The Board of Zoning Appeals in St. Paul is gearing up for a public hearing to address new business, including variance requests from local residents. According to a recent agenda, the hearing will include discussions on proposals submitted by Lawrence Edwards & Melissa Mcdonald and Tom Thone, with requested variances concerning property developments that don’t quite fit within existing zoning regulations.
Edwards and McDonald are looking to construct a new driveway on their property at 2337 Chilcombe Avenue, pushing the envelope to include 19.6% of their lot as paved space, surpassing the zoning code's limit of 10%. This marks a 9.6% increase, which they will need to justify to the Board. Meanwhile, Thone seeks permission to add onto his home at 1932 Berkeley Avenue with a side yard setback of 3.5 feet rather than the required 5 feet, seeking to closely meet the needs of his existing property lines.
Community members have been invited to submit their comments on these variances to [email protected]. All statements and materials must be sent by 2:00 p.m. on August 15, 2025, to be considered by the BZA. The agenda stipulates, "You must include your name and residential address for the public record," ensuring transparent participation from residents in the decision-making process.
The hearing is expected not only to provide a platform for the applicants to present their cases but also to allow the public a chance to voice their concerns or support for the proposed changes. No further items are listed under old business, suggesting that the primary focus will be to carefully deliberate over to these new applications. Community involvement is an integral part of the zoning appeals process, and this public hearing represents another instance where civic engagement has the potential to directly shape the neighborhood's landscape.
Once all testimonies are heard and deliberations are concluded, the BZA will adjourn, with decisions on the variance requests announced thereafter.
