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Isanti council removes Highway 65 overlay, creates Business‑Industrial Transitional district
Summary
The Isanti City Council voted unanimously to remove the Highway 65 Overlay District, amend the 2020 comprehensive plan, and create a new Business Industrial Transitional (BIT) zoning district intended to let existing industrial businesses expand and to allow more flexible commercial uses along the corridor.
The Isanti City Council voted unanimously to remove the Highway 65 Overlay District, amend the 2020 comprehensive plan and establish a new Business Industrial Transitional (BIT) zoning district intended to allow existing industrial businesses to expand in place and provide flexibility for future commercial uses.
City planning staff told the council the overlay constrained some uses and higher design standards along Highway 65 prevented certain businesses in Tier 1 zones from expanding. The planning commission held a public hearing July 16 and recommended the changes 7‑0 after only limited public comment. The council adopted the ordinance to remove the overlay, approved amendments to the comprehensive plan text and map, and approved an ordinance creating the BIT district. Councilman Heaman moved the initial ordinance removing the overlay and Councilman Merrill seconded; later related measures were moved by Councilman Lundin and seconded by Councilman Merrill or Councilman Holmgren as recorded. All motions passed 5‑0.
Planners noted specific edits to the comprehensive plan on pages 61, 63 and 88 to remove language describing Highway 65 as a design gateway regulated by an overlay district. The BIT district, described in the council packet, is intended to let existing industrial and similar businesses expand in their current locations without the stricter design requirements that applied under the overlay. Council members said the change was meant to treat larger and smaller businesses more equitably and to avoid forcing long‑standing businesses to relocate or construct off‑site additions to comply with the overlay.
The ordinances and plan amendments take effect per city code and standard ordinance adoption timelines; staff said maps and plan text will be updated to reflect the council’s actions. The planning commission and staff packet materials recommended approval and provided the council with the zoning map edits and model language for the BIT district.
The council’s vote followed a staff presentation and questions; no substantive public opposition was recorded at the council meeting. The city clerk will publish the final ordinance language and update the comprehensive plan and zoning map.
