Cannabis Ordinance

Ordinance Summary

The high level summary is as follows:

• A maximum of 6 plants, not to exceed 50 square feet are allowed by parcel
• Cultivation is only allowed on parcels that have a legal residence on them
• Cultivation may be done indoors in either a residence or a secure accessory structure
• Cultivation may be done outdoors, in unincorporated cities, with a 100 feet setback from property lines, 600 feet setback from schools, churches, and “youth oriented facilities”, and closer to the grower’s house than any neighbor’s.
• All commercial activities are prohibited.
• Enforcement penalties will be accomplished through an Administrative Civil Penalty process involving a hearing officer. Fines of up to $1,000/plant are authorized.
• Enforcement lead will be County Code Enforcement with help from the Sheriff’s Office.

Cannabis Waste Burning

Effective January 1, 2019, the open burning of vegetative waste from the growing of cannabis is prohibited in Placer County, as included in the amendments to District Rules 301, 302 and 305 adopted by Placer County Air Pollution Control District. In summary, the following cannabis waste provisions are effective January 1, 2019, and thereafter:

• All residential open burning of cannabis waste is prohibited.
• The open burning of waste from commercially grown cannabis is prohibited. Industrial hemp is excluded from the burning prohibition and may be burned subject to the District’s agricultural burning requirements. A District permit is required.
• The open burning of cannabis vegetative waste, including industrial hemp, is allowed for fire hazard reduction, right-of-way, ditch or levee clearing or burning conducted by a public officer, in accordance with District rules and subject to the conditions of a District burn permit.

The full text of the amended rules are available on the District’s website.