The Planning Commission recommended that the Common Council consider rezoning a small Tanner Paul-owned lot (roughly 30 by 120 feet) near Ninth and Orchard from multifamily residential to commercial C2 to allow a proposed barbecue-smoker trailer, Iron Pig/Schwartz Foods, to operate from the parcel.

Planning staff said the lot currently contains about eight parking stalls and a refuse enclosure and that the applicant has support from first-district alderpersons. Staff emphasized that rezoning would not automatically permit smoking operations: the applicant must supply a site plan showing the trailer location on a paved surface, address screening and refuse enclosure repair, obtain any required electrical permits (or demonstrate a non-generator power source), and coordinate with the health department on permitting for a food-trailer operation.

Staff and commissioners expressed sensitivity to adjacent multifamily properties and the need to limit noise and generator use; staff recommended that the applicant provide the three items before council acts or, at minimum, present further details at the public hearing. The commission’s motion to recommend rezoning carried by voice vote; the council will hold a public hearing on the measure on May 20.