June 12, 2025 Zoning Board of Adjustment

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Areas of Interest (4)

Controversy over artificial turf installations at schools and whether 'high foot traffic' constitutes a practical difficulty for zoning variances.
Neighbors in the Longfellow neighborhood express frustration over construction of a new single-family home at 4428 Edmund Boulevard.
Legal debate over whether underground pilings left on a property constitute 'structures' subject to setback requirements.
Concerns over potential citywide precedents if underground structural remnants are exempted from zoning ordinances.

Approve consent agenda (Items 5 and 6)

PassedVoice vote

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified

Deny variance for 4640 17th Avenue South

Passed4-3 (Chair tie-breaker)

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified

If I was a resident who is living next to this, I would be frustrated, I would be angry, I would be incensed.
— Matt Perry

4428 Edmund Boulevard construction disruptionAcknowledging neighbor complaints regarding 4428 Edmund Boulevard.

The building official has indicated that there is nothing in the building code that requires the removal of this.
— Staff Member

4428 Edmund Boulevard pilingsDiscussing the abandoned piling remnants.

Matt PerryChair

Presiding over the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting.

1 quote

“The Chair only votes except in the case of a tie.”

Explaining voting procedures after a tied vote.

Todd PetersonSenior Finance Officer

Representing Hiawatha Academies regarding the variance request.

1 quote

“Grass, shrubs, any other thing cannot live under the feet of 800 children for 170 days in all types of weather.”

Arguing for artificial turf installation.

HutchensBoard Member

Questioning the validity of practical difficulties regarding the variance.

1 quote

“I don't see a practical difficulty on planting a grass on a field for kids.”

Opposing the variance request.

4640 17th Avenue South275 Market Street3343 East Bde Maka Ska4428 Edmund Boulevard