HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/06/17 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - Planning Commission - Regular Planning commission meeting
June 17, 2026
6:00 p.m.
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call Laura Chamberlain at 952.924.2573
or the administration department at 952.924.2525.
Planning commission meeting and study session
The St. Louis Park Planning Commission is meeting in person at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005
Minnetonka Blvd. Members of the public can attend and watch the planning commission
meeting in person or watch the regular meeting by webstream at www.parktv.org and on local
cable (Comcast SD channel 14 and HD channel 798). Visit bit.ly/slppcagendas to view the
agenda and reports.
You can provide comment on agenda items in person at the meeting or by emailing your
comments to info@stlouispark.org by noon the day of the meeting. Comments must be related
to an item on the meeting agenda.
Agenda
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
1. Call to order – roll call
2. Approval of minutes – March 25, 2026 regular and study session, April 8, 2026, and
May 6, 2026
3. Hearing
3a. Public hearing - Comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance and zoning map
amendment-Phase 2
Case No: 26-03-ZA, 26-04-CP
4. Other Business
5. Communications
6. Adjournment
Future scheduled meeting/event dates:
July 1, 2026 – planning commission regular meeting
July 15, 2026 – planning commission regular meeting and study session
August 5, 2026 – planning commission regular meeting
August 19, 2026 – planning commission regular meeting
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Unofficial Minutes
Planning commission
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
March 25, 2026
1. Call to order and roll call – 6:00 p.m.
Members present: Jim Beneke, Matt Eckholm, John Flanagan, Sylvie Hyman, Tess Machalek,
Sarah Strain, Tom Weber
Members absent: Mia Divecha
Staff present: Laura Chamberlain, Gary Morrision, Sean Walther
2. Approval of Minutes – Jan. 21, 2026 regular meeting and study session minutes.
It was moved by Commissioner Weber, seconded by Commissioner Hyman to approve the Jan.
21, 2026 regular and study session minutes. The motion passed 6-0.
3. Hearing - none
4. Other Business
4a. 2026 Work Plan
Ms. Chamberlain presented the 2026 work plan for approval. Since city council had not seen the
previously approved work plan, the commissioners could add a new item regarding parking discussion.
It was moved by Commissioner Beneke, seconded by Commissioner Weber to approve the 2026
work plan as proposed by staff. The motion passed 6-0.
5. Communications
Open house for Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project is April 15, 5-7 p.m. at
Lenox Community Center.
Construction for the Cedar Lake Road/Louisiana project starts April 6
Trails to the rails ribbon cutting event is May 9, 10 a.m.-2p.m.
Future scheduled meetings/event dates:
o April 8, 2026 planning commission study session*
o April 15, 2026 planning commission regular meeting
o May 6, 2026 planning commission regular meeting
o May 20, 2026
*meeting held on April 8, 2026 because of Passover.
6. Adjournment – 6:05 p.m.
______________________________ _____________________________
Laura Chamberlain, liaison John Flanagan, chair member
These minutes were created with the assistance of a generative AI transcript service, then edited
and finalized by a city staff person.
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Unofficial Minutes
Planning commission
March 25, 2026
6:05 p.m.
Planning commission
Study Session
Members present: Jim Beneke, Matt Eckholm, John Flanagan, Sylvie Hyman, Tess Machalek,
Sarah Strain, Tom Weber,
Members absent: Mia Divecha
Staff present: Laura Chamberlain, Gary Morrison, Sean Walther
1. Vision 4.0 presentation
Mr. Walter presented the final report from the Vision 4.0 process. The comprehensive
engagement process, conducted with consultants Forecast, and Bolton and Menk, spanned
over a year and a half and engaged approximately 2,000 people through various methods
including community committees, ambassador cohorts, surveys, community conversations, and
mobile pop-ups.
The process identified five key themes:
Safety: creating a community where all people are and feel safe.
Infrastructure: building, maintaining, connected, reliable, and people-first public realm.
Sustainability: leading as responsible stewards of natural and financial environment.
Community and belonging: fostering a vibrant, connected and inclusive community
where everyone belongs.
Housing and affordability: ensuring a diverse and attainable range of housing options for
all.
Mr. Walter noted that while there was overlap with current strategic priorities, there was also
evolution and nuance added. He cited racial equity as one area where, despite years of city
emphasis, it didn't emerge strongly in community feedback, though the council maintained it as
part of their welcoming and safe community priority. The bulk of engagement occurred before
recent federal events in Minnesota, and council felt the broad themes would still resonate both
now and in the future.
