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3880 Laverne Avenue North
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
(651) 747-3900
www.lakeelmo.org
NOTICE OF MEETING
The City of Lake Elmo
Planning Commission will conduct a meeting on
Monday November 25th 2024
at 6:30 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Approve Agenda
3. Approve Minutes of November 13th, 2024
4. Public Hearing
a) Zoning Text Amendment – Cannabis Ordinance. The City of Lake Elmo has initiated a text
amendment to Lake Elmo City Code Titles 1 through 105 to regulate cannabis businesses
in response to recent legislation.
5. New/Unfinished Business
a) N/A
6. Communications/Updates
a) City Council Updates
i. N/A
b) Upcoming Meetings
i. December 9th, 2024
ii. January 13th, 2025
iii. February 11th, 2025 – Joint Planning Commission and City Council Workshop
7. Adjourn
***Note: Every effort will be made to accommodate person or persons that need special considerations
to attend this meeting due to a health condition or disability. Please contact the Lake Elmo City Clerk if
you are in need of special accommodations.
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 11.13.24
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City of Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting
City Council Chambers – 3880 Laverne Avenue North
Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 13, 2023
CALL TO ORDER: Commission Chair Risner called to order the meeting of the Lake Elmo Planning Commission at 6:30
P.M.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Risner, Bohlig, Rehkamp, Steil, Vrieze
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Rehkamp
STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Director Stopa, City Planner Jensen, City Planner Monterusso, Finance
Director Clarissa Hadler, Finance Coordinator Waldoch, Tim Solomonson HKGi, Sarah Evanson HKGI
Pledge of Allegiance: at 6:30 PM
Commissioner Chair Risner thanked Commissioner Dean for his time on the Commission and noted the new quorum is
three members.
Approve Agenda: 6:31 PM M/S/P: Steil /Vrieze made a motion to approve the amended agenda. Vote: 4-0, motion
carried unanimously
Approve Minutes: 6:32 PM M/S/P: Bohlig/Steil made a motion to approve the 10/28/2024 meeting minutes. Vote: 4-
0, motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing:
a. Royal Golf Conditional Use Permits and Variance. Royal Golf LLC has submitted two conditional use permits
and a variance application for the property located at 11441 20th St. The first conditional use permit is for
the addition of pickleball courts to the site, the second conditional use permit is for a clubhouse expansion.
The variance is required because the site is over the imperious surface maximum.
City Planner, Sophia Jensen, gave a presentation and answered questions.
M/S/P: Steil/Vrieze moved to open the public hearing at 6:43 PM. Vote: 4-0, motion carried unanimously.
No public comment received.
M/S/P: Bohlig/Vrieze moved to close the public hearing at 6:43 PM. Vote 4-0, motion carried unanimously.
M/S/P: Steil/Vrieze moved to recommend approval of the Royal Development impervious surface variance request
based on the findings of fact and conditions presented in the staff report. Vote: 4-0, motion carried unanimously.
(6:45pm)
M/S/P: Steil/Vrieze moved to recommend approval of the Royal Development outdoor athletic facility
conditional use permit request for pickleball courts based on the findings of fact and conditions presented in the staff report.” Vote: 4-0, motion carried unanimously. (6:45pm)
M/S/P: Bohlig/Steil moved to recommend approval of the Royal Development conditional use permit request
for the expansion of the clubhouse based on the findings of fact and conditions presented
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 11.13.24
2
in the staff report. Vote: 4-0, motion carried unanimously. (6:46pm)
b. Landscape Ordinance Zoning Text Amendments. The City has initiated a zoning text amendment to Article
VIII Environmental Performance Standards to correct dated language, update standards, and clarify planting
and plan standards.
HKGI staff Tim Solomon gave presentation and answered questions.
M/S/P: Stile/Vrieze moved to open the public hearing at 7:23 PM. Vote: 4-0, motion carried unanimously.
No public comment received.
M/S/P: Vrieze/Bohlig moved to close the public hearing at 7:24 PM. Vote 4-0, motion carried unanimously.
M/S/P: Steil/Vrieze motioned to recommend approval of the proposed text amendments as presented by city staff.
Vote: 4-0, motion carried unanimously. (7:27pm)
c. Capital Improvements Plan. To review and hear interested persons about the City’s 2024 - 2033 Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP).
Finance Director, Clarissa Hadler, gave presentation and answered questions.
