The Minneapolis Zoning Board of Adjustment denied two contested requests during its June 12 meeting, rejecting a variance for artificial turf at Hiawatha Leadership Academy and an appeal regarding buried construction pilings.

The board voted 4-3 to deny Hiawatha Leadership Academy's request to reduce the required front yard setback from 15 feet to zero feet at 4640 17th Avenue South. The school sought the variance to install artificial turf extending to a retaining wall on the property that serves approximately 800 students.

Todd Peterson, representing the school, argued that heavy student use prevents grass from growing in the play area, creating muddy conditions and safety hazards. "Grass, shrubs, any other thing cannot live under the feet of 800 children for 170 days in all types of weather," Peterson told the board.

Board members questioned whether the school met the required "practical difficulty" standard for granting variances. Board Member Hutchens noted that a four-foot grade change across an entire city block "is pretty flat" and questioned how this differed from other schools with heavy playground use.

Chair Matt Perry cast the tie-breaking vote, citing previous board discussions about artificial turf and code changes specifically addressing such installations. "There has to be a very compelling reason to have it," Perry said.

The board also unanimously denied an appeal by Doug Kelley of 4432 Edmund Boulevard regarding steel pilings left buried at the adjacent 4428 Edmund Boulevard construction site. The pilings, originally installed as temporary shoring during excavation, were cut off and left in the ground when the contractor determined removal was not feasible.

Kelley argued the permanent pilings violated zoning setback requirements and constituted unpermitted structures. Neighbor Josh Welle supported the appeal, describing the installation as traumatic and claiming the 20-foot steel beams crossed property lines.

Staff recommended denial, explaining that buried structural elements have historically been allowed in required yards citywide. The zoning administrator determined the pilings, buried six to eight feet below grade, do not violate yard requirements that apply from "ground level to the sky."

Two other items were approved on consent without discussion. The board's next meeting is scheduled for June 26.