Council amends zoning notice rule to add administrator discretion and exceptions

A Metropolitan Council committee approved an amendment to a zoning code change that reduces repeated notices for subsequent violations of the same offense, adding written exceptions and administrative discretion intended to protect residents engaged in appeals or variances.

Councilmember Campbell, a sponsor of the bill, moved the amendment and said it was developed after Planning Commission discussion and consultation with Metro Codes. The amendment adds two conditions: first, a 45-day advance notice requirement tied to the zoning administrator’s determination language; second, an exception when there is an ongoing effort to seek relief from the Board of Zoning Appeals or to pursue a variance.

Campbell said the changes were designed to prevent unintended harm to long-term residents that could arise from removing repeated notice requirements. The committee approved the amendment and then approved the bill as amended by unanimous vote: nine in favor, zero opposed, zero abstentions.

The change gives the zoning administrator explicit discretion to withhold repeated notices in specified circumstances; the transcript notes this mirrors discretions already used by the code administrator, but places the exceptions in writing.