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<br />Page 9 of 17 <br /> <br />substantive due process in the context of S 1983 zoning actions is twofold: first, whether there has been a <br />deprivation ofa protectible (sic) property interest and, second, whether the deprivation, ifany, is the result of an abuse of <br /> <br />governmental power sufficient to state a constitutional violation." Id. (citing Littlefield v. City of Afton, 785 F.2d 596, <br /> <br />603-08 (8th Cir. 1986)). "[I]n the zoning context, 'whether government action is arbitrary or capricious within the <br /> <br />meaning of the Constitution turns on whether it is so 'egregious' and 'irrational' that the action exceeds standards of <br /> <br />inadvertence and mere errors oflaw.'''!d. (citing Condor Corp. 912 F.2d at 220 (8th Cir. 1990)). <br /> <br />The Federal threshold is higher than the threshold under Minnesota law. !d. Therefore, it logically follows that if <br /> <br />Plaintiff's claim fails under Minnesota law, it must also fail under Federal law. <br /> <br />To construct its proposed project, Plaintitrhad to apply for both CUPs and variances. The standards for granting <br /> <br />CUPs are found in the Minneapolis Municipal Code. <br /> <br />For CUPs generally: <br /> <br />The city planning commission shall make each of the following findings before granting a conditional use <br />permit: <br />(1) The establishment, maintenance or operation of the conditional use will not be detrimental to or <br />endanger the public health, safety, comfort or general welfare. <br />(2) The conditional use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the vicinity <br />and will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for <br />uses permitted in the district. <br />(3) Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, necessary facilities or other measures, have been or will be <br />provided. <br />(4) Adequate measures have been or will be taken to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets. <br />(5) The conditional use is consistent with the applicable policies of the comprehensive plan. <br />(6) The conditional use shall, in all other respects, conform to the applicable regulations of the district in <br />which it is located. <br /> <br />Minneapolis Code of Ordinances 525.340. <br /> <br />For CUPs increasing height: <br /> <br />The height limitations of principal structures located in the office residence districts, except single and <br />two-family dwellings, may be increased by conditional use permit. as provided in Chapter 525, <br />Administration and Enforcement. In addition to the conditional use standards, the city planning <br />commission shall consider, but not be limited to, the following factors when determining the maximum <br />height: <br />(I) Access to light and air of surrounding properties. <br />(2) Shadowing of residential properties or significant public spaces. <br />(3) The scale and character of surrounding uses. <br />(4) Preservation of views of landmark buildings, significant open spaces or water bodies. <br /> <br />Minneapolis Code of Ordinances 547.110. <br /> <br />Findings for CUPs must be factually based. Goodman confirmed this as did Farrar. The following findings, <br />spelled out in both the CPED Report and the Findings and Recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Committee may <br />be legally sufficient to survive substantive due process scrutiny. Findings A and B below leave much to be desired, <br /> <br />however. <br /> <br />http://www.minnlawyer.comfuserf1les/pdflOrder%20(Final).htrn <br /> <br />9f17 f2009 <br />