City of Brainerd Planning Commission Packet Summary — 08-19-2026
Meeting Overview
The City of Brainerd Planning Commission packet is for the Wednesday, August 19, 2026 meeting at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The agenda includes approval of the agenda and minutes, a public forum, unfinished business regarding food trucks in the Traditional Neighborhood 2 (TN-2) District, a new business item regarding a conditional use permit for a bulk fuel propane tank, staff reports, commission member reports, and adjournment.
Key Items on the Agenda
Food Trucks in the TN-2 Zoning District
The packet includes continued review of a proposed zoning text amendment that would allow transient food units, such as food trucks, in the Traditional Neighborhood 2 (TN-2) District.
The application was submitted by Thamrong Dechawuth on behalf of Parami Holdings LLC. The request would allow food trucks on non-residential properties in the TN-2 District, including the property at 215 N 3rd Street. The packet notes that food trucks are currently not allowed in the TN-2 District, while restaurants are an allowed use.
Staff identifies several proposed requirements for consideration, including limiting food trucks in the TN-2 District to commercial or mixed-use properties, restricting operating hours to 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, limiting generator operation outside allowed hours, requiring screening and safety measures, and prohibiting operation on properties occupied exclusively by residential uses.
The packet states that the Planning Commission previously extended the review period by 60 days to allow additional consideration of issues including possible operating hour restrictions. The agenda schedules the item as unfinished business for further consideration.
Conditional Use Permit — 1200 Madison Street Bulk Fuel Propane Tank
The packet includes a conditional use permit request from Best Oil LLC for placement of a 30,000-gallon propane tank at the bulk plant property located at 1200 Madison Street.
The property is identified as Parcel Number 41361028 and is located in the General Industrial (GI) District. The packet states that bulk liquid propane storage is allowed as a conditional use in the GI District.
The proposal includes placement of the propane tank in the rear yard, additional security fencing around the filling station, and compliance with applicable requirements related to setbacks, emergency access, fire safety, and storage standards.
Staff notes that the proposed tank location has been reviewed for site circulation, fire code requirements, and related standards. The packet includes a staff recommendation to approve the Conditional Use Permit for 1200 Madison Street as proposed.
Policy / Governance Items
Proposed Zoning Code Amendment
The food truck proposal includes a draft ordinance identified as Ordinance No. 1608, which would amend Section 515-3 of the zoning code.
The proposed changes include adding transient food units as an allowed use in the TN-2 District under specified conditions. The draft ordinance includes requirements related to operating hours, generator operation, screening, unattended units, residential-only properties, and fire department inspection requirements.
The packet presents the ordinance as a proposed action for Planning Commission consideration and does not indicate a final adoption.
The packet includes background from the July 15, 2026 Planning Commission meeting regarding public input on the food truck zoning amendment.
The packet states that two residents spoke during the earlier public hearing in opposition to the proposed ordinance. Concerns included potential impacts on residential areas and future applications.
The August 19 meeting agenda includes continued consideration of the proposed amendment.
Propane Tank Conditional Use Permit Hearing
The packet includes a public hearing notice for the Conditional Use Permit request for the proposed 30,000-gallon propane tank at 1200 Madison Street.
The notice states that the Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing to consider the request. The packet identifies the property as part of the Brainerd Industrial Park and notes that bulk liquid storage is allowed as a conditional use in the General Industrial District.
What to Watch at the Meeting
- Whether the Planning Commission further considers the proposed zoning text amendment for food trucks in the TN-2 District.
- Potential conditions or restrictions discussed for transient food units, including operating hours and location requirements.
- Review of the Conditional Use Permit request for the 30,000-gallon propane tank at 1200 Madison Street.
- Any staff reports, commission member reports, or updates provided during the meeting.
