Planning Commission backs larger parking lot for dermatology clinic, 4‑1

River Birch Investments asked the Brainerd Planning Commission on March 18 to amend an existing conditional‑use permit so the dermatology clinic at 1410–1424 TC Drive can provide up to 90 off‑street parking spaces. Staff said the applicant’s latest site plan accounts for two floors and a larger total square footage than the original submission, which increased the required parking calculations.

Applicant Christina Britton told the commission the original application understated square footage and that the clinic’s operations and potential future providers (including Mohs procedures) justify more spaces. Commissioners questioned projected demand and raised concerns that large surface parking can become permanent and reduce opportunities for infill or neighborhood‑oriented development.

After discussion, the commission voted to recommend approval of the conditional‑use permit amendment. The roll call recorded Duval, Gorham, Peterson and Erickson as voting yes and Grisula voting no. Staff said the Planning Commission is a recommending body and the item will be presented to the City Council for a final decision on April 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Next steps: the applicant will present the amendment and site plan to the City Council on April 6. The commission’s recommendation includes standard follow‑up (final civil plans and council review) but does not itself change site construction timelines.