The environmental review process operates according to rules adopted by the Environmental Quality Board. Normally, no construction can begin on a project subject to review until the review process has been finished. However, the rules provide a variance procedure under which a project can be allowed to proceed with limited construction if the Environmental Quality Board determines that the variance conditions are met. The variance conditions are set forth in Minnesota Rules, part 4410.3100, subparts 4 – 8. The proposer of the project has the burden of demonstrating that the variance is justified.
The variance procedure rules allow for a public comment period (lasting 20 days) for any interested persons to comment on whether a variance should be granted.
Current applications
End of comment period: September 14, 2026
Variance description: Maplewood Development and Construction, Inc. (“Maplewood Development” or “Proposer”), seeks to construct a business park, the Hillview Business Park (the “Project”). The Project is located in the City of Arden Hills on a 62-acre site in Sections 9-10, Township 30N, Range 23W. The Project is located on the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (“TCAAP”) property. The City of Arden Hills is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Project under rules adopted by the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (“EQB”). Maplewood Development is seeking a variance from an EQB rule that prohibits construction activities before the EIS is complete so that it can proceed with demolition of abandoned buildings on the site. Maplewood Development states that demolition is necessary to reduce trespassing, vandalism, and fires in the abandoned buildings while Arden Hills completes the EIS. The EQB rules allow a variance to be granted to avoid a serious threat to public health or safety.
Interested persons may submit written comments to the EQB about whether a variance should be granted until September 14, 2026. Comments should be directed to Jesse Krzenski, or by U.S. mail (Jesse Krzenski, Environmental Quality Board, 520 Lafayette Road N, Saint Paul, MN 55155). The EQB will consider all public comments received when determining whether to grant the requested variance at its October 21, 2026 board meeting.