In the City of Belmont, commercial retail and distribution cannabis activities may be considered, subject to an approval process described below. Cannabis delivery services and personal cultivation uses are permitted subject to all applicable State and Federal regulations. Commercial cultivation is not allowed.

Cannabis Retail and Distribution

The City of Belmont adopted a Cannabis Retail and Distribution Overlay Zoning District (S-3) on November 28, 2023 that may be applied to properties located in the El Camino Real corridor between O’Neill Avenue and F Street (view map). Properties within this area may apply to be rezoned to the S-3 District and can then be considered for a Cannabis Use Permit to operate a cannabis retail and distribution business. The City Council has indicated that they will support up to two (2) cannabis retail and distribution businesses within this area.

The adoption of the overlay zone creates a framework to allow for consideration of cannabis retail and distribution businesses but does not authorize the uses until specific properties apply and are approved to be rezoned to the overlay district.

The City developed a proposal process to prequalify parties to submit an application to be rezoned to the S-3 District.  The purpose of this process was to provide the City with an understanding of the proposed cannabis business with regards to the site attributes of the location, business operations, security plan, and potential benefits to the community. In addition, it allowed the City to verify the background and qualifications of all persons associated with the proposed business.

Two cannabis businesses were selected through the proposal process and were granted approval by the City Council at the April 8, 2025 City Council meeting. The approved operators and locations are:

• Canna-Bel at 1397 El Camino Real
• NUG at 1538 El Camino Real

For questions related to this proposal process, please contact Kathy Kleinbaum, Assistant City Manager at kkleinbaum@belmont.gov.

Commercial Cannabis Background Documents - Staff Reports

• November 14, 2023 - First Reading of General Plan Amendment and S-3 District Adoption
• November 28, 2023 - Cannabis Business Prequalification Process
• January 23, 2024 - Cannabis Regulatory Permit

Cannabis Delivery

Belmont does not prohibit delivery of cannabis or cannabis products to a residence within the City from a business located outside the City.

Personal Cannabis Cultivation

Commercial cannabis cultivation is not permitted in the City. Personal cannabis cultivation is permitted, both indoor and outdoor, by a person 21 years or older, only if it is in compliance with the parameters established by Health and Safety Code Section 11362.2 and the following local requirements:

1.  Odor from cultivation must not to be detectable off the grounds of the private residence or from any place accessible to the public;

2.  Cultivation complies with and does not contribute to violation of the State Housing Law, the California Building Standards Codes as locally adopted and amended, the regulations for existing buildings in California Code of Regulations Title 25, and city property maintenance standards applicable to residential property;

3.  Cultivation does not displace required parking; and

4.  Cultivation is at all times a secondary use to an occupied private residence.