CANNABIS BUSINESSES

SEA-MC tit. 6, subtit. IV, ch. 6.500

in effect

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.010 Application of other provisions

6.500.010 - Application of other provisions The licenses provided for in this Chapter are subject to the general provisions of the new Seattle License Code set forth in Chapter 6.202 as now or hereafter amended. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of Chapter 6.202 and this Chapter 6.500, the provisions of this Chapter 6.500 shall control. (Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.020 Definitions

6.500.020 - Definitions For the purposes of this Chapter 6.500 the following definitions are adopted: "Authorization" means a form developed by the Washington State Department of Health that is completed and signed by a qualifying patient's health care professional and printed on tamper-resistant paper. "Cannabis" means all parts of the plant Cannabis, whether growing or not, with a THC concentration greater than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis during the growing cycle through harvest and useable cannabis. "Cannabis" does not include hemp or industrial hemp as defined in RCW 15.140.020, or seeds used for licensed hemp production under chapter 15.140 RCW. "Cannabis business" means any person licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and The City of Seattle to grow, possess, produce, process, manufacture, sell (whether at wholesale or retail), distribute, transport, allow for consumption on their premises, or deliver cannabis, and includes, but is not limited to, any cannabis processor, producer, or retailer, regardless of whether the cannabis is intended for medical or recreational use. "Cannabis concentrates" means products consisting wholly or in part of the resin extracted from any part of the plant Cannabis and having a THC concentration greater than ten percent. "Cannabis health and beauty aid" means a product containing parts of the cannabis plant and which: (a) is intended for use only as a topical application to provide therapeutic benefit or to enhance appearance; (b) contains a THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent; (c) does not cross the blood-brain barrier; and (d) is not intended for ingestion by humans or animals. "Cannabis-infused products" means products that contain cannabis or cannabis extracts, are intended for human use, are derived from cannabis, and have a THC concentration no greater than ten percent. The term "cannabis-infused products" does not include either useable cannabis or cannabis concentrates. "Cannabis license" or "license" means a license issued by the Director giving permission to a person to engage in a cannabis business in Seattle. "Cannabis processor" means a person licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to process cannabis into cannabis concentrates, useable cannabis, and cannabis-infused products, package and label cannabis concentrates, useable cannabis, and cannabis-infused products for sale in retail outlets, and sell cannabis concentrates, useable cannabis, and cannabis-infused products at wholesale to cannabis retailers. "Cannabis producer" means a person licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to produce and sell cannabis at wholesale to cannabis processors and other cannabis producers. "Cannabis producer—small business" means a cannabis producer holding a Tier 1 cannabis producer license from Washington State whose total space for cannabis production is less than 4,000 square feet; "Cannabis products" means useable cannabis, cannabis concentrates, and cannabis-infused products as defined in this Section 6.500.020, including any product intended to be consumed or absorbed inside the body by any means including inhalation, ingestion, or insertion, with any detectable amount of THC. "Cannabis products" also means any product containing only THC content. "Cannabis products" does not include cannabis health and beauty aids as defined in this Section 6.500.020 or products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. "Cannabis retailer" means a person licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to sell cannabis concentrates, useable cannabis, and cannabis-infused products in a retail outlet. "Cannabis transporter" means a person licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to physically transport or deliver cannabis, cannabis concentrates, and cannabis-infused products between licensed cannabis businesses within Washington State. "Department" means the Department of Finance and Administrative Services of The City of Seattle. "Designated provider" means a person who is 21 years of age or older and: 1. a. Is the parent or guardian of a qualifying patient who is under the age of 18 years and holds a recognition card; or b. Has been designated in writing by a qualifying patient to serve as the designated provider for that patient; 2. a. Has an authorization from the qualifying patient's health care professional; or: 1) Has been entered into the medical cannabis authorization database as being the designated provider to a qualifying patient; 2) Has been provided a recognition card; 3) Is prohibited from consuming cannabis obtained for the personal, medical use of the qualifying patient for whom the individual is acting as designated provider; 4) Provides cannabis to only the qualifying patient that has designated them; 5) Is in compliance with the terms and conditions of chapter 69.51A RCW; and 6) Is the designated provider to only one patient at any one time. "Director" means the Director of the Department of Finance and Administrative Services of The City of Seattle or that Director's designee. "Employee" means any individual who is employed by an employer in return for the payment of direct or indirect monetary wages or profit, any individual who volunteers their services to an employer for no monetary compensation, or any individual who performs work or renders services, for any period of time, at the direction of an owner, lessee, or other person in charge of a place. "Engaging in business" has