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Zoning board denies Hiawatha Church variance for 4155 41st Ave. S.; vote 5-2
Summary
The Minneapolis Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 5-2 on Jan. 15, 2026 to deny Hiawatha Church’s request to increase lot coverage to 67% and impervious surface to 71% at 4155 41st Avenue South; staff had recommended denial after concluding the first legal finding was not met. The church and supporters said the modest addition was required for ADA access and child safety; nearby neighbors opposed the expansion citing shading and neighborhood character.
The Minneapolis Zoning Board of Adjustment on Jan. 15, 2026 denied a variance request by Hiawatha Church to increase lot coverage to 67% and impervious surface to 71% at 4155 41st Avenue South, voting 5-2 after public testimony and extended board discussion.
City planning staff told the board the existing building is legally nonconforming and that the application seeks two variances: raising maximum lot cover to 67% and impervious surface to 71%. Staff noted the property is about 10,168 square feet and the existing structure footprint is approximately 5,545 square feet, and recommended denial because staff concluded the applicant had not met the first legal finding (that the site exhibits unique circumstances not created by the owner).
The application proposes an addition to accommodate an…
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