205181rin cil File No. 205181 —By Frank L.'
OR. TO CITY �CL�RK. f -• Tv NO.
CII 1 OF solved, That Toke and. Pella aiCIL lllJJJ
��• ership, being dissatisfied and ag-
grieved OF THed by the decision of the Cum-
oner of Parks and Recreation andc Buildings construing and apply_ COUNCIL RESOLUTIOcertain provisions of the zoning , Chapters 60 to 64, inclusive, of PRESENTED BY eglslafive Code of the City of COMMISSIONER ///111 Paul in respect of the use of oliowfn� described plot of land
P7i: virr3tilirr °it3�yR ,te limits
RESOLVED, that Toke and Pella, a partnership,
being dissatisfied and aggrieved by the decision of the Com-
missioner of Parks and Recreation and Public Buildings
construing and applying certain provisions of the Zoning
Code, Chapters 60 to 64, inclusive, of the Legislative
Code of the City of Saint Paul, in respect of the use of
the following described plot of land situated within the
corporate limits of the City of Saint Paul, in a single
ownership and divided by the common boundary line of an
"A" Residence District and a Commercial District established)
by said Zoning Code, to -wit:
"All of Lots 1 and 2, and except the
south 100 feet, Lots 11 and 12, Block
4, Lake Phalen Addition No. 2."
has appealed from said decision of said Commissioner to
this Council, under and pursuant to Section 6+.03 of said
Zoning-Code, and thereby has sought the action of this Coun-
cil under Paragraphs (a) and (i) of said Section 6+.03
determining and varying the provisions of said Zoning Cide
in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the same
COUNCILMEN Adopted by the Council 19—
Yeas Nays
DeCourcy
Holland
Loss
Mortinson
Peterson
Rosen
Mr. President, Vavoulis
Tn Favor
A gainst
Approved 19—
Mayor
ORIGINAL TO CITY oCLER K+ ��9�� ('��
r CITY OF ST. PAUL COUNCIL NOS' (,�c7(+
• OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
COUNCIL RESOLUTION — GENERAL FORM
PRESENTED BY �� r
COMMISSIONS DATE
necessary and permissible therefor and granting:
(1) A permit for the extension to the
entire subject plot, -of a Commercial- District
-restaurant building --and business .use author -
ized'on the south 20�feet of the same zoned
without qualification in a Commercial District,
such plot being in a single ownership and
divided by a common Commercial District and
"A" Residence District boundary line; and
(2) Additional relief, necessary for the
accommodation of such extension in respect
,of a part of said plot, the north 70 feet of
the south g0. the east 50 feet of the
same classified in a Commercial District by
virtue of a reclassification provided by an
amendatory ordinance which further amended
said Zoning Code by inserting therein pro-
visions especially applicable to said part
of said plot and restricting the use of the
same to the single Commercial District use in-
volving no more than an off - street motor vehicle
parking facility contemplated to be operated
as an extension of the prior and then existing
restaurant building and business use of the
south 20Xlfeet of said plot and lWhich provisions
required the delivery of the subsisting negative
easement imposing the Same use restriction on
said part of-said plot, held by.the City of
Saint Paul;
and pursuant thereto and in compliance with applicable pro-
visions of said Section 64.03, said Council having duly
submitted said 4ppeal to the Board of Zoning and said Board
COUNCILMEN
Yeas Nays
DeCourcy
Holland
Loss
Mortinson
Peterson
Rosen
Mr. President, Vavoulis
ant 6-61
Tn Favor
A gainst
Adopted by the Council 19—
Approved 19—
Mayor
ORIGINAL TO CITY'CLERK
,r
r
PRESENTED BY
COMMISSION
CITY OF ST. PAUL
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
COUNCIL RESOLUTION - GENERAL FORM
3
FILE NO.
NO.