City council has been working through three workshops to create new strategic priorities based
on the Vision report, and arrived at five themes:
Welcoming and safe community
Good governance
Connected and safe infrastructure
Diverse, affordable and dignified housing
Climate leadership and natural spaces.
The council is expected to adopt these priorities on April 6, 2026. Next steps include
incorporating these themes into the comprehensive plan and having staff develop specific goals
with timelines and success metrics. 5
Unofficial minutes
Planning commission study session March 25, 2026
2
2. Zoning Code Update – phase 2
Mr. Morrison presented updates on the zoning code update phase 2, explaining that draft
articles are nearly ready for posting to the website. The new ordinance will have 10 articles,
with Article 3 (neighborhood districts from phase 1) remaining largely unchanged but
reformatted to match the new structure.
The reorganized code aims to be clearer and easier to read, with an electronic format likely to
be available after adoption. The structure flows from introduction and general provisions
through specific districts, use standards, development standards, procedures, and definitions.
Variance process
Mr. Morrison outlined proposed changes to the variance process. The board of zoning appeals
will continue hearing standalone variances, while variances attached to other applications will
go to the planning commission for public hearings, with both going to city council for final
action.
The key change involves notification procedures. Instead of mailing notices to properties within
350 feet and publishing in the newspaper, the proposal would notify immediately adjacent
properties (including those across streets and alleys, and diagonal properties) but eliminate
newspaper publication. This streamlined approach aims to speed up the process while
maintaining appropriate notification.
Historic Walker Lake overlay district
A new Historic Walker Lake overlay district is proposed to be established and it is tied to the
Historic Walker Lake area plan. Boundaries will be identified on the zoning map. The district
would eliminate minimum and maximum parking requirements, restrict parking lots and ramps
as principal uses to only be allowed if owned by the city, and prohibit freestanding monument
and pylon signs.
Commissioners questioned the monument sign prohibition, particularly given existing signs at
the library and the community center. Ms. Chamberlain explained the prohibition was intended
to encourage pedestrian-oriented rather than auto-oriented signage. After discussion, there
was general agreement to consider allowing monument signs with a height restriction of six
foot maximum height while maintaining the pylon sign prohibition.
Building dimensions and density standards
Mr. Morrison presented density standards for MU-2, MU-3, and B-1 districts, designed to be
consistent with neighborhood districts N-3 and N-4 and comprehensive plan guidance.
Commissioner Eckholm questioned why commercial districts had relatively low maximum
densities (30-50 units per acre) given the potential for large-scale redevelopment. Mr. Walter
explained that current comprehensive plan limits commercial density at 50 units per acre, and
increasing this would require a comprehensive plan amendment and Metropolitan Council
approval process.
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Unofficial minutes
Planning commission study session March 25, 2026
3
Commissioners discussed the relationship between height and density bonuses, noting
potential mismatches where buildings could theoretically reach 9 stories in areas with relatively
low density allowances. Mr. Morrison acknowledged this needed further review.
Security screens and window coverings
Mr. Morrison presented a new topic regarding security screens, explaining current code
prohibits interior or exterior bars, grills, or mesh covering any exterior door or more than 10%
of any individual window or contiguous window area. The city has received requests from
retailers wanting interior security screens.
The proposal would allow interior screens that must be open during business hours and
maintain visibility requirements. Mr. Morrison proposed allowing interior screens but not
allowing exterior screens that would detract from the pedestrian atmosphere. Commissioner
Eckholm agreed with allowing both interior and exterior screens as long as they're not visible
during business hours, comparing them to common features in vibrant urban areas.
Commissioner Strain raised concerns about completely opaque exterior screens creating
uninviting streetscapes, while others suggested requiring artistic elements like murals if
exterior screens were permitted. The discussion concluded with general support for interior
screens and continued consideration of exterior options with appropriate design standards. Mr.
Morrison will check with the police department to see their opinion about the lack of visibility
into a closed door.
Mr. Morrison indicated the full draft ordinance would be posted by the end of the following
week, with extensive public outreach planned before bringing the code to the planning
commission for formal review.
2. Adjournment – 7:30 p.m.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Laura Chamberlain, liaison John Flanagan, chair member
These minutes were created with the assistance of a generative AI transcript service, then edited
and finalized by a city staff person.
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Unofficial Minutes
Planning commission
April 8, 2026
6:00 p.m.
