Golden State Genetics Indoor Cannabis Cultivation; File No. UPC18-0005
Summary
SCH Number
2025110119
Public Agency
Sonoma County
Document Title
Golden State Genetics Indoor Cannabis Cultivation; File No. UPC18-0005
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/5/2025
Document Description
The proposed project is a request to legalize an existing indoor cannabis cultivation operation currently cultivating under the County’s Penalty Relief Program (PRP). The current operation is authorized to cultivate up to 3,600 square feet within an existing 3,873 square foot barn on the subject parcel. The approved use would allow for the demolition of the barn and replacement with a new, 5,728 square foot metal barn structure to meet CA Building Code occupancy requirements and allow for up to 5,000 square feet of indoor cultivation on a 5.03-acre parcel zoned DA (Diverse Agriculture), with Combining Districts for Accessory Dwelling Unit Exclusion Zone (Z) and Riparian Corridor (RC100/50); APN 077-060-017.
Contact Information
Name
Ken Compton
Agency Name
Sonoma County Permit Sonoma
Job Title
Planner III
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Shawn Gardner
Agency Name
Golden State Genetics Indoor Cannabis Cultivation
Job Title
Project Applicant
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Sebastopol
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
W Sexton Road
Zip
95472
Total Acres
5.03
Parcel #
059-370-001
State Highways
Highway 101
Railways
NA
Airports
NA
Schools
Apple Blossom Elementary
Waterways
Sexton Creek, Hudspeth Creek, Jonive Creek, Atascadero Creek
Township
06N
Range
09W
Section
08
Base
MDM
Other Location Info
Present Land Use/Zoning/General Plan Designation: Diverse Agriculture; DA B6 20 Z, RC100/50
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Categorical Exemption Sections 15301(e) for Existing Facilities, and 15302(b) Replacement or Reconstruction
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the CEQA Guidelines pursuant to the Provisions of Title 14 of the California Administrative Code, Sections 15301(e) (Existing Facilities), and 15302(b) (Replacement or Reconstruction) as the project would involve the continued use of a portion of the parcel for the purposes of indoor cannabis cultivation. The structure would be expanded by approximately 1,850 square feet on a disturbed portion of the parcel and in the approximate location of existing barn (to be demolished), which is both an expansion of less than 50 percent of the floor area of the structure before the expansion and less than 2,500 square feet, and would be a replacement of a commercial structure with a new structure of substantially the same purpose. Construction would occur outside of streamside conservation areas and would employ erosion control measures to minimize potential sediment transfer. The remainder of the site, consisting of approximately 4.9-acres (97% of the parcel) would remain unchanged.
The increase in maximum canopy from 3,600 square feet to 5,000 square feet aligns with licensing for “Specialty Indoor” cultivation between 501 and 5,000 square feet of canopy and is supported by a net zero Water Conservation Plan, to be implemented as required by project conditions, to reduce overall water demand by 40% through water recycling and rainwater catchment. The project would utilize and existing well on the parcel. Total groundwater use for the project will be monitored and reported annually to the lead agency with a limitation of 0.2-acre feet per year and a prohibition on groundwater extraction during dry months. Domestic wastewater would utilize an existing septic system and leach area on the parcel. Equipment for the operation, inclusive of fans and ventilation to control odor and humidity, would not exceed County noise standards. Other elements of the project, including the overall number of employees, would remain unchanged.
No exceptions listed under Section 15300.2 apply. There is no reasonable possibility that the project would have a significant effect on the environment.
County Clerk
Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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