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Planning commission approves expansion of women’s sober home at 2548 Pleasant Ave with conditions
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Summary
The Minneapolis Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit to raise capacity at 2548 Pleasant Ave from six to up to 16 residents for a state‑credentialed care facility, adding conditions requiring a visible contact poster and property‑maintenance standards tied to city housing and nuisance codes.
The Minneapolis Planning Commission on March 2 approved a conditional use permit allowing a state‑credentialed care facility at 2548 Pleasant Avenue to increase capacity to serve up to 16 people, contingent on conditions that require a contact poster with phone and email and property maintenance in compliance with city housing and nuisance codes.
City planner Aspen Plan told the commission the application meets the zoning code findings for the UN2 urban neighborhood district and complies with the 350‑foot spacing rule for state‑credentialed care facilities serving more than six residents. Plan said the property has historically been used for group housing, has no on‑site parking, includes bicycle parking, and can accommodate added beds within the existing floor plan without structural changes. Staff recommended approval.
Margie Pierce, owner of Fellowship Sober House, said the home is well‑equipped for group living, noting a sprinkler system and a small elevator that improves accessibility. "We're a sober housing company," Pierce said, describing the recent state licensing changes that she said forced many sober providers to close. She told the commission the increase would allow the operator to serve more women in need and that no exterior changes are planned.
Neighbor Lynn Barnhouse of 2532 Pillsbury raised concerns during public comment about absentee ownership, yard blight, waste collection and an unshoveled sidewalk, and questioned whether the site can accommodate the increased number of trash and recycling containers a 16‑person residence would require. "On this block, they don't have an alley…that's a lot of garbage out there," Barnhouse said.
Pierce responded that she takes maintenance concerns seriously, apologized if sidewalk clearing was missed and said the operator will improve oversight, noting staff and management challenges during a period of licensing and regulatory transition. "We will make sure…that we are paying more attention to the sidewalk," she said.
During discussion, commissioners asked about on‑site staffing and neighborhood communication. Commissioner Tauter proposed — and the applicant agreed to — conditions that include posting contact information (a phone number and email) in a conspicuous place on the property for neighbors to report issues, and requiring exterior and yard maintenance in accordance with the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances (chapter 2‑44 on housing maintenance and chapter 2‑27 on nuisances). Planning staff offered sample condition language and volunteered to provide exact ordinance references for the record.
Commissioner Tauter moved to approve the staff recommendation with the conditions; the motion was seconded. The clerk called the roll and the permit passed with seven ayes. Chair Chris Meyer closed the item and wished the applicant luck with the project.
The approval restores higher capacity at a recovered sober‑housing site in the Whittier neighborhood and attaches explicit maintenance and communication expectations intended to address neighbor concerns. The commission did not adopt other alterations to the property or require additional physical changes beyond the posting and maintenance conditions. The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for March 16.