2�08j1
having duly heard said Appellant and transmitted its written
report and recommendations thereon to this Council and this
Council having duly fixed the time for a public hearing upon
said Appeal and having caused due notice by mail and publica-
tion stating the time, place, and purpose of such public
hearing to have been given, after consideration of said
Board's said report and recommendations and after such pub-
lic hearing upon said Appeal this Council, being fully
advised in_the premises, does hereby find and determine
that the instant case in regard to the subject plot of land,
its situation, diverse-classification., and present and potential
development, presents a situation involving practical difficulties
and peculiar hardships in the way of carrying out the strict
letter of the provisions ofthe Zoning Code and that the provisions
of the Zoning Code are determined and varied to permit the granting
of the relief sought by said Appeal, so that the public health,
safety and general welfare may be secured and substantial justice
done. That, accordingly, this Council does hereby determine and
vary the application of the provisions of said Zoning Code, to the
COUNCILMEN
Yeas Nays
DeCourcy
Holland
Loss
Mortinson
Peterson
Rosen
Mr. President, Vavoulis
SM "j ��
In Favor
Against
Adopted by the Council 19—
Approved 19—
Mayor
ORIGINAL TO CITY`GLERK 201$1
CITY OF ST. PAUL COUNCIL NO.
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK FILE
OUNCIL RESOLUTION - GENERAL FORM
PRESENTED-BY
COMMISSIONE R- 1 DATE
extent necessary therefor, in harmony with the general intent
and purpose of the same and does hereby grant the following
relief sought by said Appeal:
(1) A permit for the extension to the
-entire subject plot, of a Commercial District
restaurant building and business use author-
ized on the south 20.1 feet of the same zoned
without qualification in a Commercial District,
such plot being in a single ownership and j
divided by a common Commercial District and
"A" Residence District boundary line;
(2) Additional relief, necessary for the
accommodation of such extension in respect
of a part of said plot, the north 70 feet of
the south 9t�1 �fezt of the east 50 feet of the
same classified in a Commercial District by
virtue of a reclassification provided by an
amendatory ordinance which further amended
said Zoning Code by inserting therein pro-
visions especially applicable to said part
of said plot and restricting the use of the
same to the single Commercial District use-in-
volving no more than an off- street'motor -whicle
parking facility contemplated to be operated
as an extension of the prior and then existing
restaurant building and business use of the
south 20.1 feet of said plot and which provisions
required the delivery of the subsisting negative
easement imposing the same use restriction on
said part of said plot, held by the City of
Saint Paul; and
(3) Additional relief for the amendment of
the document evidencing said subsisting negative
easement so that thereby the subject North 70 feet
COUNCILMEN Adopted by the Council 19—
Yeas Nays
DeCourcy
Holland Approved 19—
Loss
Tn Favor
Mortinson
Peterson Mayor
Rosen A gainst
Mr. President, Vavoulis
5M fi-(il
ORIGINAL TO CITY`�LERIF 0 18
CITY OF ST. PAUL COUNCIL NO.
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
COUNCIL RESOLUTION — GENERAL FORM
PRESENTED BY V L' DATE
COMMISSIONER �(
of the South 90..Xf(�At of the East 50 feet
of said plot classified, as aforesaid, in
a Commercial District, under said Zoning
Code shall be restricted in regard to the
use of the same to "A" Residence District,
"B" Residence District and "C" Residence
District uses and to the single Commercial
District use involving no more than a
Commercial District restaurant building
and business use in lieu of the aforesaid sub-
sisting restricted Commercial District use
originally imposed thereon, as aforesaid.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the aforesaid relief is granted
pursuant to said Appeal and, among other things, this Resolution
shall be conclusive evidence ofthB granting of said relief and
authority for the aforesaid amendment of said document covering
.x.
said negative easement grant.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That this Council is cognizant-of the
intention of said Appellant to remove therefrom the existing
restaurant building -b:a- located on the South 20.1 feet of
the subject plot and to effect the replacement of the same by a
new restaurant building to be located on the west half or partially
on the west half and partially on the east half of the subject plot;
that no such replacement shall be erected on said premises except
COUNCILMEN
Yeas Nays
DeCourcy
Holland
Loss
Mortinson
Peterson
Rosen
Mr. President, Vavoulis
5 M 6-61
In Favor
A gainst
Adopted by the Counci
Approved 19—
Mayor
1
OR`¢INAL TO CITY - I;L'Ek Kl
PRESENTED BY
COMMISSIONER
CITY OF ST. PAUL
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
,COUNCIL RESOLUTION — GENERAL FORM
FOE . NCIL NO 1.
