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Crookston council introduces draft ordinance spelling where cannabis businesses could operate
Summary
Council members voted to formally introduce a draft ordinance that identifies zoning districts and buffer setbacks for different cannabis business types; staff said the step is a timing requirement so the city can hold required public hearings once the state begins issuing licenses.
The Crookston City Council voted to introduce a draft ordinance that will set where cannabis businesses may locate and what zoning and buffer setbacks will apply.
Staff said the introduction is largely procedural and intended to meet state timing requirements so the city can hold a public hearing and adopt land-use rules before state cannabis licenses are issued. The draft uses a model ordinance as a starting point and asks the council to identify which zoning districts—such as light and heavy industrial for cultivation and central-business districts for retail—will be eligible, subject to buffer zones around schools, childcare, residential treatment facilities and parks.
Councilmembers discussed whether the city should consider operating a municipal cannabis facility, with some members asking staff to prepare a return analysis on revenue and return on investment. Staff cautioned that an estimate provided during discussion—$1.5 million to $2.5 million to set up a municipal facility—was anecdotal and that a formal market study and business plan would be required to evaluate feasibility. Staff offered to obtain consultant estimates and to bring ROI analysis to a future meeting.
Councilmembers also asked for clarification that personal home cultivation rules remain state law; staff confirmed the city ordinance cannot change state limits on personal cultivation. The council approved the ordinance introduction by roll call vote. The introduction allows staff to schedule a public hearing and continue ordinance drafting and adjustments before final adoption.
