Council approves meso cannabis operation at Pheasant Ridge with odor‑mitigation condition

The Blaine City Council on Sept. 3 approved a conditional use permit for a meso cannabis operation at 4131 Pheasant Ridge Drive, allowing indoor cultivation (up to the 15,000 sq ft meso limit), manufacturing and retail, and added an amendment addressing odor complaints.

Assistant community development director Sheila Selman outlined the proposal: a meso operation with a 14,739 sq ft cultivation canopy (under the 15,000‑sq‑ft limit), processing, production and a 5,180‑sq‑ft retail component; the project expects to employ about 40 full‑ and part‑time staff and provides 81 parking stalls. Planning commission and staff recommended approval with conditions.

Councilmember Robertson offered and Councilmember Larson seconded an amendment to give staff a clear enforcement step for odor complaints: "If 5 odor complaints are received within any given year, an odor mitigation plan must be submitted to the city within 30 days from notice, by the city. And then the mitigation plan must be approved by the city council." The council adopted the Robertson amendment and then approved the CUP as amended.

Councilmembers asked about zoning limits and connectivity; staff explained cultivation is allowed within the meso business category because the meso designation requires a retail component and limits canopy to 15,000 sq ft. Councilmember Masolia asked about road connections (Austin Street) and possible assessments; staff said engineering is coordinating with property owners and no assessments were proposed at this time.

Next steps: the applicant must meet state and city licensing and ordinance requirements and comply with the conditions adopted by council, including the odor‑mitigation requirement that will trigger council review if complaints meet the stated threshold.