The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) has the power to hear and decide appeals where it is alleged by the appellant that there is an error in any order, requirement, permit, decision or refusal made by the Zoning Administrator in carrying out or enforcing any provision of the Zoning Code. The seven member Board, appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council, is comprised of private citizens who live in Saint Paul. The BZA conducts a public hearing within 30 days after the appeal application has been filed. All property owners within 350 feet of the subject property and the Citizen Participation District Council for the area are notified by mail at least 10 days prior to the public hearing. Anyone may testify at the hearing or send in written comments either in support or opposition to the appeal. The Board of Zoning Appeals holds public hearings every other Monday, starting at 3:00 pm. It is essential that the appellant or their representative attend the hearing.
An appeal may be filed by any person, firm or corporation, or by any office, department, board or bureau affected by a decision of the planning or zoning administrator within 10 calendar days after the date of the decision (the date the enforcement letter was signed). The appeal shall specify the grounds of the appeal. The planning or zoning administrator shall forthwith transmit to the board or commission all of the papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken. An administrative appeal shall stay all proceedings, including criminal proceedings, in furtherance of the action appealed from unless the zoning administrator certifies to the board or commission, after notice of appeal has been filed, that by reason of facts stated in the certificate a stay would cause imminent peril to life or property, in which case the proceedings shall not be stayed otherwise than by a restraining order granted by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Application Requirements
You must submit an application that includes the following:
- A completed application for appeal form
- A Letter stating the grounds for the appeal along with any supporting documentation
- The required filing fee.
Please submit the application to:
The Department of Safety and Inspections - Zoning
375 Jackson Street, Suite 220
Saint Paul, MN 55101
Or via email: DSI-ZoningReview@stpaul.gov
Inspection, Fees, & Renewal
Building permits shall not be issued after an administrative review has been filed. If permits were issued before an appeal was filed, then the permits are suspended and construction shall cease until the BZA has made a determination of the administrative review. Call 651-266-9008 to reach a Zoning Inspector.
Fees
Administrative Review fees are $547.
Expiration / Renewal
Decisions of the BZA are final unless appealed to the City Council within 10 days of the mailing of the resolution.