the meaning provided in Section 5.30.210. "Gross profit" means the entire gross receipts from all sales and services made in, upon, or from the licensed business. "Health care professional" means a physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW, a physician assistant licensed under chapter 18.71A RCW, an osteopathic physician licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW, a naturopath licensed under chapter 18.36A RCW, or an advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW. "Juvenile" means any individual who is under the chronological age of 18 years. "Medical cannabis authorization database" means the secure and confidential database created by the Washington State Department of Health pursuant to RCW 69.51A.230. "Net profit" means gross sales minus cost of goods sold. "Operator" means any person operating, conducting, or maintaining a cannabis business. "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, marital community, joint venture, governmental entity, or other entity or group of persons however organized. "Process" means to engage in any one or more of the activities of a cannabis processor. "Produce" means to plant, grow, or harvest cannabis for medical or recreational use. "Qualifying patient" means a person who: 1. Is a patient of a health care professional; 2. Has been diagnosed by that health care professional as having a terminal or debilitating medical condition; 3. Is a resident of the state of Washington at the time of such diagnosis; 4. Has been advised by that health care professional about the risks and benefits of the medical use of cannabis; 5. Has been advised by that health care professional that they may benefit from the medical use of cannabis; 6. a. Has an authorization from their health care professional; or b. Has been entered into the medical cannabis authorization database and has been provided a recognition card; and 7. Is otherwise in compliance with the terms and conditions of chapter 69.51A RCW. "Qualifying patient" does not include a person who is actively being supervised for a criminal conviction by a corrections agency or department that has determined that the terms of chapter 69.51A RCW are inconsistent with and contrary to that person's supervision and all related processes and procedures related to that supervision. "Recognition card" means a card issued to qualifying patients and designated providers by a cannabis retailer with a medical cannabis endorsement that has entered them into the medical cannabis authorization database. "Social equity applicant" means an applicant who has been issued a license by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board under the social equity program established in RCW 69.50.335. "Successor" means any person to whom the owner(s) of a cannabis business who are quitting, selling out, exchanging, or disposing of the cannabis business sells or otherwise conveys, directly or indirectly, the owner's or owners' share of the business, or any part of the materials, supplies, merchandise, inventory, fixtures, or equipment of the business in bulk and not in the ordinary course of the person's marijuana business. Any person obligated to fulfill the terms of a contract shall be deemed a successor to any contractor defaulting in the performance of any contract as to which such person is a surety or guarantor. "Tamper-resistant paper" means paper that meets one or more of the following industry-recognized features: 1. One or more features designed to prevent copying of the paper; 2. One or more features designed to prevent the erasure or modification of information on the paper; or 3. One or more features designed to prevent the use of counterfeit authorization. "True party of interest" means: 1. For a sole proprietorship, the sole proprietor and spouse. 2. For a general partnership, all partners and their spouses. 3. For a limited partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited liability limited partnership, all general partners and their spouses and all limited partners and their spouses. 4. For a limited liability company, all members and their spouses, and all managers and their spouses. 5. For a privately held corporation, all corporate officers (or persons with equivalent title) and their spouses, and all stockholders and their spouses. 6. For a publicly held corporation, all corporate officers (or persons with equivalent title) and their spouses, and all stockholders and their spouses. 7. For multilevel ownership structures, all persons and entities that make up the ownership structure and their spouses. 8. Any entity or person (inclusive of financiers) that is expecting a percentage of the profits in exchange for a monetary loan or expertise, any entity or person who is in receipt of, or has the right to receive, a percentage of the gross or net profit from the licensed business during any full or partial calendar or fiscal year, or any entity or person who exercises control over the licensed business in exchange for money or expertise. "True party of interest" does not mean: 1. A person or entity receiving reasonable payment for rent on a fixed basis under a bona fide lease or rental obligation, unless the lessor or property manager exercises control over or participates in the management of the business. 2. A person who receives a bonus as an employee, if: the employee is on a fixed wage or salary and the bonus is not more than 25 percent of the employee's pre-bonus annual compensation; or the bonus is based on a written incentive/bonus program that is not out of the ordinary for the services rendered. 3. A person or entity contracting with the applicant(s) to sell the property, unless the contract holder exercises control over or participates in the management of the licensed business. "Useable cannabis" means dried cannabis flowers. The term "useable cannabis" does not include either cannabis-infused products or cannabis concentrates. (Ord. No. Ord. No. 127059, § 1, 2024; Ord. 126664, § 2, 2022; Ord. 125516, § 1, 2018; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.030 License required