M/S/P: Bohlig/Vreize moved to open the public hearing at 7:39 PM. Vote: 4-0, motion carried unanimously.
No public comment received.
M/S/P: Steil/Vrieze moved to close the public hearing at 7:40 PM. Vote 4-0, motion carried unanimously.
M/S/P: Bohlig/Vreize motioned to recommend to the City Council that the 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Program is
consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. 4-0, motion carried unanimously. (7:41pm)
New/Unfinished Business:
a. 2025 Planning Commission Workplan
City Planner, Sophia Jensen, gave presentation and answered questions.
M/S/P: Bohlig/Vreize motioned to recommend approval of the 2025 Planning Commission Work Plan as presented by
Staff. Vote: 4-0, motion carried unanimously. (7:49pm)
Communications/Updates
a. City Council Updates
i.Lake Elmo Elementary Subdivision, Variance, and Conditional Use Permit –11/6/2024
ii.Cannabis Workshop Discussion – 11/12/2024
b)Upcoming Meetings
i.November 25th, 2024
ii.December 9th, 2024
Meeting adjourned by Risner at 7:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Ashley Monterusso, City Planner
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STAFF REPORT
DATE: 11/12/2024
PUBLIC HEARING
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Nathan Fuerst, AICP, Consulting Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Cannabis Regulations – Draft Registration and Land Use Standards
REVIEWED BY: Jason Stopa, Community Development Director
Sophia Jensen, City Planner
BACKGROUND:
In 2023, Chapter 342 of Minnesota State Statues was established legalizing cannabis for
recreational adult use and the sale, possession, use, and growth of cannabis. The same statute also
created the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), a new State agency that regulates cannabis
use and businesses in Minnesota. The OCM is currently finalizing rules and standards for
licensing and use of facilities that will deal with cannabis. The OCM recently closed the
application period for Social Equity Applicants and received over 1,800 applications. Licenses are
anticipated to be issued shortly after the rules are finalized in 2025.
Although it is not guaranteed that the state begins to license businesses immediately after January
1, 2025, it is a possiblity. To that end, city staff are seeking to avoid situations where legal
nonconformities could be created.
All cannabis businesses are required to comply with local zoning ordinances. Upon receipt of an
application for a license, the OCM will reach out to local governments to certify zoning
compliance during their application process. Cities without zoning controls in place will have a
difficult time responding that uses do or do not comply with their ordinance.
Staff are looking for feedback from the City Council and Planning Commission on the following
items:
• Should the City control registration of retail cannabis businesses?
• Which cannabis businesses should be allowed in which zoning districts?
• What level of performance standards should the City place on cannabis businesses?
ISSUE BEFORE THE CITY:
The Planning Commission is asked to review the proposed draft standards and provide a
recommendation to City Council on registration and land use standards for cannabis businesses.
REGISTRATION VS. LICENSING:
The OCM will issue and manage licenses for cannabis businesses. Retail operations for cannabis
must register with local units of government before making retail sales to customers or patients.
Currently, local government units are required to allow for one registration for every 12,500
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residents. The statute specifies these registrants as cannabis retailers, cannabis mezzobusinesses
with a retail operations endorsement, and cannabis microbusinesses with a retail operations
endorsement. This minimum of one applies only to cannabis retailer registration. It is currently
unclear if the City will be able to limit non-retailer uses to any capacity, however, staff believes
uses that are not required to register cannot be prohibited.
The pros and cons of registering locally vs with Washington County are generally laid out below:
Pros:
1. Local control on the number of registrants, Lake Elmo can limit to up to two retail
businesses.
2. Local control on process of registration such as background checks, enforcement, etc.
Cons:
1. Use of limited staff resources for processing registrations.
2. County registration process or potentially the number of retail registrants in Lake Elmo
are out of the City’s control.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE UPDATES:
Per State law, cities may place reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of a
cannabis business but may not outright ban one. A city is required to issue a retail registration to a
cannabis retailer and/or any cannabis business seeking a retail endorsement if complaint with the
City’s rules.
The only cannabis business which the City is permitted by state statute to limit per number of
registered business is the retail sale of cannabis products. This type of business can be limited to 1
per every 12,500 residents of a City, Township, or County. It may be possible to limit retail
registrations to zero if there are enough licensed retailers in the county to satisfy the 1 business per
12,500 resident ratio county-wide.
