Planning Commission to Take Up Ordinances for Cannabis Related Businesses, Housing Project and Backyard Chickens Tuesday Night

(KNSI) – A public hearing has been set to determine where recreational marijuana related businesses can operate in St. Cloud.

The proposal before the planning commission would amend the land development code to allow the growing, manufacturing, processing, testing, and wholesaling of cannabis within an enclosed building in an I3 industrial district. Retailers would be permitted to establish lounges in C5 commercial zones, but they would require a 1,000-foot separation from schools and a 500-foot separation from active parks and daycares. The rules would ban commercial operations in agricultural and residential areas.

Also before the commission is a request from the Islamic Center of St. Cloud for approval to proceed with a housing project. The group wants to build 16 single-family and 11 two-family homes next to Schmidt Park at 1850 Clearwater Road.

They will also revisit an ordinance allowing backyard chickens in the city. Following a public hearing on October 8th, the panel postponed any action and directed staff to prepare language revising specific provisions related to lot size, setbacks, and application requirements. If approved, the measure will go to the city council.

The meeting is at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11th, at St. Cloud City Hall. ___