Scott County planning panel recommends approval for outdoor cannabis cultivation at River Valley Partners site

The Scott County Planning Advisory Commission voted to recommend approval of an interim use permit for River Valley Partners LLP to conduct outdoor cannabis cultivation on roughly 6 acres of a 60-acre parcel in Louisville Township.

Greg Wagner, the county’s principal planner, told commissioners the state Office of Cannabis Management requires local approval before adding the site to a business license and that state rules require fencing, security cameras and other protections. Staff recommended adoption of revised conditions drafted with the township, and said the state had given preliminary approval to the applicant’s license application.

Mitch Michaelelsson, who identified himself as representing River Valley Partners, said the farm has shifted from festivals and hemp/CBD production toward licensed adult‑use cannabis cultivation and needs additional canopy space to keep the family operation viable. “We’re constantly trying to diversify… and really, quite frankly, keep as many of those families that we can on the family farm,” he said.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about irrigation, operations timing and security. Michaelelsson said outdoor cultivation would not routinely use irrigation except in extreme drought and that the site would be fenced and monitored: the proposal calls for a 6-foot security fence, cameras mounted on poles above the fence and alarmed access tied to dispatch. He said the company plans multiple cameras (he estimated six to 10) and a fenced, screened grow area to meet state and county requirements.

Township officials provided a four-page set of recommended conditions intended to mirror state statute and add local enforcement mechanisms; staff said many of the township clauses are similar to state requirements and recommended adopting them. The township’s recommendation packet includes a condition that would make the IUP expire on Dec. 31, 2031, a provision the applicant asked the commission to reconsider as the operation matures.

Several nearby residents spoke at the public hearing. Mike Tuning, who lives on Minnesota Valley Bluff Drive just east of the property, said he and other adjacent residents had worked with the applicant over years and signed a letter of support. Other neighbors raised concerns about odor, security, water table and traffic during festival events. The applicant and staff repeatedly noted that the state inspects licensed cannabis operations and that the county would rely on the IUP conditions and state oversight to address problems.

After discussion, the commission moved to recommend approval of the IUP subject to the listed township and staff conditions. The motion carried in a roll-call/voice vote with five yeses, one no and one abstention. The planning commission’s recommendation goes next to the county board for final action.

What happens next: the county board will review the planning commission’s recommendation; the applicant must also finalize security and operational plans with the state Office of Cannabis Management before the site may be added to the state license.