Cannabis Businesses and Uses
Minnesota State Statute defines the term “cannabis business.” This term means the following uses:
1. cannabis microbusiness;
2. cannabis mezzobusiness;
3. cannabis cultivator;
4. cannabis manufacturer;
5. cannabis retailer;
6. cannabis wholesaler;
7. cannabis transporter;
8. cannabis testing facility;
9. cannabis event organizer;
10. cannabis delivery service;
11. medical cannabis cultivator;
12. medical cannabis processor;
13. medical cannabis retailer; and
14. medical cannabis combination business.
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These “businesses” correlate with the types of licenses that will be available from the OCM.
Without amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, cannabis uses may be grouped in with existing
land use classifications. The figure on the following page is intended to provide an assessment of
land use elements associated with each type of cannabis businesses.
Use
Grow Sell to Consume Manufacture/ Process Packaging Wholesale Research/ Laboratory Indoor Outdoor Customers Other Businesses License Type Microbusiness X X X X X X X
Mezzobusiness X X X X X X
Cultivator X X X X X
Manufacturer X X X
Retailer X
Wholesaler X
Testing X
Event X
Transporter N/A
Delivery Services N/A
Micro and Mezzobusinesses
Microbusiness and mezzobusinesses are the two unique use names within cannabis. These uses
can be compared to something like a small winery or brewery; however, on-site consumption of
intoxicating products is only allowed by state licenses for microbusinesses. Microbusinesses and
mezzobusinesses are allowed to cultivate, manufacture/process, package, and sell with their
license. Businesses licensed as microbusinesses or mezzobusinesses can operate multiple locations
and the cultivation and manufacturing part of the license can be located separately from the retail
location. As such, the uses may have multiple parts of a singular building that make up a single
structure such as a warehouse type facility for storage and processing and a greenhouse for
cultivation, but these all serve the principal use of microbusiness or mezzobusiness.
Draft Zoning Standards
Staff are generally recommending the following changes at this time:
• Establishment of definitions for cannabis and hemp uses.
• Revision of land use tables in Mixed Use, Business, and Industrial Districts to regulate the
specific cannabis business uses.
• Establishment of performance standards for cannabis businesses and the process for
temporary cannabis events.
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Zoning District Use Table Amendments
Changes to allow low potency hemp product sales in the Village Districts in LEC 105.12.780:
V-LDR V-MDR V-HDR VMX
Accessory Uses:
Lower-potency hemp edible sales N N N P
Changes to allow cannabis businesses in Commercial Districts in LEC 105.12.870 and
105.12.920:
LC CC C BP MU-C MU-BP
Sales of Merchandise:
Cannabis Cultivation N N N C N N
Cannabis Event, Temporary P N P P P P
Cannabis Mezzobusiness N N N C N C
Cannabis Microbusiness N N N C N C
Cannabis Sales C N C C C C
Cannabis Wholesaling N N N C N C
Lower-Potency Hemp
Edible Manufacturing
N N N C N C
Lower-Potency Hemp
Edible Sales
C N C C C C
Accessory Uses:
Cannabis Delivery C N C C C C
District Abbreviations:
LC = Limited Commercial, CC = Convenience Commercial, C = Commercial, BP = Business
Park/Light Manufacturing District, MU-C = Mixed Use Commercial, MU-BP = Mixed Use
Business Park
Buffers/Setbacks
State statute allows cities to adopt restrictions if they choose by prohibiting registrations within:
• 1,000 feet of a school
• 500 feet of a daycare
• 500 feet of a residential treatment facility
• 500 feet from an attraction in a public park regularly used by minors, such as a playground
or athletic field.
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Staff have drafted an ordinance with all buffers adopted as the most restrictive option. However,
the buffers from daycare and residential treatment facilities are more difficult to administer and
may be less of a concern for public safety.
Odor Control
OCM has left odor control to be controlled at the local level aside from Minnesota Pollution
Control Standards for nuisances. The draft standards include a condition that odor control systems
be installed for uses where odor would be expected as part of the regular businesses (indoor
cultivation, manufacturing, wholesaling). In researching standards for this, some communities
require verification from a qualified industrial hygienist that appropriate odor control systems have
been installed and continual monitoring was required. If the Council wishes to require this, the
standards should be modified to reflect this.
