Commission approves Design Interiors' event-center conversion, with parking to be finalized at permitting

The Mitchell Planning Commission approved a plan allowing Design Interiors, located at 623 South Sanborn Avenue, to operate as a small rentable event center with culinary space, provided the applicant secures adequate parking as part of the building-permit process, the applicant and staff said.

The applicant told commissioners the space will be dual-purposed as a small-group culinary and event venue, typically averaging about 36 attendees with seating capacity up to 42. The applicant said she will add an accessible public restroom to meet code and that the interior work is primarily finishing and remodeling. The applicant said she has paved parking for eight to 11 cars on site and is exploring additional parking off the alley on the building's west side; staff said north-side parking would require an easement from the neighboring property.

Planning staff explained the property is in a highway-oriented business district, which requires building permits and plan review to come before the commission. Staff presented a parking plan that showed up to 18 spaces; using the city's 1-for-3 ratio staff said 14 spaces would be sufficient for an occupancy of 42. Staff recommended approval contingent on final confirmation of parking with the building permit.

The applicant described flexibility on parking options and said accessing additional spaces off the alley at the rear is a viable alternative to a north-side easement. Commissioners moved and seconded approval of the plan with the condition that required parking be confirmed during the building-permit process; roll-call votes recorded unanimous support and the motion carried.

No members of the public spoke against the proposal. The commission did not add additional conditions beyond the parking requirement be resolved at permit review.