How and when can community influence property sales?

As community members raised concern and joined in efforts to prevent the displacement of Powderhorn residents from a building on 14th Avenue, a lot of questions came up around how the process of buying or selling a property works.

We've compiled an FAQ that answers many of these questions and gives insight to how and when there are opportunities to intervene in a property sale. You can read some of them below and find the whole document here.

What is a Conditional Use Permit?

When someone wants to use a property for something outside the current zoning regulations, they can apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). This could be to use a property for business vs. residential purposes, change density, etc. They typically fill out a Land Use Application with the Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department. The Community Planning Commission then approves or denies the application after a public hearing is held.

What criteria does the Community Planning Commission use to make a decision?

The decision is based on whether an applicant meets the following:

1. The establishment, maintenance or operation of the conditional use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort or general welfare.

2. The conditional use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the vicinity and will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the district.

3. Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, necessary facilities or other measures, have been or will be provided.

4. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets.

5. The conditional use is consistent with the applicable policies of the comprehensive plan. (In this case, the Minneapolis 2040 Plan)

6. The conditional use shall, in all other respects, conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located.

The Community Planning Commission is limited in their authority, so they are typically unable to make decisions based on other factors not named above. CPED staff help prepare a report on their findings in relation to the above considerations.

What is PPNA’s role in this process?

PPNA strives to engage in the depicted process for projects that stand to impact more than a single household

PPNA continues to support the leadership of the tenants, organizers, and neighbors on 14th Ave as they look to ensure their ability to stay in their homes. This includes meeting with the tenants, partnering with Pueblos de Lucha y Esperanza, CM Cano’s office, and several neighbors who live nearby. We will continue to update the community on new information and ways they can help.