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Brookings council allows administrative approvals for commercial‑corridor designs to speed projects
Summary
The City Council amended the commercial corridor design review overlay to allow staff to administratively approve projects that meet all corridor standards, aiming to shorten a review process developers say can take months.
The Brookings City Council on Tuesday approved an amendment to the commercial corridor design review overlay that lets city staff grant administrative approval for projects that meet all corridor requirements, eliminating automatic planning commission and council review when no exceptions are sought.
Supporters said the change will shorten development timelines and make Brookings more competitive for new projects. Opponents previously had argued the process removed opportunities for public input; the council and staff said public hearings and full review still apply when an applicant requests exceptions or zone changes.
“Currently the process requires planning commission and city council approval whether you're asking for an exception or not. This would allow that if they meet all the requirements of the ordinance, it can be approved administratively by staff,” Community Development Director Mike Struck said during the meeting. He and staff said the amendment also clarifies language, fills a small geographic gap on Main Avenue and extends the corridor standards to planned development districts located on major corridors.
Architects and developers who addressed the council urged the change. “Most projects that we build in the corridor require preliminary design, corridor submissions, DRT review, planning commission review, city council review. That's about a 10‑month process,” Dakota Land Design principal Kyle Rausch said. He told council that the length of the review had led at least one client to build in another town.
Council members said the revision preserves public input for projects that deviate from standards while removing an unnecessary step for projects that comply. Councilmember Wendell noted the amendment followed a months‑long study session and public feedback.
The motion passed on a roll call vote. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended the amendment, and council members said they expect faster turnaround for corridor projects that meet the standards.
The amendment takes effect according to the ordinance timetable; staff said applicants who request exceptions or rezones will still follow the usual planning commission and council review process.
