HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Packet 11.26.2024City of Falcon Heights
Planning Commission
City Hall
2077 Larpenteur Avenue West
AGENDA
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
7:00 p.m.
A.CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL:Scott Wilson ____ Laura Paynter ____
Jacob Brooks ____ Mike Tracy ____
Jim Mogen ____ Rick Seifert ____
Jake Anderson ____
Staff Liaison – Hannah Lynch ____
Council Liaison – Eric Meyer ____
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.September 24, 2024 – Regular Meeting
2. October 22, 2024 - Workshop
E.PUBLIC HEARING
1. Cannabis Businesses
F. NEW BUSINESS
1.None.
G.INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Staff Liaison Report
2.Council Liaison Report
H. ADJOURN
December 24, 2024 meeting will be canceled due to Christmas Eve.
Next regular meeting date: January 28, 2025
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Planning Commission
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES
September 24, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M.
B. ROLL CALL:
Scott Wilson _X_ Laura Paynter _X_
Jacob Brooks _X_ Mike Tracy _A_
Jim Mogen _A_ Rick Seifert _X_
Jake Anderson _X_
Staff Liaison Lynch _X_
Council Liaison Meyer _X_
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Anderson made a motion to approve the agenda. Agenda was approved by consent.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. August 27, 2024
Commissioner Paynter made a motion to approve the minutes from August 27, 2024.
Agenda was approved by consent.
E. PUBLIC HEARING
1. None.
F. NEW BUSINESS
1. Adult-Use Cannabis Discussion
Staff Liaison Lynch gave an overview of state guidelines for cannabis businesses and
what is under the City’s control. She stated she was looking for feedback from the
Planning Commission and guidance on if the City would like to look into buffers from
schools/daycares/residential treatment facilities/parks, if the City wants to restrict hours
of operation, how many businesses the City would like to permit to be located within the
City limits, and other items the City may have control over.
Commissioner Anderson asked if St. Paul issued a 500’ buffer around schools, if Falcon
Heights would have to match that to incorporate the school on the St. Paul side of the
intersection at Hoyt and Hamline. Staff Liaison Lynch stated no, the cannabis business
would need to go by the guidelines of the City it is locating in but surrounding cities do
not have to match their neighbors.
Commissioner Wilson asked if a daycare center were to locate in the City after a cannabis
business was already located there, and it was within whatever buffer the City chooses, if
they could ask for the cannabis business to be removed or protest it. Staff Liaison Lynch
stated no, if a daycare comes in after and chooses to locate within the buffer from a
cannabis store, they would have no authority to ask the business to leave. As long as the
cannabis retailer registration is active and being renewed, they have the authority to be
located in that location if they were registered with the City first.
Commissioners discussed a 500’ buffer around sport fields and playgrounds, and Curtiss
Field specifically. They discussed that this could have an impact on Falcon Heights Town
Square, however that development would need to come back before the City Council to
amend their PUD.
Commissioners discussed locating these businesses in the B-3 zoning district, limiting
the number of businesses registered by the City to one, limiting hours of operation to
between 10 AM and 9 PM, 7 days a week, and including a 1000’ buffer around schools
and 500’ buffer around daycares, residential treatment facilities, and
parks/playgrounds/sports fields.
G. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Staff Liaison Report
Staff Liaison Lynch reported the City would be holding a Fall Fest on October 26, 2024 at
City Hall. She also announced dates for free mattress recycling which does require online
sign up.
2. Council Liaison Report
Council Liaison Meyer reported the City would be holding Falcon Heights Trivia at
Stout’s on October 29, 2024.
H. ADJOURN
Commissioner Seifert made a motion to adjourn. Motion was carried by consent. Meeting was
adjourned at 7:56 PM.
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Planning Commission
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
WORKSHOP MINUTES
October 22, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M.
B. ROLL CALL:
Scott Wilson _X_ Laura Paynter _X_
Jacob Brooks _X_ Mike Tracy _X_
Jim Mogen _X_ Rick Seifert _X_
Jake Anderson _X_
Staff Liaison Lynch _X_
Council Liaison Meyer _X_
C. NEW BUSINESS
1. Adult-Use Cannabis Discussion
Staff Liaison Lynch gave a brief overview of the proposed restrictions for cannabis retail
businesses as discussed by the Planning Commission at previous minutes. She reminded
Commissioners that they were wanting to restrict these businesses to the B-3 district and
reminded them of the 1000’ setback from schools and the 500’ setback from daycares,
residential treatment facilities, and recreational areas where children are frequently
present. This was the main topic of conversation in the discussion.
