The most pressing topic of the meeting was the consideration and approval of a new ordinance amendment related to cannabis regulations under Title 11. This zoning text amendment was proposed to align with Minnesota’s legalization of adult recreational marijuana use, which was enacted in 2023. With the state expected to allow cannabis sales by the first quarter of 2025, cities are tasked with establishing local ordinances by January 2025. Coon Rapids city staff presented these changes, which included specifying zoning districts for cannabis retail, such as community commercial, commercial, and regional shopping areas, while prohibiting cannabis sales in the River Rapids overlay district. Buffers were outlined to distance cannabis businesses from schools, daycares, residential treatment facilities, and parks.

The ordinance mandates that Coon Rapids must permit a minimum of five retail cannabis businesses based on its population, although the city may allow additional businesses beyond this minimum. No limit was set on the number of production businesses, provided they comply with existing odor ordinances. During discussions, a commissioner sought clarification on the land requirements for cannabis production, with staff suggesting that existing industrial buildings could suffice for such operations. The commission recommended the ordinance amendment for approval with a vote of 5 to 1, moving it forward to the city council for further consideration.

The meeting also addressed a plan amendment for the Hidden Creek Woods area. This amendment was initiated by the city to rectify a discrepancy in the 2040 comprehensive plan’s land use map, which currently guides the property as High Density Residential (HDR) while it is zoned as Moderate Density Residential (MDR). The proposed amendment aims to change the land use designation from HDR to MDR. This amendment is important for the proposed 20-unit multifamily and townhome development at 12117 Lane Northwest, as the existing HDR designation does not permit development at the required density, potentially hindering permit acquisition.

The historical context of the zoning mismatch was explained, noting that a 2018 zoning change failed to coincide with the comprehensive plan’s adoption. A public hearing was opened for this planning case, but no public comments were made, and the hearing was closed. A suggestion was made to consider the zoning of neighboring properties for a more cohesive zoning scheme, addressing the current “patchwork quilt” of classifications. The commission unanimously approved the motion to recommend the amendment, forwarding it to the city council.

Further discussions included planning cases 24-25 and 24-26, concerning a preliminary plat and site plan for the aforementioned 20-unit development at 1210 117th Lane Northwest. This proposal, postponed from a previous meeting, includes two multifamily buildings and four townhome units spanning 3.4 acres, meeting MDR density requirements with approximately 5.9 units per acre. Since the last meeting, the development plan has seen minor revisions, such as adjustments to the drainage plan, combining two retention ponds into a single larger pond and modifying the landscaping to increase new tree plantings.

The applicant’s presentation highlighted the site’s wooded nature, bordered by Sand Creek and residential homes, as well as plans for trash pickup and mail delivery routes that minimize the need for vehicles to back up. The commission approved the preliminary plat and site plan unanimously, subject to outlined conditions.

In addition, the commission considered a request for a one-year extension for an approved site plan for Sweet Senior Living, a senior residential development slated for construction in 2025. The extension would grant the applicant additional time for site preparation and permit acquisition, with the motion passing without opposition.