Goodhue County approves township cannabis delegations, interim use permit and two retail registrations

The Goodhue County Board of Commissioners on March 3 approved delegation agreements offered to Leyon, Cannon Falls and Holden townships, granted an interim use permit to a proposed micro business in Leyon Township, and approved two retail cannabis registration applications, bringing the county to the four‑registration maximum in its ordinance.

Land‑use staff (Megan) told the board the standard delegation agreements keep zoning authority at the township level while allowing the county to issue retail registrations, handle paperwork, and coordinate enforcement. Megan said all three townships have discussed delegation at their boards and that Cannon Falls had returned a signed copy; the others had not yet formally signed.

Commissioners asked staff and county counsel (Mr. O'Keefe) to confirm statutory language and the interplay between township limits and the county cap. A county official summarized the practical effect: if a township signs the delegation agreement but adopts a lower local cap, the lower township cap will limit the number of registrations within that township; if the township does not set a lower cap, the county’s maximum of four registrations could result in all four being located in one township.

The board unanimously approved a motion to accept the delegation agreements as presented and offered to work with the townships on implementation.

The board also approved an interim use permit (IUP) for Ace Cannabis LLC, represented in the record as applicant Dave Kunert, for a micro business proposed at 7860 365th Street near Cannon Falls. Staff described the IUP as a conditional, ownership‑triggered permit to allow cultivation and manufacturing activities while preserving county oversight if ownership changes. Conditions include MDOT site‑plan review for Highway 52 turn movements, county septic permits and inspections, building permits, and maintaining Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management licensing. The board approved the IUP by voice vote.

Separately, county staff reported two complete retail registration applications submitted Feb. 20, 2026: Kevin Rodriguez (DBA The Green Zone) for a location in Cannon Falls and Jack Baker (DBA Skyhigh Cannabis) for a location in Kenyon. Under Minnesota statutes cited by staff and the county ordinance adopted Oct. 15, 2024, the county’s population yields a maximum of four retail registrations. Staff said the county processes complete applications on a first‑come, first‑served basis and timestamps only complete submissions. With the approvals on March 3 the board reached four active retail registrations under the current local ordinance.

Staff noted the registrations run on a calendar‑year basis (the current approval terms extend through Dec. 31, 2027) and that registrants must continue to progress through state licensing steps, including inspections and any additional requirements set by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management. The board discussed renewal and enforcement timing and directed staff to monitor state license status and follow up when applicants do not meet state deadlines.

Next steps: townships that intend to delegate must return signed delegation agreements; registrants must continue the state licensing process before opening. The board did not change its ordinance limits at this meeting.