Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Rezoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North St. Paul planning commission recommends rezoning near 7th Avenue to residential
Summary
The planning commission voted July 9 to recommend that City Council change the future land use designation and rezone properties east of McKnight Road along 7th Avenue and Oak Hill Place from corridor mixed use (MU3) to low-density residential (R2), a staff-initiated correction intended to make existing single-family homes conforming.
On July 9, the North St. Paul City Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council change the future land use designation and rezone several properties east of McKnight Road — in areas along 7th Avenue and Oak Hill Place — from corridor mixed use (MU3) to low-density residential (R2).
The recommendation, introduced by planning staff, is intended to correct a prior map designation and make the existing single-family homes in the two study areas conforming under the zoning code, allowing owners more freedom to add modest expansions without special exceptions. "This is staff's idea. There's not a developer," planning staff said during the presentation, stressing that the change was not triggered by a planned redevelopment.
Staff told the commission the lots in the two areas range from about 4,800 to 19,600 square feet and that the R2 district's minimum lot size (3,630 square feet) would make many lots conforming. Staff also said two parcels in the study area are currently vacant. Commissioners asked whether the change would encourage commercial redevelopment; staff said it was aimed at aligning zoning with the existing residential pattern because redevelopment seemed unlikely in the near term.
During the public hearing, residents voiced concerns about notice language and possible long-term impacts. "I don't want to be, you know, tossed out," said Randy Reynolds (2297 South Avenue E), who asked for assurance that homeowners would be able to remain in their houses without facing redevelopment pressure. Jeff Hansen asked whether the rezoning would affect taxes or insurance; staff responded it would not, as implemented by the city. A resident who identified herself as Betty Schultz asked staff to confirm which parcels were included; staff clarified map boundaries.
Commissioner Miwick moved to recommend the future land-use map change and rezoning to City Council; the motion was seconded and passed with one commissioner recorded as opposed. Staff said the item is tentatively scheduled for City Council consideration next Tuesday.
The commission's recommendation does not itself change zoning — the City Council must approve the amendment and rezoning ordinance for the changes to take effect. Staff said the proposal was prompted in part by a recent request involving a city-owned lot and an intent to avoid an unnecessary permitting obstacle for a planned student-built house on one vacant lot.
The council will make the final decision; residents and property owners in the affected areas will receive formal notice of that hearing.
