Administrative Appeal to Planning Commission
The grant or denial of approval by the planning or zoning administrator of site plans, permits or other matters that the planning commission has, by rule, delegated to the planning or zoning administrator is subject to appeal to the planning commission.
Such an appeal may be taken by any person, firm or corporation, or by any office, department, board or bureau affected by a decision of the planning or zoning administrator ten (10) days after the decision appealed from shall have been served either in person or by mail upon the owner of the property which is the subject matter of the decision, and shall specify the grounds of the appeal. An administrative appeal shall stay all proceedings, including criminal proceedings, in furtherance of the action appealed from unless the zoning administrator or building official certifies to the 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.
Appeal to City Council
The city council shall have the power to hear and decide appeals of the Planning Commission where it is alleged by the appellant that there is an error in any fact, procedure or finding made by the planning commission. An appeal may be taken to the city council by any person, firm or corporation or by any office, department, board or bureau affected by a decision of the planning commission. Such appeal shall be taken within ten (10) days after the decision appealed from. Appeals of decisions by the planning commission shall be filed with the zoning section of the planning division. Appeals shall specify the grounds thereof and be accompanied by payment of the required fee.
Notices about all appeals are published in the Saint Paul Legal Ledger at least10 days before the public hearing. Notices can be searched by property address and viewed by visiting https://publicnotices.legalledger.com/.
Application Requirements
You must submit an application that includes the following:
- A completed Planning Commission Appeal Form, including a description of the proposed use and how the conditions of the zoning code will be met
- A Letter stating the grounds for the appeal along with any supporting documentation
The required filing fee
Please submit the above with: Department of Planning and Economic Development Zoning Section 1400 City Hall Annex 25 Fourth Street West Saint Paul, MN 55102 651-266 - 6589. All items to be placed on a Planning Commission agenda must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the hearing date, according to the Planning Commission Hearing Schedule. The process for an appeal takes a minimum of four to six weeks.
Inspections and Fees
Building permits shall not be issued after an appeal has been filed. If permits were issued before an appeal was filed, then the permits are suspended and construction shall cease until the final decision has been made. Call 651-266-9008 to reach a Zoning Inspector.
Fees
Appeals to the Planning Commission are $547.00. Appeals of the Planning Commission to the City Council are $462.00