The Final Inspection is a critical step in the process of obtaining your Operating Permit. Before you can legally begin your commercial cannabis operations, your business must pass this inspection to ensure that it complies with all city, state, and DCR (Department of Cannabis Regulation) regulations. Here’s what you need to know about the Final Inspection process and how to prepare.
Preparing for Your Final Inspection
Before requesting your Final Inspection, make sure you have completed the following steps:
- Clearances from other Governments: Ensure that you have obtained all required clearances from other government agencies. Without these clearances, your inspection request will not be accepted. For more information, please see here.
- Submit Required Documents: Use the Document Upload Portal to submit all necessary permits, clearances, and licenses required by law, including:
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health permits
- State licenses corresponding to your cannabis activities
- Permits from other government agencies
- Ensure Your Premises Are Ready: The Compliance Analyst will inspect the premises, which will include a full walk through of your business premises, including a review of required signage, security systems, personnel records, Standard Operating Procedures, Metrc (Track and Trace), amongst other items that will be checked during the final inspection.
- How to Prepare:
- Schedule Your Final Inspection: Once your documents have been submitted and your premises are ready, you can request a Final Inspection through the DCR Enforcement Accela Portal or by emailing DCRCompliance@lacity.org with the subject line:
“Request for Final Inspection – [DCR Record Number]”
What to Expect During the Final Inspection
The Final Inspection ensures that your business premises are fully compliant with all regulatory requirements. Here’s what the Compliance Analyst will review during the inspection:
- Premises Condition: The overall condition of your business premises, to ensure your premises are free of graffiti, trash, debris, and that is compliance with safety standards. Any graffiti must be removed within 72 hours of its appearance, and all adjacent areas under your control must be maintained in good condition.
- Required Signage: Confirm that all required signage, such as “No Loitering” signs, emergency contact information, and designated neighborhood liaison information, is visible and accurate.
- Outdoor Lighting: Check that all outdoor lighting is shielded and downward-facing to ensure proper visibility at night.
- Surveillance Systems: Verify that a digital surveillance system is installed and operational. Cameras must cover all entrances and exits, limited access areas, and points of sale. The footage must be stored for at least 90 days, with secure access to prevent tampering.
- Ventilation and Odor Control: Ensure that exhaust systems are properly ventilated, and the smell of cannabis is not detectable outside the premises. All rooftop equipment must be screened from public view.
- Security Measures: Licensed security personnel must be on-site during operating hours, and a functional alarm system must be in place with the alarm permitted by the Los Angeles Police Department.
- Employee Identification: Employees must wear identification badges at all times while conducting business, displaying their name, photo, and DCR license number.
- Conduct: Licensee must actively monitor and discourage loitering, nuisance activity, and any illegal conduct on the premises. Compliance Analysts will ensure that the property and surrounding areas are free from such activity.
- Business Premises Diagram: DCR may require an updated business premises diagram reflecting any layout changes. The diagram must include clearly marked entry and exit points.
Before scheduling a Final Inspection or being eligible to receive an Operating Permit, your business must obtain any required clearances from other City and County agencies. These clearances help ensure that your premises meet all applicable building, safety, public health, and operational standards.
Please note that while not all agencies listed below may apply to every license type or activity, you should contact each agency to confirm whether a clearance is required for your specific commercial cannabis activity(ies).
Below is an overview of the agencies DCR refers Licensees and Applicants to, and the general requirements associated with each:
- California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC): All Licensees must obtain a valid Annual License from the DCC before they can request a Final Inspection or be eligible to receive a City Operating Permit. Visit DCC Website
- Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS): All commercial cannabis businesses must comply with applicable building and zoning codes. This includes undergoing plan check reviews and obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy that corresponds with the cannabis activity or activities being conducted at the location. DCR is referring applicants and licensees who have not yet been permitted with LADBS to begin this process by using the DCR Referral for LADBS Plan Check form (INT-4001-FORM). A sample form is linked below for reference only. To receive a version specific to your business, please email DCRLicensing@lacity.org. View Sample here, INT-4001-FORM.
Visit LADBS Website:Plan Review & Permitting and Restaurant & Small Business Express Program
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH): All commercial cannabis businesses must obtain a valid health permit, regardless of their license type or activity. Additionally, Storefront Retailers must display a current Emblem Placard issued by LACDPH. Businesses must also complete the DCR Attestation: Public Health, Building & Operating Permits (LIC-4025-FORM) to certify compliance. Visit LACDPH Website
- Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD): Ensure your premises meet fire safety regulations. Visit LAFD: Visit the Fire Development Services Unit for fire related plan checks and permits, and the Fire Prevention Bureau (Cannabis Unit) for the required annual Fire Life Safety Inspection. To request a Fire Life Safety Inspection, email LAFDcannabis@lacity.org.
- Los Angeles Department of Bureau of Engineering (BOE): Ensure infrastructure-related requirements are met for your premises. Visit BOE Website
- Los Angeles Department of Bureau of Sanitation (LASAN): Ensure your business complies with waste disposal and sanitation regulations. Visit LASAN Website: Required Wastewater Permit and the Local Industrial Wastewater Permit Application
- Los Angeles Department of Office of Finance: Ensure all necessary business tax registrations and financial obligations are met. Visit Office of Finance
Need help understanding these requirements?
DCR hosted a webinar titled “Permit & New Requirements for License Renewal” on May 28, 2025, which explains these clearances in greater detail and introduces the new required forms.
Watch the Webinar
View Presentation Slides
Also, the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) has a Restaurant and Small Business Express Program that helps entrepreneurs unfamiliar with the permit process. For those that participate, the Program assigns a project a case manager to help the business owner navigate the permit process with all city departments. For more information, click here.