(a) The Director may inspect each medical cannabis dispensary regularly and based on complaints, but in no event fewer than two times annually, for the purpose of determining compliance with the provisions of this Article and/or the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this Article. If informal attempts by the Director to obtain compliance with the provisions of this Article fail, the Director may take the following steps:
(1) The Director may send written notice of noncompliance with the provisions of this Article to the operator of the medical cannabis dispensary. The notice shall specify the steps that must be taken to bring the establishment into compliance. The notice shall specify that the operator has 10 days in which to bring the establishment into compliance.
(2) If the Director inspector determines that the operator has corrected the problem and is in compliance with the provisions of this Article, the Director may so inform the operator.
(3) If the Director determines that the operator failed to make the necessary changes in order to come into compliance with the provisions of this Article, the Director may issue a notice of violation.
(b) The Director may not suspend or revoke a permit issued pursuant to this Article, impose an administrative penalty, or take other enforcement action against a medical cannabis dispensary until the Director has issued a notice of violation and provided the operator an opportunity to be heard and respond as provided in Section 3316.
(c) If the Director concludes that announced inspections are inadequate to ascertain compliance with this Article (based on public complaints or other relevant circumstances), the Director may use other appropriate means to inspect the areas of the establishment to which patrons have access. If such additional inspection shows noncompliance, the Director may issue either a notice of noncompliance or a notice of violation, as the Director deems appropriate.
(d) Every person to whom a permit shall have been granted pursuant to this Article shall post a sign in a conspicuous place in the medical cannabis dispensary. The sign shall state that it is unlawful to refuse to permit an inspection by the Department of Public Health, or any City peace, fire, planning, or building official or inspector, conducted during the hours the establishment is open to the public and at all other reasonable times, of the areas of the establishment to which patrons have access.
(e) Nothing in this Section shall limit or restrict the authority of a Police Officer to enter premises licensed or permitted under this Article (i) pursuant to a search warrant signed by a magistrate and issued upon a showing of probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed or attempted, (ii) without a warrant in the case of an emergency or other exigent circumstances, or (iii) as part of any other lawful entry in connection with a criminal investigation or enforcement action.
(Added by Ord. 275-05, File No. 051250, App. 11/30/2005)