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Planning commission grants Soda Stone conditional use permit for cannabis microbusiness in Holly area
Summary
The commission approved a conditional use permit for Soda Stone to operate a cannabis microbusiness (retail plus small‑scale indoor cultivation/processing) at 22312 Highway 10, Holly; the applicant has preliminary state approval pending background checks and must meet state rules, local building and public‑health registration requirements.
The Clay County Planning Commission on Aug. 20 granted a conditional use permit to Soda Stone to establish a cannabis microbusiness at 22312 U.S. Highway 10, just west of Holly.
Planning staff said the proposal would occupy about 1,300 square feet of an existing retail building, with retail functions on the first floor and a secured, small cultivation and packaging area on the upper floor. Staff said the applicant has preliminary approval from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management pending background checks and must secure retail registration from Clay County Public Health before operating.
Cody Erickson, owner of Soda Stone, told the commission the business would use the southern half of the building for retail, operate 7 days a week initially (proposed hours roughly 10 a.m.–8 p.m.), and expect 2–4 employees on site during typical operating hours. He said the building is already commercial and that he owns the property.
Staff noted the site is zoned highway commercial and that the proposed use meets or exceeds setback requirements. The applicant provided a waste and wastewater plan and said the cultivation and processing would be limited to packaging and non‑solvent methods; no hazardous solvent extractions were proposed. Staff also identified a shared‑well agreement on the property that restricts "unusual or excessive" water use.
Commissioners asked about building readiness and inspections; staff said the state and county building, fire and public‑health inspections must be completed and the state license finalized before the planning office will sign off. Erickson said, if all approvals come on schedule, he hoped to open by late fall or early winter.
Commissioner Kurt Stubbshead moved to approve the conditional use permit with the listed conditions; the motion was seconded and carried on voice vote. The permit is conditioned on compliance with county conditions, state licensing rules, public‑health retail registration and meeting building and fire code requirements prior to opening.
