Commission voted 6-0 to approve a CUP allowing minor vehicle repair (quick-lube type shop, no tenant yet selected) in a building vacant since 2024. Staff and commissioners acknowledged the use doesn't fully match the Lindale Avenue retrofit plan's vision for mixed-use redevelopment but preferred an active tenant over a vacant building. Decision is final unless appealed to the city by 4:30 p.m. Jan 27.
Commission voted 6-0 to approve a CUP for a roughly 5,200 sq ft indoor cannabis cultivation operation in a multi-tenant industrial building near Cub Foods. The applicant confirmed the site will be strictly cultivation with no processing (edibles, vape cartridges) or public retail sales. Decision is final unless appealed by Jan 27.
Commission voted 5-0 (chair recused) to approve a CUP allowing 97 stalls on the top level (P7) of the Mall of America's east parking ramp to be used for remote long-term airport parking, tied to nearby light-rail/transit access rather than shuttles. Conditions require the mall to manage reservations to avoid conflicts on peak days (e.g., Black Friday) and to install required signage and lighting; mall representatives said pricing will be competitive with other long-term airport lots.
Commission voted 6-0 to recommend city council approval of a roughly 25% parking reduction (from code-required 184 spaces to 138) to allow a retail cannabis dispensary tenant in a mostly vacant office building near the Blue Line, despite a parking study showing high potential demand for a full 7,600 sq ft retail space. Commissioners supported the reduction citing transit access, the South Loop district's urban infill goals, and evidence the actual retail footprint would be much smaller (~1,400–2,500 sq ft); a sidewalk connection and lighting upgrades were required conditions. Heads to city council Feb. 2, 2026 for final approval; several commissioners noted they'd received and read public comments on the item.
Commission voted 6-0 to recommend city council adopt a roughly 30-page ordinance creating zoning rules for triplexes/fourplexes, detached townhomes, cottage courts, and multiplex (5-16 unit) buildings, renaming the R3 district to "middle housing" and upgrading RM12 to RM15 with higher density allowances. Two local builders/developers spoke in support, citing local housing shortages and plans for senior-friendly "villa" style projects with elevators. Several commissioners said the ordinance was a good but not aggressive enough step, noting cottage courts were kept out of single-family (R1) zones; heads to city council for final decision Feb. 23, 2026.
