City of Saint Paul Approves Zoning Amendments for East Grand Avenue

City of Saint Paul Approves Zoning Amendments for East Grand Avenue

On August 14, 2024, the Saint Paul City Council voted unanimously to adopt zoning amendments that will improve development flexibility, support small businesses, and enhance neighborhood walkability along the East Grand Avenue corridor. The vote follows a multi-year study and an extensive community advisory process.

“Today’s vote is a significant step toward building a more vibrant Grand Avenue,” said Councilmember Rebecca Noecker, who represents the area. “My goal in this rezoning was to make sure we got the balance right, preserving the character of Grand as a pedestrian-oriented, architecturally diverse retail street while making it for development to occur, at the right scale – and I believe we met that goal. Thanks to the many community members who gave time, thought and valuable input throughout this process.”

“I am excited to pass this long-overdue overhaul to bolster mixed-use development on Grand Avenue as a beloved Saint Paul commercial corridor enjoyed by people around the state,” said City Council President Mitra Jalali. “Eliminating these restrictions will allow us to continue welcoming residents and customers to Saint Paul for generations. I’m grateful to the many community members and city staff who shaped this long-running process.”

“This has been long overdue for East Grand Avenue," said Councilmember Nelsie Yang. "To create a better Saint Paul for developers and small businesses, we need to make these amendments to support them.”

Originally established in 2006, the East Grand Avenue Overlay District (EGAOD) was created to preserve the street’s historic character and outline regulatory standards for building size, height, and design for all new development along East Grand Avenue between Oakland Avenue and Ayd Mill Road.

In September 2022, the East Grand Avenue Overlay District Zoning Study was initiated by the Saint Paul Planning Commission to support the Summit Hill Association in maintaining Grand Avenue as a vibrant, mixed-use corridor. This work is also consistent with policies in the Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan that call for transit-supportive density, flexible building design and development standards, high quality urban design that supports pedestrian friendliness, and active first floor uses.

The newly adopted amendments to the overlay district address current development constraints and further support a walkable, pedestrian-scaled built environment along this important commercial corridor. Key changes include:

• Supporting neighborhood vitality through building facade consistency and allowing for setbacks to support more patios and outdoor gathering spaces
• Activating ground floor spaces and requiring pedestrian-friendly elements (like windows, awnings, and frontages) to support a lively street
• Allowing flexibility for taller building heights that are sensitive to the existing neighborhood, including stepbacks after 40’ to reduce building presence from the sidewalk and along rear alleys

The zoning amendments will take effect in mid-September and will only impact future development along East Grand Avenue.

“Grand Avenue has always been a vibrant Saint Paul main street,” said Nicolle Goodman, the City of Saint Paul’s Director of Planning and Economic Development. “These amendments will help ensure development flexibility so Grand Avenue continues to be a vibrant, walkable place for many years to come.”