Planning Commission Meeting Date: April 16, 2026
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Mathias Hughey, Associate City Planner
Title
Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for Black Bear Wellness MN to Operate a Cannabis Retail Establishment at 680 Professional Dr.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield Planning Commission is asked to recommend approval of the conditional use permit (CUP) to the City Council for Black Bear Wellness MN to operate a cannabis retail establishment at 680 Professional Dr.
Summary Report:
The applicant, Black Bear Wellness MN (the applicant) has applied for a CUP to operate a cannabis retail establishment at 680 Professional Dr. The applicant has received Preliminary License Approval from the State of Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management to operate a cannabis business and has applied for a Retail Registration from the City Clerk. In order to approve the Retail Registration, the applicant must first receive a conditional use permit.
State law requires that the City of Northfield issue a minimum of two (2) cannabis retail licenses, based on the population of the city. These licenses are to be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. The applicant is the second to apply. City code limits cannabis retail licenses to a maximum of two licenses.
The business will be a retail-only establishment with no on-site production or consumption.
Table 2.7-1: Permitted Principal Uses allows Cannabis Retail as a conditional use in the C2-B: Highway Commercial District. The use-specific standards for Cannabis Retail the C2-B: Highway Commercial zoning district, include the following regulations:
- A cannabis business with a retail license or a cannabis retail endorsement is prohibited from sharing a common entrance with a business licensed as a tobacco product shop.
- Cannabis businesses with a retail license or a cannabis retail endorsement shall be located a minimum distance of 300 feet from any primary or secondary school, me...
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