20 18
in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the
I
City Architect and which, among other things shall provide for
an exterior design of such replacement structure conformable in
general appearance to that of the adjoining residential structure,
to the extent that such conformity shall be reasonably practicable
considering the diverse uses of such structures, and for a setback
line thereof, in relation to the south line of Nevada Avenue, upon
which said plot abuts, equivalent of that which attaches to all
other structures within the same block and abutting on said Nevada
Avenue; and that in the event said Appellant shall be aggrieved by
any decision of said City Architect thereon, such decision may be
subject to review by this Council upon seasonable request for the
same.
COUNCILMEN
Yeas Nays
DeCourcy
Holland
Loss
Mortinson
– g-etersen
Rosen
Mr. President, Vavoulis
S M "I
Adopted by the Council 1981 it 19-
pprove R 1 .9; 19—
Tn Favor Y
Mayor
Against _
_ao_Jq�l
ZUBLISHED
. i
DONALD L. LAIS
ROBERT E. FARICY
RICHARD J. BATTIS
THEODORE J. COLLINS
GERALD C. RUMMEL
WILTON E. GERVAIS
DANIEL A. FG AS
JOHN J. Mc NEIL
ASSISTANTS
NEIL P. CONVERY
INVESTIGATOR
I
CITY OF SAINT PAUL
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
ROBERT J. WORDS
CORPORATION COUNSEL
November 20, 1961
To the-Honorable Council
of the City of Saint Paul:
J`r/
LOUIS P. SHEAHAN
DIRECTOR OF LAW
ROBERT E. O'CONNELL
SPECIAL ASSISTANT
This opinion pertains to the Appeal of Toke and Pella,
a partnership, pending before the Council, and perfected under and
pursuant to Section 64.03 of the Zoning Code. Said Appellants, thereby,
seek,Councilmanic action under paragraphs (a) and (i), respectively,
of said Section 61+.03, determining and varying the provisions of said
Zoning Code in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the
same as shall be necessary therefor and granting:
It
(1) A permit for the extension to the entire subject
plot, of a Commercial District restaurant building and
business use authorized on the south 20 feet of the same
zoned without qualification in a Commercial District, such
plot being in a single ownership and divided by a common'-`
Commercial District and "A" Residence District boundary
line; and
(2) Additional relief, necessary for the accommo-
dation of such extension in respect of a part of said
plot, the north 70 feet of the south 90 feet of the east
50 feet of the same classified in a Commercial District
by virtue of a reclassification provided by an amendatory
ordinance which further amended said Zoning Code by insert-
ing therein provisions especially applicable to said part
of said plot and restricting the use of the same to the
single Commercial District use involving no more than an
off - street motor vehicle parking facility contemplated
to be operated as an extension of the prior and then
existing restaurant building and business use of the
south 20 feet of said plot and which provisions required
the delivery of the subsisting negative easement imposing
the same use restriction on said part of said plot, held
by the City of Saint Paul.
The following excerpt from the pertinent report
Board of Zoning accurately describes the subject plot and
salient facts concerning the history of the several zoning
classifications:
of the
se-
To the Council 1 -2- November 20, 1961
"This is in the matter of the appeal of Toke
and Pella to extend an existing commercial zone
use, and to vacate the negative easement presently
imposed on-.a part of this commercial zone. The
property under consideration is located at the
southwest corner of Arcade Street and Nevada Avenue,
and is described as all of Lots 1-and 2, and=etcept
the south 100 feet, Lots 11 and 12, Block 4, Lake
Phalen Addition No. 2.
"There are four (4) platted lots involved in this
matter. The north 20.1 feet of Lots 11 and 12,
which is designated as area 'At on the attached
map, was rezoned to a commercial classification on
September 7, 1950. The southerly 70 feet of Lot 1,
which is designated as area IBI on the attached
map was rezoned to a commercial classification on
September 6, 1958. In granting this latter rezoning,
the City Council attached a negative easement restrict-
ing the commercial use of this property for off - street
parking purposes.
