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Apple Valley requires public hearings for all variance requests; council waives second reading
Summary
The Apple Valley City Council unanimously approved an amendment to require public hearings for all variance requests under City Code Section 155.397 and waived the second reading.
Apple Valley, Minn. — On Aug. 28 the Apple Valley City Council approved a text amendment to City Code Section 155.397 requiring public hearings for all variance requests, a change city staff said aligns Apple Valley with other cities in Dakota County and across Minnesota.
Planning staff said the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendment at its Aug. 6 meeting, voted 5–0 to recommend approval and received no public comments. The amendment replaces discretionary language that allowed public hearings in some cases with a requirement that all variance applications receive a public hearing.
Council discussion focused on expediting projects while maintaining consistent public notice. "It's good to be consistent," a council member said; staff replied that the change should not delay projects if timelines and notice periods are managed efficiently.
Council Member Hiebert moved approval and Council Member Grendel seconded. Clerk Christina called the roll; Bergman, Grendel, Hiebert, Melander and Mayor Hoopa voted aye. The council also voted to waive the ordinance's second reading.
City staff said the requirement is intended to align local practice with neighboring jurisdictions and to standardize the public-notice process for variances going forward.
