Discussion of Ordinance #24-12, Regulating Cannabis Businesses

At the September 24, 2024, City Council work session, Council discussed and provided comments about the model ordinance drafted by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). At that time, the City Council directed staff to establish a required distance between the adult-use cannabis retailers. Section 3 Requirements for Cannabis Businesses, staff added language that will limit the number of retailers in the COR zoning districts to one (1) retailer and outside the COR districts, a location must be at least 1,000 feet apart from another retail premise, as measured between customer entrances. If City Council would like a different distance requirement, staff would incorporate the distance approved by the Council.

Section 4 Temporary Cannabis Events regulates these type of events. MN Stat 342 does not require a municipality to allow for temporary cannabis events; therefore, City Attorney Knaak has the legal opinion that the section can be omitted from the ordinance. If, in the future, the City supports temporary cannabis events or the state amends MN Stat 342 to require such events, it can be added to the ordinance. Staff is seeking direction from the City Council to omit the language or to allow for temporary cannabis events. 

Not applicable

On April 9, 2024, City Council adopted Ordinance #24-05, an interim ordinance prohibiting the establishment of new uses or the operation of an adult-use cannabis business. The interim ordinance expires on December 31, 2024. The proposed ordinance will allow the establishment of new uses or the operation of adult-use cannabis businesses.

Timeframe for Ordinance Adoption
October 22, 2024: Introduction/First Reading at City Council
November 12, 2024: Final adoption by City Council
November 15–December 15, 2024: 30 day publication
January 1, 2025: Effective date

Alernatives
City Council could move forward with the timeline or give staff direction for something else.
 

Not Applicable

Staff recommends omitting Section 4 Temporary Cannabis Events and to move forward with the draft ordinance.

Discuss and provide staff with direction regarding the draft ordinance and timeline.