Fines for unlicensed pot grows, sales to rise

Oakley will be increasing fines for those operating unlicensed commercial cannabis businesses.

The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the rise to up to $1,000 per violation or up to $10,000 a day. Currently, the city can issue fines of $100, $200 or $500 for code violations, and there is no cap.

Councilman George Fuller, who was the only one to speak on the issue, applauded the new rules.

“I am strongly opposed to introducing cannabis operations within the city of Oakley,” said the former police officer. “I believe it doesn't fit our lifestyle and doesn't fit our safety plans, so I'm glad that we're taking measures to ensure that we don't have any marijuana growing (operations) and are handling this in a professional manner.”

Assembly Bill 1684, which became effective Jan. 1, allows municipalities to impose higher fines on both the property and each of its owners, declaring the unauthorized business a public nuisance.

Under the new rules, fines can be levied for all unlicensed commercial cannabis activity, including the cultivation, manufacturing, processing, distribution or retail sale of pot products.

Oakley, like many other cities, has had to deal with illegal marijuana grows in residential areas, which sometimes result in fires. In September of 2023, law enforcement raided five such grow houses in East Contra Costa — three in Oakley — and seized more than $2.7 million worth of pot plants.

Personal cultivation limits residents to six plants indoors in Oakley.

The ordinance will return for a second reading and final approval next month.