Isanti council updates local code, fees and zoning to align with state cannabis law; measure passes 4'1

The Isanti City Council approved a package of ordinances to align local rules with forthcoming state cannabis and hemp regulations taking effect Jan. 1, 2025. Staff proposed a full repeal and replace of City Code Chapter 123 and corresponding updates to the fee schedule (Chapter 160) and zoning code (Chapter 445) so that local provisions—especially zoning and registration fees—match state requirements.

Staff said much of the work focuses on zoning and registration enforcement that will fall to the city. One council member opposed the package, expressing frustration with the state'level rollout and saying they would vote against the changes to signal state shortcomings: "I'm indifferent to legalization of marijuana, but I am very disappointed with how the state rolled all this out," the council member said. Despite that objection, council approved the ordinance to replace Chapter 123, amended fee language for registration (cannabinoids registration fee $125; cannabis registration $500 or 50% of the state annual license fee, whichever is less), repealed the old Chapter 295, and approved updates to multiple zoning sections (K11'K15) to reflect the new code.

Council and staff confirmed required public posting (10 days) had been completed for the ordinance and zoning amendments. The measures passed mostly by 4'1 votes.