Commissioner Mogen stated the distance from these areas do not do much in the way of
preventing access to cannabis, and these retail stores should have the same regulations as
liquor stores. Staff Liaison Lynch stated the 500’ distance in particular could prevent
much of the B-3 district from being permitted to have a cannabis retailer if a daycare were
to be put into Falcon Town Square or a nearby residential location. Commissioner
Anderson agreed it would make sense to remove the 500’ restriction. Commissioner
Paynter suggested removing the 500’ setback and keeping the 1000’ setback from schools.
Commissioner Tracy agreed with this. Staff Liaison Lynch explained that could be a good
option, but the 1000’ distance doesn’t actually touch the B-3 district and thus would not
matter ultimately. Commissioner Seifer suggested changing the 500’ setback to 300’.
Commissioner Wilson suggested removing daycares from the 500’ setback. Commissioner
Brooks suggested putting in the strictest allowable restrictions. After polling the
Commission, most were for removing all distance restrictions and just making them
permitted in the B-3 zoning district.
Commissioner Brooks requested Staff Liaison Lynch look into if more restrictions could
be placed on the lower potency edibles and beverages, and possibly align this more with
alcohol. Staff Liaison Lynch stated she would look into this.
D. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Staff Liaison Report
Staff Liaison Lynch reminded Commissioners of the Falcon Heights Fall Fest on October
26. The Fest will be from 2-5 PM with a 75th Anniversary Celebration of the city
happening before that, from 1-2 PM in City Hall. She also requested Commissioners fill
out the Climate Action Plan survey and to spread the word about the Climate Action
Team that will be forming.
2. Council Liaison Report
Council Liaison Meyer echoed the sentiments about the Fall Fest and stated the policing
contract would be up for discussion and a vote at the next evening’s City Council
meeting.
E. ADJOURN
Workshop was adjourned at 8:25 PM.
ITEM FOR DISCUSSION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
__________________________
Item Cannabis Regulations
Description
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management has issued a Guide for Local
Governments on Adult-Use Cannabis and a model ordinance for zoning
changes and registration with the new law around Minnesota’s new adult-use
cannabis law.
The City of Falcon Heights currently has a moratorium on permitting cannabis
businesses until January 2025.
How are local governments involved?
• Local governments serve as a near-final approval check on cannabis
businesses nearing the awarding of a state license for operations. Once
an applicant has been vetted by OCM and is selected for proceeding in
the verification process, they are then required to receive the local
government’s certification of zoning compliance and, if applicable, retail
registration before operations may commence.
• Local governments may issue a retail registration after verifying the
business has a valid license or license preapproval issued by OCM and
has paid a registration fee or renewal fee to the local government.
• Local governments may not issue outright bans on cannabis businesses
or limit operations in a manner beyond what is provided by state law.
What can local government do?
• Limit the number of retailers and microbusiness/mezzobusinesses with
retail endorsements within the City, as long as there is at least one retail
location per 12,500 residents. (Can issue more permits than this,
however)
• Local governments may adopt an ordinance limiting hours of operation
between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days a week, and that State statute
prohibits the sale of cannabis between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Monday
through Saturday, and between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sundays.
• Local governments may prohibit the operation of a cannabis business
within 1,000 feet of a school, or 500 feet of a daycare, residential
Meeting Date November 26, 2024
Agenda Item E-1
Attachment See below.
Submitted By Hannah Lynch, Community
Development Coordinator
treatment facility, or an attraction within a public park that is regularly
used by minors, including a playground or athletic field.
• Local governments may zone businesses under existing zoning
ordinances in accordance with the license type or endorsed activities
held by the cannabis business.
• The local government can determine if the use requires a Conditional
Use Permit.
• Local governments must conduct compliance checks for cannabis and
hemp businesses holding retail registration at least once per calendar
year. These checks must verify compliance with age verification
procedures and compliance with any applicable local ordinances.
The City Council held a workshop to discuss these businesses and registration
requirements. At the last Planning Commission workshop, it was discussed
removing the buffer around schools, daycares, residential treatment facilities,
and areas (parks) where minors gather, however the City Council believes it
may be prudent to include a 300’ buffer. They were in agreement that the cap
remain at one business in the City and limiting the hours of operation to 10
AM – 9 PM, 7 days/week.
Budget Impact None.
Attachment(s) • Zoning Map with Buffers
• Zoning Map
• Public Hearing Notice - Newspaper Published
• Newspaper Affidavit of Publication for Public Hearing Notice
• Public Hearing Notice – Posted at City Hall
• Draft Ordinance 24-08 Amending Chapter 113 of the Falcon Heights
City Code Allowing and Establishing Regulations for Cannabis Retail
Establishments
Action(s)
Requested
Staff requests a public hearing be held regarding proposed changes to Chapter
113 and the Planning Commission have a discussion around comments and the
changes requested by City Council. Staff recommends a motion to recommend
approval to City Council of the attached ordinance to amend Chapter 113 of
Falcon Heights City Code allowing and establishing regulations for cannabis
retail establishments as drafted.
