At the 3rd Annual US CPTED Conference, Bill Wann delivered a focused and timely presentation on how Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) can be strategically applied to cannabis facility planning and zoning. While not a primary spotlight of the event, his session offered valuable takeaways on how CPTED principles intersect with complex regulatory, security, and community concerns in the rapidly expanding cannabis industry.

His full presentation, Incorporating CPTED into Planning and Zoning for Cannabis Facilities, is available at the end of this post below.

Understanding the Landscape

Bill outlined how California’s evolving cannabis laws have introduced new zoning and permitting challenges, with cities like Sacramento responding by developing layered review processes—including CPTED evaluations by police experts. From storefronts and lounges to indoor grow operations and extraction labs, the diversity of cannabis-related businesses makes security planning a critical concern.

Where CPTED Comes In

CPTED plays a crucial role throughout cannabis facility planning by:

• Natural Surveillance: Retail and cultivation facilities must be designed to reduce blind spots and enhance visibility from public spaces—an essential deterrent for criminal behavior.

• Access Control: Zoning ordinances and permit reviews incorporate CPTED assessments to ensure proper fencing, secure entry points, and internal layout plans that discourage unauthorized access.

• Territorial Reinforcement: Clearly marked property lines, lighting compliance, and visible signage help reinforce ownership and accountability.

• Maintenance & Compliance: Frequent violations from legal operators often stem from a failure to follow security guidelines—highlighting the importance of CPTED-informed design from the outset.

Real-World Application and Planning Gaps

One of the session’s key insights was the disconnect between local government departments during cannabis facility reviews. Bill emphasized the need for integrated planning teams that include fire marshals, code enforcement, city attorneys, and—critically—CPTED practitioners. He also raised concerns about the displacement of other small businesses by high-footprint cannabis operations, a reminder that community safety and economic diversity must be balanced.

Final Thoughts on CPTED’s Role

Bill Wann’s presentation at the 3rd Annual US CPTED Conference served as a timely and practical case study on how CPTED strategies can be effectively applied to cannabis facility planning and zoning. In an industry where public concern, regulatory scrutiny, and security risks are high, his message was clear: CPTED is not a checkbox—it’s a mindset. Thoughtful environmental design not only helps deter crime but also strengthens regulatory compliance and builds trust between operators, local agencies, and surrounding communities. As the cannabis industry continues to expand across the U.S., integrating CPTED principles early in the planning process is not just beneficial—it is essential to creating safer, more resilient, and responsibly managed facilities.