BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The California City Council passed an ordinance Tuesday night temporarily prohibiting new cannabis businesses in the city in the hopes of addressing several issues like odor control and public safety concerns related to the industry.

The four members of the City Council unanimously voted to adopt a zoning urgency ordinance that would impose a temporary moratorium on the approval of new cannabis uses and approvals, including pending applications.

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The ordinance went into effect immediately for 45 days.

The city will continue accepting applications, but won’t be able to approve them. Existing cannabis businesses can continue operating without any changes but can’t expand.

City officials identified seven “immediate threats” that additional cannabis businesses would pose, including odor issues and public safety concerns.

Councilman Ronald Smith said he doesn’t know how cannabis businesses are able to operate when they clearly lack proper filtration systems and Cal City’s municipal code calls for zero emissions.

He said 45 days would give the city a chance to work on at least some of its issues with the cannabis industry.

“This is not shutting things down, this is trying to get our house in order,” Smith said.

Mayor Marquette Hawkins said public safety concerns arise from cannabis facilities and locations that close and leave behind “a trail of trash and paraphernalia and unsafe materials in their wake.”

“I think in doing this, it would help to benefit the community as a whole,” Hawkins said at the meeting.

The City Council also discussed possibly requiring performance bonds for new businesses coming into Cal City.

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During this time, the city has to issue a written report describing the measures it took to improve the city’s conditions at least 10 days before the 45-day ordinance expires, according to the agenda.

The report will explain what staff reviewed, what code or policy amendments are being considered and whether or not additional time is needed to complete the analysis and why.

It would also describe the reason if the city believes the ordinance needs to be extended, according to city officials.

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