Planning commission recommends variance for 525 Washington Street to restore parking

A majority of the Brainerd City Planning Commission voted Tuesday to recommend approval of a zoning variance for 525 Washington Street that would allow a rear parking lot to extend to the alley with a zero‑foot setback.

Staff told the commission the property — in the commercial corridor zoning district — faces a practical difficulty: reconstruction of Washington Street has eliminated on‑street parking that previously served nearby businesses. Staff said screening is not required because the lot will have fewer than 10 spaces and recommended the variance, noting that many downtown parcels already have similar zero‑foot alley setbacks.

Applicant Jake Brandt, who identified himself at the public hearing, said he purchased a vacant, deteriorating house on the site, removed the building and intends to expand office space while restoring much‑needed parking at the rear of the site. “It was an eyesore and it was becoming just something that was not being used,” Brandt said, adding that the extra parking would help his business continue operations while Washington Street is rebuilt.

Commissioners asked staff about the projected number of spaces and whether screening along Sixth Street could be required; staff said the applicant would meet the parking maximums based on building square footage but did not have a precise stall count on hand and that screening could be added as a condition if the commission desired. Several commissioners emphasized the value of maintaining properties and said renewed code enforcement would reduce similar situations in the future.

The commission approved the variance by voice vote. As the planning commission is advisory, the recommendation will be forwarded to Brainerd City Council for a final decision at its July 7 meeting at 7:30 p.m.