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In an unusual twist, it turns out state law does not allow the county to double the setback distances from schools, day cares and playgrounds.
DETROIT LAKES — After putting setback distances back where they were before the planning commission doubled them, the Becker County Board approved the new cannabis ordinance at a special meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
The setbacks as approved by the County Board on Tuesday are: 1,000 feet from a school, and 500 feet from a church, day care, library, residence on an adjacent property, residential treatment facility, park, playground or athletic field.s levy, but its tax rate keeps on dropping
After a fair amount of discussion on Dec. 18, the Becker County Planning Commission had voted to recommend that those setback lengths be doubled in the Becker County cannabis ordinance.
But in an unusual twist, it turns out state law does not allow the county to extend those setback distances, said Becker County Administrator Carrie Smith. That was confirmed by Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald, she added.
In most cases, counties are allowed to be more restrictive, but not less restrictive, than a state statute, but for some reason not when it comes to cannabis setbacks, Smith said.
At any rate, if you plan to get into the cannabis business in Becker County, you’ll need a county permit and a feasible business plan.
Whether you hope to grow, manufacture, or sell cannabis products, the proposed ordinance regulates how you can do it. It’s based on the Clay County cannabis ordinance.
The County Board approved the cannabis ordinance on Tuesday, but the state is not expected to start issuing its own cannabis licenses for several months, perhaps this summer.
https://www.dl-online.com/news/local/becker-county-approves-cannabis-ordinance
