Title
Considering the appeal of a decision by the Board of Zoning Appeals denying a variance request to convert an existing lit, freestanding sign to a dynamic display sign at 1305 7th Street West.
Body
Zoning File: #DSIAPP-000317-2026 (Appeal of Zoning File #DSIBZA-000232-2025)
File Name: 1305 7th Street West - Bennett's Chop and Railhouse
Appellant: Joe Bennett
Applicant: Joe Bennett and Matthew Duffy
Address: 1305 7th Street West
Purpose: An appeal of a decision by the Board of Zoning Appeals denying a variance request to convert an existing lit, freestanding sign to a dynamic display sign at 1305 7th Street West. Section 64.405 of the Zoning Code requires dynamic display signs to be located at least 75 feet from residential districts measured along the road and 50 feet measured radially; the proposed sign would be located 50 feet measured along the road and 47 feet measured radially from a residential district, for variances of 25 feet and 3 feet.
Staff Recommendation: Approval
District Council Recommendation: West 7th/Fort Road Federation submitted a letter favor of the request.
Board of Zoning Appeals Decision: No motions passed. A motion to deny the request failed in a 3 (yes) - 1 (no) vote. A motion to approve failed in a 3 (yes) - 1 (no) vote. Per SPLC § 61.203, less than 4 votes in any direction fails.
Support: 0 people spoke, 1 letter received
Opposition: 0 people spoke, 0 letters received
Required Background Information
Does this issue fall within the 60 day rule? Yes
If yes, when does the 60 days expire? March 17, 2026
Has an extension been granted? Yes
If so, to what date? May 16, 2026
Key Staff Contact
Kaozouapang (Pang) Yang (651-266-9057, kaozouapang.yang@ci.stpaul.mn.us)