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Waite Park council adopts cannabis zoning updates and limits retail licenses to two
Summary
The Waite Park City Council unanimously adopted zoning amendments to accommodate state cannabis business classifications and passed a separate ordinance limiting retail cannabis licenses to two initially, with council noting the cap could be changed later.
Waite Park — The Waite Park City Council unanimously adopted two ordinances Dec. 16 updating local zoning for cannabis-related businesses and setting a temporary cap of two retail cannabis licenses, council records show.
City staff said the proposed changes to Chapter 52 will align local zoning with the state’s new framework for cannabis business classifications and provide clearer direction on which districts can host different types of cannabis activity. The staff presentation said the planning commission reviewed the draft, recommended approval, and that zoning changes do not themselves limit retail licenses, which are regulated under a separate ordinance.
“Most folks are probably, most familiar with the actual retail sales component, but at the state level, there's roughly a dozen different classifications of cannabis related businesses,” staff said. The presentation also noted adopting the zoning changes would put the city “in good footing to be ahead of the 01/01/2025 date” for state retail legalization.
On the retail ordinance, council members agreed to an initial limit of two retail licenses “just to really get a handle on what we're doing and what the state's doing,” according to council discussion. A council member said the limit could be raised later as the city gains experience and as the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) develops its processes.
At the public-comment portion of the meeting, Chris Eastam urged against limiting retail licenses. “I propose cannabis licensing be equal or similar to liquor and tobacco sales,” Eastam said, arguing limits would discriminate against cannabis retailers and recommending at least four licenses including microbusinesses.
Both the zoning amendment and the retail ordinance were moved, seconded and approved unanimously. Council members noted the city could adopt a more restrictive Stearns County approach later if circumstances warrant.
The ordinances take effect following formal adoption procedures required under city code; council members said they may revisit licensing limits as the state regulatory environment evolves.
