DCR is pleased to announce the successful launch of Phase 3 Retail Round 1 Application Processing, which is available only to those individuals who have been verified as Social Equity Program Applicants.
This update provides a snapshot of the information gathered thus far, and provides clarity regarding a number of different topics of significance.
Application Submission Window Timeline
On Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 10 a.m. PDT, the Department of Cannabis Regulation began accepting Phase 3 Retail Round 1 applications from individuals verified as Social Equity Program Applicants. DCR will close the application filing window on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 10 a.m. PDT.
Application Data Collected So Far
DCR has received 732 Phase 3 Retail Round 1 applications from verified Social Equity Program Applicants. The first 100 submitted applications that meet the requirements of LAMC Sec. 104.06.1(c) will be eligible for further processing.
Phase 3 Retail Round 1 Application Review Process is Already Underway
DCR immediately began reviewing Phase 3 Retail Round 1 applications, and will notify applicants of any status updates as soon as possible. Given the large volume of information and documents that must be reviewed, DCR cannot immediately provide a timeline for when it will be able to provide status updates. The Department appreciates applicants’ patience as it undertakes a thorough and careful review of all Phase 3 Retail Round 1 applications.
Information Regarding the Performance of the Accela Online Application System
DCR worked closely with the online application software developer, Accela, to develop, test, and launch the Phase 3 Retail Round 1 online application process in an effort to ensure a successful and simple application submission process.
The launch of the online application system was monitored by both DCR and Accela on a minute-by-minute basis for the first hour of the application window. Both DCR and Accela verified the smooth flow of server traffic and found no system irregularities. The Accela online application system operated as planned, with neither DCR nor Accela identifying any foreign intrusions or operational interruptions.
Viewing Documents Uploaded in the Online Application
Some applicants have expressed concerns over the inability to view uploaded documents after completing their initial application submission. On September 4, 2019, DCR updated the system settings to allow all applicants to view the documents associated with their application. If an applicant re-submitted their documents after the initial submission, the applicant will see both versions of the document on their application record. Uploading duplicate documents after the initial application submission does not impact the applicant's timestamp.
Clarification of “Awaiting Owner Submittals” Status
Applicants that submitted an application in Phase 3 Retail Round 1 will find that the status of their application is listed as “Awaiting Owner Submittal.” This is the default system status Accela assigns to an application upon its initial submission. Applicants do not need to do anything in response to this status. DCR will notify applicants regarding the status of their application as the review process continues.
Clarification of Record ID
As expected, hundreds of individuals initiated Phase 3 Retail Round 1 applications within minutes of the application window opening at 10 a.m. Upon submitting their application, an applicant received a Record ID in the following format: LA-C-19-310___-R-APP. Many applicants have assumed that the Record ID, specifically the last three numeric digits, indicates the order in which applications were submitted. For example, an applicant with a Record ID of LA-C-19-310100-R-APP might have assumed they were the one-hundredth applicant to submit an application. This is an incorrect assumption.
Accela assigns an application a Record ID at the time an application is started, not when it is submitted. Therefore, the Record ID does not necessarily reveal the order in which the application was submitted relative to other applications.
Contacting DCR Regarding Phase 3 Retail Round 1 Application Questions
Before contacting the Department, please read all the information above. For those applicants who still have additional questions about submitted Phase 3 Retail Round 1 applications, please contact DCRLicensing@lacity.org and include your Record ID number in the subject line.
Social Equity Program Eligibility for Applications Labeled “Unable to Verify SEP Status”
Applicants whose current application status is “Unable to Verify SEP Status” will be re-assigned to the status of “Under DCR Review” after the Phase 3 Retail Round 1 Application Processing window closes on September 17, 2019.
DCR will allow applicants who submitted their initial eligibility Verification application by July 29, 2019, to continue to submit additional documents in order to be considered for subsequent Phase 3 Retail and/or Delivery Licensing.
How to Request a Public Convenience or Necessity (PCN) Finding
For those applicants who have questions about PCN applications, please visit the PCN webpage.
Accela Update Notice
Please note that Accela will experience periods of downtime for scheduled maintenance and upgrades on Monday, September 23, 2019. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Please visit cannabis.lacity.org for more information
DCR encourages verified Social Equity Program Applicants that are still intending to submit a Phase 3 Retail Round 1 application to visit the DCR website and review the Phase 3 Retail Round 1 Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), review the Accela Portal application tutorial video, complete the application checklist, and review the required application information and documents before beginning the application process.
