OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Brookings Planning Commission Meeting - May 5, 2026

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, May 5, 2026
BodyBrookings, South Dakota
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, May 5, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:14:49

Transcript — Verbatim
0:50

Okay, we'll call this meeting to order.

0:52

Uh like to welcome those in attendance to tonight's meeting.

0:56

The city planning commission is a nine-member commission whose function is to make recommendations to the city council regarding requests for land use classification changes, subdivision plats, conditional use permits, zoning ordinances, zoning ordinance amendments, and other matters.

1:12

The commission makes their recommendation based upon the adopted comprehensive plan for the physical development of the city of Brookings and the surrounding area.

1:20

As a matter of policy, all motions are made in the positive.

1:23

After motion is moved and seconded, it will be open for debate.

1:26

Those supporting the motions in turn give their reasons.

1:29

Those opposing the motion shall then offer their reasons.

1:32

After everyone has been given a chance to be heard, the commission shall review the testimony and information presented, make findings of fact, and forward the recommendations to city council.

1:42

Ryan, can you note the role?

1:44

We have seven members present tonight.

1:46

We have um Commissioner Limmer and Heinrich absent.

1:52

Okay.

1:53

Uh we'll move on to the approval of the agenda.

1:55

Can I get a motion?

1:57

So move solo.

1:59

Second, Aiken.

2:00

Moved and seconded.

2:03

Ryan, can you call the vote?

2:05

Oh, all in favor?

2:07

Aye.

2:07

Aye.

2:08

All opposed.

2:10

Moving on, approval of minutes.

2:12

Can you get a motion?

2:17

Uh move to approve solo.

2:20

Second.

2:20

Aiken.

2:21

All in favor.

2:23

Aye.

2:24

All opposed.

2:26

Okay.

2:27

Move on to open forum.

2:28

At this time, any member of the public may make a brief announcement or invit invitation or request time on the agenda for an item not listed.

2:37

Items to be added to the agenda will be scheduled at the end of the meeting.

2:41

Any requested action items may be scheduled for a future meeting date.

2:45

Individuals will state their name and their city of residence for the record.

2:50

Public comment is limited to a maximum of three minutes per person.

2:53

The comments and views expressed by the public are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the positions of the City of Brookings or the City Planning Commission.

3:03

Is there anybody that would like to come forward for open forum?

3:07

Seeing none, we will move on.

3:18

Sounds good.

3:51

As a matter of policy, all mention motions are made in the positive.

3:55

The board under specific powers granted by the state shall authorize variances from the zone zoning requirements where special conditions existing on the land will resort result in unnecessary hardship for the applicant.

4:07

Financial disadvantage to the property shall not constitute proof of unnecessary hardship.

4:21

Thank you, Mr.

4:22

Chair.

4:23

The first item is a variance at 540 Deer Pass.

4:27

Uh the request is for a six-foot privacy fence within the required front yard area.

4:39

540 Deer Pass is a single family residence, uh located on a corner lot and has two front yards, Deer Pass and Cardinal Drive.

5:00

Per section 94 398 A1 privacy fencing utilizing solid board or other similarly designed fences and walls shall not exceed 48 inches in height when located between the front lot line and the principal building.

5:12

The house is set back approximately 41 feet from the east property line, therefore the six-foot fence would need to be set back 41 feet.

5:20

The applicant is proposing 21 feet for their uh privacy fence setbacks.

5:25

Staff recommends approval and the board of adjustments action would be to approve, amend, or deny.

5:30

Uh for variances, uh section 6615 lays out the variance uh hearing process due to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance will result in an unnecessary hardship, and the variance shall not violate the spirit of the ordinance, and substantial justice may be achieved as a result of the variance.

5:50

Unique circumstances apply to the property which do not apply to other properties in the same vicinity or district.

5:56

The variance is necessary for the preservation of a property right that is substantially the same as that possessed by owners of other property in the same district.

6:04

The variance requested is the minimum variance which would alleviate the hardship and reasonable use of the property is not permitted under the terms of this chapter.

6:13

Here is a location of the property as mentioned 540 Deer Pass at the corner of Deer Pass and Cardinal Drive.

6:20

Uh the secondary front yard along Cardinal Drive is where the 21 foot setback is requested for the privacy fence.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████████████████████████████████88%
Procedural███5%
Community Engagement██3%
Fiscal Sustainability█2%
Parks and Recreation█2%
Summary of Proceedings

Brookings Planning Commission Meeting - May 5, 2026

The Brookings City Planning Commission met on May 5, 2026, with seven members present (Commissioners Limmer and Heinrich absent). The commission approved routine items, heard public testimony on three variance requests, approved a revised preliminary plat, and discussed proposed amendments to subdivision regulations regarding road warranties and settlement issues.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Agenda: Motion carried unanimously.
  • Approval of Minutes: Motion carried unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No public comments were made during open forum.
  • For the first variance (540 Deer Pass), applicant Lane Munson spoke in support, citing safety and privacy for a planned pool and noting the fence would be set back within existing pine trees.
  • For the second variance (1119 Madari Avenue South), co-owner Bonnie Gilbertson explained the unique shape of the lot and that the garage addition would be moved farther from the lot line with a lower roof line.
  • For the third variance (806 6th Street), applicant Samuel Krueger emphasized the need for a loop driveway to allow safe exit onto 6th Street due to lack of alley access, and presented a letter of support from a neighbor.
  • For the preliminary plat (Prairie Sunset Edition), developer Russell Atkins noted the reduced density and the proposed permanent turnaround at the end of Brighton Road.