6.500.030 - License required A. It is unlawful for any person to engage in a cannabis business in the City unless such person possesses a valid cannabis license and is in compliance with all provisions of this Chapter 6.500. B. The following are exempt from the requirement to obtain a cannabis license: 1. Cannabis businesses located on federal lands. 2. Persons licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to conduct quality assurance testing or research on cannabis for scientific purposes. 3. Manufacturers and distributors of cannabis health and beauty aids. (Ord. 126664, § 3, 2022 [changed "marijuana" to "cannabis" and other cleanup]; Ord. 125516, § 2, 2018; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.040 General provisions

6.500.040 - General provisions A. No cannabis business shall be located within another business. More than one cannabis business licensee may be located in the same building if each licensee occupies an area that is physically separate from any other business and has its own separate entrance. Licensees shall not commingle cannabis and cannabis products. B. No cannabis processor licensed by the Department shall conduct the processing, storage, or sale of cannabis-infused products except using sanitary practices and ensuring facilities are constructed, kept, and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition pursuant to rules prescribed by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, Seattle Fire Department, Washington Department of Agriculture under Chapters 16-165 and 16-167 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), and Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. C. Consumption of cannabis or cannabis products is prohibited on licensed premises unless expressly permitted by license type. D. Signs containing the following language must be conspicuously posted at each entry: "Persons under 21 years of age are not permitted on these premises without a valid qualifying patient card. Juvenile qualifying patients must be accompanied by their designated provider at all times." E. Cannabis and cannabis products may only be sold or provided to the public by retail licensees from their licensed business locations or by other licensees expressly permitted by license type to sell or provide cannabis or cannabis products to the public. F. Cannabis and cannabis products shall not be sold, donated or transferred at festivals, fairs, farmers' markets, or other similar events without a license expressly permitting such activities. G. Licensees may only purchase cannabis and cannabis products from another licensee in compliance with Section 5.55.030 of the Seattle Municipal Code and this Chapter 6.500. (Ord. 126664, § 4, 2022; Ord. 125516, § 3, 2018; Ord. 124919, § 31, 2015; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.050 License applications

6.500.050 - License applications A. Only persons who possess a valid Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board license to engage in a cannabis business, including but not limited to a license to produce, process, distribute, or transport cannabis or cannabis products are eligible for a City cannabis license. B. Those persons licensed by the Liquor and Cannabis Board to conduct quality assurance testing or research on cannabis for scientific purposes are exempted from the requirement to acquire the license created by this Chapter 6.500. Manufacturers and distributors of cannabis health and beauty aids are likewise exempted from the requirement to acquire a license created by this Chapter 6.500. C. Cannabis businesses that are not located within Seattle city limits but provide cannabis or cannabis products to cannabis businesses located in Seattle city limits must obtain cannabis licenses. D. All applications shall be submitted by and issued in the name(s) of the true party(ies) of interest and shall be signed by such person(s) and certified as true under penalty of perjury, and shall be accompanied by written evidence sufficient to show that such person(s) are the owner, operator, or lessee of the premises. All applications shall be submitted on a form supplied by the Director. 1. Failure to provide complete information required on an application form approved by the Director's form shall render the application incomplete and the license consequently shall be denied. 2. Within 30 days of any change in the information required to be submitted in this Section 6.500.050, each licensee shall notify the Director in writing of such change on a form provided by the Director. E. Applicants shall comply with all City and State laws, including but not limited to license or tax obligations and all provisions of this Chapter 6.500. F. Licensees who cease to engage in cannabis business activities must notify the Department within 15 days of discontinuation. (Ord. 126664, § 5, 2022; Ord. 125516, § 4, 2018; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.060 License—Applicant investigation

