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Council approves cannabis retail permit with detailed operating conditions; adopts zoning changes and daycare permit
Summary
The Walker City Council approved Ordinance 2026-02 (allowing watchman’s quarters in certain zones), a conditional-use permit for a licensed daycare at 441 Walker Bay Boulevard, and a conditional-use permit for a cannabis retail business at 517 Minnesota Avenue West with multiple conditions, all by unanimous vote.
Walker — The Walker City Council on April 6 approved a package of planning items recommended by the Planning Commission, including a conditional-use permit for a cannabis retail business with specific operational requirements.
Councilmember Mary Beth Hansen moved and the council approved the Planning Commission/Board of Adjustments recommendations by roll call (Ayes: Granberg, Haefele, Hansen, Wilkening, Worth; motion passed 5–0). The actions included adoption of Ordinance 2026-02 to allow watchman’s quarters in certain zones and approval of Land Use Application 2026-02 for a licensed daycare/learning center at 441 Walker Bay Boulevard.
Most substantively, the council approved Land Use Application 2026-03, a conditional-use permit to operate a cannabis flower and products retail business at 517 Minnesota Avenue West, subject to the following conditions summarized from the permit record: no on-site consumption; full compliance with Minnesota state cannabis regulations (with written notice and 30-day cure period if state rules change); security measures including ID verification, controlled access and surveillance systems; signage and exterior compatibility requirements to match submitted plans; waste handling in accordance with state regulations; a nuisance-control standard that requires documented pattern-based enforcement (three verified complaints within 90 days) or one confirmed substantial safety hazard before violation enforcement; a 14-day cure period after written notice; and an operational compliance audit within 12 months (informational and corrective only; not a re-approval).
The council required the business to demonstrate compliance within 30 days of written notice if changes in state regulation affect local operations, and the permit includes an enforcement approach that emphasizes documented verification before penalties are applied. The motion passed unanimously.
The approvals are procedural land-use decisions tied to Planning Commission recommendations; the council did not record public debate or contested testimony in the minutes on these items. The Park Advisory Board and Planning Commission will follow up as required for site and permit compliance.
