Planning Commission approves outdoor cannabis cultivation permit with added screening after neighbors object

The Benton County Planning Commission voted 4–2 on April 12 to grant an interim use permit (IUP) for an outdoor cannabis cultivation operation on Lot 3, Block 1, Reberg Estates (File #26-071), attaching a detailed set of development conditions and a newly added screening requirement.

Roxanne Achman, planning staff, summarized the application and the state preapproval process by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), noting the requested maximum cultivation canopy of 21,780 square feet, required secure fencing and that the nearest residence was more than 800 feet away. Matt Klein, a representative of Corgi Canna, told the commission the applicants have OCM preapproval, plan two employees and two harvests per season, and will use opaque commercial-grade fencing and third-party-monitored cameras; he said water use would be about 1,200 gallons per day and that the State would have access to camera data.

Neighbors filed multiple oral and written objections, citing potential odor, impacts to property values, water use, traffic and the risk of criminal activity. Lynn Dierkes said she represented residents on 85th Avenue and reported 54 signatures in opposition. Several speakers, including Bridget Rajkowski and Guy Gapinski, said they were concerned about odor affecting outdoor activities and the security of the site.

Commissioners reviewed the relevant sections of the Benton County Development Code (Sections 7.2.5(K), 9.27 and 11.7). Most criteria were found to be met; on the environmental-impact item the commission voted 4 in favor and 2 opposed that the interim use would not create a negative environmental impact. During deliberations the commission added Condition #8, moved by Carol Anderson and seconded by Bruce Bonebright, requiring additional screening along the north property line consisting of two staggered rows of trees (150 feet in length, 2–4 feet at planting, species to be approved by Planning and Zoning).

The approved conditions require verification of OCM licensing (license MICRO-A24-000336 is referenced in the permit), commercial-grade obscure fencing at least 6 feet high topped with a three-strand barbed wire extender arm, a security plan and ongoing compliance with OCM security requirements, lighting controls to limit off-site spill, water and septic plans approved by the appropriate authority, and limits on hours and operations as specified in Section 9.27. The IUP includes an automatic expiration provision (one year unless substantial progress is made) and standard inspection and compliance language.

Commissioner Kevin Renslow voiced concern specifically about odor prior to the final vote. Bruce Bonebright moved to approve the IUP and Mary Jo Holewa seconded; the motion carried with a 4–2 tally. The minutes record the vote totals but do not list individual yes/no votes by name.

Next steps: the applicants must meet all listed conditions, provide required OCM documentation to county staff, and obtain any building and land-use permits before beginning operations. The County retains authority to inspect the site and enforce conditions; the interim use permit may be revoked, allowed to expire, or transferred only as specified in the conditions.