6.500.060 - License—Applicant investigation A. The Director is authorized to investigate each license application and may review an applicant's business records and inspect the proposed business premises. B. The Director may request that appropriate City departments confirm that an applicant is in compliance with City regulations. A department to which such a request has been directed shall determine whether the applicant, activity, and/or premises comply with City laws, rules, and regulations enforced by that department, and that department shall notify the Director of any violations found. C. The Director may conduct an investigation of any person or entity that exercises any control over the applicant's business operations, including but not limited to a financial investigation and/or a criminal history background. (Ord. 125516, § 5, 2018; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.070 Inspection of premises

6.500.070 - Inspection of premises A. Applicants shall allow the premises sought to be licensed under this Chapter 6.500 and all books and records to be inspected by persons authorized by the Director, Fire and Police Departments, Seattle-King County Health Department, and Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to ensure that the applicant meets all licensing and other legal requirements. Failure to grant access shall result in denial of the license application. B. Each licensee shall allow the licensed premises, including all books and records, to be inspected in accordance with and in the same manner as in subsection 6.500.070.A. Refusal to grant access to authorized persons shall result in a non-renewal or revocation of the license. (Ord. 125516, § 6, 2018; Ord. 124919, § 32, 2015; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.080 License and related fees

6.500.080 - License and related fees A. Licenses shall expire June 30 each year and be annually renewable. The following annual fees shall apply: 1. Cannabis license - Located in Seattle: $3500 2. Cannabis license for cannabis producer - small business - Located in Seattle: $2,000 3. Cannabis license for cannabis transporter - Located in Seattle: $2,000 4. Cannabis license for social equity applicants - Located in Seattle: $0 5. Cannabis license - Located outside Seattle: $2,000 6. Cannabis license for social equity applicants - Located outside Seattle: $0 B. License fees are non-refundable. C. License fees are not prorated. D. Related fees 1. Relocation of physical address: $250 2. Relocation of physical address for social equity applicants: $0 E. The Director shall review annually the licensing fees in this Section 6.500.080 and may make any necessary adjustments in a Director's Rule to ensure the fees achieve full cost recovery of the Department's administrative, enforcement, and other regulatory costs based on, but not limited to, consideration of the following factors: 1. The projected costs and annual budget allotted for administrative, enforcement, and regulatory costs across the cannabis industry; and 2. The need for increased enforcement to reduce illegal activity. (Ord. 126664, § 6, 2022; Ord. 125703, § 4, 2018; Ord. 125516, § 7, 2018; Ord. 125194, § 1, 2016; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.090 Issuance of licenses

6.500.090 - Issuance of licenses A. The Director shall deny a license and shall notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for denial and the opportunity to appeal, if the Director finds any of the following: 1. The application does not meet the requirements of this Chapter 6.500; or 2. The applicant or any employee, agent, partner, director, officer, or manager has knowingly made any false, misleading, or fraudulent omission or statement of material fact in the application for a license, or in any report or record required to be filed with the Director; or 3. The applicant or any employee, agent, partner, director, officer, or manager of the applicant has not attained the age of 21 years at the time that the application was submitted; or 4. The applicant or any employee, agent, partner, director, officer, or manager of the applicant is currently the subject of a final license suspension or revocation order issued pursuant to this Chapter 6.500 that became final less than three years before the date that the pending application was submitted; or 5. The applicant has not provided written evidence that the applicant is the current owner, operator, or lessee of the business premises to be licensed; or 6. The property at which the business is located has been determined by a court to be a chronic nuisance property as provided in Chapter 10.09; or 7. The license may be otherwise denied under Section 6.202.230. B. No license shall be issued to: 1. A person under the age of 21 years; 2. A partnership, employee cooperative, association, nonprofit corporation, or corporation unless formed under the laws of this state, and unless all of the members thereof are qualified to obtain a license as provided in this Section 6.500.090; or 3. A person whose place of business is conducted by a manager or agent, unless the manager or agent possesses the same qualifications required of the licensee. C. The Director may, subject to the provisions of Sections 6.500.140, 6.500.145, 6.500.147 and 6.500.150, suspend or revoke any license for violations of this Chapter 6.500. (Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.100 State regulatory provisions—Director to adopt rules

