East Bethel council schedules public hearing after alleged IUP violations at Gratitude Farms

The East Bethel City Council on May 12 directed staff to place a review of three interim use permits held by Tammy Gimple on the council's May 28 agenda for a public hearing, after staff and the city attorney reported alleged noncompliance and a related criminal summons.

The city attorney summarized the permits and alleged violations, saying the permits include a 2019 interim use permit allowing up to two horses and a 2021 permit authorizing a noncommercial, animal contractual services home occupation. He told the council that the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office had sought entry to inspect animals brought to the property beginning Jan. 26, 2025, and, according to the sheriff’s office, was denied entry and later obtained a search warrant. “That criminal prosecution resulted in a summons complaint that was issued on or about March twelfth of 2025,” the city attorney said, and recited the two counts listed in the complaint.

Why it matters: interim use permits (IUPs) in East Bethel are personal and conditional; they typically expire on sale of the property or for noncompliance. If the council proceeds after the public hearing, it could amend permit conditions or pursue revocation of one or more permits, though any formal change would…