Submission 2025-54 and Submission 2023-97

Root1 Research LLC is undertaking a cannabis cultivation and retail project located at 353 Webb Rd., Watsonville, California, under the jurisdiction of the Santa Cruz County Cannabis Licensing Office. The project scope includes the cultivation of nursery and mature flowering cannabis plants within hoop houses, the storage of materials in wheeled trailers, and the operation of a farm stand for the retail sale of cannabis goods grown on-site. Site improvements involve the installation of a 12 by 7 foot prefab metal office for retail sales, an additional hoop house, and enhanced security measures including fencing, digital cameras, and motion-sensor lighting. The project is designated as exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for its use of existing facilities and minor land alterations. Operational compliance is mandated through Best Management and Operational Practices (BMOP), which include specific plans for herbivory prevention, riparian buffer protection, waste management, and the storage of hazardous materials. Necessary permits include an annual cultivation and distribution license and a microbusiness license from the Department of Cannabis Control, a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and a water quality protection program permit from the State Water Resources Control Board.