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Brainerd Planning Commission recommends data center ordinance after public hearing
Summary
The Brainerd City Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted to recommend approval of a proposed data center ordinance to the City Council, noting a pending state bill that could supersede parts of the local code.
The Brainerd City Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a proposed data center ordinance after holding a public hearing on the measure on April 16.
City Community Development Director James said the commission previously reviewed a draft at its March 19 meeting and that staff included recommendations from the Public Utilities Director in the current ordinance. He told the commission a state bill that is under review could affect some of the ordinance language; where state statute applies it would supersede the local zoning code.
James said staff recommended holding a public hearing and approving the ordinance because the draft addresses topics commissioners flagged in prior meetings. At the public hearing, one speaker, identified as Sarah TC of Oak Bridal Road, said she had “looked it over” and that the ordinance “looks great.”
After closing the hearing, a commissioner moved to adopt the ordinance as presented and another commissioner seconded. The chair called for the voice vote; the motion carried and the commission recommended the ordinance to the City Council. Staff noted the ordinance will have a first reading at the city council meeting on April 21 and a second reading, with final action, on May 5.
Why it matters: commissioners and staff said data centers have prompted substantial state-level debate — particularly around utilities and water use — and the local ordinance attempts to address city-specific concerns while acknowledging that any future state law would control where conflicts exist. The commission’s recommendation advances the local process but does not itself change city code until council action.
Next steps: the planning commission’s recommendation will go to the Brainerd City Council for the statutory readings on April 21 (first reading) and May 5 (second reading). The commission’s packet noted the Public Utilities Director’s input; staff told commissioners it will monitor the pending state bill and advise if changes are required before council adoption.
