During the Regular City Council meeting on September 16, 2025, the Burnsville City Council discussed a significant proposal to convert the Hampton Inn Hotel into a long-term care facility aimed at providing housing and treatment for individuals with substance use and related mental health issues. The property owner, MSP Burnsville LLC, is seeking approval for this conversion despite not having identified a tenant for the facility yet.

The proposed facility will not offer detoxification services; instead, it will serve clients who have already undergone detoxification at other facilities. It will be licensed by the state of Minnesota and will provide two levels of care, including a 30 to 60-day live-in program that incorporates therapy and medical support. Notably, the facility will be non-secure, allowing clients the freedom to come and go.

To proceed with the conversion, the council must approve two key requests: an amendment to the existing Planned Unit Development (PUD) to allow for the new use under the B3 zoning district, and a conditional use permit specifically for the long-term care facility. The current PUD restricts the property to hotel uses only, necessitating this amendment.

The conditional use permit process involves a thorough review to ensure that the proposed facility will not negatively impact the surrounding community. The city has established ten findings that must be satisfied, and the council can impose reasonable conditions to mitigate potential impacts. The applicant has submitted 22 draft conditions of approval, which have been supplemented by four additional conditions from city staff, focusing on operational safety, health care connections, and compliance with local regulations.

The council emphasized the importance of ongoing compliance and enforcement mechanisms, noting that the facility's operation will be subject to annual reviews and could be revoked if conditions are not met. The planning commission previously held a public hearing on this matter, indicating community interest and concern regarding the facility's potential impact.

As the council moves forward with this proposal, the decision will play a crucial role in addressing local needs for mental health and substance use treatment, while also balancing community safety and neighborhood characteristics. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential approvals in the coming weeks.