Cannabis Cultivation Permitting

Before beginning self-certification, applicants need the following information:

Property Location

Provide a description of the property location including:

• Property address, city, and county;
• Assessor Parcel Number(s); and
• Geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude).

Project Description

Provide a detailed description of all project activities. Describe in detail the following information: 

• All phases of construction;
• Any structures that will be constructed, maintained, operated, or modified in or near any stream, river, or lake;
• Any channel clearing activities;
• Specific volume and dimensions of all materials and features that will be used, installed, and/or removed from any stream, river, or lake;
• If water will be diverted or drafted, specify the point of diversion, purpose, and where it will be used; and
• Equipment to be used during project activities.

Water Source

Identify all water sources for the cannabis cultivation site(s) and provide supporting documentation for those sources.

• Provide the latitude and longitude for each diversion, spring, reservoir, or well used for the project.
• If using a well, include a Well Completion Report or similar information.
• If using a public water system, provide the most recent copy of water services bill.
• If using water hauling, provide the name of the water hauler.

Project Maps and Photographs

Provide detailed maps depicting the project and supporting photographs.

• Include a north arrow and map scale in all maps.
• Mark the location of the project(s) on the map(s) with reference to the nearest city or town. 
• Mark the location of any spring or well being used in comparison to the project.
• Provide driving directions from a major highway or road.
• Include any photographs or other material that may assist CDFW in determining impacts to a river, stream, or lake.

Tips for Creating a Quality Map (PDF)

FASTEST: CDFW evaluates the self-certification and determines if your project qualifies for written verification an LSA Agreement is not necessary (commonly referred to as a waiver).

There is no fee for self-certification.

Applicants must Register online prior to starting the self-certification process.

Your project must meet specific requirements to qualify for the General Agreement.

• The project needs to involve a stream crossing or water diversion specific to cannabis cultivation.
• The project must meet the administrative measures, measures to protect fish and wildlife, and reporting requirements highlighted in the General Agreement, sections h-k.
• The project cannot be on or in a finfish bearing stream or lake.
• The project cannot result in take of a listed or fully protected species.
• The project cannot be the subject of a complaint by a city attorney, District Attorney, the Attorney General, or an order by a court.

If your project meets these criteria, read the General Agreement (PDF) for additional Design Criteria by project type, and for information on measures and requirements.

If your project is not eligible for the General Agreement, you may apply for a Standard Lake or Streambed (LSA) Agreement.

To apply for the General Agreement, you will need to provide the following information and certify that you are in possession of the Biological Resources Assessment, Property Diagram, and, where applicable, the Design Plan.

Fees are due at the time you submit your online notification. Project costs determine the fees.

Learn more about how to calculate the correct fee (PDF). The fee for the General Agreement is the same as the fee for a Standard Agreement with a term of five years or less.

If the General Agreement includes remediation for a cannabis cultivation site, the applicant must submit the remediation fee. The fee is in addition to the General Agreement fees.

FAST - The General Agreement process is streamlined. Once CDFW determines that a General Agreement is appropriate for your project, CDFW will authorize your project under the General Agreement.

To apply for the General Agreement, you must notify CDFW of your project online. Register online to begin your application.

For project and site specific questions, contact the CDFW Region (PDF) where the project is located.

The LSA Instructions and Process (PDF) includes detailed information requirements.

Property Location

Applicants will provide location information:

• Property address, city, and county;
• Name of the river, stream, or lake, as well as tributary near project;
• Assessor Parcel Number(s); and
• Latitude and longitude.

Project Description

Provide a detailed description of all project activities: 

• Seasonal work period and number of work days expected to complete the project activities;
• A detailed step-by-step description of all construction activities;
• Any structures that will be constructed, maintained, operated, or modified in or near any stream, river, or lake;
• Any channel clearing activities;
• Specific volume and dimensions of all materials and features that will be used, installed, and/or removed from any stream, river, or lake;
• If water will be diverted or drafted, specify the point of diversion, purpose, and place of use; and
• Equipment used for construction.

Water Source

Identify and provide latitude and longitude for all water associated with cannabis cultivation.

• If using a well, Well Completion Report or similar information.
• If using a public water system, provide a copy of the most recent water services bill.
• If using water hauling, provide the name of the water hauler.

Project Impacts

Describe any foreseeable impacts (permanent or temporary) that the project may cause. Include potential impacts on:

• The flow, bed, channel, and bank of the river, stream, or lake;
• Vegetation (specify the type and amount of vegetation); and
• Special status species.

Measures to Protect Fish, Wildlife, and Plant Resources

Describe all resource protection measures, such as:

• Erosion control;
• Measures to avoid or minimize impacts to fish, wildlife, and plant resources; and
• Mitigation or compensation measures.

Project Maps and Photographs

• Provide detailed maps.
• Include a north arrow and map scale in all maps.
• Mark the location of the project on the map(s) with reference to the nearest city or town.
• Mark the location of any spring or well being used in comparison to the project.
• Provide driving directions from a major highway or road
• Include any photographs or other material that may assist CDFW in determining impacts to a river, stream, or lake

Tips for Creating a Quality Map (PDF)

Additional Information

Depending on the project type, you may need additional information:

• Biological Review;
• Hydrological Review;
• Any permits received by local, state, or federal agencies related to the project; and
• Information regarding water diversions, including wells.

TAKES A LITTLE TIME: If you are requesting a short-term Standard Agreement (5 years or less), CDFW has up to 30 calendar days to determine if the notification is complete. Once CDFW determines the notification is complete, CDFW has up to 60 calendar days to issue a draft Standard Agreement or a letter stating an agreement is not needed. These timelines do not apply to long-term Standard Agreement requests (greater than 5 years).

CDFW works with individuals to develop a site- and project- specific Standard Agreement. CDFW may need to conduct a site visit.

Avoid Delays: Submit a complete notification with all of the requested information and a detailed project description. CDFW will ask for additional information if the notification is incomplete. Learn more about the 10 common causes for delays (PDF).

Learn more about Standard Agreements.

The fee is based on the project cost and term of the agreement requested (short-term or long-term). Fees are updated yearly (PDF).

For more information on how to calculate the correct fee, see the LSA Fee Schedule (PDF).

If the Agreement includes remediation for a cannabis cultivation site, the applicant must submit the remediation fee below. The fee is in addition to the Standard Agreement fees.

To apply for a short-term Standard Agreement, you may notify CDFW of your project using the online process.