# Planning Commission - 24 Sep 2026

The Stearns County Planning Commission meeting on September 24, 2026, addressed multiple land use and zoning matters with a strong focus on conditional use permits and interim use permits. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of a shoreland alteration permit for retaining walls and landscaping on Big Lake, with conditions on wall length and native vegetation to mitigate environmental impact. A four-lot residential plat was approved with conditions including drainage easements and parkland dedication fees. A conditional use permit for a new home elevation in a floodplain was approved, meeting flood protection standards. Excel Energy's request for a transmission line permit was tabled to allow further community and city council discussions on route alternatives, emphasizing coordination among multiple jurisdictions. An interim use permit for a cannabis microbusiness was denied due to concerns about neighborhood compatibility and environmental impacts, despite applicant assurances and township recommendations for shorter permit durations. A 10-year interim use permit renewal for Knife River Corporation's mining operation was approved with conditions on hours and noise monitoring, reflecting community input and operational compliance. Lastly, a conditional use permit related to an animal feed operation was extended with deadlines for stormwater management compliance, avoiding revocation. Several motions passed with conditions, and most items will proceed to the county board for final approval on October 13, 2026.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 25, 2026

### Sources
- [Planning Commission - 24 Sep 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ-ArfhyjQQ) - Stearns County MN