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Planning commission approves temporary agritourism permit for Doubting Thomas Farms with conditions
Summary
The Klay County Planning Commission granted a temporary interim use permit to Noren Thomas of Doubting Thomas Farms to host agritourism and educational events May–November, subject to six staff conditions including licensing, a 100‑space parking plan, and a Dec. 31, 2030 expiration date.
The Klay County Planning Commission on a unanimous voice vote approved a temporary interim use permit for Noren Thomas of Doubting Thomas Farms to host agritourism and educational events at 12506 20th Street North.
Planning staff described the request as a short‑term agritourism and education use on a parcel in agricultural general zoning that lies partly in the regulatory floodway. The events, aimed at school groups and members of the public, would run during a six‑month window each year and would use portable restrooms and licensed food vendors; staff said no new permanent buildings are proposed.
Matt, a planning staffer, told the commission the application "meets the temporary use definition," and explained the property is currently limited by floodway zoning but could be reclassified in the future if planned diversion work changes the floodplain. Staff recommended six conditions, which the commission adopted: the facility must obtain all required federal, state and local licenses including environmental health approvals; the applicant must submit a parking plan showing a minimum of 100 spaces (each 10 ft wide and 20 ft deep, with specified area calculation); no permanent structures are allowed for the temporary use; tents larger than 1,500 square feet require a Minnesota Department of Public Safety permit; events are limited to May 1 through November 1 each year; and the permit will expire on Dec. 31, 2030. Staff noted the county could consider a five‑year authorization that permits six‑month operations annually rather than an annual renewal.
Applicant Noren Thomas described the farm’s outreach and economic goals, saying the farm draws university groups and visitors and that agritourism can "showcase Klay County" and help local businesses. The commission asked questions about signage standards, permit duration and the difference between November 1 (staff’s recommended end date) and a November 30 date that appeared in packet materials; staff confirmed November 1 aligns with the six‑month definition.
After brief discussion the commission moved to approve the permit with the conditions and the chair declared the permit granted. The permit includes operational limits and compliance requirements; future changes such as permanent structures or a different use would require separate permits or approvals.
