Sand City, CA
Home MenuPlanning Department
The Planning Department, under the direction of the City Planner, manages and enforces the Zoning Ordinance, Title 18 of the City’s Municipal Code.
The Planning Department is also responsible for the review of development proposals, organizing application processing, public hearings pertaining to such proposals and applications, and the issuance of development permits. Planning Department staff perform both long range and current planning projects. Long range projects include maintaining the City’s General Plan and Housing Element, Local Coastal Plan and Ordinance and Map. Current planning pertains mostly to processing land use and development applications, which includes architectural review, site plan review, land use proposals, property subdivisions, etc. The Planning Department is also responsible in the City’s dealings with regional, State, and Federal agencies involved with land use, land management, transportation, air quality, water quality, public health, and parks & recreation.
Contact the Planning Manager, Nick McIlroy email planning@sandcityca.org.
Contact the Planning Department for information on:
- Sand City West End Parking Plan – Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study (CEQA)
- Sand City West End Parking Plan – Final Draft
- Zoning Codes and Map Parcel Information
- General Plan
- General Plan Map
- Sand City Zoning Map
- Land Development Requirements
- Coastal Zone Regulations
- 2021 Sustainable Transportation Plan
- Sand City Vibrancy Plan
- Sand City West End Parking Plan
- Local Coastal Program - Implementation Plan
- Local Coastal Program - Land Use Plan
Sustainable Transportation Plan
Sand City occupies a key location within the transportation fabric of the Monterey Peninsula region. However, the City’s street network was built for industry in a time when sidewalks and bicycle lanes were not known or not thought to be needed. Because of this there are significant gaps in pedestrian and bicycle facilities within the City.
The City of Sand City has completed a Sustainable Transportation Plan that proposes improvements within and adjacent to Sand City to improve circulation for pedestrians, bicyclists, and the mobility-challenged, and improve access to transit. The Sustainable Transportation Plan was adopted on December 21, 2021 along with certification of a mitigated negative declaration.
Sand City Multiuse Trail Segment of the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail
Vibrancy Plan
The Sand City Vibrancy Plan is aligned with, and builds upon, the City’s General Plan for primarily the South of Tioga and West End Planning Districts. The Vibrancy Plan is designed to facilitate land use transition by providing a large range of ideas and approaches for City Council to select in attaining the City’s ultimate vision. This includes specific ideas on building design, zoning standards, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, directional signs, landscape enhancement, and public art for a “downtown” atmosphere. The Plan also strives to create and promote economic development, incentives, and funding opportunities.
The Vibrancy Plan was prepared by EMC Planning Group, Inc. in cooperation with City staff. The City’s Vibrancy Plan was granted a 2020 “Award of Merit” by the American Planning Association, California Chapter for Economic Planning and Development.
Cannabis Retail Storefront Applications
The City of Sand City is accepting applications to establish up to two (2) retail cannabis stores in the City of Sand City. Operator Permits will be issued for up to two (2) retail store front businesses (Type 10, Business and Professions Code 260019(a), (ai)). Retail Storefront uses are expressly limited to areas of the Edgewater Shopping Center and the Sand Dollar Shopping Center. Zoning district Regional Commercial C-4. See the Sand City Zoning Map for details.
Orientation for Prospective Applicants
An orientation was held in person at Sand City City Hall and virtually via Zoom on July 17, 2025.
Use the following link to view a recording of the orientation meeting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X-LeW3qKtE
Regulations
Such uses are regulated by the City of Sand City in accordance with Sand City Municipal Code Section 18.102 (link) and the various related laws, regulations and administrative procedures established by the State of California Department of Cannabis Control.
Such uses are regulated by the City of Sand City in accordance with Sand City Municipal Code Section 18.102 (link) and the various related laws, regulations and administrative procedures established by the State of California Department of Cannabis Control.
Taxes
The City does not levy a municipal tax specific to the storefront retail sale of cannabis products and related business operations, including associated delivery. Existing Utility Users Tax, a general municipal revenue tax and existing Sales Tax and Use Tax referenced in Municipal Code Chapter 3.16 will apply.
Background Check
Any person who is an owner, operator, manager and/or employee (collectively “Cannabis Business Person(s)”) must undergo a criminal history background check to demonstrate they do not provide “good cause” for denial per SCMC Sections 18.102.060(e).
The background form can be found online at:
https://hdlcompanies.formstack.com/forms/bc_sand_city.
Schedule of Key Dates
|
July 3, 2025 |
Applications available at City Hall or from the City’s website (see below) |
|
July 17, 2025 |
Mandatory orientation for all prospective applicants at City Hall |
|
July 17, 2025 |
Application period for cannabis retail storefront opens |
|
September 1, 2025 |
Deadline for Zoning Verification Letters to be submitted to the |
|
September 8, 2025 |
Deadline for questions, in writing, to the City |
|
September 15, 2025 |
Application period closes |
|
September 22, 2025 |
Eligibility determination; appeal period opens |
|
Date To Be Determined |
Lottery (If more than two applicants determined to be eligible – Lottery results not appealable) |
|
Date To Be Determined |
City Council Hearing Date to consider Conditional Use Permit |
*Cannabis Commercial Retail Business” or “Retailer” means a use requiring solely a Type 10 License wherein cannabis is offered for retail sale solely within a fully enclosed building. Such uses may include delivery, defined in Business and Professions Code 26001(r), and in accordance with applicable provisions of Department of Cannabis Control Regulations Section 15311, as may be amended, and in accordance with state and local laws and regulations.
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