Outdoor county cannabis-grow permit conditions being revised

by DENISE MARTIN

Saturation of cannabis plantings in rural areas is a concern that will continue to be on the county’s plate for a while yet.  Last week the county commissioners adopted an incomplete version of a recommended zoning ordinance that addresses some of the complaints associated with cannabis cultivation. But,  the county’s planning commission advisory group was also directed to hold another public hearing and continue to review the rules.

The planning commissioners heard from concerned citizens on both sides of this new recreational adult use economy, at a meeting Octtober 1 (story in Press October 8). The proliferation of cannabis crop enterprises licensed by the state, has resulted in concentrated outdoor and greenhouse activities negatively impacting residential neighbors.

The license to do business is state-authorized but the county is able to enforce hours, how the land is used, in which zones the business may set-up and many  aspects of local oversight.  The state checks license applicants’ backgrounds, verifies security and controls, and other public safety matters.  

Even as some of the local conditions allowing for these operations were revised in the Board action last week— other concerns need more review, the County Board agreed.

Immediately effective will be new setbacks for cultivation, distances from property lines and from buildings were extended. Locations that are licensed by the state will need to be spaced further apart, a tool that Chisago County implemented for controlling distribution of solar arrays.

Kurt Schneider, Environmental Services Director, explained the planning commission still wants to analyze the “tiers” that are part of the licensing structure and see if a customized county approach can be developed.  There are micro, mezzo and vertically integrated cannabis operations and each presents a certain challenge in being a good neighbor, Schneider added.

There also should be more research into definitions and descriptions of situations allowing greenhouse or hoop house  uses.

The wording adopted by the County Board last week addresses spacing and concentration, and requires the issuance of only one state cultivation license per parcel (previously the state considered the limits on plant canopy size but had allowed multiple license holders on one parcel.)

No date for a subsequent public hearing in front of the planning commission was set.  Watch the legal notices.

In other business:

The sheriff’s joint powers agreement with Hennepin County was approved allowing room and board of Hennepin-held inmates.  The contract will not exceed $1.2 million.

Also in the law enforcement category the sheriff reports the plan for using the 2027 Towards Zero Deaths grant program funding, is to focus on distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence behaviors, and seatbelt enforcement.  Chisago County expects $43,000 in grant money to pay for overtime hours and other expenses related to the TZD program saturations.

~ Vickie Goulette, recently hired Health & Human Services Director gave an update on preparing for new social/welfare programs effective next year that counties administer.  For one, the department will be able to screen/prosecute offenders who are ages 10,11, and 12 now for offenses.  The state mandates needing local tax dollars will require re-assignment and shuffling of some job tasks.