Planning commission approves conditional use permit for church at Northern Pacific Center

The Brainerd City Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a church to occupy a tenant space at 1511 Northern Pacific Center Road.

Community Development Director James summarized staff findings: the property lies in the TC Town Center District, where places of worship are allowed as a conditional use; staff concluded the proposed use meets ordinance requirements and that building- and fire-code reviews have no outstanding issues. James told the commission that the Northern Pacific Center can accommodate significant vehicle traffic and parking and that the proposed use would not “significantly increase vehicle traffic.”

Applicant representative Mike Higgins said the space is about 8,000 square feet and had been occupied by Smokestack Barbecue; he said the congregation has been meeting in a different space and needed room because it was outgrowing its current location. Higgins said, “I attend that church so we offered it to them, got a deal done,” and identified the church name as “Risen.”

After a required public hearing with no public opposition, a commissioner moved to approve the permit “as staff has stated,” another commissioner seconded, and the motion carried on a voice vote. Staff told the commission the item will go to City Council for consideration on April 21.

Why it matters: the conditional use permit clears a pathway for an existing congregation to move into vacant commercial space in a mixed-use district; staff emphasized the proposal conforms to the town center zoning provisions and that further building and fire permit reviews will occur before occupancy.

Next steps: the approved CUP will be considered by the Brainerd City Council on April 21. Building and fire code reviews will be completed before issuance of any occupancy or building permits.