REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL December 5, 2019 FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, Director Planning and Development Department SUBJECT ..Title Authorizing the Director of Planning & Development to enter into an agreement not to exceed $330,000 with Ascent Environmental, Inc. to complete an Environmental Impact Report evaluating the Proposed Regulation and Permitting of Commercial Cannabis Activities. ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve the contract with Ascent Environmental, Inc. to complete an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) evaluating the Proposed Regulation and Permitting of Commercial Cannabis Activities not to exceed $330,000 and authorize the execution of related documents by the Director of Planning & Development or designee. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The proposed EIR will complete a programmatic assessment of the addition of Cannabis to the City's Development Code to allow cannabis operations within the City. The scope of work will comply with Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines. BACKGROUND On December 14, 2017, the Fresno City Council directed staff to initiate the process to amend the zoning code to allow medicinal cannabis operations, cultivation, manufacturing, extraction, testing, distribution, delivery, and dispensaries within the City. Subsequently, in March 2018, the Director initiated an amendment to the zoning code to allow for adult use cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, extraction, testing, and distribution - but not adult use retail sales or delivery. On December 13, 2018, the Fresno City Council adopted a cannabis regulatory ordinance which includes requirements for medicinal and adult use cannabis permits, operation requirements, location restrictions, and application requirements. The proposed EIR will complete a programmatic assessment of the addition of Cannabis to the City's Development Code to allow cannabis operations within the City. The scope of work will comply with Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines. The EIR is anticipated to be completed and presented to City Council for certification in late spring, 2020. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS This approval is not a project for the purposes of CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. LOCAL PREFERENCE N/A FISCAL IMPACT The cost will be recouped through associated application fees identified through a nexus study. Attachment: Consultant Services Agreement