Brainerd City Council: First reading held in advanced industrial demolition permit process

The permit process required before demolition is allowed in an industrial district could get a lot more detailed.

At its meeting Monday, the Brainerd City Council held the first reading of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that would lay out a more thorough process in obtaining a permit for demolition or decommission in industrial or mixed use districts.

Ultimately, it would give the city council more say and oversight in what happens during the demolition or decommission process.

The vote comes at the tail end of a four-month moratorium, which was placed at the councils Dec. 3 meeting, halting demolition in industrial districts. It ends April 3.

The move was in response to the city receiving inquiries from contractors in regard to potential demolition of portions of the former Wausau Paper site.

Staff was concerned because the structures underground will limit the future of the site in building and extending utilities. Other concerns with demolition included: potential noise, vibrations, truck traffic, heavy dust and disposal of hazardous waste.

Since then the topic was sent to the planning commission to hash out a better process to approve demolitions. The current process is an over-the-counter demolition permit.

That leaves no room for the city to provide input or have a say in what happens in a decommissioning or demolition process.

Its inadequate to protect public health, safety and welfare concerning all of the potential negative impacts such demolitions could cause, said City Planner Mark Ostgarden.

Should the proposed amendments be passed, anyone wanting to decommission or demolition property in an industrial or mixed use district must first apply for an interim use permit. Then, they must appear before the planning commission for a public hearing to explain how the decommissioning will happen and answer any questions.

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Brainerd City Council: First reading held in advanced industrial demolition permit process