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• Zoning - Meat processing facilities would fall under either agricultural or commercial zones. There would be a public hearing process to get a conditional use permit.

• Would need a construction site permit to build the structure

• Depending on the township, a building permit may be required from the township

• Septic permit required (a private designer would have to design the septic system, and then the County would have to approve the design before construction. The County would also inspect the septic system after construction.)

• MN Department of Health regulates well water, but local well drillers can drill a private well.

• State requires an electrical inspection in townships that don’t enforce the building code

• Certificate of occupancy would only be issued if it happens to be in a township that enforces the state building code

Information from Stearns County Environmental Services Department. Phone: (320) 656-3613

• Zoning - meat processing facilities can only be constructed in the general industrial district (I-2 District)

• Health and Inspection - they have a food establishment construction guide (MDH) that outlines policies regarding construction of food processing facilities

Information from the City of St. Cloud. Planning and Zoning: (320) 255-7218. Health and Inspections: (320) 255-7214

• Zoning - there is only one industrial district in Waite Park (I-1 Light Industrial District). “Meat processing” is not explicitly stated in the city ordinance for the I-1 district, but the Planning and Community Development Director is willing to review and consider plans for a meat processing facility.

• Building permitting would be subject to the type/amount of work associated with the project

• Applicants are responsible for coordinating with the own architects/engineers in provision of building-code compliant plans

• Health inspections/permitting is done through Stearns County

Information from Jon Noerenberg, Planning and Community Development Director for Waite Park. Email: Jon.Noerenberg@ci.waitepark.mn.us

A meat processing facility may fall into either the agricultural or commercial zones - both of these zones would keep the facility out of conflict with residential zones. Meat Processing facilities would require a conditional use permit, which would need to be approved by the county board through a public hearing process.

The Kandiyohi County Zoning Administrator said that it would be very important to think about what would happen with wastewater. Slaughterhouses by nature create a lot of wastewater, and the wastewater coming out of a slaughterhouse is high in organic matter and fats, which are hard to break down. Normally they would point these sorts of industries to cities, since cities already have wastewater treatment systems set up, and you would only have to pay to hook up to the system. If a meat processing facility decides that they want to construct the facility outside of city limits, they would have to do their own wastewater treatment on-site, which would have implications for how much land you would need and how much money you would spend. “You would not only be in the slaughterhouse business, you would be in the wastewater treatment business.” That would take your energy away from the processing that you’re wanting to do.

It would be important to be in contact with your local Economic Development Corporation throughout the planning processes because they will know what is feasible and will be able to give guidance.

Information from Eric Van Dyken, Zoning Administrator. Phone: (320) 231-6229 Ext. 5257

Email: eric.vandyken@kcmn.us

Agricultural products processing plants such as meat processing are zoned General Industry District (I-2) and are allowed upon granting of a conditional use permit by the Planning Commission. A conditional use permit application goes through the Planning Commission for hearing and to the Board of Zoning Appeals if the City Council accepts the approval of the Planning Commission.

A Building Permit is required for any new construction or alterations to an existing building. Mechanical and plumbing permits are also required. Drawings, plans, specifications, reports and other construction documents must be prepared by a licensed Architect or Engineer. Plumbing plans must be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for plan review and approval.

Information from Tom Rosemeier, Building Official, and Kayode Adiatu, Planner for the City of Willmar. Emails: trosemeier@willmarmn.gov and kadiatu@willmarmn.gov

• Meat processing facilities that do on-site slaughter would fall under General Industrial District (I-1) zoning. A conditional use permit would be required, which involves a public hearing process (would be heard by the 7-person planning commission who would need to know the hours of operation, size of building, days of week they are allowed to work, parking spaces, bathroom facilities, etc.)

• Silvercreek Township, which is west of Monticello (between Monticello and Clearwater), may be an ideal location for a meat processing facility. Finding I-1 zoning locations can be challenging, but just north of the I-94 and County Road 8 intersection there is a 40 acre piece of land. Future use of this land is envisioned to be commercial, but it may be possible to work with the planning commission to change the zoning.

• There are also areas near Rockford, MN where industrial land use is in the land use plan

• A water-use permit would be required

• Electrical permits are done through the State (electricians can direct you in the right way)

• Construction, plumbing, sanitary, holding tank, septic, and well permits would be needed. Well are permitted through the State).

• Conditional use permits currently cost $350 dollars just to go through the process. Plans should be done before you apply for permits. It is important to consult with State and local authorities during the planning process.

• Here is an interactive GIS map that shows zoning and land use in Wright County.

Information from Wright County Planning and Zoning: (763) 682-7338

Meat processing facilities are currently prohibited in the city of Monticello.

Information from Angela Schumann, Community Development Director for the City of Monticello. Email: Angela.Schumann@ci.monticello.mn.us

Zoning - meat processing facilities that do on-site slaughter are not allowed in the City of Minneapolis. Only retail-exempt processors are allowed within city limits. No conditional use permits are required for retail-exempt processors.

Information from the City of Minneapolis. Phone: (612) 673-3000