Housing & Land Use

Mission: The Housing and Land Use Committee provides an open forum for citizen participation in civil dialogue that applies City guidelines for land use in a way that recognizes the unique nature of our Macalester-Groveland residences, businesses and institutions and enhances the livability of our neighborhood.

The Housing and Land Use Committee makes recommendations to the board on zoning matters and attempts to resolve land use issues identified by residents and/or businesses. This committee does this by conducting public meetings and providing an opportunity for community members to voice their concerns and ask questions.  The Committee uses the Macalester-Groveland Long Range Plan as a guide for evaluation.

The committee usually meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Groveland Recreation Center (2021 St. Clair), though location may vary. Contact mgcc@macgrove.org or (651) 695-4000 to confirm location of upcoming meetings. 

For more information on variances, check out these resources:

• MGCC Variance Guide
• League of Minnesota Cities Land Use Variances Memo

Variance Requests & The City of Saint Paul:

The BZA 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.