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Chisago City adopts local cannabis ordinance, limits retail to commercial zones
Summary
Chisago City Council approved Municipal Code Chapter 177 to regulate cannabis businesses, limiting retail outlets to commercial zoning, matching alcohol/tobacco buffer rules, and allowing temporary cannabis events only on private properties over 20 acres; the move follows League guidance and authorizes publication of Ordinance 335.
Chisago City on Aug. 26 approved a local cannabis ordinance intended to regulate where and how cannabis businesses may operate within city boundaries. Associate Planner Leah Nelson presented the draft ordinance, noting it implements provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 342, and aims to preserve public health, safety and zoning stability.
The council voted unanimously to adopt Municipal Code Chapter 177 (ordinance 335) with several modifications discussed during the hearing. The adopted changes limit cannabis retail to the city’s commercial zoning districts, require the same separation distances from day‑care centers and schools that apply to alcohol and tobacco businesses, and permit temporary cannabis events only on private parcels larger than 20 acres with a special events permit. Administrator John Pechman told the council the League of Minnesota Cities encouraged cities to adopt localized rules rather than defer fully to county regulation.
City staff also discussed registration provisions; based on the city’s population the draft anticipates allowing a minimum of one retail cannabis business. Council members agreed to align buffer requirements with existing alcohol and tobacco rules and to require a special permit for temporary events meeting the acreage threshold.
The council authorized the mayor and city administrator to execute Resolution 25‑08‑02 and to publish a summary of the ordinance in the local paper. No public comments were recorded during the hearing. The ordinance will be published pursuant to the resolution and become effective according to the city’s publication rules.
