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Planning Commission approves 2025 calendar, discusses comp plan update, allowed-use table and industrial parking
Summary
The commission approved its 2025 meeting calendar and discussed upcoming priorities including a comprehensive-plan update, allowed-use table revisions, industrial off-street parking rules, solar arrays and childcare needs; staff will draft an RFP and return with priorities.
The Brainerd Planning Commission approved its meeting calendar for 2025 and discussed a list of work priorities that staff recommended for the coming year, including a comprehensive-plan update, review of the allowed-use table, industrial off-street parking requirements, solar and alternative-energy provisions, and potential zoning support for childcare facilities.
Director James Krombick told commissioners staff will draft a request for proposals for the comprehensive-plan update within the next month or two and that the commission should stay involved as the city develops priorities and an RFP. Commissioners flagged several items they want to prioritize or track: revising off-street parking rules to reduce barriers for industrial expansions (such as allowing class-5 turnaround surfaces rather than requiring paving), conducting an exhaustive review of the allowed-use table to align zoning with practice and market needs, and preparing for more solar-array proposals by clarifying where such arrays are permitted.
Commissioners also asked staff to consider energy-storage and alternative-energy uses and whether the current code covers battery storage or other energy-resilience uses; staff said industrial storage or indoor storage could fall under existing warehousing uses but that additional clarity might be needed if storage would affect outside areas.
Staff said it is planning to tour local day-care facilities and work with the EDA to identify potential zoning or funding support for childcare. The commission provided several suggested items to add to the work plan and agreed to prioritize which projects to pursue at the next meeting once staff has solicited BPU participation on the data-center ordinance and prepared draft RFP language for the comprehensive-plan update.
Separately, staff reported on several projects in progress, including Country Manor's PUD amendment and the ongoing "Dirty White" redevelopment effort; the commission was told the redeveloper has demolished an existing building but still needs to close a funding gap before the full project advances.
