In a decision that pitted modern vehicle needs against historic preservation concerns, the Minneapolis Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance allowing homeowners on 2045th Avenue Southeast to create a parking pad on their property despite staff opposition.

City staff member Mr. Campbell presented the case, noting that staff recommended denial based on the first two required findings for granting a variance. However, the property owners argued they faced a genuine hardship. "We bought this house and we discovered the garage is not usable for modern vehicles due to the size and configuration," the applicant told the board, citing the property's historic limestone walls and challenging topography as obstacles to standard parking solutions.

Board Member Callahan moved to reject the staff findings and approve the variance, with one condition: the homeowners must close an existing curb cut on the property. The motion passed 5-0, with one board member abstaining. Board members Wang and Hutchkins had questioned the applicant about garage retrofitting possibilities and alternative parking locations before the vote.

In other business, the board approved its 2025 annual report by voice vote. Mr. Ellis provided updates on board candidate appointments and informed members that a fence appeal for a property at 3906 York Avenue had been denied following a full city council vote, upholding the board's earlier decision.

The board also approved minutes from its February 12 meeting, with two members abstaining. Chair Matt Perry led the meeting, which was attended by Vice Chair Wang and Board Member Hutchkins among others. The Zoning Board of Adjustment is scheduled to meet next on March 12, 2026.