Council approves design compliance certificate and front-yard setback variance for Madison Avenue property

The Mankato City Council on Feb. 24 approved a certificate of design compliance for a proposed new structure in the Highway Gateway Overlay District and granted a variance to reduce the front-yard building setback on the Madison Avenue side from 15 feet to 0.092 feet.

City planning staff said the item had been reviewed previously in 2023 and a similar variance was requested in 2008; in prior reviews the council recommended approval based on lot topography. Staff noted the project has been revised from an earlier three-story mixed-use design to a two-story structure. The site plan now contains all required parking on-site rather than relying on shared parking on adjacent parcels. Staff also described landscape screening to shield the parking area from adjacent properties and a fence on the side that will block lights from neighboring properties.

A council member asked for clarification after looking at the images and memos, expressing confusion about whether the reduced setback extended to the sidewalk; staff clarified the reduced setback applies to the property line and that a significant setback remains on the Bridal Street side.

Council member Hatampa moved approval of both the certificate of design compliance and the variance; Council member Lavin seconded. The council approved both items by roll call; all members voted yes.

Staff said the applicant will meet landscaping and screening requirements and that site-specific topography drove the need for flexibility from the code to accommodate a properly designed building on the lot.