LARPENTEUR AVE W
CLEVELAND AVE NARONA STFRY STSNELLING AVE NSNELLING AVE NLINDIG STCOFFMAN STCRAWFORD AVE
SAINT MARYS STSNELLING AVE NQUESTWOOD DR
MOORE STMAPLE CT
AUTUMN ST
BURTON STVINCENT STMAPLE KNOLL DR
HOLLYWOOD CT SNELLING AVE NCALIFORNIA AVE WPRIOR AVE NGARDEN AVE
SUMMER ST SHELDON STFOLWELL AVE ALBERT ST NPRIOR AVE NHOWELL ST NTATUM STFAIRVIEW AVE NLARPE NTEUR AV E W
GARDEN AVEGARDENAVE GARDEN AVEASBURY STSIMPSON STRUGGLES ST
PASCAL ST NHOLTON STALBERT ST NHOLTON STARONA STALBERT ST NPASCAL ST NIDAHO AVE W IDAHO AVE W
HOYT AVE W HOYT AVE W
IOWA AVE WIOWA AVE W HAMLINE AVE NROSELAWN AVE W
LARPENTEUR AV E WLARPENTEUR AVE WMAPLE CTROSELAWN AVE W
HAMLINE AVE NROSELAWN AVE W
FULHAM STNORTHRUP AVECOFFMAN STFULHAM STHOYT AVE W
F O L W E L L A V E
CLEVELAND AVE NCLEVELAND AVE NPrepared by:City of Roseville Engineering DepartmentJune 19, 2019
mapdoc: BaseMap.mxdmap: BaseMap.pdf
Data Sources and Contacts:* Ramsey County GIS Base Map (6/07/19)* City of Roseville Engineering DepartmentFor further information regarding the contents of this map contact:City of Roseville, Engineering Department,2660 Civic Center Drive, Roseville MN
DISCLAIMER:This map is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This map is a compilation of records,information and data located in various city, county, state and federal offices and other sources regarding the area shown, and is tobe used for reference purposes only. The City does not warrant that the Geographic Information System (GIS) Data used to preparethis map are error free, and the City does not represent that the GIS Data can be used for navigational, tracking or any other purposerequiring exacting measurement of distance or direction or precision in the depiction of geographic features. If errors or discrepanciesare found please contact 651-792-7075. The preceding disclaimer is provided pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §466.03, Subd. 21 (2000),and the user of this map acknowledges that the City shall not be liable for any damages, and expressly waives all claims, and agrees todefend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City from any and all claims brought by User, its employees or agents, or third parties whicharise out of the user's access or use of data provided.
Zoning
´
0 250 500 750 1,000Feet
Zoning Legend:
B1- Neighborhood Convenience Business
B2- Limited Business
B3- Snelling/Larpenteur Business District
P1- Public Land
P1/R1- Public Land, Reverts to Single Family
PUD- Planned Unit Development
R1- Single Family
R2- Two Family
R4- Medium Density Multiple Family and Townhouses
R5M- High Density Residential Mixed Use
Maxar
Community Park - 500' Buffer
Grove Park - 500' Buffer Curtiss Field - 500' Buffer
Falcon Heights Elementary School - 1000' Buffer
Chelsea Heights Elementary School - 1000' Buffer
B3 Zoning District
CITY of FALCON HEIGHTS
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Falcon Heights Planning Commission at its regular
meeting at 7:00 p.m. on November 26, 2024, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 2077 W.
Larpenteur Ave, will hold a public hearing to consider an amendment to Chapter 113 of
City Code permitting cannabis businesses in the City of Falcon Heights.
The proposed updates will be available upon request no later than Friday, November
22, 2024. It will also be available on the City’s website. If you have any questions
regarding the public hearing, please contact Hannah Lynch, Community Development
Coordinator at (651) 792-7600 or hannah.b.lynch@falconheights.org.
ORDINANCE NO. 24-08
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 113 OF THE FALCON HEIGHTS CITY
CODE ALLOWING AND ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR CANNABIS RETAIL
ESTABLISHMENTS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF FALCON HEIGHTS ORDAINS:
SECTION I. The following definitions in Section 113-3 of the City Code of Falcon Heights,
Minnesota, are hereby added, amended to read, or deleted as follows (Deletions are shown with a
strikethrough. Additions are underlined):
Cannabis retail establishment means a cannabis business with a license or endorsement
authorizing the retail sale of cannabis flower, cannabis plants, or cannabis products.
Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Retailer has the meaning as established in Minnesota
Statutes Chapter 342, as amended.
Special event means any temporary, outdoor privately-sponsored event open to the
general public and held on privately owned property. except: Special events including
cannabis events licensed under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 342 regardless of size, but do
not include:
(1) Any permanent place of worship, stadium, athletic field, arena, theater,
auditorium;
(2) Any event conducted on the campus of the University of Minnesota or the
grounds of the Minnesota State Fair;
(3) Special events or activities sponsored by the city;
(4) Family gatherings, including family reunions, graduation parties, baptisms,
confirmations, weddings, wedding receptions, funerals and funeral processions;
(5) Garage sales and residential boutique sales as regulated in section 113-174;
(6) Block parties and neighborhood meetings;
(7) Any event attended by fewer than 150 persons at one time which does not
require any special services and does not involve the sale of alcohol;
(8) Any event that is other regulated by the city through the use of another
regulatory manner, such as an interim use permit or conditional use permit; and
(9) The use of traditional public forums as alternative channels of communication
by the public, provided that such use is for the free exercise of constitutionally
protected activities and does not disrupt or interfere with traffic on public streets
or the use of public places by other members of the public.
SECTION II. Section 113-179(c) of the City Code of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to add new subsections (36) and (37) to read as follows (Deletions are shown with a
strikethrough. Additions are underlined):
(36) Cannabis retail establishment, subject to additional standards as specified in
section 113-255.
(37) Lower-potency hemp edible retail, subject to additional standards as specified in
section 113-255.
SECTION III. Section 113-255 of the City Code of Falcon Heights, Minnesota is hereby added
to read as follows (Deletions are shown with a strikethrough. Additions are underlined):
Sec. 113-255 – Cannabis or hemp retail establishments.
A cannabis business with a license or endorsement authorizing the retail sale or any
lower-potency hemp edible retailer must meet the following requirements and all
requirements as outlined in Chapter 14, Article X:
(1) No individual or entity may operate a state-licensed cannabis retail business
within the City of Falcon heights without first registering with the City of Falcon
Heights. See Chapter 14, Article X for requirements.
(2) Only one cannabis retailer, cannabis microbusiness with a retail endorsement, or
cannabis mezzobusiness with a retail endorsement shall be permitted in the City of
Falcon Heights at a time.
(3) Cannabis retailer distance restrictions.
a. No registered cannabis retail business may be located within 300 feet
of any primary and secondary school, measured from the property line
of the school to the principal structure of the cannabis retail business.
b. No registered cannabis retail business may be located within 300 feet
of any daycare, residential treatment facility, or attraction within a
public park that is regularly used by minors, including a playground or
athletic field, measured from the nearest property line of a daycare,
residential treatment facility, or attraction within a public park that is
regularly used by minors to the principal structure of the cannabis retail
business.
c. This restriction does not apply to lower-potency hemp edible retailers.
(4) Sales of approved products at a registered cannabis retail business are only
allowed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days per week.
(5) No registered retail establishment may allow on-site consumption of cannabis
flower, cannabis products, or lower-potency hemp edible products on the premises
unless expressly permitted to do so by the terms of its license from the State of
Minnesota.
(6) Smoking is prohibited within the indoor and outdoor area of any registered
cannabis retail establishment, including patios, decks, porches, and any similar
area related to the registered retail establishment.
(7) A cannabis retail establishment is prohibited from sharing a common entrance
with a business licensed as a tobacco products shop.
(8) All operations of the business shall take place within an enclosed building.
SECTION IV. Section 113-315(r)(14) of the City Code of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, is hereby
amended to read as follows (Deletions are shown with a strikethrough. Additions are
underlined):
r. Retail, including cannabis retail establishments and lower-potency edible hemp
retailers. One space for each 150 square feet of gross floor area.
SECTION V. Section 113-402 of the City Code of Falcon Heights, Minnesota is hereby
amended to add a new subsection (6) to read as follows (Deletions are shown with a
strikethrough. Additions are underlined):
(6) Cannabis consumption. The on-site consumption of cannabis or cannabis
products, including lower-potency hemp edibles or beverages, is prohibited at all
special events.
SECTION VI. Effective date. This ordinance is effective immediately upon its passage and
publication.
ADOPTED this ______ day of _________ 2024, by the City Council of Falcon Heights,
Minnesota.
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
BY: _______________________________
Randall C. Gustafson, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Jack Linehan, City Administrator
Addition to Planning Commission Packet – Added November 25, 2024 – Resident email to City Planner regarding cannabis businesses.