In a recent public hearing, the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of St. Paul, Minnesota tackled several zoning variance requests, ranging from minor changes to residential properties to a sizable signage discrepancy for a new development. The BZA approved multiple variances that challenged the standard zoning codes, indicating a continuing trend of adaptation in city planning and development.
The BZA meeting, which occurred earlier this month, commenced with the unanimous approval of minutes from the September 3 hearing. The agenda, detailed in a document released by the City of St. Paul and available on their website, outlined the variances on the table including proposals by local residents and organizations. Notably, no old business was addressed, streamlining the focus onto new applications before the board.
Among the approved variances was one for Kris & Stephen Rose's property located at 500 Summit Avenue. The couple sought permission to build an open, uncovered porch that extends one foot further into the required front yard space than what is typically allowed. As per the city's released document, the porch will be 30 inches tall, but the overreach into the yard necessitated BZA approval, which was granted with a 7-0 vote.
Another residential alteration brought before the board by Krystle Marie Cooper & Ian Andrew Kelley Ott involved tearing down an existing attached garage in favor of constructing a new one that would be situated in front of their home at 1347 Wheeler Street South. This plan goes against the zoning code that mandates garages to align with or sit back from the principal structure's front line. In accordance with the city's records, the variance was also passed without dissent.
Distinctly, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Inc. received approval for a major variance concerning their signage for The Heights master planned development. The size of the temporary real estate signage proposed was over five times larger than the zoning code's maximum allowance, jumping from 500 to 2,640 square feet. The BZA voted unanimously in favor of the variance, suggesting flexibility towards developments that could impact economic growth and housing opportunities within the community.
Following the handling of new business, the BZA adjourned with no other resolutions presented.