6.500.100 - State regulatory provisions—Director to adopt rules The Director shall adopt rules that incorporate applicable provisions of the Washington Administrative Code relating to the regulation of cannabis businesses by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, and shall periodically review and update such rules as changes are made to such provisions of the Washington Administrative Code. (Ord. 126664, § 7, 2022 [changed "marijuana" to "cannabis" and other cleanup]; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.110 Restricted access for persons under 21 years of age

6.500.110 - Restricted access for persons under 21 years of age A. It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to be in or upon any licensed premises, except that qualifying patients ages 18 to 21 years in possession of a valid recognition card and juveniles both in possession of a valid recognition card and accompanied by a designated provider may enter upon the premises of a licensed cannabis retail business as long as the retailer possesses a Washington State-issued medical cannabis endorsement. B. It is unlawful for any owner, operator, manager, employee, or other person in charge of a cannabis business to allow any person under the age of 21 years to be in or upon any licensed premises, except that qualifying patients ages 18 to 21 years in possession of a valid recognition card and juveniles both in possession of a valid recognition card and accompanied by a designated provider may enter upon the premises of a licensed cannabis retail business as long as the retailer possesses a medical cannabis endorsement. C. All licensees shall affirmatively check the identifications and confirm the ages of all persons who enter or are on the premises. D. Cannabis retailers with medical endorsements shall issue recognition cards in accordance with state law and shall confirm the validity of authorizations and recognition cards when selling cannabis or cannabis products under their medical cannabis endorsements. (Ord. 126664, § 8, 2022 [changed "marijuana" to "cannabis" and other cleanup]; Ord. 125516, § 8, 2018; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.120 License—Transfer of interest

6.500.120 - License—Transfer of interest The licenses issued under this Chapter 6.500 are not transferable. However, an interest in a business entity holding the license may be transferred, but only after the new owner, member or principal has submitted an application, met all the standards and requirements in this Chapter 6.500, and secured written approval of the Director. (Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.130 Change of location

6.500.130 - Change of location If the licensee changes the location of the place of business, the licensee shall return the business license to the Director and a new application must be submitted. Each new license application submitted pursuant to a change of location of the place of business is subject to the requirements of this Chapter 6.500 and may be denied if any such requirements are not met. A change of location occurs any time there is any change to the physical location address. (Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.140 License suspension

6.500.140 - License suspension In addition to the reasons set forth in Section 6.202.230 as now or hereafter amended, any license issued under this Chapter 6.500 may be suspended upon a finding that: A. Any amount of cannabis or cannabis product has been sold to any person that is under the age of 21 years who is not a qualifying patient with a recognition card issued by the licensee or any of the licensee's owners, officers, managers, employees, or agents. Designated providers with a recognition card may purchase cannabis or cannabis products on behalf of a qualified patient of any age; B. The licensee or any of its owners, officers, managers, employees, or agents has violated or failed to comply with any applicable provisions of this Chapter 6.500 or any rule or regulation prescribed under this Chapter 6.500; C. The licensee or its owners, officers, managers, employees, or agents permitted or authorized any violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter 6.500 by any person; D. Three or more of any combination of citations, notices of violation, notices of infraction, charges, complaints, or any other notifications to the licensee that the licensee has violated any one or more provisions of the Seattle Municipal Code or other applicable law, including but not limited to applicable development regulations, zoning and building codes, noise, fire, licensing and health ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations, were issued to the licensee in any three-month period; E. The licensee does not maintain a current license required under Chapter 6.208 or is in default in any payment of any license fee or tax, penalty, or interest due under Title 5 or Title 6; F. The licensee is a person who has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320 by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for reinstatement during the suspension, reissuance of the license shall be automatic upon the Director's receipt of a release issued by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services stating that the licensee is in compliance with the order; or G. The licensee, manager, or any employee or agent of a licensee knew or had reason to know that a violation of this Chapter 6.500 was occurring or about to occur and such licensee, manager, employee, or agent failed to either prevent or report to proper law enforcement authorities the violation. (Ord. 126664, § 9, 2022 [changed "marijuana" to "cannabis"]; Ord. 124963, § 9, 2015; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.143 Property owner responsibilities

6.500.143 - Property owner responsibilities No property owner shall permit a lessee or sublessee to engage in a cannabis business on the property unless the lessee or sublessee possesses a valid cannabis business license. (Ord. 126664, § 10, 2022; Ord. 125516, § 9, 2018.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.145 License revocation

