City of Redding Code Enforcement responded to complaints regarding offensive foul odors associated with cultivating cannabis plants outdoors on residential property. City Code Enforcement staff conducted inspections throughout the city limits after residents complained how living at their own residence has been interrupted by strong offensive odors that prevented them from opening the windows and doors or enjoying their patios and yards. Residents often complained about wanting to protect their children and families. This concern was voiced repeatedly at public meetings with city officials when the subject of accepting cannabis in the Redding community was being considered after Proposition 64 was passed by the California electorate in 2016. After state approval, all city (482) and county (58) governments were authorized to decide whether to allow cannabis related businesses (cultivation, manufacture, processing, laboratory testing, storage, delivery, distribution, or retail sale of recreational or medical cannabis). The City of Redding chose to permit cannabis businesses and passed associated regulations that include a residential permit to cultivate up to a maximum six (6) cannabis plants indoors. The regulations are published in Chapter 6.12 of the City of Redding Municipal Code. The public can review the regulations that became effective on April 20, 2018 with a direct query online and/or the city website at the following link: https://library.municode.com/ca/redding/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT6BUTALIRE_CH6.12CA
In addition, two locations were closed for commercial operations indoors. On April 20, 2018 a commercial indoor cannabis operation with 463 cannabis plants was conducted at a single-family home on the 1400 block of Spaniel Court. The operator, Benjamin Segan was issued an administrative citation and ordered to cease the illegal operation. The property owner was also advised that he was responsible for achieving compliance. On November 14, 2018, an unlicensed cannabis dispensary was operating at 2600 block of Henderson Road. The operator Epic Summit, a California Corporation, was issued an administrative citation and ordered to cease the illegal operation. The property owner was also advised that he was responsible for achieving compliance.
The cannabis issue has been a subject in conversations on radio, print, television, the internet and various outlets of the media and social media nearly every week for over three (3) years. Any cultivation of cannabis that is not in compliance with City of Redding and State of California laws relating to cannabis is a threat to the public health, safety and welfare because it supports the black market. The City will have several dispensaries (one has already opened), indoor cultivation (2 were recently approved) and other legitimate cannabis businesses pursuant to good business development and responsible investments in the Redding community. The objective of the laws is to eliminate the unsafe products from being distributed to the public through Licensing, Track and Trace, and the Quality Testing features of the regulations. Violations of the city cannabis laws carry a fine up to $1,000 (per violation/plant). The City of Redding Code Enforcement inspected several locations and issued 34 citations that ranged from $1,000 to $46,000 for a total to date of $446,450. The public is encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on this subject online at the following link: https://www.cityofredding.org/home/showdocument?id=18989
