July 17, 2025 Zoning Board of Adjustment

Thursday, July 17, 2025

1936 Drew Avenue South - Zoning Adjustment

2922 Aldrich Avenue South - Projecting Sign Variance

3701 Blaisdell Avenue South - Front Yard Fence Height Variance

Areas of Interest (5)

Zoning Board denies variance for residential building signage despite claims of poor visibility from major thoroughfares.
Board members debate whether 'reverse corner lot' designation constitutes a unique hardship for fence height variances.
Concerns raised regarding bird safety and light pollution as factors in sign approval processes.
City Council's BIZ committee overruled the Zoning Board on a previous turf-related variance case, highlighting potential procedural tensions.
Developer claims high traffic flow and large size of Blue Line Apartments necessitates larger signage for public safety.

Votes (5)

Approval of agenda

PassedNot Specified

Moved by Not Specified · Seconded by Not Specified

Approval of June 26, 2025 minutes

PassedNot Specified

Moved by Not Specified · Seconded by Not Specified

Adopt Item 4 (1936 Drew Avenue South) on consent

PassedNot Specified

Moved by Not Specified · Seconded by Not Specified

Denial of variance for 2922 Aldrich Avenue South

Denied6-0

Moved by Not Specified · Seconded by Not Specified

Approval of variance for 3701 Blaisdell Avenue South

Approved4-2

Moved by Not Specified · Seconded by Not Specified

Notable Quotes (2)

Staff does not find that practical difficulties exist in complying with the ordinance due to circumstances unique to the property.
— Fatimat Olukoga

Sign variance denialDuring presentation on 2922 Aldrich Avenue South.

I don't see any reason that is not economic considerations here. I see at lot of economic considerations, but I don't see anything that's not related to selling more units.
— Hutchens

Hardship requirementsCommenting on the applicant's request for a sign variance.

People (5)

Matt PerryChair

Presiding over the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting.

Fatimat OlukogaCity Planner

Presented reports on zoning variance applications for 2922 Aldrich Ave S and 3701 Blaisdell Ave S.

TrevorProject Manager

Representing SDDI Signs for the 2922 Aldrich Avenue South project.

1 quote

“75% of the this project is hidden from Lake Street... there's many much-larger signs flanking the property.”

Arguing for a variance due to visibility issues at the apartment complex.

HutchensBoard Member

Raised concerns regarding bird-safe glass and sign illumination, and challenged the uniqueness of the lot.

CallahanBoard Member

Questioned the applicant and staff regarding sign codes and zoning districts.

Places Mentioned

1936 Drew Avenue South2922 Aldrich Avenue South2701 Blaisdell Avenue South3701 Blaisdell Avenue South4428 Edmund Boulevard4640 17th Avenue SouthLake StreetLyndale Avenue SouthBryant Avenue South

Events & Meetings (3)

July 17, 2025 - Zoning Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting
June 26, 2025 - Previous Meeting
July 31, 2025 - Next Scheduled Meeting

View Source