Zoning Board receives 2024 annual report; members cite drop in variance filings

The Minneapolis Zoning Board of Adjustment on March 20, 2025, received and filed its 2024 annual report. During discussion, board members noted a substantial drop in the number of variance applications reported in the document and raised questions about ward representation on the board.

A board member said the report showed "we've gone from 324 in 2020 to only 58 in 2024," and thanked planning staff for the change. Staff responded: "I think 1 of the things that I would point out in terms of that drop from 2020 to today, we did have some changes to the zoning code in terms of, the land use requirements specifically for multifamily in terms of trying to reduce that, the amount of variances that are, specifically" and added that the land use design and preservation team has been observing those changes.

Members discussed geographic representation on the board. One board member noted the Third Ward previously generated a high volume of applications and said the board should continue efforts to encourage broader ward participation. The board also asked staff to verify the listing for board member Wang on the published materials.

Chair Matt Perry asked for a motion to receive and file the report; the motion was moved and seconded and passed on a voice vote. The chair noted the board welcomes suggestions for next year’s report and encouraged members to contact staff or "Mister Ellis" to offer input. The board set its next regular meeting for April 10, 2025.

The item was recorded as "receive and file" in the meeting minutes and no further action on the report was taken at the March 20 meeting.