Title
Memorializing a City Council decision to grant the appeal of Joe Bennett from the Board of Zoning Appeals decision denying a zoning variance to convert an existing lit freestanding sign to dynamic display at 1305 7th Street West.
Body
WHEREAS, On December 21, 2025, Joe Bennett (“Applicant”), applied to the Board of Zoning Appeals (“BZA”) in BZA File No. 000232-2025 for a variance from the strict application of the provisions of Section 64.405 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code for the purpose of converting an existing lit freestanding sign to dynamic display on property in a B2 zoning district and commonly known as 1305 7th Street West, and legally described as CLARKE'S ADDITION EX VICTORIA AND 7TH STS LOTS 16 AND LOT 17 BLK 8 (PIN: 112823430014); and
WHEREAS, Section 64.405 (a) permits business signs with dynamic displays to be placed at least seventy-five (75) feet, as measured along the road, from a residential district and fifty (50) feet from a residential district measured radially; and
WHEREAS, Staff found the property is located in a commercial district that is completely surrounded by a residential district; and
WHEREAS, Applicant’s ability to update the sign in a manner consistent with other commercial properties, which are typically located in fully commercial corridors, is limited; and
WHEREAS, Section 64.207 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code authorizes the City to grant variances for signs according to the provisions in Section 61.601 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code; and
WHEREAS, A sign variance must also demonstrate that such variance is needed due to unusual conditions pertaining to the sign needs of a specific building or lot, that the sign would not create a hazard, would not be objectionable to adjacent property owners, would not adversely affect residential property through excessive glare and lighting, and would be in keeping with the general character of the surrounding area; and
WHEREAS, The variance application ...
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