Lighting
All uses will be required to meet the standards within the City Code for outdoor lighting, however,
indoor cultivation has a specific need for lighting to facilitate plant growth. Indoor cultivation
done in greenhouses will have semi-transparent structures and during the winter months, the
indoor illumination needed for the plants to grow will be obvious from outside of the structure. In
researching the use in other communities, it was found that 4:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. was a time
frame that was used to allow this. Cannabis requires a lighting cycle of 12 hours of light and 12
hours of darkness for ideal growing conditions. This time frame could be more limited if the
Council desired. The Council may also limit indoor cultivation to strictly non-greenhouse
buildings.
Outdoor Use Prohibitions
The draft ordinance restricts outdoor storage to only the daily parking of vehicles. This standard
will apply to all cannabis businesses.
As part of a cultivator, microbusiness, and mezzobusiness license, cultivation is allowed and can
either be indoor cultivation (greenhouses, hydroponics) or outdoor cultivation. Outdoor cultivation
is not expected to be largely utilized as the growing conditions in Minnesota are not optimal for
cannabis. The draft ordinance does not allow outdoor cultivation.
Cannabis Testing Facilities
The City may want to consider regulating cannabis testing facilities separately from the “Research,
and testing” use that exists within the code as a conditional use in Business Parks and Mixed-Use
Business Parks. If development standards for “Research and testing” were amended, any new
standard could make existing uses within the City legally nonconforming if they did not comply
with the amended standards. To avoid this, cannabis testing facilities could be listed as its own use
rather than for “Research and testing” and would be subject to the same standards as other
cannabis uses.
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Temporary Cannabis Events
The City is encouraged to consider proactively adopting standards for Temporary Cannabis
Events. It is staff’s opinion that this use must be permitted somewhere in the City. The standards
proposed are summarized below:
• Permit required – a permit is required for such events to allow the City time to process a
request.
• Application and Fees – application and fee requirements are established.
• Process – a permit application would initiate a review process with city council approval of
permits for temporary cannabis events.
• Standards:
o OCM license is required for the business.
o Temporary Cannabis Events are only permitted at approved Cannabis Cultivation,
Cannabis Mezzobusiness, Cannabis Microbusiness, Cannabis Retail, and Low
Potency Hemp Retail Locations.
o Temporary Cannabis Events must last no more than four consecutive calendar
days.
o No more than four Temporary Cannabis Events may be conducted at a single
location in a calendar year.
o Hours of operation for a Temporary Cannabis Event are limited to 10:00 AM to
5:00 PM.
Public Hearing
Staff published a public hearing notice in the City’s official paper. At the time of writing, no
public comments have been received regarding the draft ordinance.
Draft Ordinance Timeline
Staff propose the following timeline for review and approval of an ordinance before the new year:
• November 12, 2024 – Joint workshop between Planning Commission and City Council
• November 25, 2024 – Public Hearing at Planning Commission
• December 3, 2024 – City Council Review of draft ordinance
Recommendation
It is suggested that the Planning Commission provide a recommendation that the City Council
approve the proposed ordinance amendments.
Example Motion:
“Move to recommend City Council approval of the proposed ordinance amendments for
registration and regulation of cannabis and hemp businesses as written by staff.”
ATTACHMENTS:
• Draft Ordinance – Land Use Standards
• Draft Ordinance – Registration Standards
• A Guide for Local Minnesota Governments of Adult Use Cannabis, Version 1.4
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-XX
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAKE ELMO CITY CODE TITLE 1 AND 105 TO REGULATE
CANNABIS BUSINESSES
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 1, General Provisions;
Chapter 1.08: Definitions by changing the following section (Proposed language is underlined; deleted
language is shown with strikethrough):
Cannabis business means a business licensed by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) as defined by
Minnesota Statute 342.01 Subd. 14.
Cannabis cultivation means a cannabis business that conducts an operation pursuant to Minnesota Statute
Section 342.30, as it may be amended.
Cannabis deliver means a cannabis business that conducts an operation pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section
342.42, as it may be amended.
Cannabis event. A temporary cannabis event lasting no more than four days operating pursuant to Minnesota
Statute Section 342.39, as it may be amended.
Cannabis, mezzobusiness means a cannabis business that conducts an operation pursuant to Minnesota Statute
Section 342.29, as it may be amended.
Cannabis, microbusiness means a cannabis business that conducts an operation pursuant to Minnesota Statute
Section 342.28, as it may be amended.
Cannabis sales means the sale of cannabis plants and seedlings, adult-use cannabis flower, and adult use
cannabis products directly to consumers pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 342.27.
Cannabis manufacturing means a cannabis business that conducts an operation pursuant to Minnesota Statute
Section 342.31, as it may be amended.
