Council approves accessory dwelling unit at 2121 Holloway Ave but limits size unless zoning is changed

The North St. Paul City Council approved a conditional use permit April 21 to allow an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) inside part of an attached garage at 2121 Holloway Ave, subject to a size condition tied to pending code changes.

Community Development Director Ken Roberts (speaker 2) told the council the proposed ADU totals 1,258 square feet, exceeding the zoning code maximum of 900 square feet. Staff recommended approval with conditions: if the city adopts a text amendment allowing ADUs of that size, the applicant's original 1,258‑sq‑ft plan will be preserved; if not, the applicant must amend plans to a maximum of 900 sq ft before building permits are issued.

Roberts said the proposal otherwise met applicable CUP criteria, noting no changes to exterior walls and adequate parking on site. The Planning Commission reviewed the application on April 2 and recommended approval with conditions that reflect the code‑size limit and the potential future amendment.

Council liaison (speaker 4) and others supported the Planning Commission’s approach, calling the conditional approval and automatic conversion if the ordinance changes a reasonable pathway. After brief questions about fire‑safety egress and building‑code review, Mayor Mongi asked for a motion; the council moved, seconded and approved the CUP by voice vote. The transcript records the motion and voice approval but no roll‑call tally.

Why it matters: This is the city's first ADU application brought to council, signaling local interest in expanding housing options while ensuring projects conform to the existing zoning code. The council’s conditional path preserves the applicant's plans if the council or planning commission completes a code amendment.

What’s next: Staff said the planning commission will hear the proposed ordinance amendment on May 5; if the code is changed, the applicant’s larger plan would be honored per the CUP condition. Otherwise, the applicant must revise plans to the 900‑sq‑ft limit before permitting.