SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors continues to consider criteria for retail cannabis dispensary licenses in unincorporated parts of the County.

The Board voted Tuesday to approve considerations for a neighborhood compatibility scorecard that another group will use to evaluate applicants and eventually choose a qualified operator.

The issue has caused controversy, however, as many residents in areas where retail cannabis operations are being considered have spoken out in opposition.

Top of mind are concerns about the retail locations being in an inappropriate location where children are often present, leading to more crime or safety concerns, causing parking or traffic difficulties, or creating issues with cannabis odor.

The County has six areas that can receive, at most, one licensed cannabis retail location–including Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, Orcutt, Isla Vista, the eastern Goleta Valley and the Summerland-Toro Canyon-Santa Claus Lane area.

People on Santa Claus Lane were divided in their answers when asked about the issue on Tuesday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.