On the Value of Inconsistent Setbacks

Nathaniel Hood examines the case of Gerber Jewels in St. Paul, which had been seeking a variance to extend its storefront to the sidewalk. The St. Paul City Council and the Board of Zoning Appeals rejected the appeal, claiming that the variance would destroy the residential character of Grand Avenue.

Hood counters that the council might as well be tilting at windmills. "The problem with the City Council's decision, and the zoning code in general, is that it's trying to impose a character that doesn't exist (and shouldn't exist)." Hood adds: "Grand Avenue can be chaotic and disorganized, but unquestionably beautiful. This is the character of a city! This is the character of Grand Avenue. No two blocks are alike, and this is something that should continue. In fact, there is nothing more consistent about Grand Avenue setbacks than that they are entirely inconsistent."

Hood, however, is not only making an aesthetic argument. The example of Gerber Jewels is of economic significance: "These small, unique spaces are one of the reasons that Grand Ave has a disproportionately high percentage of local businesses. It is precisely these types of businesses that we want to thrive as they are more likely to use local services (such as marketing, legal, accounting, etc.) and more of their profit stays within the community. This is precisely the type of incremental growth we should be trying to encourage."