FAQs • East Lansing, MI • CivicEngage

What is the process for applying? How long does it take?: The process involves a special use permit that runs with the property, not the business or owner. The property owner must sign the land use development application which makes them aware of the applicant’s desire to obtain a special use permit for the property. The process takes a minimum of three months and two public hearings will be held; Planning Commission makes a recommendation to City Council and City Council makes the final decision.

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Medical Marihuana

1. Which zoning allows for provisioning center facilities?: Provisioning center facilities are allowed in four separate overlay districts chosen by City Council. They are located in the north, south, east, and west areas of the City and essentially do not abut residential neighborhoods. All provisioning center facilities must also meet the requirements of the underlying zoning of the property.

3. Is there a cap to the number of provisioning center facilities the City is allowing?: There is not a cap per se; however, the 1,000-foot buffer requirement between lot lines from other provisioning center facilities naturally limits the number that would be allowed.

4. Do I have to be pre-qualified to apply?: You must have been issued a pre-qualification application number by the State of Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs prior to submitting an application for a Special Use Permit for any medical marihuana facility.

5. How many applications is the City of East Lansing accepting?: The City of East Lansing has not put a limit on the number of applications being accepted.

6. What is the process for applying? How long does it take?: The process involves a special use permit that runs with the property, not the business or owner. The property owner must sign the land use development application which makes them aware of the applicant’s desire to obtain a special use permit for the property. The process takes a minimum of three months and two public hearings will be held; Planning Commission makes a recommendation to City Council and City Council makes the final decision.

7. Given we are not constructing a new building, is the entire application required to be completed?: The land use development application should be completed to the fullest extent possible. A site plan is required to be submitted with the application in addition to a $5,000.00 application fee; which is also to be paid annually.

8. Is a pre-application meeting with the Planning Department required?: A meeting is not required, but may be beneficial as a pre-review of your application to find out what items are missing or still needed.

9. If my application is first, does that guarantee that it will be reviewed and possibly approved first?: No. Submitting an application does not secure an applicant’s place in line.

10. Where can I find additional information?: Additional information is available on the City of East Lansing's Medical Marihuana webpage and the State of Michigan's Licensing And Regulatory Affairs (LARA) webpage.