Permits, there is no deadline. View the permit process for Non-Retail Commercial Cannabis Permits for more information.

The fee schedule can be found on our website.  

There are no restrictions on the number of Non-Retail Commercial businesses. Retail Dispensary Commercial Cannabis Businesses are limited to a maximum of 10 within Modesto city limits.  The Permit Application period for Retail Dispensary Commercial Cannabis Businesses for Phase One and Phase Two is now closed.