Business, Housing and Zoning Committee Meeting - November 13, 2025

The Business, Housing and Zoning Committee met on November 13, 2025, chaired by Councilmember Jamal Osman. The committee approved a consent agenda (excluding item 24), held public hearings on several licenses and ordinances, debated the appeal of a historic house demolition, and approved sign code amendments and affordable housing funding.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 8-25 with the exclusion of item 24 (setting public hearing for Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act ordinance), which was pulled for discussion. The consent agenda included liquor and gambling license approvals, grant acceptance, TIF certifications, street name changes, and setting public hearings for December 2, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Cook House appeal: Multiple neighbors and advocates spoke in favor of preserving the historic house at 948 18th Ave NE, citing the owner's lack of maintenance and the community's desire to retain historic character. The applicant's attorney argued the building is unsalvageable and that the city's fines have been burdensome.
• Special assessment levy: An attorney for property owner Hamoodi Sabri argued that the city was "triple-dipping" by levying fines for public health cleanup, administrative citations, and a district court case, and claimed lack of due process. City staff stated proper notice was given.
• Variance appeal (2821 Brookwood Terrace): The appellant, a neighbor, argued the proposed garage addition would negatively impact views from the new Minnehaha Creek trail and was not in harmony with the 2040 plan. The homeowners and their architect testified that the addition had been reduced in size and would match the home's historic character.

Discussion Items

• Item 24 – TOPA Ordinance Public Hearing: Councilmember Vita expressed concerns about lack of stakeholder engagement since the ordinance was introduced in February 2024. CPED Director Hansen stated staff would work with authors to provide engagement information. Councilmember Chavez expressed strong support for the ordinance as an anti-displacement measure. The committee voted to set the public hearing for December 2.
• Heritage Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 599): Staff presented updates to the code, last revised in 2001, to clarify processes for landmark designation, demolition review, and design changes. The committee approved the ordinance.
• John Cook House Appeal: The committee considered an appeal of the Heritage Preservation Commission's denial of a demolition permit. Staff reported $73,906.85 in fines assessed since 2014. The applicant's attorney stated the cost to rehabilitate the building is $1.5 million, making demolition the only feasible option. The committee voted 4-2 to forward the appeal without recommendation to the full council, meaning the council will make the final decision.
• Variance Appeal (2821 Brookwood Terrace): The committee reviewed an appeal of the Zoning Board of Adjustment's grant of a steep slope variance for a garage addition. Staff recommended denying the appeal, noting the addition is on a flat portion of the lot and complies with impervious surface limits. The committee voted 6-0 to deny the appeal and adopt staff findings.
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund Awards: Staff recommended $14.5 million for nine projects creating or preserving 597 units. Projects included Linquist Apartments, Wellstone, Zari Apartments, Penwood Village, and Flower Exchange. The committee approved.
• 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Recommendations: Staff recommended awarding $1.48 million to 2116 Nicolet and the remaining $289,000 to Claire 5 Housing. The committee approved.
• Sign Code Amendments: Planner Sarah Roman presented amendments to increase flexibility for downtown signage, retire the billboard credit system, impose a pause on new billboards while pursuing revenue-sharing legislation, and create exemptions for painted wall signs and civic/cultural signs. Councilmember Cashman introduced an amendment to allow digital conversion of static billboards in the Downtown West Entertainment Billboard District. The amendment passed 5-1, and the amended ordinance passed 6-0.
• Tenant Relocation Assistance Report: Manager Nicole Gonzalez presented findings from a legislative directive on expanding assistance for temporary displacement. She noted legal constraints and recommended a city-funded grant program, but identified operational challenges. The committee received and filed the report.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent agenda (except item 24), heritage preservation ordinance, Baby Cajun liquor license, U Tobacco extended hours (with 6-month probation at 2am), Sip of Silk extended hours, 2025 special assessment levy, affordable housing trust fund awards, LIHTC recommendations, and sign code amendments (with amendment).
• Denied: Appeal of the steep slope variance for 2821 Brookwood Terrace.
• Forwarded without recommendation: Appeal of John Cook House demolition denial (to full council on November 20).
• Received and filed: Tenant relocation assistance report.