"The property under consideration in its entirety
consists of a 100 foot frontage along Nevada Avenue
and 140.2 feet frontage along Arcade Street, resulting
in an area of 14,020 square feet. The applicant
desires to vacate the negative easement on that por-
tion of Lot 1 (area IBI), and extend the existing
commercial uses situated on Areas 'At and IBI to the
remaining part of Lot 1 and all of Lot 2.11
Appellants.-in terms, by the Notice of Appeal in this matter,
sought the aforesaid permit for the extension of such Commercial District
restaurant building and business use to the entire plot and the vacation
of said negative easement. Appellantsi Counsel has tempered such Notice
of Appeal by an express statement that Appellantp thereby seek no more
than said permit for such Commercial District restaurant building and
business use extension to the entire plot and the aforesaid necessary
supplemental relief in the nature of Councilmanic action determining and
varying the aforesaid provisions of said Zoning Code and of said
negative easement especially applicable to said part of said plot for
the restriction of the Commercial District use of the same to off - street
motor vehicle parking. The precise question submitted by your Honorable
Body for legal opinion pertinent to said Appeal, reads as follows:
F�
To the Council -3- November 20, 1961
"Whether or not the negative easement presently
imposed on part of this commercial property can
be released by vote of the Council ?"
The question, for this opinion, might better be stated as follows:
"Whether or not, upon said Appeal, under said
Section 64.03 of said Zoning Code, the Council
is empowered to vary said restrictive provisions
of said Zoning Code applicable only to said north
70 feet of the south 90 feet of the east 50 feet
of the subject plot and corresponding restrictive
provisions of said negative easement grant whereby
the use of said portion of said plot is limited to
that for the accommodation of an off - street parking
facility ?"
Said Section 64.03 provides that any person dissatisfied with,
the decision or application of the provisions of the Zoning Gode by the
Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and Public Buildings may appeal to
the Council by filing notice of appeal with the City Clerk and that
after reference of the same to the Board of Zoning and the performance
of other procedural prerequisites involving notice .and hearing thereon
and consideration of the recommendation of said Board, the Council may
in a specific case, by resolution passed by a majority vote, determine
and vary the application of the provisions of the Zoning Gode in harmony
with the general intent and purpose of the same as follows:
"a. Powers of Board. Where a use district boundary
line divides a lot in .a single ownership permit a
use authorized -on either portion of such lot to
extend to the entire lot.
"i. Vary arty provision of the Zoning Lode in
harmony with its general purpose and intent,
where there are practical difficulties or
peculiar hardships in the way of carrying out
the strict letter of the provisions of this
ordinance, so that the public health, safety,
and general welfare may be secured and sub-
stantial justice done, provided that a change
in the boundary of any district except as per-
mitted in this section or a modification of
the height limits or buildings intended to
increase said limits shall not be construed
as being modifications permitted by this section."
To the Council -4- November 20, 1961
Appellants' Counsel has stated that Appellants' Appeal
is predicated upon the aforesaid provisions of said Section 64.03.
The said Section 64.03 provides for Councilmanic action granting
relief upon any such Appeal, "by resolution passed by a majority
vote."
The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that a resolution bf'
a municipal governing body passed with all the formality of an ordinance,
is equally efficacious for the purpose of an authorized decision.
In re Steenerson v. Fontaine, 106 Minn. 225, 227, 228, the Supreme Court
said:
"That the city adopted a resolution, instead _
of enacting an ordinance, in no wise impairs the
legal effect of its action. Where, as here, the
resolution is passed with all the formality of an
ordinance, it thereby becomes a legislative act,
and it is immaterial whether it be called an
ordinance or a resolution. McQui7:lih�xMun. Ord.
P. 61 S. 2. 'Where a charter commits the decision
of the matter to the council' ' and is silent as
to the mode * * * the decision may be evidenced.
by resolution,' and need not necessarily be an
ordinance. * * * A resolution has ordinarily the
same effect as an ordinance, as both are legis-
lative acts. * * * "
In re State Ex Rel. Madsen v. Houghton, 182 Minn. 77, 83,
the Supreme Court said:
"A careful reading of the whole act requires
the conclusion that the council in proceeding by
resolution (if either a. resolution or ordinance was
necessary) acted well within the powers conferred
upon it. Proceeding in that way was as effective
as if by ordinance - an ordinance would accomplish
no more than was accomplished by the adoption of
the resolution. All rights of interested parties
would be equally protected in either way. An
ordinance was not necessary."
In re State Ex Rel. Child v. City of Waseca, 195 Minn..,
266, 269, the Supreme Court said:
"A resolution passed with the same formalities
rewired for enactment of an ordinance may be
held to have the same force as an ordinance."
