St. Paul Planning Commission Meeting - May 21, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on May 29, 2026, but the official instruction specifies the date as May 21, 2026. This summary uses the provided date; the discrepancy is noted.

The St. Paul Planning Commission met on May 21, 2026, to consider a non-conforming use permit for 1759 Selby Avenue and receive an informational presentation on proposed sign code amendments. The meeting was chaired by Commissioner Growe.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 15, 2026 Planning Commission meeting were approved unanimously by a vote of those present (Commissioner Hackney excused). Commissioner Holtz made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Riley; one abstention recorded from a commissioner not present at the prior meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the public hearing for the 1759 Selby Avenue item. The public hearing was opened and closed without testimony.

Discussion Items

• 1759 Selby Avenue – Change in Non-Conforming Use Permit: Staff planner Nellie Jerome presented a proposal to change the existing non-conforming use from a furniture finishing shop to limited production and processing, specifically a tea brewing and bottling operation and an artist/maker space. The site is split‑zoned B2 and H2; the proposed use is first permitted in B3, requiring the permit. Staff found all four permit standards met and recommended approval. Commissioners questioned traffic intensity (the prior use had three owners; the new use plans one tea‑brewing employee and two to three artists) and compared general use intensity. Commissioner Riley noted a public letter expressing concern about shipping doors and business use; staff responded that the use is less intensive and the existing shipping doors were already installed. The applicant’s representative (Ann Ben Riswick) attested to the non‑toxic, low‑noise nature of the business and stated no on‑street parking is needed (five internal spaces). The commission voted unanimously to approve the permit.
• Sign Code Amendments – Informational Presentation: Tony Johnson from city staff presented a study initiated by the City Council on April 15, 2026, in response to requests from the Downtown Alliance and Chamber of Commerce. Proposed amendments include: deleting all 17 special sign district overlays, simplifying district standards, allowing roof signs (e.g., like the First National Bank sign), permitting wayfinding signs in the public right‑of‑way, allowing limited off‑premise advertising (up to 50 square feet, not billboards), and adding permit exemptions. The study also aims to fix contradictory language and provide more flexibility in residential districts. No changes are proposed to digital display or billboard regulations. Commissioners discussed possible impacts, the need for community engagement, and concerns about light intensity (LED vs. foot‑candle measurements). The presentation is scheduled to return for a more detailed review and potential public hearing in June/July 2026. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Change in Non-Conforming Use Permit for 1759 Selby Avenue – Motion by Commissioner Riley, seconded by Commissioner Thomas. Vote: All aye, no opposition, no abstentions. The permit allows the existing building to change from a furniture finishing shop to limited production and processing (tea brewing/bottling and maker space).
• No Action on Sign Code Amendments: The informational presentation was received; the commission will hold additional meetings to review the draft amendments before setting a public hearing.