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Council adopts drive-through regulations, hears rezoning and grants sign-variance appeal
Summary
The council adopted drive-through and walk-up service amendments, held a public hearing and continued a rezoning application for 325 Commercial St., and granted an appeal allowing a reduced but partially digital freestanding sign at 1305 7th St. W after staff and district council support.
The St. Paul City Council took several land-use and signage actions at its March 4 meeting, including final adoption of a drive-through and walk-up service ordinance, continuation of a rezoning public hearing, and a decision to allow a dynamic display portion on a freestanding sign after an appeal.
Ordinance 24-26, amending chapters 5 and 66 to regulate drive-through sales and walk-up service windows, was presented after multi-year committee work and a recent set of amendments. Councilmember Jost, who led the effort, described the ordinance as balancing community, transportation and equity concerns; planning staff and Bill Dermody answered technical questions about how stacking (vehicle queuing) is measured. Following a public hearing with no in-room testimony, the council adopted the ordinance by roll call (7–0). Key policy points include limiting drive-throughs near high-frequency transit and requiring pedestrian access and higher-density development where appropriate.
The council also heard a planning presentation on a rezoning application from H1 (residential) to I1 (light industrial) at 325 Commercial Street to expand a Dayton's Bluff electric substation. The item proceeded as a first reading with a public hearing (that had been noticed) and was continued to March 11 for a second reading and additional public comment.
On a separate zoning appeal, the council considered an appeal of a Board of Zoning Appeals denial to allow replacement of an existing lit sign at 1305 7th Street West with a smaller sign that includes a 32-square-foot dynamic display. Zoning staff explained why the property’s proximity to residential districts and physical constraints supported a variance; the Fort Road Federation and the applicant had engaged in outreach. Appellant representative Matt Duffy said the new sign would be smaller and dim at night; staff said the proposal met findings. The council granted the appeal (motion passed 7–0), reversing the BZA action.
Votes and next steps: Ordinance 24-26 adopted and in effect; rezoning public hearing continued to March 11; sign-variance appeal granted and applicant may proceed under applicable permitting and conditions described in the council’s decision and staff report.
