The Minneapolis Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit Monday for a 13-unit residential building on Sheridan Avenue South, despite strong opposition from neighbors who raised concerns about traffic safety, environmental impact and neighborhood character.

The commission voted 4-3 to allow JLS Design Build to construct a three-story building at 4109 and 4113 Sheridan Avenue South that extends into the city's Shoreland Overlay District. The project required a conditional use permit because part of the building exceeds the 2.5-story height limit in the overlay district, which protects areas within 1,000 feet of Lake Harriet.

Nearly 20 residents testified against the project during a lengthy public hearing, citing concerns about 26 underground parking spaces accessing a busy street with no crosswalks or traffic signals. "The idea of adding 26 parking spaces to two residential lots is crazy," said Tim Gustin, a real estate attorney who lives on Sheridan Avenue. "Anyone who lives on Sheridan knows how difficult it is already getting in and out of your driveway."

Neighbors also raised environmental concerns about increased impervious surface and potential impacts to existing solar panels on adjacent properties. Several speakers questioned the developer's community engagement, saying they learned about the project only recently despite living within the required notification area.

Commission President Meyer acknowledged the traffic concerns but said the project meets goals of the Minneapolis 2040 comprehensive plan by adding density near transit corridors and amenities like Lake Harriet. The commission also approved a street vacation request for 4301 Lake Street East and forwarded sign ordinance amendments to the city council with a sunset clause requiring legislative action by June 2027.