Board approves cannabis manufacturing CUP with strict local conditions after retail withdrawn

After a lengthy review and public comment period, Otter Tail County commissioners approved, by roll call, a conditional use permit allowing on‑site cannabis manufacturing at a Mud Lake property — but not retail sales.

County planning staff noted the applicant withdrew the retail component after Planning Commission concerns focused largely on retail‑related traffic and neighborhood impacts. The board treated the manufacturing component as an industrial conditional use that could be approved with conditions to protect neighborhood character.

The board’s conditions, recorded on the motion, require:

- Absolutely no retail activity at the location.
- No outside storage; all manufacturing and related activity must occur within an enclosed structure.
- No signage advertising the operation at the site.
- Measures to mitigate dust and traffic impacts on neighboring roads where needed.
- Downward/dark‑sky exterior lighting to minimize light pollution where OCM rules do not conflict.
- Compliance with all Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) security and regulatory requirements.

Commissioners said the conditions aim to preserve compatibility with the natural‑environment lake shoreline and address community concerns about noise, traffic and visual impacts. The motion passed unanimously by roll call.