Discussion Items

Variance – 540 Deer Pass (6-foot privacy fence)

  • Request for a 6-foot privacy fence within the required front yard area (maximum 48 inches permitted). The property is a corner lot with two front yards; the fence would be set back 21 feet from the property line instead of the required 41 feet. Applicant cited a planned pool and safety concerns due to a daycare across the street. Staff recommended approval. Motion passed unanimously (7-0).

Variance – 1119 Madari Avenue South (reduced rear yard setback)

  • Request for a 22-foot 9-inch rear yard setback (required 25 feet) for a garage addition. The lot is an irregularly shaped former farmstead surrounded by subdivisions. Staff recommended approval. Motion passed unanimously (7-0).

Variance – 806 6th Street (front yard parking and driveway width)

  • Two variances: (1) to allow a driveway in the front yard (prohibited by ordinance) and (2) to allow a 30-foot driveway width (maximum 24 feet). The property lacks alley access or a garage. A 1992 variance for front yard parking was denied. Staff recommended approval with conditions: driveway must be paved and a shared access easement with 812 6th Street required. Discussion included drainage (quarter-inch per foot slope away from house) and pavement surface. Motion passed 6-1 (Commissioner Solemn voted no).

Revised Preliminary Plat – Prairie Sunset Edition

  • A revised preliminary plat for 11 single-family lots (reduced from 58 lots in the original R3 zoning) at 1115 West 20th Street South. The property was rezoned to R1A in fall 2025. Staff recommended approval with a condition that a revised preliminary drainage plan be submitted prior to city council review. The commission discussed the reduced density and compatibility with the area. Motion passed unanimously (7-0). The plat will go to the City Council on May 26, 2026.

Discussion – Subdivision Regulations Amendments (Section 5164)

  • Staff presented revised proposals after the April meeting's recommendation for denial. The key changes: (1) require new subdivision streets to sit for a winter after utility installation to allow soil consolidation, and (2) increase the warranty period from one year to three years, with a warranty bond of 10% of construction costs. Staff provided cost examples: a $100,000 bond would cost $1,500 for one year and an additional $750 for a three-year bond. Staff proposed an alternative: the first year covers all defects, and years two and three cover only settlement. Commissioners expressed support for the alternative, noting it addresses the primary concern (settlement) without unduly burdening developers. No vote was taken; the item will return in June.

Key Outcomes

  • Variance 540 Deer Pass: Approved unanimously.
  • Variance 1119 Madari Avenue South: Approved unanimously.
  • Variance 806 6th Street: Approved 6-1, with conditions.
  • Preliminary Plat Prairie Sunset Edition: Approved unanimously, to be forwarded to city council.
  • Subdivision Regulations Amendments: Discussion held; staff will bring revised language back in June, focusing on the alternative warranty approach.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, we'll call this meeting to order. Uh like to welcome those in attendance to tonight's meeting. The city planning commission is a nine-member commission whose function is to make recommendations to the city council regarding requests for land use classification changes, subdivision plats, conditional use permits, zoning ordinances, zoning ordinance amendments, and other matters. The commission makes their recommendation based upon the adopted comprehensive plan for the physical development of the city of Brookings and the surrounding area. As a matter of policy, all motions are made in the positive. After motion is moved and seconded, it will be open for debate. Those supporting the motions in turn give their reasons. Those opposing the motion shall then offer their reasons. After everyone has been given a chance to be heard, the commission shall review the testimony and information presented, make findings of fact, and forward the recommendations to city council. Ryan, can you note the role? We have seven members present tonight. We have um Commissioner Limmer and Heinrich absent. Okay. Uh we'll move on to the approval of the agenda. Can I get a motion? So move solo. Second, Aiken. Moved and seconded. Ryan, can you call the vote? Oh, all in favor? Aye. Aye. All opposed. Moving on, approval of minutes. Can you get a motion? Uh move to approve solo. Second. Aiken. All in favor. Aye. All opposed. Okay. Move on to open forum. At this time, any member of the public may make a brief announcement or invit invitation or request time on the agenda for an item not listed. Items to be added to the agenda will be scheduled at the end of the meeting. Any requested action items may be scheduled for a future meeting date. Individuals will state their name and their city of residence for the record. Public comment is limited to a maximum of three minutes per person. The comments and views expressed by the public are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the positions of the City of Brookings or the City Planning Commission. Is there anybody that would like to come forward for open forum? Seeing none, we will move on. Sounds good. As a matter of policy, all mention motions are made in the positive. The board under specific powers granted by the state shall authorize variances from the zone zoning requirements where special conditions existing on the land will resort result in unnecessary hardship for the applicant. Financial disadvantage to the property shall not constitute proof of unnecessary hardship. Thank you, Mr. Chair. The first item is a variance at 540 Deer Pass. Uh the request is for a six-foot privacy fence within the required front yard area. 540 Deer Pass is a single family residence, uh located on a corner lot and has two front yards, Deer Pass and Cardinal Drive.

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