In an unusual move, the county Planning Commission signaled this week that it may deny a zoning permit for a cannabis greenhouse operation that lies across the road from the Polo Condos at the western end of the Carpinteria Valley.
The Island Breeze Farms project for two acres of greenhouse cannabis at 3376 Foothill Road was approved by county Planning & Development in March 2023, nearly two years after the county filed a "public nuisance" lawsuit against the owners and operators. On Wednesday, the commission heard an appeal by the Polo Condos Homeowners' Association, representing more than 300 residents, to overturn that approval.
In recent years, Island Breeze has been a frequent target of residential complaints regarding the "skunky" smell of pot, as have two larger cannabis operations in the vicinity — G&K Produce at 3561 Foothill, and Autumn Brands at 3615 Foothill.
Voting 3-2 on Wednesday, with commissioners John Parke and Roy Reed opposed, the commission majority continued the Island Breeze hearing to November 13 to consider the formal findings for a denial of a zoning permit. Commissioner Michael Cooney, who represents the valley, said the proposed odor control plan for the project was inadequate and did not comply with the county's zoning ordinance.
Read more at Santa Barbara Independent.