11-14-2024 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 14, 2024 7 The Community Development Director confirmed that could be included if approved by the City Attorney, but could state 15 days to submit a completed application. Commissioner Kulousek asked why the City Council chose 500 feet rather than 1,000 feet as the distance from schools. The Community Development Director noted that the school in Maplewood would then buffer out the commercial locations on Viking Drive as well as other school locations that would buffer out areas on Market Place and Country Drive. Commissioner Masrud asked if the 500 feet is consistent with alcohol and tobacco uses. The Community Development Director commented that he believes that is in alignment with the exception of tobacco which he believed was 250 feet. Chair Johnson stated that many bars are serving THC drinks and asked if those are subject to these buffers. The Community Development Director commented that those are considered low-potency hemp edibles by the State and therefore are regulated differently by the City. He also reviewed regulations for onsite consumption, which are related to edibles and would not allow smoking on a retail/industrial property. He provided additional details about cannabis events. Chair Johnson asked if there is a reason from the City's perspective on why these businesses would not just be allowed within I-1, recognizing the desire for retail locations to be within commercial zones. The Community Development Director commented that this would provide more options, but it could be limited to I-1 if that was the desire. He stated that if businesses are only allowed in I-1, that would be less visible which could create issues of safety as these are cash businesses. Commissioner Owens noted the Urban Growler which is in an industrial district and has attracted other development as well. He stated that this type of business could attract redevelopment as well. Commissioner Haluptzok referenced the scoring noting that there is an additional point for locating within industrial as well as for retail. The Community Development Director commented that a business could stage to appear as if they grow in the same location, or the stipulation could be removed to allow both activities to occur within the same space.