Rosemount Council adopts ordinance setting local cannabis and hemp rules, limits licenses to three

Rosemount — The Rosemount City Council voted 5–0 on Jan. 7 to adopt an ordinance establishing local regulations for cannabis and hemp businesses and approved a resolution for summary publication.

City staff told the council the ordinance implements city-level registration and operating rules required by Minnesota statute and explained that state implementation through the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) remains pending. Staff recommended the ordinance as a baseline so the city and potential licensees have local rules in place while awaiting final state rules.

The ordinance sets a local cap of one license per 12,500 residents, which under Rosemount’s population was interpreted to allow three local licenses. It also applies a 1,000-foot buffer for K–12 schools, the maximum school buffer permitted under state statute. City staff said registration will follow the state licensing process: prospective operators first engage the state licensing process, then submit to the city for registration and local compliance checks; MnDOT review or other state inspections happen as required by state agencies.

A staff member summarized the intent: “We’re laying the groundwork and providing the base rules for everybody,” noting the council can amend the ordinance later if state rules or local needs change. Staff and legal counsel emphasized that the state Office of Cannabis Management still must finish rulemaking; until the OCM completes its rules, aspects of licensing and final approvals will remain subject to state timing and guidance.

Council Member Esler moved adoption of the ordinance; Council Member Freske seconded. The vote record shown during the meeting was Klimpel — aye; Wiesenstahl — aye; Tyson — aye; Freske — aye; Esler — aye. The ordinance was ordered published and would become effective upon publication; staff estimated a likely publication date of Jan. 17, 2025.

Council members asked staff to track neighboring cities’ approaches and to be prepared to amend the local ordinance to respond to state rulemaking. Staff also noted that the city will perform local compliance checks similar to those used for tobacco and liquor registration.

The council’s action establishes Rosemount’s baseline local framework for cannabis and hemp businesses and preserves the city’s authority to change local registration and operational requirements as state guidance evolves.