Zoning for adult-focused businesses

Overview
New Zoning Law
Learn More

Overview

The City of Albert Lea adopted new zoning in 2024 for off-sale liquor, cannabis, tobacco and sexually-oriented businesses.

“Cannabis is changing Minnesota in many ways. As a city government, we need to make sure the changes to Albert Lea are not detrimental to our residents and our existing businesses,” said Wayne Sorensen, building and zoning official.

“The location of these businesses will affect Albert Lea for decades, so we want to proceed cautiously,” he added.

New Zoning Law

The new zoning law limits the locations for new cannabis, off-sale liquor, tobacco and sexually-oriented businesses.

New adult-focused businesses are prohibited in residential areas, Albert Lea’s historic downtown, an area around downtown, and areas along interstates.

In other areas, new off-sale liquor, cannabis and tobacco businesses must be at least 1,000 feet from a school or 500 feet from day cares, residential treatment facilities, places of worship or attractions within a public park that is regularly used by minors, including playgrounds or athletic fields.

New sexually-oriented businesses must be at least 1,000 feet from a school or 500 feet from residential areas, parks, recreational areas, public theaters, shopping centers and airports. They must be at least 1,500 feet from interstate highways.

In addition, new adult-focused businesses must be least 500 feet from a similar use, meaning no clusters of cannabis or other adult-focused businesses within the same immediate area.

Existing adult-focused businesses can continue to operate in their current locations. However, expanding in their current locations may be prohibited.