6.500.145 - License revocation In addition to the reasons set forth in Section 6.202.230 as now or hereafter amended, any license issued under this Chapter 6.500 may be revoked upon a finding that: A. The licensee has committed three or more violations of this Chapter 6.500 within a 12-month period; or B. The licensee has failed to cure any condition for which a suspension was issued within 30 days of the time when such condition could have been reasonably cured; or C. The property at which the business is located has been determined by a court to be a chronic nuisance property as provided in Chapter 10.09. (Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.147 Suspension or revocation—Effective date—Length

6.500.147 - Suspension or revocation—Effective date—Length A. Except for summary suspensions under Section 6.500.150, suspensions or revocations become effective upon the date of issuance of any notice of suspension or revocation or, in the event of an appeal, when a final ruling on appeal affirming the Director's findings is issued. B. Length of suspensions 1. Unless a time period is specified in a particular section of this Chapter 6.500, suspensions shall extend until evidence is produced to the Director showing by preponderance that the violation is cured. Where a violation cannot be cured, suspensions shall extend one month or until the license expires, whichever occurs first. Licensees must submit a written request for reinstatement to the Director after the period of suspension has passed. 2. The Department shall post a suspension notice in a conspicuous place on or about the licensed premises. The notice shall state that the license has been suspended by order of the Director. 3. During the period of license suspension, the licensee, its manager, employees, and agents: a. Are required to comply with all applicable laws; b. Shall not remove, alter, or cover the posted suspension notice, and may not permit another person to do so; c. Shall not place or permit the placement of any statement on the licensed premises indicating that the premises has been closed for any reason other than as stated in the suspension notice; d. Shall not advertise by any means that the licensed premises is closed for any reason other than as stated in the suspension notice. 4. During the period of license suspension: a. The licensee shall not operate the cannabis business; and b. No sale, delivery, service, destruction, removal, or receipt of cannabis or cannabis products shall be conducted by the licensee. 5. Upon approval by the Director, a licensee may take necessary measures to keep current stock that is on hand at the time of the suspension from spoiling or becoming unsalable during a suspension, provided that such measures shall not include processing the product. 6. If the Director has ordered a license suspended, the applicant may contest the suspension to the Hearing Examiner in the same manner as that provided under Section 6.202.270 to contest license denials, revocations, or refusals to renew. C. Length of Revocation. Revocations shall extend until the end of the annual license period. The licensee or any person in which the licensee is a principal, or any person who is or was a principal of the licensee, shall not again be licensed during such period. D. Except in cases involving summary suspension, whenever a timely notice of appeal under Section 6.202.270 is filed, a licensee may continue to engage in the activity for which the license is required pending a final decision. (Ord. 126664, § 11, 2022 [changed "marijuana" to "cannabis" and other cleanup]; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.150 License—Summary suspension

6.500.150 - License—Summary suspension A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter 6.500, a license may be summarily suspended, with such suspension to take effect immediately by order of the Director prior to hearing upon finding that there is reasonable cause to believe that activity engaged in by the licensee causes or will cause a clear, substantial, and imminent hazard to life, safety, property, or privacy. B. Whenever any license is summarily suspended a hearing by the Hearing Examiner may be requested by the licensee within ten days after the date of suspension. The Director may waive the ten-day requirement upon satisfaction that failure to submit the request was beyond the control of the licensee. Such hearing shall be held within five days of the request, unless a later date is agreed to by the licensee, with a minimum 48 hours' notice to the licensee, and shall be conducted by the Hearing Examiner according to the Hearing Examiner rules for contested cases. The Director shall have the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the activity engaged in by the licensee causes or will cause a clear, substantial and imminent hazard to life, safety, property, or privacy. The Hearing Examiner shall issue the decision within ten days of the date of the hearing. C. If the applicant does not file a timely request for hearing, the Director's order for summary suspension shall be final and the suspension shall remain in effect until such time as the Director determines that the hazard no longer exists. (Ord. 126664, § 12, 2022; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.160 Seizure or confiscation of cannabis and cannabis products

