Planning commission endorses minor subdivision at 1220 4th Street, recommends council approval

On May 11 the City of St. Paul Park Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve a minor subdivision application for a parcel at 1220 4th Street that will adjust lot lines so an existing deeded parcel meets R-2 minimum lot-area standards.

Mister Sparks (planning staff) described the property as three widths of platted lots owned in common, with the middle parcel containing a house and garage. He told commissioners the applicant engaged a surveyor to reassign a portion of the middle lot to the northern lot to create a conforming lot. "Because it's a separate deeded parcel...by adding this land to it to make it meet the minimum lot area, we feel that that is an acceptable step to take," Sparks said, explaining that the minor-subdivision route is allowed when existing platting and PID status permit conveyance.

Commissioners questioned whether the lot counts as a corner lot and what setbacks apply because the parcel abuts alleys. Sparks clarified that corner-lot rules are based on public streets (not alleys) and said alley setbacks are typically 10 feet; he also noted utilities on some blocks are limited and that adding units can change infrastructure needs. Commissioners discussed tree cover, the lot's small buildable footprint, and whether a small house there would alter neighborhood character.

After discussion a commissioner moved to recommend approval to the City Council, subject to compliance with setback and performance standards and to addressing city engineer comments at the permit stage; the motion passed with no opposition.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will go to the City Council, and the applicant will need to meet all engineering and utility requirements before separate conveyance and building permits are issued.