MIT Farms

The MIT Farms cannabis cultivation project in Lake County, California, involves the development of a commercial outdoor growing operation spanning approximately 1.8 acres, with 42,066 square feet of canopy distributed across three designated areas. The facility will utilize imported organic soil in above-ground growing beds and rely exclusively on two existing on-site groundwater wells for irrigation, with drip irrigation systems implemented to ensure water conservation. The cultivation site is to be enclosed by a 6-foot chain-link fence with privacy screening to obstruct public visibility, and all vegetation removal is restricted to trees under six inches in diameter at breast height, preserving native flora. Operations are scheduled to run annually from April 15 to November 15, with active cultivation occurring between May and October and daily activities permitted from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Deliveries and pickups are limited to weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. as per local zoning regulations. The site includes two 120 sq. ft. wooden storage sheds, four employee parking spaces including one ADA-compliant space, and four water storage tanks—three for general use and one dedicated fire suppression tank holding 5,000 gallons. Hazardous materials must be stored in original containers, kept undercover and at least 100 feet from water bodies, with secondary containment and proper labeling compliant with state and federal standards. Waste cannabis must be composted, and erosion controls such as fiber rolls must be maintained during rainy seasons. The project requires approval under Lake County Major Use Permit UP 24-01 and is governed by state cannabis regulations, CEQA guidelines, and numerous environmental and safety codes including the California Building Code, Bay Area Air Quality Management District thresholds, and State Water Board’s Cannabis General Order WQ 2019-001-DWQ. Environmental review has identified potential impacts across aesthetic, air quality, biological, hydrological, wildfire, and cultural resources, with mitigation measures required to reduce all to less than significant levels. Key compliance obligations include annual water quality reporting, implementation of fugitive dust control measures, greenhouse gas emissions modeling via CalEEMod, and mandatory tribal consultation under AB 52, including immediate cessation of work if cultural or human remains are discovered. Security measures require perimeter fencing, alarm systems, surveillance, visitor sign-in protocols, and coordination with