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St. Paul council overturns zoning board, clears way for multifamily project at 1963 Grand Avenue
Summary
The St. Paul City Council voted 6–1 to grant an appeal by Benegist Properties LLC, overturning a Board of Zoning Appeals denial of two variances (height and floor-area ratio) for a multifamily project at 1963 Grand Avenue. A council member said staff relied on historical easement facts rather than evaluating practical difficulties under zoning findings.
A St. Paul City Council member moved and the council voted 6–1 to grant an appeal by Benegist Properties LLC and allow two variances for a proposed multifamily dwelling at 1963 Grand Avenue.
The mover argued the Board of Zoning Appeals and the staff report erred procedurally by focusing on historical facts — notably that a public alley easement opened in 1888 — rather than evaluating whether the applicant demonstrated the "practical difficulties" required under the zoning code. The mover cited Zoning Code section 63.101, which treats half the alley as part of the…
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