HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM #3A - Planning Commission Report - Canna Temp Events 06.26
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 26, 2024 UNFINISHED BUSINESS
SUBJECT: THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL PROGRAM COMPLIANCE FOR A
RECOMMENDATION FOR CANNABIS TEMPORARY EVENTS
FROM: Department of Special Program Compliance
SUMMARY:
This is a request for a recommendation to City Council regarding locations for temporary
cannabis events.
BACKGROUND:
On May 22, 2024, the Department of Special Program Compliance opened a discussion
with the Planning Commission on proposed locations for cannabis temporary events. The
locations presented were compiled by a nine-person workgroup that consisted of local
cannabis professionals. The proposed locations consisted of City parks, identified closed
street locations, and public venues such as the Palm Springs Surf Club.
The proposed locations presented numerous challenges and concerns, including odor and
the inability to host events at venues that are licensed to sell alcohol or tobacco.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Planning Commission may recommend one or more of the proposed locations.; or
2. Planning Commission may recommend that Palm Springs Municipal Code
5.55.100, Temporary Events be repealed.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Temporary cannabis events are multi-day events where people can sell and consume
cannabis. These events last from one to four days at a location approved by a city or
county. Cannabis event organizers host temporary cannabis events. There are various
types of cannabis events that may be held, as described herein.
Planning Commission Staff Report
June 26, 2024
Cannabis Temporary Events
Types of Cannabis Events:
Types of cannabis events could include the following:
Cannabis Conferences: Cannabis conferences are organized with the intention of
bringing together individuals for a common purpose, revolving around cannabis.
They provide an opportunity for attendees to expand their cannabis knowledge
through presentation from industry leaders, investors, doctors, patients, and those
at the forefront of innovation. They also offer insights into legislative developments
and shed light on changes anticipated in the future. These conferences may include
the sale and consumption of product.
Cannabis Conventions: Cannabis conventions are resource hubs for the rapidly
expanding cannabis industry. These are events where businesses, entrepreneurs,
investors, educators, patients, advocates, and consumers can all connect, learn,
and grow. They are focused on local market needs of wherever they are held, but
also tie those needs into the industry at large. These conventions may include the
sale and consumption of product.
Cannabis Expositions and Trade Shows: Cannabis expositions and trade shows are
public exhibitions which operate as a microcosm of the activities taking place in the
cannabis market. They tend to offer an array of activities for an engaging experience.
They also feature an inherent dynamism. This is created by the presence of
interactive exhibits, workshops, and showcasing of innovative technology by various
vendors, and the wide variety of participants from different industries. These
expositions and trade shows may include sale and consumption of product.
Cannabis Festivals: Festival revolving around cannabis, focus on music, advocacy,
education, activism, and having fun with a focus on consuming product.
ANALYSIS:
At the direction of the Planning Commission staff investigated alternate locations to host
cannabis temporary events. This proved to be rather challenging; as, there are limited
locations that are feasible to host said events. Staff confirmed with the Department of
Cannabis Control that premises that are licensed for the sale of alcohol or tobacco are not
eligible to host cannabis events, (see ATTACHMENT A), therefore venues such as the
Palm Springs Surf Club are excluded. Additionally, you cannot smoke or vape in places
where you cannot smoke tobacco, the prohibitions on smoking can be found in Palm
Springs Municipal Code Section 6.10, the purpose of said code section states:
§ 6.10.010 Purpose of chapter.
Because smoking of tobacco, or any other weed or plant, is a positive danger to
health and a cause of material annoyance, inconvenience, discomfort and a health
hazard to those who are present in confined places, and in order to serve public
health, safety and welfare, the declared purpose of this chapter is to prohibit the
Planning Commission Staff Report
June 26, 2024
Cannabis Temporary Events
smoking of tobacco, or any other weed or plant, in certain areas which are used
by or open to the public.
The prohibition includes, but is not limited to:
Every publicly or privately owned theater, auditorium, or other enclosed facility which
is open to the public for the primary purpose of exhibiting any motion picture, stage
drams, musical recital, athletic events or any other performance or event.
Smoking is prohibited and is unlawful within any Park.
Additionally, you cannot consume or possess cannabis on federal lands. You can consume
cannabis at a cannabis lounge or in a private home if the owner allows it.
FINDINGS:
At the direction of the Planning Commission, staff investigated alternate locations to host
cannabis events. The locations included City owned lots and facilities. Staff identified a total
of three potential locations, (ATTACHMENT B):
Visitor’s Center 2901 N. Palm Canyon Drive
Amtrak Train Station 1 Train Station Road
Vacant City Lots (1503 and 1504 Gene Autry)
APN 680-02-0039 and 680-02-0036
CONCLUSION:
Staff anticipates that there will be some community interest in adult-use temporary
cannabis events if authorized by the City at one or more of the proposed venues. Planning
Commission’s recommendations will be presented to Council for consideration in
September 2024.
Director: Veronica Goedhart, Special Program Compliance
Attachments:
1. Email from Department of Cannabis Control
2. Map of Proposed Locations
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2