Cannon Falls council authorizes drafting of fairgrounds zoning amendment to exclude motorized racing

The Cannon Falls City Council on March 18 authorized city staff and the city attorney to work with the fair board and the fair board’s attorney to draft an ordinance amending the fairgrounds’ zoning to remove motorized race activities as an allowable use.

City staff told the council the action follows a history dating to 2024 when a racetrack was constructed and used without prior permits; the Planning Commission previously denied an ordinance amendment to change uses and the council later confirmed that denial by resolution. Staff described the proposal discussed with fair-board representatives as aiming to preserve longstanding fair activities (demolition derbies and similar nonmotorized or traditional fair events would be evaluated for consistency) while explicitly excluding motorized race events from permissible uses in the fairgrounds zoning district.

Council members asked whether camping or RV storage would be allowed. Staff said RV storage and regular racing activities would not be permitted in the zoning as proposed; camping tied to permitted events may be allowable under state statute for certain events, but RV storage would not be included. Staff also said the council’s action would begin the ordinance-drafting process and that the zoning amendment would follow the normal process, including a Planning Commission public hearing and Planning Commission recommendation before returning to the council.

Chad moved to authorize staff and the city attorney to proceed with drafting the zoning amendment and to work with the fair board; Laura seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote after the mayor called for ayes and nays. Staff said the fair-board members present in earlier discussions indicated a willingness to collaborate on the change.