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A Chisago County land use ordinance was unanimously revised last week to allow for slaughter and processing of a restricted number of “units” cows, pigs, etc. on agriculturally zoned property.  

County code  specifically excluded these type operations;  until Erica and Mike Heinen inquired about using their farm near Kost Dam Park, for limited animal processing.    There was a public hearing held (Press story Sept 8), the County Board reviewed the draft revisions to the ordinance, sent it back to the planning commission and last week the County Board approved amending the ordinance.

The action allows a 20 acre minimum-sized parcel to be used for a slaughterhouse and custom processing (no retail) of 20 animals per week.  The slaughter and processing has to comply with all applicable state health department rules.

The right to process your own animal ie: a deer, for non-commercial use has never been impacted by this language.

There was Board discussion about planning commission recommendations the animals be housed.  Commissioner Chris DuBose said the Heinen Farm already has a herd outdoors  and it would be a hardship to require housing the incoming animals.  Commissioner Ben Montzka wondered if there might be a processing purpose for sheltering the animals, but with no background detail on it this  condition was eliminated.

Erica Heinen told the Press after the meeting there is alot of work to do to develop the logistics of the business and get certifications in place for food processing safety, etc. so she doesn’t anticipate accepting any orders for a year.  The Heinens will choose a name and announce in 2023 when the operations are ready to go.

In other County Board business:  a $500 donation from Chisago Lakes Rotary to the Children’s Water Festival was accepted.

The Cowles Farm  Plat 3 “resort” was approved as an amendment to a prior Conditional Use Permit for the property off Hwy. 8 on Unity Avenue, in Franconia Township.  

The 17 acre site is limited to four structures and two tenting sites.  Tents will be in use April to November and Thursdays through Sunday, the small buildings may be rented year-round.  Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. There is a second phase in the plan to improve a barn for events and gatherings of up to 125 persons.

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