Hemp business means a business licensed by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) as defined by
Minnesota Statute 342.01 Subd. 34.
Lower-potency hemp edible manufacturing means a hemp business that conducts an operation pursuant to
Minnesota Statute Section 342.45, as it may be amended.
Lower-potency hemp edible sales means a hemp business that conducts an operation pursuant to Minnesota
Statute Section 342.46, as it may be amended.
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 105, Chapter 105.12
Zoning Code, Section 780, Table 11-1: Permitted and Conditional Uses, Village Districts, (Proposed
language is underlined):
V-LDR V-MDR V-HDR VMX Standard
Accessory Uses:
Lower-potency hemp edible sales N N N P 105.12.1490
SECTION 3. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 105, Chapter 105.12
Zoning Code, Section 870, Table 14-1: Permitted, Conditional and Interim Uses, Mixed-Use
Commercial and Mixed-Use Business Park Districts (Proposed language is underlined):
MU-C MU-BP Standard
Sales of Merchandise:
Cannabis cultivation N N 105.12.1490
Cannabis event, temporary P N 105.12.1490
Cannabis mezzobusiness N N 105.12.1490
Cannabis microbusiness N N 105.12.1490
Cannabis sales C N 105.12.1490
Cannabis wholesaling N N 105.12.1490
Lower-potency hemp edible manufacturing N N 105.12.1490
Lower-potency hemp edible sales C N 105.12.1490
Accessory Uses:
Cannabis delivery C N 105.12.1490
SECTION 4. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 105, Chapter 105.12
Zoning Code, Section 920, Table 12-1: Permitted, Conditional and Interim Uses, (Proposed language is
underlined):
LC CC C BP Standard
Sales of Merchandise:
Cannabis cultivation N N N C 105.12.1490
Cannabis event, temporary P N P P 105.12.1490
Cannabis mezzobusiness N N N C 105.12.1490
Cannabis microbusiness N N N C 105.12.1490
Cannabis sales C N C C 105.12.1490
Cannabis wholesaling N N N C 105.12.1490
Lower-potency hemp edible manufacturing N N N C 105.12.1490
Lower-potency hemp edible sales C N C C 105.12.1490
Accessory Uses:
Cannabis delivery C N C C 105.12.1490
SECTION 5. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 105, General Provisions;
Chapter 105.12 Zoning Code, Article XXI, Design and Performance Standards, Restrictions on
Nuisance and Hazardous Activities by renumbering Section 1490, Penalty, to 1500.
SECTION 6. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 105, General Provisions;
Chapter 105.12 Zoning Code, Article XXI, Design and Performance Standards, Restrictions on
Nuisance and Hazardous Activities by adding a section 1490 (Proposed language is underlined):
(a) Applicability. The standards within this subsection shall apply to the following uses:
(1) Cannabis Cultivation
(2) Cannabis Events, Temporary
(3) Cannabis Manufacturing
(4) Cannabis, Mezzobusiness
(5) Cannabis, Microbusiness
(6) Cannabis Sales
(7) Cannabis Wholesaling
(8) Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Manufacturing
(9) Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Sales
(b) Buffers
(1) Any cannabis use must be setback 1,000 feet from schools as established by Minnesota Statute
Section 342.13(c)
(2) Any cannabis use must be setback 500 feet from a day care as established by Minnesota Statute
Section 342.13(c)
(3) Any cannabis use must be setback 500 feet from a residential treatment facility as established by
Minnesota Statute Section 342.13(c)
(4) Any cannabis use must be setback 500 feet from an attraction within a public park that is
regularly used by minors, including a playground or athletic field.
(c) Development Standards
(1) Must be licensed by the State of Minnesota and in compliance with the standards set by
Minnesota Statutes, Minnesota Rules, and the Office of Cannabis Management.
(2) The facility shall be secured as required by Minnesota Statutes, Minnesota Rules, and the Office
of Cannabis Management.
(3) Outdoor operations are prohibited.
(4) The facility shall not produce noxious or nuisance causing odors, subject to the following
conditions:
a. The facility shall be ventilated so that all odors cannot be detected by a person with a normal
sense of smell at the exterior of the facility or at any adjoining use or property.
b. Growing cannabis must comply with all applicable laws and shall not produce noxious or
dangerous gases or odors or otherwise create a danger to any person or entity in or near the
facilities.
c. An odor maintenance plan must be submitted to the City and approved by the City.
d. At the City Council’s discretion, the applicant may be required to provide plans that show
appropriate odor control systems so as not to produce any noxious or dangerous gases or
odors or create any dangers to any person or entity in or near the facility.
