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Zoning board approves 6-foot fence variance for 1424 Fremont Avenue North
Summary
The Minneapolis Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 5–1 on March 12, 2026, to grant a variance allowing a 6-foot fence at 1424 Fremont Ave N despite staff recommending denial; the decision followed applicant testimony that he spent $7,000 modifying the installation and supportive neighborhood testimony citing erosion and sight-line improvements.
On March 12, 2026, the Minneapolis Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 5–1 to grant a variance allowing a six-foot-tall fence in the front and corner side yards at 1424 Fremont Avenue North, reversing staff’s recommendation to deny the request.
Planner Mr. Ouellette told the board that the subject property is a corner lot in an urban neighborhood district and that staff did not find the application met two of the three required variance findings—specifically the finding that unique circumstances prevent compliance with the ordinance and the finding that the proposal meets the ordinance’s spirit and intent. Staff did, however, find the proposal met the third finding because the wrought-iron design would not block sight lines or create traffic hazards.
Board members pressed staff about whether a prior fence existed and whether nonconforming (lawful) status could apply. Ouellette said proving lawful nonconforming status would require historical records; replacement of an existing fence can be allowed only if it is an exact replacement, and material changes can affect that status.
Applicant Valentin Vera said he called 311 before constructing the fence and was told it could be built at the property line. He said a city inspector later told him to move the columns; Vera said he moved them and that the work cost him “$7,000.” He described grading and a 14-inch retaining wall that make the structure appear taller and said the wrought-iron design is open to views. “I moved the columns. Cost me $7,000,” Vera said, and added that the fence improves the neighborhood’s appearance.
Three neighbors told the board they support keeping the fence. Architect and neighbor Brian Slazinski said the property’s previous privacy fence was falling into the sidewalk and that the new fence pulled back from the alley and improved light and sight lines. Philip Alexander, who lives across the street, called the new fence a neighborhood improvement. Ayesha Davis, a longtime resident, said the fence is “gorgeous” and urged the board to allow it to remain.
During deliberations, multiple board members said washout and the property’s grade, combined with Fremont’s traffic, created a practical difficulty supporting finding No. 1. One member said they were comfortable that findings 2 and 3 were met; another expressed reservation about the first finding. A motion was made to not adopt staff findings and instead grant the variance by finding for findings 1 and 2 and adopting staff’s finding 3. The roll-call vote produced five votes in favor and one opposed, and the chair declared the variance approved. The board noted the approval means the applicant will not have to move the fence again.
After the vote, staff provided two updates: expected public hearings and council reappointments for new board members in early April, and a summary of a partially granted appeal involving a church property that included conditions for rain gardens to address impervious-surface concerns. The meeting adjourned after routine business.
The board’s action applies to the property at 1424 Fremont Avenue North; any permit or enforcement steps required to implement the board’s decision will follow normal city processes.
