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Planning Commission recommends approval of outdoor storage permit for Knutson Construction in I-2 industrial district
Summary
The Cannon Falls Planning Commission on Jan. 12 recommended city council approval of a conditional use permit that would allow Knutson Construction to use outdoor storage (Connex containers, trailers and truck cranes) in the city’s I-2 General Industrial district; staff said the application meets required conditions and the commission approved Resolution 2026-01 by voice vote.
The Cannon Falls Planning Commission on Jan. 12 voted to recommend city council approval of a conditional use permit allowing outdoor storage in the I-2 General Industrial district for Knutson Construction.
Staff told the commission the application meets the district’s conditions for outdoor storage — including fencing, paving and lighting — and recommended approval of Planning Commission Resolution 2026-01. “They do meet all of those conditions,” the staff member stated during the public hearing.
The hearing drew a short public comment period. Erin McMahon of Hoffman Street said she had no issue with the proposal but asked about crane heights and whether the company could hang signs or flags from cranes. “I did read that they’re gonna be storing cranes… I’m wondering how many stories high the cranes are,” McMahon said.
Tom Limerick, who identified himself as senior vice president with Knutson/Knutsen Construction, responded that the company uses truck cranes rather than tower cranes and that cranes would be raised only for maintenance and would not be left fully extended overnight. “To answer your crane question, most of ours are truck cranes. They’re not tower cranes … we’re not gonna leave it up overnight,” Limerick said. He also said the applicant expects to use Connex-style storage containers for equipment and that outside storage might not begin for six months to a year depending on tenant occupancy and the company’s purchase timeline.
Commissioners asked about site phasing and boundaries shown on the plan. A commissioner confirmed the initial fenced area would be the first phase and that any expansion of storage into adjacent green areas would require future master planning and separate city review. A commissioner also noted the pavement/concrete requirement appears to be met in the application materials.
A motion to approve the commission’s recommendation for the conditional use permit (Resolution 2026-01) was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. The motion record in the meeting transcript shows the commission approved the resolution and will forward the recommendation to the City Council for final action.
The applicant and staff said they will coordinate required details — fencing, paving, lighting and related site improvements — with city staff before outdoor storage begins. The public hearing was opened at 6:33 p.m. and closed at 6:34 p.m.; the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
