Planning Commission approves rezoning at 501 E. Central Ave to support brewery expansion

The Minot Planning Commission on March 4 recommended that City Council approve a zoning map amendment for 501 East Central Avenue, changing the property from C2 (General Commercial) to CBD (Central Business District) to allow adaptive reuse and limited new construction for a brewery tenant.

The change was presented by Dan Falconer, associate planner, who said staff recommended approval. "Staff finding of fact and recommend approval to the city council for a zoning map amendment from a C2 general commercial to a central business district, CBD, with no conditions," Falconer said. Applicant Dylan Davis told the commission he was "just trying to fix the property up a little bit and just need it to be rezoned to conform." Davis said the intent is adaptive reuse of multiple buildings and a small new structure for bathrooms and storage; one auxiliary building at the rear would be demolished because it is "not able to be rebuilt as it sits."

Vice Chair Baumann moved to approve the staff findings and recommendation; Commissioner Kibler seconded the motion. Commissioners thanked the applicant for investing in downtown expansion. The motion carried on a roll call vote.

The rezoning will allow more pedestrian-oriented uses (live music, events, reception space) that the applicant described as part of converting storage buildings into commercial and mixed uses. Staff said the property sits on the eastern fringe of downtown and that CBD is a better fit than C2 for an infill, walkable downtown character.

The commission’s recommendation moves the application to City Council for final action.