(5) All mechanical, odor suppression equipment, and trash enclosures must be screened.
(6) Outdoor storage beyond the daily parking of vehicles is prohibited.
(7) Lighting
a. All site lighting must meet City Code requirements. All light fixtures must be downward
directed with cut-offs and be architecturally designed to match the overall design of the
building.
b. The specifications of all light fixtures must be provided to the City with the application for a
conditional use permit.
c. A photometric plan must be submitted to the City with the application for a conditional use
permit indicating light measure at the property line.
d. Lighting within a greenhouse is permitted between the hours of 4:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Lighting at the site property lines shall not exceed 1.0 foot-candles at any time.
(8) Water and Wastewater
a. Management of wastewater shall be in accordance with the Office of Cannabis Management,
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, or local ordinances. Where multiple standards exist,
the more restrictive of the standards shall apply.
b. Water use within the site shall be designed to maximize the amount of water reuse possible.
(9) Signs
a. Signs shall be in compliance with the Office of Cannabis Management and the City Code.
Whenever a more restrictive standard exists, the more restrictive standard shall apply.
(d) Temporary Cannabis Events – In Business and Industrial Districts, a Temporary Cannabis Event may
only be permitted as follows:
(1) License or Permit Required for Temporary Cannabis Events. A license or permit is required to be
issued and approved by the City of Lake Elmo prior to holding a Temporary Cannabis Event.
(2) Registration & Application Procedure. A registration fee, as established in the City of Lake
Elmo’s fee schedule, shall be charged to applicants for Temporary Cannabis Events.
(3) Application Submittal & Review. The City of Lake Elmo shall require an application for
Temporary Cannabis Events.
(4) An applicant for a Temporary Cannabis Event shall fill out an application form, as provided by
the City of Lake Elmo. Said form shall include, but is not limited to:
a. Full name of the property owner and applicant;
b. Address, email address, and telephone number of the applicant;
c. A site plan including the location of the event, the set-up, location of parking, dates of the
proposed event, hours of operation, lighting, signage, and any other information deemed
necessary by the City.
(5) The applicant shall include with the form:
a. The application fee as established in the City of Lake Elmo’s fee schedule.
b. A copy of the OCM cannabis event license application, submitted pursuant to Minnesota
Statute 342.39 subd. 2.
(6) The application shall be submitted to the City for review. If the City determines that a submitted
application is incomplete, they shall return the application to the applicant with the notice of
deficiencies.
(7) Once an application is considered complete, the City shall inform the applicant as such, process
the application fees, and forward the application to the City Council for approval or denial.
(8) The application fee shall be non-refundable once processed.
(9) The application for a license for a Temporary Cannabis Event shall meet the following standards:
a. Must be licensed by the State of Minnesota and in compliance with the standards set by the
Office of Cannabis Management.
b. Temporary Cannabis Events may only be held at approved Cannabis Cultivation, Cannabis
Mezzobusiness, Cannabis Microbusiness, Cannabis Retail, and Low Potency Hemp Retail
Locations.
c. Temporary Cannabis Events must last no more than four consecutive calendar days.
d. No more than four Temporary Cannabis Events may be conducted at a single location in a
calendar year.
e. Hours of operation for a Temporary Cannabis Event are limited to 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
(10) A request for a Temporary Cannabis Event that meets the requirements of this Section shall be
approved.
(11) A request for a Temporary Cannabis Event that does not meet the requirements of this Section
shall be denied. The City shall notify the applicant of the standards not met and basis for denial.
SECTION 7. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption and
publication in the official newspaper of the City of Lake Elmo.
SECTION 8. Adoption Date. This Ordinance 2024-XX was adopted on this 3rd day of December 2024, by
a vote of __ Ayes and ___Nays.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
_________________________________
Charles Cadenhead, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Julie Johnson, City Clerk
This Ordinance 2024-___ was published on the ____ day of ___________________, 2024.
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-XX
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAKE ELMO CITY CODE TITLE 11 TO REGULATE THE
POSSESSION, SALE, AND CONSUMPTION OF CANNABIS
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 11 Business Regulations
by adding a Chapter 11.28: Cannabis Businesses.
