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Planning commission recommends permission for proposed cannabis microbusiness at former motel site in Little Falls area
Summary
The commission recommended approval of an interim use permit for a cannabis microbusiness proposed by Doden Investments LLC/Cole Zupco, imposing conditions including perimeter fencing before operation and a sunset tied to the operator/license; township officials supported redevelopment and commissioners noted state regulatory oversight.
The Morrison County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the County Board grant an interim use permit for a proposed cannabis microbusiness on a 2.35-acre commercial parcel, citing strong security measures, state oversight, and plans to redevelop a blighted property.
Applicants Ray Doden and Cole Zupco told the commission they plan to demolish a former motel and construct a 120-by-40-foot building for indoor cultivation and manufacturing under a Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) microbusiness license with cultivation and manufacturing endorsements. The application includes plans for a 234-square-foot indoor canopy, joint and cartridge manufacturing, odor-control and ventilation systems with negative pressure and charcoal filtration, 24-hour monitored security, and multiple holding tanks to segregate greenhouse runoff, human waste, and manufacturing wastewater.
Little Falls Township Supervisor Chuck Par spoke in support, calling the redevelopment a welcome improvement to a distressed commercial site and asking clarifying questions about on-site composting and fertilizer storage. Applicants said composting would occur on site, fertilizer would be stored indoors in limited containers (25-gallon containers described in the packet), and deliveries would be limited (applicants estimated one to two trucks up to three times per week when fully operational at initial scale).
Commissioners pressed applicants on wastewater testing and hazardous-waste rules; staff noted the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and state hazardous-waste protocols apply, and applicants said they would engage licensed septic contractors and labs for required testing. Commissioners also required a perimeter fence as a recommended condition and clarified that the interim use permit's sunset should be tied to the license/operator status so a new owner/operator would need to seek local approval.
The commission’s recommendation includes conditions that fencing be installed before operations begin and that the permit expire if the current licensee ceases to operate; the County Board will consider the planning commission’s recommendation at its May 5 meeting.
