Retail Cannabis Registration
The City Clerk’s office monitors the number of Cannabis Dispensary permits the City may have at any one time.
https://duluthmn.gov/city-clerk/licenses-permits/cannabis-registration/
However, the first step is to apply with the licensing with the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management.
https://mn.gov/ocm/businesses/licensing/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
During this application and review process, the State will work directly with the City to confirm that the proposed location will comply with local zoning regulations. However, as part of this process, the project proposer will need to verify that the proposed location of the project will comply with State Building and Fire Codes (including accessibility and egress, etc). Project proposers will need to complete a form titled “Construction Services Agency Request” (CSARQ), found online on ePlace. If this project requires a change of use or new construction, a MN licensed architect must prepare a code summary and plans for the work proposed. For projects that require a change of use, a building permit application must be made, plans reviewed and approved, a permit issued, work inspected, and a Certificate of Occupancy issued, prior to the Cannabis Dispensary being open for business.
MN Statue 342.13 requires the local government to certify the business’s compliance with local zoning ordinances and, if applicable, whether the proposed business complies with the State Fire Code and Building Code. In accordance with the adult-use rules and regulations, a cannabis business must comply with all applicable Minnesota State Building and Fire Codes, as well as Federal and State environmental and workplace safety requirements and policies. In order to receive a license, the preliminary approved applicant must be in compliance with the requirements listed above as well as any others established by the local government.
City staff are in contact with staff at the Office of Cannabis Management for clarification related to language in State statute.
City Ordinances on Retail Cannabis Registration Chapter 8A and Chapter 50 (UDC/Zoning)