6.500.160 - Seizure or confiscation of cannabis and cannabis products The Department, its authorized agents, or the Seattle Police Department may seize or confiscate (1) all cannabis or cannabis products in the possession of a cannabis business that does not possess a valid cannabis license, or (2) all cannabis or cannabis products that do not meet any or all requirements of this Chapter 6.500 or any rules promulgated pursuant to this Chapter 6.500. Nothing in this Section 6.500.160 shall be construed to limit the authority of any law enforcement officer to seize or confiscate cannabis or cannabis products pursuant to any other law. (Ord. 126664, § 13, 2022 [changed "marijuana" to "cannabis"]; Ord. 125516, § 10, 2018; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.170 Penalties

6.500.170 - Penalties A. Civil Violations The violation or failure to comply with any provision of this Chapter 6.500 shall constitute a civil violation and shall be enforced under the citation provisions set forth in this Section 6.500.170 by the Director, provided, however, that this Section 6.500.170 shall not be construed as preventing the enforcement of alternative criminal penalties under Section 6.500.175. B. Citation 1. If after investigation the Director determines that the standards or requirements of provisions of this Chapter 6.500 have been violated, the Director may issue a citation to the owner and/or other person or entity responsible for the violation. The citation shall include the following information: (1) the name and address of the person to whom the citation is issued; (2) a reasonable description of the location of the property on which the violation occurred; (3) a separate statement of each standard or requirement violated; (4) the date of the violation; (5) a statement that the person cited must respond to the citation within 15 days after service; (6) a space for entry of the applicable penalty; (7) a statement that a response must be sent to the Hearing Examiner and received not later than 5 p.m. on the day the response is due; (8) the name, address, and phone number of the Hearing Examiner where the citation is to be filed; (9) a statement that the citation represents a determination that a violation has been committed by the person named in the citation and that the determination shall be final unless contested as provided in this Chapter 6.500; and (10) a certified statement of the Director's representative issuing the citation, authorized by chapter 5.50 RCW, setting forth facts supporting issuance of the citation. 2. The citation may be served by personal service in the manner set forth in RCW 4.28.080 for service of a summons or sent by first class mail, addressed to the last known address of such person(s). Service shall be complete at the time of personal service, or if mailed, on the date of mailing. If a citation sent by first class mail is returned as undeliverable, service may be made by posting the citation at a conspicuous place on the property. C. Response to Citation A person must respond to a citation in one of the following ways: 1. Paying the amount of the monetary penalty specified in the citation, in which case the record shall show a finding that the person cited committed the violation; or 2. Requesting in writing a mitigation hearing to explain the circumstances surrounding the commission of the violation and providing an address to which notice of such hearing may be sent; or 3. Requesting a contested hearing in writing specifying the reason why the cited violation did not occur or why the person cited is not responsible for the violation, and providing an address to which notice of such hearing may be sent. 4. A response to a citation must be received by the Office of the Hearing Examiner no later than 15 days after the date the citation is served. When the last day of the appeal period so computed is a Saturday, Sunday, or federal or City holiday, the period shall run until 5 p.m. on the next business day. D. Failure to respond. If a person fails to respond to a citation within 15 days of service, an order shall be entered by the Hearing Examiner finding that the person cited committed the violation stated in the citation, and assessing the penalty specified in the citation. E. Mitigation hearings 1. Date and notice. If a person requests a mitigation hearing, the mitigation hearing shall be held within 30 days after written response to the citation requesting a hearing is received by the Hearing Examiner. Notice of the time, place, and date of the hearing shall be sent to the address specified in the request for hearing not less than ten days before the date of the hearing. 2. Procedure at hearing. The Hearing Examiner shall hold an informal hearing that shall not be governed by the Rules of Evidence. The person cited may present witnesses, but witnesses shall not be compelled to attend. A representative from the Department may also be present and may present additional information, but attendance by a representative from the Department is not required. 3. Disposition. The Hearing Examiner shall determine whether the person's explanation justifies reduction of the monetary penalty. Factors that may be considered in whether to reduce the penalty include whether the violation was caused by the act, neglect, or abuse of another. 