Council approves conditional-use permit amendment for auto-repair business to expand and store up to six customer vehicles

The Blaine City Council on June 1 approved a conditional-use permit amendment allowing Minnesota Performance, an auto-repair tenant at 1550 91st Avenue NE, to expand into an adjacent suite and legally store up to six customer vehicles on site.

Community Development staff told council the business had previously expanded without approvals and had code-enforcement actions; the applicant later applied and the planning commission recommended approval with conditions. Director Selman noted that staff asked the applicant to provide signatures from other building tenants showing support; staff also received tenant opposition materials that were included in the packet.

Council members focused on whether past violations had been resolved. “My understanding was as of last week there was a final inspection with community standards to ensure that all of the past violations have been rectified,” Council member Newland said. Director Selman confirmed there were no active violations at the time of the hearing and that tonight’s action would bring the current expansion into compliance.

City Attorney Larson advised the council that the city has authority to act on the CUP but does not and cannot alter private HOA declarations or covenants; approval carries the risk that an HOA could later enforce covenants that would prevent the use on common elements.

The council voted to approve the conditional-use permit amendment and associated parking plan, with planning-commission conditions. The motion passed with one recorded no vote by Council Member Larson.