Macalester-Groveland Community Council

The Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission shall have the power to grant variances from the strict enforcement of the provisions of the code if they determine that all of the required findings listed below are met.

Required findings:

1. The variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the zoning code.

2. The variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan.

3. The applicant has established that there are practical difficulties in complying with the provision and that the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the provision. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties.

4. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner.

5. The variance will not permit any use that is not allowed in the zoning district where the affected land is located.

6. The variance will not alter the essential character of the surrounding area.

Learn more about variance applications and the Board of Zoning Appeals here.

Rezoning is a change in use or density from that permitted in the existing zone.

In the City of Saint Paul, public hearings are conducted by the Planning Commission and the City Council for rezoning requests. The Planning Commission reviews the proposal and makes a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council makes the final decision for all rezoning applications.

Some of the issues that are evaluated by the City with respect to rezoning proposals include:

Compatibility with land use and zoning classification of property within the general area. Suitability of the property for the uses permitted under the existing zoning classification. The trend of development in the area of the property in question. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and District Plan.

The Planning Commission may act as the Board of Zoning Appeals and grant Zoning variances in accordance with the variance provisions in the Zoning Code.

Learn more about rezoning applications  here .

Conditional uses are permitted uses (of land and/or buildings) within zoning districts that are subject to additional requirements; they require permit per the zoning code. The  Planning Commission has the authority to issue Conditional Use Permits. The Planning Commission’s  Zoning Committee holds a public hearing for conditional use permits, and makes a recommendation to the Planning Commission for a final vote.

In addition to meeting all conditions listed under a specific use, there are general conditions that must be met for all Conditional Use Permits as follows:

1. The extent, location and intensity of the use will be in substantial compliance with the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and any applicable subarea plans which were approved by the city council.

2. The use will provide adequate ingress and egress to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets.

3. The use will not be detrimental to the existing character of the development in the immediate neighborhood or endanger the public health, safety and general welfare.

4. The use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the district.

5. The use shall, in all other respects, conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located.