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Council hears county-driven cannabis ordinance timeline and license limits; local buffer rules may follow county
Summary
Staff updated the council that the county plans to adopt a sample ordinance from the Office of Cannabis Management and that the county's buffers and license caps (reported as one per 12,500 people with five countywide licenses) could dictate where cannabis businesses locate; the council discussed whether to set its own buffers or delegate authority to the county.
Council received an update on the emerging regulatory framework for cannabis businesses and zoning. Staff reported the county is likely to adopt the Office of Cannabis Management’s sample ordinance and that several smaller towns may delegate licensing and zoning authority to the county. The planning commission had signaled support for adopting the county’s approach for zoning categories (B1, B2, B3) and for following the county’s buffers if the county adopts them.
Council members discussed license limits and timeline. Staff quoted what they understood as a population-related cap (one license per 12,500 residents), which the council used to illustrate why the county’s decisions are consequential: "if one business put in in Blackduck there would only be four licenses left for the whole County." Participants also expressed skepticism about the Office of Cannabis Management being fully prepared to issue licenses by Jan. 1 and noted potential delays.
No ordinance was adopted; staff will monitor the county process and participate in county planning meetings to ensure Blackduck’s interests are represented if the county moves forward with a sample ordinance and buffer regulations.