To the Council -5- November 20, 1961
Ordinance No. 11316, approved September 2, 1955, was the
aforesaid amendatory ordinance which amended said Zoning Code so that
thereunder said hereinabove described part of said plot was reclassified
to its present zoning status, i. e., Commercial District, and the afore-
said provisions especially applicable to the same were inserted in said
Zoning Code restricting the same as aforesaid to said single Commercial
District use and requiring such corresponding restriction under said
negative easement. The said amendatory ordinance, among other provisions,
in respect of its restrictive use provisions, contained language to the
effect that the same were subject to further reclassification of the
affected area. Said language was intended as an express reservation for
such further reclassification in and by appropriate proceedings.
The said Ordinance No. 11316 operated upon and amended said
Zoning Code and the provisions of the same in respect of reclassification
of said part of said plot to Commercial District and for such restricted
Commercial District use of the subject area and negative easement became
and remain provisions of said Zoning Code susceptible to determination
and variation in harmony with the general intent and purpose of said
Zoning Code, by the Council, by its Resolution, under and within the
purview of said Section 64.03. The provisions incorporated in said
Zoning Code especially restrictive of the Commercial District use of the
subject area and in the nature of requirements for said negative easement
of the same restrictive import, consistently with the Commercial District
classification of the same, lawfully might have specified the Commercial
District use for which the permit is presently sought by the instant
Appeal, instead of that thereby specified as the single Commercial
District use permissible.
Under paragraph (i) of said Section 64.03, the Council is
authorized to vary any provision of the Zoning Code in harmony with its
general purpose and intent where there are practical difficulties or
peculiar hardships in the way of carrying out the strict letter of
the provisions of the same, so that the public health, safety, and
general welfare may be secured and substantial justice done. The
foregoing portion of this paragraph is subject to the proviso of said
paragraph (i) which reads as follows;
"*** provided that a change in the boundary of any
district except as permitted in this section or a
modification of the height limits or buildings
intended to increase said limits shall not be
construed as being modifications permitted by
this section."
The Council is empowered by said Section 64.03 to grant the
aforesaid relief presently sought by Appellants. The provision for
such grant may be by Resolution granting a permit for the extension of
the Commercial District restaurant building and business use to the
entire plot and for the varying of the restrictive provisions of the
Zoning Code and of the negative Leasement, aforesaid, especially
applicable to the subject part of said plot hereinabove described
To the Council -6- November 20, 1961
so that the especial restriction applicable thereto shall be that
Commercial District use which shall include no more than-the erection
and maintenance thereon of a restaurant building and business. The
aforesaid restrictive provisions of the Zoning Code and the requirements
of the same for such negative easement stand as other provisions of
said Zoning Code.subject to determination and variation by the Council,
upon a proper appeal under said Section 61.x.03. The variation of the
especial restrictive provisions affecting said part of the plot, as
sought by Appellants would provide for an ordinary Commercial District
use. The following are pertinent excerpts from Supreme Court decisions:
":'variance' is a departure from the letter, but not
the spirit of a zoning statute, and a rezoning may not
be accomplished under guise of the grant of a variance.
Richman v. Philadelphia Zoning Bd. of Adjustment, 137 A.
2d 250, 2839 391 Pa. 254•
"A 'variance' is a relaxation of general rule of
the ordinance to alleviate conditions peculiar to
particular property, and thus to permit a use to
which it is adapted and avoid undue invasion of
right of private property by compelling conformance
to unsuitable permissible use, a burden upon individual
landowner that would be disproportionate to common need.
Whitehead v. Zonirig Bd. of Adjustment of Town of Kearny,
1" A. 2d 273, 278, 51 N. J. Super. 560."
;(Quoted from Words and Phrases, Vol. 44)
The subject area is classified in Commercial District and the proposed
Commercial District use of the same would be identical to that presently
authorized and operated in the contiguous south 20 feet of said plot
classified in Commercial District.
The Council has discretionary power to grant or deny the
relief sought by Appellants in whole or in part. The Council's deter-
mination to grant such relief, by an authorized variation of the pro-
visions of the Zoning Code may be evidenced by resolution adopted by
majority vote.
The other features of this matter in regard to the extension
of a Commercial District use to the entire plot are adequately covered
by the prior opinion of the undersigned to said Board of Zoning dated
September 21, 19619 a copy whereof is hereto attached and made part of
this opinion.
Res p t y ,
Sheehan
Director of Law
LPS-B