Child's Treehouse Violates Minneapolis Zoning; Could Be Torn Down

A child’s treehouse could be torn down after a neighbor complained that the structure violated Minneapolis zoning laws.

“My treehouse is well made and definitely well made and definitely wouldn’t devalue any property around the neighborhood,” teenager Daniel Pryke stated in a hand written letter to city officials. “...It still has years of fun left in it and I would really love it if it didn’t have to be taken down right now.”

The fate of the tree house will be decided by the city’s Zoning board, city staff have recommended the treehouse come down.

Clement Pryke, Daniel’s father, told City Pages one of the reason’s he built the treehouse two years ago was that the family’s move from Chicago was somewhat traumatic for his son who had to make new friends and adjust to a new school.

Pryke told City Pages that a treehouse was “something he always wanted” and the new house happened to have a tree that was perfect.

The Prykes did get neighbors up and down the block to sign a letter of support, however, the one neighbor who has complained would not sign the petition.

“Treating a treehouse differently than other accessory structures with regard to height and placement is inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the zoning ordinance, and the adverse impact on the neighbor clearly illustrates the importance and necessity of upholding these provisions in a consistent manner,” the 32-page staff report on the treehouse states.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment meets Sept. 11 at 4:30 p.m. in room 317 of City Hall, 350 S. 5th Street.

Treehouse Mpls Staff Report by James Howe