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 11 Business
Regulations; Chapter 11.28 Cannabis Businesses by adding a Section 11.28.010 Administration
(Proposed language is underlined):
(a) Finding and Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to implement the provisions of Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 342, which authorizes the City of Lake Elmo (hereinafter “City”) to protect the public
health, safety, welfare of City residents by regulating cannabis businesses. The City finds and concludes
the proposed provisions are appropriate and lawful land use regulations, will promote the community's
interest, and are in the public interest and for the public good.
(b) Authority and Jurisdiction. The City has the authority to adopt this ordinance pursuant to:
(1) Minn. Stat. 342.13(c), regarding the authority of a local unit of government to adopt reasonable
restrictions of the time, place, and manner of the operation of a cannabis business provided that
such restrictions do not prohibit the establishment or operation of cannabis businesses.
(2) Minn. Stat. 342.22, regarding the local registration and enforcement requirements of state-
licensed cannabis retail businesses and lower-potency hemp edible retail businesses.
(3) Minn. Stat. 152.0263, Subd. 5, regarding the use of cannabis in public places.
(c) Severability. If any section, clause, provision, or portion of this ordinance is adjudged unconstitutional
or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected
thereby.
(d) Enforcement. The City is responsible for the administration and enforcement of this ordinance. Any
violation of the provisions of this ordinance or failure to comply with any of its requirements constitutes
a misdemeanor and is punishable as defined by law. Violations of this ordinance can occur regardless of
whether or not a permit is required for a regulated activity listed in this ordinance
SECTION 3. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 11 Business
Regulations; Chapter 11.28 Cannabis Businesses by adding a Section 11.28.020 Registration of
Cannabis Businesses (Proposed language is underlined):
(a) Consent to registering Cannabis Businesses
(1) No individual or entity may operate a state-licensed cannabis retail business within the City of
Lake Elmo without first registering with the City.
(2) Any state-licensed cannabis retail business that sells to a customer or patient without valid retail
registration shall incur a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for each violation.
(b) Compliance Checks Prior to Registration
(1) Prior to issuance of a cannabis retail business registration, the City shall conduct a preliminary
compliance check to ensure compliance with local ordinances.
(2) Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 342, within 30 days of receiving a copy of a state license application
from OCM, the City shall certify on a form provided by OCM whether a proposed cannabis
retail business complies with local zoning ordinances and, if applicable, whether the proposed
business complies with the state fire code and building code.
(c) Registration & Application Procedure
(1) Fees. A registration fee, as established in the City’s fee schedule, shall be charged to applicants
depending on the type of retail business license applied for.
a. An initial retail registration fee shall not exceed $500 or half the amount of an initial state
license fee under Minn. Stat. 342.11, whichever is less. The initial registration fee shall
include the initial retail registration fee and the first annual renewal fee.
b. Any renewal retail registration fee shall be charged at the time of the second renewal and
each subsequent renewal thereafter.
c. A renewal retail registration fee shall not exceed $1,000 or half the amount of a renewal
state license fee under Minn. Stat. 342.11, whichever is less.
d. A medical combination business operating an adult-use retail location may only be charged
a single registration fee, not to exceed the lesser of a single retail registration fee, defined
under this section, of the adult-use retail business.
(2) Application Submittal. The City shall issue a retail registration to a state-licensed cannabis retail
business that adheres to the requirements of Minn. Stat. 342.22.
a. An applicant for a retail registration shall fill out an application form, as provided by the
City of Lake Elmo. Said form shall include, but is not limited to:
1. Full name of property owner and applicant.
2. Address, email address, and telephone number of the applicant.
3. The address and parcel ID for the property which the retail registration is sought.
4. Certification that the applicant complies with the requirements of local ordinances
established pursuant to 342.13.
b. The applicant shall include with the form:
1. The registration fee as required in LEC 11.28.020(c)(1), above.
2. A copy of a valid state license or written notice of OCM license preapproval.
c. Once an application is considered complete, the City shall inform the applicant as such,
process the application fees, and forward the application to the City Council for approval or
denial.
d. The application fee shall be non-refundable once processed.
(3) Application Approval.
a. A state-licensed cannabis retail business application shall not be approved or renewed if the
applicant is unable to meet the requirements of this ordinance, including land use standards
established in Title 105 Zoning.
b. A state-licensed cannabis retail business application that meets the requirements of this
ordinance, including land use standards established in Title 105 Zoning, shall be approved.
