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Local Approval Process <br /> Local governments play a critical role in the licensing <br /> process, serving as a near-final approval check on <br /> cannabis businesses nearing the awarding of a state <br /> license for operations. Once an applicant has been <br /> vetted by OCM and is selected for proceeding in the <br /> verification process, they are then required to receive <br /> the local government's certification of zoning <br /> compliance and/or local retail registration before <br /> operations may commence. <br /> 0 <br /> Local Cerhfication of Zoning Compliance (342.130 <br /> 342*14) <br /> Following OCM's vetting process, local governments must certify that the applicant with <br /> preliminary approval has achieved compliance with local zoning ordinances prior to the <br /> licensee receiving final approval from OCM to commence operations. <br /> During the application and licensing process for cannabis businesses, OCM will notify a <br /> local government when an applicant intends to operate within theirjurisdiction and request <br /> a certification as to whether a proposed cannabis business complies with local zoning <br /> ordinances, and if applicable, whether the proposed business complies with state fire code <br /> and building code. <br /> According to Minnesota's cannabis law, a local unit of government has 30 days to respond <br /> to this request for certification of compliance. If a local government does not respond to <br /> OCM's request for certification of compliance within the 30 days, the cannabis law allows <br /> OCM to issue a license. OCM may not issue the final approval for a license if the local <br /> government has indicated they are not in compliance. <br /> OCM will work with local governments to access the licensing software system to <br /> complete this zoning certification process. <br />