4. Entry of order. After hearing the explanation of the person cited and any other information presented at the hearing, the Hearing Examiner shall enter an order finding that the person cited committed the violation and assessing a monetary penalty in an amount determined pursuant to subsection 6.500.170.H. The Hearing Examiner's decision is the final decision of the City on the matter. F. Contested hearing 1. Date and notice. If a person requests a contested hearing, the hearing shall be held within 60 days after the written response to the citation requesting such hearing is received. 2. Hearing. Contested hearings shall be conducted pursuant to the procedures for hearing contested cases contained in Section 3.02.090 and the rules adopted by the Hearing Examiner for hearing contested cases, except as modified by this Section 6.500.170. The issues heard at the hearing shall be limited to those that are raised in writing in the response to the citation and that are within the jurisdiction of the Hearing Examiner. The Hearing Examiner may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents. 3. Sufficiency. No citation shall be deemed insufficient for failure to contain a detailed statement of the facts constituting the specific violation which the person cited is alleged to have committed or by reason of defects or imperfections, provided such lack of detail or such defects or imperfections do not prejudice substantial rights of the person cited. 4. Amendment of citation. A citation may be amended prior to the conclusion of the hearing to conform to the evidence presented if substantial rights of the person cited are not thereby prejudiced. 5. Evidence at hearing. The certified statement or declaration authorized by chapter 5.50 RCW shall be prima facie evidence that a violation occurred and that the person cited is responsible. The certified statement or declaration authorized under chapter 5.50 RCW and any other evidence accompanying the report shall be admissible without further evidentiary foundation. Any certifications or declarations authorized under chapter 5.50 RCW shall also be admissible without further evidentiary foundation. The person cited may rebut the Department evidence and establish that the cited violation(s) did not occur or that the person contesting the citation is not responsible for the violation. 6. Disposition. The Hearing Examiner shall determine by a preponderance of the evidence whether the violation occurred. If the Hearing Examiner determines that the violation occurred, the citation shall be sustained and the Hearing Examiner shall enter an order finding that the person cited committed the violation and imposing the applicable penalty. If the Hearing Examiner determines that the violation did not occur, the Hearing Examiner shall enter an order dismissing the citation. 7. Final decision. The Hearing Examiner's decision is the final decision of the City. G. Failure to appear for hearing Failure to appear for a requested hearing will result in an order being entered finding that the person cited committed the violation stated in the citation and assessing the penalty specified in the citation. For good cause shown and upon terms the Hearing Examiner deems just, the Hearing Examiner may set aside an order entered upon a failure to appear. H. Penalties 1. The following penalties shall be assessed for violations of any provision of this Chapter 6.500 other than Section 6.500.030 and any provision of the Washington Administrative Code: a. $500 for the first violation, and b. $1,000 for each subsequent violation within a 12-month period. 2. The following penalties shall be assessed for violations of Section 6.500.030: a. $1,000 for the first violation, and b. $1,500 for each subsequent violation within a 12-month period. 3. Violations of or failure to comply with provisions of the Washington Administrative Code that have been adopted by the Director pursuant to Section 6.500.100 shall have the same monetary penalties as those set forth in the applicable provisions of Washington Administrative Code adopted by the Director. I. Collection of penalties If the person or entity cited fails to pay a penalty imposed pursuant to this chapter, the penalty may be referred to a collection agency. The cost to the City for the collection services will be assessed as costs, at the rate agreed to between the City and the collection agency, and added to the penalty. Alternatively, the City may pursue collection in any other manner allowed by law. J. Each day a separate violation Each day a person or entity violates or fails to comply with a provision referenced in 6.500.170 may be considered a separate violation for which a citation may be issued. (Ord. 127303, § 2, 2025; Ord. 125516, § 11, 2018; Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.175 Alternative criminal penalty

6.500.175 - Alternative criminal penalty Any person who violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Chapter 6.500 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor subject to the provisions of Chapters 12A.02 and 12A.04, except that absolute liability shall be imposed for such a violation or failure to comply and none of the mental states described in 12A.04.030 need be proved. The Director may request the City Attorney to prosecute such violations criminally as an alternative to the citation procedure outlined in this Chapter 6.500. (Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 6.500.178 Additional relief

6.500.178 - Additional relief The Director may seek legal or equitable relief at any time to enjoin any acts or practices that violate the provisions of this Chapter 6.500 or abate any condition that constitutes a nuisance. (Ord. 124807, § 1, 2015.)

Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT6BURE_SUBTITLE_IVNELICO_CH6.500CABUFetched: 11/1/2026