Board approves interim use permit for Wheat Trail Festival campsite and overnight camping

County planning staff presented an interim use permit (IUP) request to allow overnight camping for the Wheat Trail Festival, scheduled July 23–25, 2026, at 16764 342nd Way. Staff said the county previously approved an assembly license for large events at its November meeting and recommended tying the IUP’s validity to that license so that the license conditions and the IUP conditions run concurrently.

Staff told the board the IUP process follows the county’s conditional-use standards, but is limited in time to the specific event. The planning commission conducted a public hearing in November and recommended approval; staff reported no speakers at that hearing in opposition. Staff noted additional permits and coordination required for the event, including a liquor license, a permit from the Minnesota Department of Health for overnight camping, and coordination with emergency management and the sheriff’s office. Bel Creek Township has reviewed the request and signed off.

The board approved the interim use permit, attaching a condition that makes the permit valid concurrent with the assembly license dated Nov. 4. The motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: the decision allows a large, multi-day event with onsite overnight camping to proceed under local land-use conditions and the prior assembly license’s requirements. County staff will continue permit coordination with public safety and health agencies.