(4) Annual Compliance Checks.
a. The City shall complete at minimum one compliance check per calendar year of every
cannabis business to assess if the business meets age verification requirements, as required
under Minn. Stat. 342.22 Subd. 4(b) and Minn. Stat. 342.24 and this ordinance.
b. The City shall conduct at minimum one unannounced age verification compliance check at
least once per calendar year.
1. Age verification compliance checks shall involve persons at least 17 years of age but
under the age of 21 who, with the prior written consent of a parent or guardian if the
person is under the age of 18, attempt to purchase adult-use cannabis flower, adult-use
cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products
under the direct supervision of a law enforcement officer or an employee of the local
unit of government.
c. Any failures under this section must be reported to the Office of Cannabis Management.
(5) Location Change.
a. If a state-licensed cannabis retail business seeks to move to a new location still within the
legal boundaries of City, it shall notify City of the proposed location change, and submit
necessary information to meet all the criteria in Lake Elmo City Code without the need for a
new registration or fee.
(d) Renewal of Registration
(1) The City shall renew an annual registration of a state-licensed cannabis retail business at the
same time OCM renews the cannabis retail business’ license.
a. A state-licensed cannabis retail business shall apply to renew registration on a form
established by the City.
b. A cannabis retail registration issued under this ordinance shall not be transferred.
(2) Renewal Fees.
a. The City may charge a renewal fee for the registration starting at the second renewal, as
established in City’s fee schedule.
(3) Renewal Application.
a. The application for renewal of a retail registration shall include but is not limited to the
items required under LEC 9.28.020 (c)(2).
(e) Suspension of Registration
(1) When Suspension is Warranted.
a. The City may suspend a cannabis retail business’s registration if it violates the ordinances of
City or poses an immediate threat to the health or safety of the public. The City shall
immediately notify the cannabis retail business in writing the grounds for the suspension.
(2) Notification to OCM.
a. The City shall immediately notify the OCM in writing the grounds for the suspension. OCM
will provide the City and cannabis business retailer a response to the complaint within seven
calendar days and perform any necessary inspections within 30 calendar days.
(3) Length of Suspension.
a. The suspension of a cannabis retail business registration may be for up to 30 calendar days,
unless OCM suspends the license for a longer period. The business may not make sales to
customers if their registration is suspended.
b. The City may reinstate a registration if it determines that the violations have been resolved.
c. The City shall reinstate a registration if OCM determines that the violation(s) have been
resolved.
(4) Civil Penalties
a. Subject to Minn. Stat. 342.22, subd. 5(e) the City may impose a civil penalty, as specified in
the City’s Fee Schedule, for registration violations, not to exceed $2,000.
SECTION 4. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 11 Business
Regulations; Chapter 11.28 Cannabis Businesses by adding a Section 11.28.030 Requirements for
Cannabis Businesses (Proposed language is underlined):
(a) Number of Retailers
(1) The City Council can choose to limit the number of cannabis retail businesses, or cannabis
businesses with retail endorsements, to one registration per 12,500 residents, pursuant to Minn.
Stat. 342.13, subd. h, as may be amended, or allow no registrations citywide if there are more
than one retail registration per 12,500 residents of Washington County, pursuant to Minn. Stat.
342.13, subd. ii, as may be amended.
(b) Minimum Buffer Requirements
(1) To receive a retail registration, a cannabis business must be compliant with the minimum buffer
requirements established for such uses in Section 105.12.1490.
(2) Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 462.357 subd. 1e, nothing in this Section shall prohibit an active cannabis
business or a cannabis business seeking registration from continuing operation at the same site if
a school, daycare, residential treatment facility, or attraction within a public park that is regularly
used by minors moves within the minimum buffer zone.
SECTION 5. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title 11 Business Regulations;
Chapter 11.28 Cannabis Businesses by adding a Section 11.28.040 Use in Public Spaces (Proposed
language is underlined):
No person shall use cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived
consumer products in a public place, per LEC 9.32.085, or a place of public accommodation unless the
premises is an establishment or an event licensed to permit on-site consumption of adult-use.
SECTION 6. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption and
publication in the official newspaper of the City of Lake Elmo.
SECTION 7. Adoption Date. This Ordinance 2024-XX was adopted on this __rd day of December 2024, by
a vote of __ Ayes and ___Nays.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
_________________________________
Charles Cadenhead, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Julie Johnson, City Clerk
This Ordinance 2024-___ was published on the ____ day of ___________________, 2024.