Indio, CA to open cannabis licensing in Coachella Valley
Related: California Cannabis Licensing Facts and Figures
Indio, “The City of Festivals’”, long-anticipated application period for the regulation of cannabis storefront retail is quickly approaching in the Coachella Valley. Starting September 1st, applicants can apply for one of the five coveted storefront retail licenses via an online application. This will be a highly competitive, merit-based application process where applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Cannabis Business Permit Application
Financial Responsibility, Indemnity and Consent to Inspection Terms Agreement
Agreement on Limitations of City’s Liability and Indemnification to City
Fees- 08/18 City Council approved Resolution No. 10315 setting the fee schedule for the cannabis program as follows:
5. Criminal Background Check
6. Property Owner Consent/Landlord Affidavit
7. Proof of Insurance or Letter of Insurability from the Insurance Company
8. Proof of Capitalization
9. Zoning Verification Letter
Applicants must ensure they submit a complete application before the period closes at 4:00 PM PT on October 6th.
Submitted applications will undergo a rigorous Phased review as follows:
PHASE I Determinations of Eligibility/ Completeness Review
PHASE II Application Evaluation and Review (1,200)
SECTION A: Business Plan (400 pts)
SECTION B: Labor & Employment Plan (400 pts)
SECTION C: Security Plan (400 pts)
PHASE III Committee Interviews (1,600 pts)
SECTION D: Qualifications of Owners (400 pts)
SECTION E: Neighborhood Compatibility (400 pts)
SECTION F: Community Benefits and Investments Plan (400 pts)
SECTION G: Proposed Site Plan (400 pts)
PHASE IV City Council Interviews Top Applicants
Applicant Presentation
Locally Owned Enterprise in Indio
While local residency is not required to apply, applicants who have resided in the City of Indio for at least one year before 06/01/22 and collectively own more than 50% of the proposed business will score maximum points for the Qualification of Owners section. Partial points will be awarded to Coachella Valley residents who have lived in the Coachella valley for at least one year prior to June 1, 2022, and collectively own greater than 50% of the proposed business. Please see map below for what constitutes the Coachella Valley.
Limits on Multiple Submissions
Applicants who possess an ownership interest of at least 10% is limited to one application submission only. Further, the City will only accept a maximum of two Zoning Verification Letters per APN.
If you are interested in securing a storefront retail license in the City of Indio, home to some of the largest events in the world, including Coachella fest and Stagecoach music festivals, reach out to Global Go today.
Simone Sandoval
Partner / Director of Licensing and Compliance
[email protected]
Simone focuses on cannabis licensing and compliance and has extensive experience in understanding and deciphering complex cannabis regulations. Prior to entering the cannabis industry, Simone worked in Washington, D.C. as an intern for Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36). During her time on the Hill, she worked on legislation, and researched policy on renewable energy, healthcare, and tribal relations.
About Global Go
Global Go provides sophisticated consulting services to the global cannabis and hemp industry. In tandem with strategic allies around the world, Global Go serves clients throughout the world from offices in Austin, Bogota, Chicago, Cyprus, Denver, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, New York, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Quito, São Paulo, Silicon Valley, Toronto, and Zurich. Powered by a team of cannabis industry pioneers and world-class consultants, Global Go helps leading cannabis funds and companies assess and enter new markets; acquire assets; raise capital; launch new product lines; improve SOPs; comply with regulations; implement technology and security systems; find talent; diagnose and execute solutions to growth obstacles; and apply for cannabis licenses (with a 99% success rate on over 175 cannabis license applications across the United States). Learn more at https://globalgo.consulting.
