As OCM continues implementing the launch of the adult-use cannabis licensing framework, we are working to build a database of partnerships with local units of government across the state as we prepare for the regulation, enforcement, and compliance work of the licensing framework. To prepare for the successful implementation of zoning compliance certification and local retail registration processes, each local unit of government should:
Minnesota’s cannabis law (Minnesota Statutes, section 342.22) includes the process for local retail registration, which is distinct from the licensure process run by OCM. Each business conducting retail sales of cannabis is required to hold a business license and a local retail registration. This process is determined by each local unit of government. The law allows cities and townships to delegate this local retail registration authority to the county. By completing the “Local Unit of Government Cannabis Licensing and Delegation Form” linked above, cities and townships are completing the requirement to notify OCM as to whether they are retaining or delegating their local retail registration authority. By completing the Contact and Delegation form, local units of government are also helping to establish the necessary pathways for coordination with the regulatory division of OCM as we prepare for the launch of new licensees and implement compliance and enforcement mechanisms, like the expedited complaint process. Please note that delegating local retail registration authority, as allowed in Minnesota Statutes, section 342.22, is distinct from zoning authority. A township or a city may still retain zoning authority and need to complete the zoning compliance verification check in the licensing process if they are the appropriate entity to verify zoning and land use compliance for a proposed business.
In order to complete the zoning compliance verification check, OCM needs to be able to communicate with local units of government with relevant zoning authority and request certification on an application. This will occur in the licensing software system, Accela. By registering for an Accela account, the local unit of government is preparing for the required zoning compliance verification check. Townships may opt out of creating an Accela account only if they have delegated their zoning authority to the county and have informed OCM via the "Local Unit of Government Cannabis Licensing and Delegation Form". Please review Minnesota Statutes, sections 342.13 and 342.14 for more information regarding state law’s requirements for the zoning compliance certification process.
The "Point of Contact" identified in the "Local Unit of Government Cannabis Licensing and Delegation Form" should correspond with the person managing the Accela account on behalf of the local unit of government. If a local unit of government with zoning authority does not create an Accela account, the verification of zoning compliance cannot be completed and the licensing process may continue without approval of the local unit of government.
*Only applicable to cities, counties and townships with relevant zoning authority.
Who needs to create an Accela account
All city and county governments should create an Accela account in preparation of requests for certification of compliance for cannabis businesses. Townships with relevant zoning authority should create an Accela account in preparation of requests for certification of compliance for cannabis businesses. If a township has listed in the Contact and Delegation form that they have delegated zoning authority to the county, then that township does not need to create an Accela account.
Each unit of local government with relevant zoning authority to verify a proposed business meets land use needs to identify one person to create an account for their locality’s jurisdiction – the local Accela account manager. This identified person should match the “Point of Contact” submitted in the Local Unit of Government Cannabis Licensing Contact and Delegation form.
