Joint Brookings County/City Planning Commission Meeting - September 2, 2025
Joint Brookings County/City Planning Commission Meeting - September 2, 2025
The joint Brookings County and City of Brookings Planning Commission met on September 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM (presumed start time from agenda date) to consider a conditional use application for a horse stable. The meeting was televised on Swiftel Channel 19, ATC Channel 168, and the Brookings County YouTube channel. The board approved the application with conditions after a public hearing and unanimous vote.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of the joint board of adjustment meetings: Motion carried.
- Approval of the agenda: Motion carried on both city and county sides.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Mike Barkley, adjoining landowner, submitted a written comment stating that the applicant's operation "has never looked better, and she has done a wonderful job." He expressed no issues with the request.
- No oral public testimony was offered in favor or opposition during the public hearing.
Discussion Items
- Application 2025-JJCU-001 – Jessica Andronovitz (Bayview Farms): The applicant requested a conditional use permit to operate a horse stable at 1900 25th Avenue, Brookings, SD (Lot M2 of Warrior Commercial Park editions, Aurora Township). The property had been historically used as a horse arena since 1997, with multiple operators. The applicant previously held a conditional use (2022-CU-014) for up to 30 horses, expiring October 4, 2025. She now sought approval for a maximum of 50 boarded horses. Staff presented the site plan, business plan, and photographs showing improvements including new fences, pastures, and manure storage. The applicant was absent due to a veterinarian appointment. Staff noted one supportive comment from a neighbor.
- Board Deliberation: The board reviewed findings of fact, including compliance with zoning ordinance sections (Agricultural Lands District, conditional use #24 for stables). Staff clarified that the permit would not expire (no renewal required unless operations cease or property sold). No objections were raised by the board or staff.
Key Outcomes
- Motion and Vote: Kyle Vanderwell made a motion to approve the conditional use permit, seconded by Nick Wendell. The board voted unanimously in favor: Kelly Vanderwell (yes), Nick Wendell (yes), Kyle Vanderwell (aye), Scott (aye), and Ford (aye) – 5-0. The motion passed.
- Conditions: The permit includes specific conditions: best management practices for manure storage, insect control, and grassland management; maximum of 50 boarded horses at any one time; disposal of deceased animals within 24 hours; and allowance for clinics or schooling shows with a maximum of 20 attendees per event.
- Adjournment: The meeting adjourned following the vote.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the September 2nd, 2025 joint Brookings County and City of Brookings Planning Commission meeting. This meeting is being recorded, televised, and viewable on Swiftel Channel 19, ATC Channel 168, or the Brookings County YouTube channel. I now call this meeting to order. Approval of the joint board of adjustment meetings. Is there a motion? So moved. Motion second. Second. Second Kyle Vanderwell. All in favor? All right. Motion passes. Items to be added to the agenda by commission members or staff. Nothing. Nothing. Invitation for citizens to schedule time on the commission agenda for an item not listed. Seeing none. Disclosure of conflicts of interest relationships to the applicant or ex parte communication. Nothing. Good. Approval of agenda. Is there a motion? So moved. Second. Motion on the city side. Second on the county side. You can decide that, Richard. We will now convene as a joint board of adjustment. The joint board of adjustment is a five-member board which has the power to hear requests for variances. Conditional uses and appeals from ministerial decisions of zoning officers. The concurring vote of two-thirds of the full board membership of the board. Four votes is necessary for approval of a variance or an appeal of the zoning officer. The concurring vote of a simple majority of those board members present in voting is necessary for approval of a conditional use permit. In accordance with Robert's rules of order, we require a motion to approve a request before before the request can be debated. As a matter of policy, all motions are made into positive. Shall authorize variances from the zoning requirements for special conditions existing on the land will can will result in an unnecessary hardship for the applicant. Financial disadvantage to the property owner shall not constitute proof of an unnecessary hardship. Moving on, agenda item 2025, JJCU 001. Jessica Andron Andronovitz has made an application 2025 JJCU 001 to the Brookings County Joint Board of Adjustment for a Conditional Use. Joint Zoning Ordinance for Brookings County and City of Brookings Article 3 District Regulations Chapter 3.04 A Agricultural Lands District Section 3.04. So moved. Motion Kyle Vanderwell second. Second. Her business plan is included as a separate attachment and includes the following. The applicant has kept up the property, controlled the weeds and replaced fences and added new fences for additional turnout areas since she has taken over the property. Vehicle and trailer parking on the lot is available for the borders. The applicant was approved for a conditional use 2022 CU 014 on October 4th, 2022 for a maximum of 30 horses, and that was valid for three years and will expire on October 4th, 2025. She continues to manage and operates the facility as it had been run in the past and like to continue the business into the future with a maximum of 50 horses. This is a formal just a brief history. I'll just kind of glance highlight some of that.
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