12-04-2024 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – November 6, 2024 3 Consultant Planner Hofer stated this Ordinance does not restrict this activity. He commented he was not well versed in the regulations surrounding the production of beer, wine, spirits and cannabis products. He indicated any producer would need to be licensed through the OCM and believed this would be dealt with at the State level and not the local level. Commissioner Collins questioned if liquor stores could sell THC beverages in Arden Hills. Consultant Planner Hofer commented this Ordinance would not address this, rather this was addressed through previous legislation that addressed low potency products and was passed in 2023. He explained the Ordinance before the Commission was to address full potency cannabis products, which includes cannabis flowers, gummies and high potency THC beverages. Commissioner Bjorklund asked how many retail shops the City was required to have, since Arden Hills didn’t have 12,500 residents. Consultant Planner Hofer reported the City was required to have at least one retail shop, but could choose to allow any number of shops through the registration process. Commissioner Bjorklund questioned if a 1,000 foot setback from schools, daycares and churches could be applied for this adult use. Consultant Planner Hofer stated as discussed by the City Council, this type of buffer was not allowed by state statute. He reported the Statute allows a 1,000 foot setback from schools and a 500 foot setback from daycares, residential treatment centers, and park equipment. Commissioner Bjorklund commented on how the B-4 district was set back as it was. He discussed how cannabis would be a destination purchase versus being an impulse purchase. He thanked staff for the time and thought they put into the proposed cannabis Ordinance. He asked how odor complaints would be addressed, noting he wanted complaints to be real and not harassing. Commissioner Lindau thanked staff for their efforts on the Ordinance. He indicated the only thing he saw that may have to be addressed was on Page 14 of the OCM Ordinance pertaining to cannabis events. He questioned if this language would be included in the City’s ordinance. Consultant Planner Hofer reported temporary events would be regulated in the section that addresses registration. Chair Weber asked if the City was considering setting a cap on the number of retail establishments. Consultant Planner Hofer stated the City Council was considering setting the cap at one retail establishment. Further discussion ensued regarding how the City would choose a path forward for selecting the one retailer in the community.