REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL November 14, 2019 FROM: Vice President Arias and Councilmember Soria SUBJECT ..Title Actions related to amending the Cannabis Retail Business and Commercial Cannabis Business Ordinance: 1. Adopt a finding that there is no possibility that this approval will have a significant effect on the environment pursuant to the common sense exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and 2. BILL - (For re-introduction) - Amending sections 9- 3307, 9-3308, 9-3309, 9-3310, 9-3311, 9-3312, 9-3313, 9-3314, 9-3316, 9-3317, 9-3318, 9-3319, 9- 3321, 9-3328, 9-3335, and 9-3337 of the Fresno Municipal Code related to Cannabis Retail Business and Commercial Cannabis Business. ..Body RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt amendments to Article 33 to Chapter 9 of the Fresno Municipal Code, pertaining to Cannabis Retail Business and Commercial Cannabis Business. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS This project is covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Because this approval makes changes to the Cannabis Regulatory Ordinance but does not allow any business to actually begin operating until after further environmental review takes place, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that amending the ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), no further review pursuant to CEQA is required at this time. Attachments: Amendments to Article 33 to Chapter 9 of the Fresno Municipal Code REDLINES Article 33 of Chapter 9 DRAFT Cannabis Industrial Buffer Map DRAFT Cannabis Retail Buffer Map by District