Planning commission backs two short‑term rental permits after neighbors raise noise concerns

The Brainerd Planning Commission voted to recommend city council approval of two interim‑use permits for short‑term rentals, after staff said both properties meet zoning requirements and neighbors raised noise and nuisance concerns.

Staff member James presented the renewal for 1123 15th Avenue NE, saying the property meets short‑term rental conditions and that the police had responded once in the past two years for loud music. Staff recommended a renewal period of up to two years and typical permit conditions including an occupancy cap (not to exceed nine guests), compliance with the city’s outdoor lighting code, limits on docked watercraft to the property boundaries, driveway parking requirements and monthly lodging‑tax reporting.

The property manager, Mike Fish, told the commission he uses a Wi‑Fi noise meter at the home and that his device did not “go off” during the incident reported to police. He said he manages dozens of properties and has rarely had complaints. “That noise meter never went off,” Fish said, describing efforts to work with neighbors and to enforce quiet hours.

Neighbor Cheryl Caitlin, who lives next door to 1123, urged denial of the renewal, saying repeated weekend parties have eroded neighbors’ ability to enjoy their homes. “For those of us who live there, our peace, safety, security, and comfort are not compromised for just a weekend,” Caitlin said, urging the commission to terminate the permit.

After discussion of the complaint process and the role of the city’s rental‑license enforcement, the commission approved the staff recommendation for the renewal and voted to forward the item to city council for final action on June 1 at 7:30 p.m.

On a separate application, staff recommended approval of a new interim use permit for a five‑bedroom short‑term rental at 1526 14th Avenue NE with a one‑year initial term for new IUPs, an occupancy limit of 10, and a required revision of the house rules to align the noise policy with city code prior to occupancy. Applicant Hunter Pinky described accessibility upgrades he has made to the house, including a main‑level bedroom and bathroom for wheelchair access, and said he would change the posted quiet‑hours start time to meet city code. Pinky said accessible lodging is a priority because Brainerd has a shortage of accessible rooms.

There were no substantive opposing public comments at that hearing; one neighbor and the property manager spoke in support of accessible lodging. The commission approved staff’s recommendation and will forward the application to city council on June 1 for final consideration.

Both approvals included the standard conditions outlined in staff reports; the commission noted that if future police activity or code violations occur, staff have pathways to pursue license revocation.