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Planning Commission approves expanded sober‑home capacity at 2548 Pleasant Ave with maintenance and contact conditions
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Summary
The Minneapolis Planning Commission voted 7‑0 to approve a conditional use permit allowing an existing state‑credentialed sober house at 2548 Pleasant Ave to increase occupancy from 6 to up to 16 residents, attaching conditions that require a visible contact poster and compliance with Minneapolis Code yard and housing maintenance rules after neighbors raised trash and snow‑removal concerns.
The Minneapolis Planning Commission on March 2 approved a conditional use permit for a state‑credentialed care facility at 2548 Pleasant Avenue that will allow the freestanding board‑and‑lodge sober home to increase capacity from six residents to up to 16.
City planner Aspen Plan told commissioners that staff found all six findings for the conditional use permit were met and recommended approval. The property is in the UN2 district in the Whittier neighborhood and has no on‑site parking; staff said existing floor plans can accommodate the additional beds and that the nearest similar facility is well beyond the 350‑foot spacing requirement. The planner noted bicycle parking exists and that no structural changes are planned.
Margie Pierce, owner of Fellowship Sober House, told the commission she sought the change to restore the home's prior operational capacity after a recent state licensing shift and an ‘‘anti‑kickback’’ law that, she said, forced many sober homes to close. "About 80% of the sober homes have closed because of that law," Pierce said, describing the property as well‑equipped (a certified sprinkler system and handicap access) and saying the increase would let the operator help more people.
A neighbor, Lynn Barnhouse, who lives nearby, urged caution and raised specific operational concerns. "If this residence was allowed to have 16 people, they would need at least four large trash containers and four recycling bins," Barnhouse said, listing problems she has observed on the block including a lack of sidewalk shoveling and yard blight.
Pierce responded to the neighbor and commissioners by acknowledging maintenance lapses and apologizing if sidewalk clearing had been missed. She said the provider has been in touch with fire and housing inspections, has space to store trash on the lot, and is increasing property oversight as it transitions licensing and management. "We will make sure that, for the remainder of this winter and next winter, that we are paying more attention to the sidewalk," she said.
Commissioner Tauter moved to approve the staff recommendation with conditions intended to address neighbor concerns: (1) a conspicuous "who to call" poster at the property listing a phone number and email for responses; (2) a condition that the exterior of the home and yard be kept in excellent physical condition in compliance with chapter 2‑44 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances (housing maintenance code); and (3) a condition that the yard be maintained in compliance with chapter 2‑27 (nuisances). City staff (Kimberly) offered sample language used on prior reasonable‑accommodation approvals and agreed to provide the exact text for the clerk to include in the record.
The commission approved the motion by roll call, with seven ayes and no dissent. Chair Chris Meyer said staff would be asked to place the agreed‑upon condition language in the public record so commissioners can reference it.
Votes at a glance: the commission also adopted the minutes for Feb. 17, approved recommendations for appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and approved two consent items (items 5 and 7) earlier in the meeting.
The commission adjourned with the next regular meeting scheduled for March 16.
