Legislation Details

File #: ABZA 26-4    Version:
Type: Appeal-BZA Status: Archived
In control: City Council
Final action: 9/9/2026
Title: Considering the appeal of a decision by the Board of Zoning Appeals denying a variance request to allow a curb cut located within 60 feet of a residentially zoned property to remain.
Sponsors: Molly Coleman
Ward: Appeal
Code sections: Sec. 61.702. - Appeals to city council.
Attachments: 1. 01_Appeal Application and Supporting Documents, 2. 02_Zoning Variance Application, 3. 03_Staff Report, 4. 04_Board of Zoning Appeals Resolution, 5. 05_Comments - Combined BZA Public Comment, 6. 06_BZA General and Hearing Minutes_08032026, 7. 07_Board of Zoning Appeals Public Hearing Notice Mailing Map & List, 8. 08_Board of Zoning Appeals Public Hearing Notice, 9. 09_City Council Hearing Notice Mailing Map & List, 10. 10_City Council Hearing Public Hearing Notice, 11. City Council public comments, 12. Staff Presentation to Council

Title

Considering the appeal of a decision by the Board of Zoning Appeals denying a variance request to allow a curb cut located within 60 feet of a residentially zoned property to remain.

Body

Zoning File: # DSIAPP-000690-2026 (Appeal of Zoning File # DSIBZA-000625-2026)

 

File Name: 649 Snelling Avenue North

 

Appellant: Thielen & Green - Kris Thielen

 

Applicant: Kris Thielen

 

Address: 649 Snelling Avenue North

 

Purpose: An appeal of a decision by the Board of Zoning Appeals denying a variance request to allow a curb cut located within 60 feet of a residentially zoned property to remain.

Staff Recommendation: Approval

 

District Council Recommendation: None

 

Board of Zoning Appeals Decision: The Board of Zoning Appeals denied the request via a 4-0 vote based upon findings 1 and 3.

 

Support: 1 person spoke, 0 letter received

 

Opposition: 2 people spoke, 7 letters received

 

Required Background Information

Does this issue fall within the 60 day rule?    Yes

 

If yes, when does the 60 days expire?      September 25, 2026

 

Has an extension been granted?    Yes

 

If so, to what date?    November 24, 2026

 

Key Staff Contact

Kaozouapang (Pang) Yang (651-266-9057, kaozouapang.yang@ci.stpaul.mn.us)

 

 

Date NameDistrictOpinionCommentAction
9/9/2026 6:34 PMBonita Steppa Against The Domino's appeal is asking for a variance to code 65.616 specifically to expedite their delivery drivers. It does not improve safety.
9/9/2026 3:48 PMJulie Hellwich Against In their applicaiton for curb cut variances, the applicant only requested a variance for 65.616, condition (e) regarding curb cuts within intersections in their application to the BZA. In the applicants letter to the City Council, dated July 13, 2026, the applicant confirms that this by stating "While the requested varince does not comply with St. Paul Zoning Code 65.616, condition (d), the unique conditions of the site make strict compliance impractical". The applicant understood that they would also require a variance for (d). The variance was denied. In their appeal, they state zoning code (d) as the citation of the appeal. They never applied for or received a variance for this condition. The appeal should be denied as the appeal is not based on the citation they used to request a variance (e). Permit corrections report to approve building plan notes that they need to remove the curb cuts and revise the site plan, or obtain variance from this requirement.