Royal Oak, MI Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Royal Oak did not adopt the local opt-out that Michigan law allows; § 770-52.1A states it is the general purpose and intent of the City to authorize marihuana establishments while managing their secondary impacts on neighborhoods and schools. Establishments are permitted only as a special land use under § 770-11's application and public hearing process, and the City Commission, not the Plan Commission alone, makes the final call after a Planning Commission recommendation under § 770-52.1B. Before approval, the applicant must show prequalification status for a State of Michigan license and a municipal license slot awarded under Chapter 435, Marihuana. § 770-52.1B(3) sets the spacing: no establishment within 1,000 feet of any existing public or private K-12 school, and no marihuana retailer or microbusiness within 1,000 feet of another retailer or microbusiness anywhere in the city, measured from the outermost lot boundaries. § 770-52.1B(4) flatly prohibits designated consumption establishments and excess marihuana growers in every zoning district, along with marihuana event organizers and temporary marihuana events unless the City Commission separately approves them under Chapter 435.

Approved sites cannot have drive-through lanes or walk-up windows under § 770-52.1B(6), get only one 50-square-foot wall sign under § 770-52.1B(7), and must incorporate low-impact stormwater design such as rain gardens or bioswales under § 770-52.1B(11).