Brookings Planning Commission Meeting and Board of Adjustment Hearing - July 7, 2026

The Brookings Planning Commission convened on July 7, 2026, to conduct a Board of Adjustment hearing followed by regular Planning Commission business. The commission considered a variance for a shared garage, a conditional use permit for off-site parking, a rezoning request, and an annexation petition. Commissioners Solemn and Letty were absent.

Consent Calendar

• The commission unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes of the previous meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the Open Forum portion of the meeting.
• During the variance hearing (Item 6A), the applicants were present but had no additional comments.
• During the conditional use permit hearing (Item 7A), Chad Cucker of Confluence, the design consultant for the SDSU Foundation, spoke in favor of the parking proposal, highlighting the design's compatibility with the neighborhood and the approvals already received from historic preservation bodies.
• During the rezoning hearing (Item 7B), property owner Katie Murray spoke in support, explaining that a dilapidated building required rebuilding and that the B2 zoning was more appropriate for the property's future use.
• No speakers came forward in opposition to any of the items on the agenda.

Discussion Items

Item 6A: Side Yard Variance (Shared Garage at 309 & 315 Thunder Lane)

• Staff presented a request from property owners Richard Hohener and Mark and Virginia Halberson to construct a shared detached garage across the side lot line, resulting in a zero-foot setback instead of the required seven feet.
• Staff recommended approval, noting that the accessory structures on the properties would remain under the maximum allowable square footage and that no ordinance limits the number of accessory buildings.
• In response to commission questions, staff clarified that each property would own half of the garage and a fire-rated wall would be required. A maintenance agreement between the owners is not required but is recommended. The variance would run with the land upon sale.

Item 7A: Conditional Use Permit (Off-Site Parking for SDSU Foundation)

• Staff presented a request to use two residential R2 lots (816 and 820 9th Avenue) as an off-street, off-site parking lot with a 32-stall lot and a 5-stall detached accessory garage for the SDSU Foundation.
• The staff recommendation was for approval, citing the proposal's compliance with the 400-foot radius requirement and its compatibility with the historic district following approval from the South Dakota Historic Preservation Office and Brookings Historic Preservation Commission.
• Several commissioners expressed concern about the university's continued expansion into adjacent neighborhoods. Commissioner Schmeichel stated, "this was not the intent of these two lots to be part of a vital community" and questioned when the encroachment would stop. Commissioner Limmer echoed these sentiments.
• Commissioner Speer clarified that one home had been demolished and another was slated to be moved. Commissioner Braun noted that the process appeared "set up this way" given the property was purchased with redevelopment intent.
• Staff confirmed the lots would need to be platted into one before construction.

Item 7B: Rezone (Ocean Ridge Hospitality / West Lodge)

• Staff presented a petition to rezone the former Sunshine Inn property from B4 (Highway) to B2.
• The staff recommendation was approval, noting that B2 is the dominant commercial zoning along 6th Street and is consistent with the future land use map.
• Applicant Katie Murray stated that a building on the property was beyond repair and needed rebuilding, which initiated the rezoning request.
• Commissioner Schmeichel supported the request, stating B2 is "much more appropriate" for how Brookings has developed.

Item 7C: Annexation (Jehovah's Witness)

• Staff presented an annexation petition for the Jehovah's Witness congregation property at 3521 U.S. Highway 14.
• The staff recommendation was approval. The property is currently zoned agriculture and is surrounded on three sides by the city limits. Annexation is required for the property to connect to city utilities.
• Commissioner Schmeichel asked about the zoning for other religious institutions in town. Staff clarified that churches are typically zoned R2 and can also utilize the Civic zoning district, or remain in the City Agriculture district, although this would render any changes non-conforming.

Key Outcomes

• Variance Approved (Item 6A): The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved the side yard variance for the shared detached garage at 309 and 315 Thunder Lane. (7-0 vote).
• Conditional Use Permit Approved (Item 7A): The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the conditional use permit for the SDSU Foundation parking lot to the City Council. The item will be introduced at the July 30th city council meeting with a public hearing set for August. (7-0 vote).
• Rezone Approved (Item 7B): The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning for the Ocean Ridge Hospitality property to the City Council. The item will be introduced at the July 30th city council meeting with a public hearing set for August. (7-0 vote).
• Annexation Approved (Item 7C): The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the annexation for the Jehovah's Witness property to the City Council. (7-0 vote).
• Next Steps: The commission was reminded of the South Dakota Planners Association Conference in Sioux Falls from August 26-28. Staff will coordinate attendance and registration for interested commissioners.