1
Planning commission
Study Session
Members present: Jim Beneke, Mia Divecha, John Flanagan, Sylvie Hyman, Tess Machalek,
Sarah Strain, Tom Weber
Members absent: Matt Eckholm
Staff present: Laura Chamberlain, Gary Morrison
Overview and Scope
Mr. Morrison stated the primary objectives of Zoning Code Update Phase 2:
Reorganize the zoning ordinance into the format established in Phase 1
Review and consolidate residential zoning districts
Revise the zoning map accordingly
Revamp various regulations as needed.
The intent is not to introduce significant policy changes, but rather to re-format and consolidate
existing regulations. He cautioned that introducing topics requiring substantial analysis or study
should be separate future amendments.
Mr. Morrison noted that the public hearing date has not been set, as staff is awaiting clean
draft copies from the consultant. Once the draft is posted to the city website, outreach
meetings will be scheduled and promoted. The scheduling of the public hearing will depend on
the outcome of those outreach meetings.
Mr. Morrison also informed the commission that there may be a Zoning Code Update - Phase 3.
Its purpose would be to allow the new ordinance to be lived in for a year, identify any necessary
tweaks, and better adapt the code to its electronic format. A grant application is being pursued
to fund Phase 3.
Mr. Morrison acknowledged two letters in the agenda packet:
Letter from the Environment and Sustainability Commission supporting the current draft
and recommending continued discussion on reducing parking requirements
Letter submitted by Commissioner Hyman summarizing her comments and concerns,
particularly on parking and related matters
Principal and Accessory Use Tables
Mr. Morrison introduced the principal use table, a new addition to the ordinance continuing
the structure established in Phase 1. The table organizes all non-neighborhood zoning
districts—Mixed Use (MU), Business (B1), Industrial (I), and Parks—across the top, with uses
listed along the left column. Uses are designated as Permitted (P), Permitted with Standards
(PS), or Conditional (C). A new category of "apartment mixed use" was introduced for
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Unofficial minutes
Planning commission study session April 8, 2026
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residential development in mixed use districts, requiring non-residential uses on the ground
floor with residential above.
Mr. Morrison noted that hospitals, which are being rezoned from N4 to Mixed Use 3, present a
classification issue since they would not function as mixed use buildings in the traditional sense.
Discussion arose regarding in-vehicle service uses. Ms. Chamberlain clarified that in-vehicle
service has been removed from the principal use table entirely and appears only on the
accessory use table, requiring a conditional use permit in MU2, MU3, and B1 districts. This
would effectively prevent standalone drive-through-only establishments from operating in
most districts. Commissioner Hyman raised the question of whether businesses could be
required to accommodate bicycle users at drive-through windows. It was noted this would be a
broader ordinance-level question.
Regarding the visual distinction between the principal and accessory use tables, commissioners
suggested adding a brief explanatory note or subtitle beneath each table's heading to clarify
which type of use it covers to help readers quickly identify which table they are reading. Mr.
Morrison noted that the digital version of the ordinance would facilitate navigation through
locked headers and hyperlinks.
Article 8 – Development Standards
Mr. Morrison introduced the eight divisions of Article 8 - Development Standards: Performance
Standards, Pedestrian Access, Vehicular Off-Street Access/Parking/Loading, Landscaping,
Fences, Architectural Design, Outdoor Lighting, and Signs, followed by a section on Grading,
Filling, Land Reclamation, and Mining.
Division 1 – Performance Standards
A Commissioner Weber suggested adding a purpose paragraph to the Performance Standards
division, consistent with the other divisions in Article 8 which each contain one. There was also
brief discussion about whether "Performance Standards" was the most intuitive title for the
section.
Division 2 – Pedestrian Access
Commissioner Divecha raised a concern about Section 36-223(C), which states that sidewalks
shall be provided on all sides of a lot abutting a public or private street. She noted that the
Wells Roadside project was approved without a sidewalk on one side. Mr. Morrison said that
the Engineering Department determines if a sidewalk is feasible at a site and if not, we collect
cash in lieu. For this particular property, the Engineering Department determined that a
sidewalk along the service road was not warranted. Ms. Chamberlain suggested adding
qualifying language such as "unless otherwise approved by the city engineer".
In the purpose section’s reference to the comprehensive plan goal, Commissioner Hyman
proposed replacing the phrase "adequately consider" with stronger language such as
"prioritize," with respect to pedestrian, bicycle, and other non-motorized transportation needs.
Mr. Morrison noted the comment for follow-up.
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Unofficial minutes
Planning commission study session April 8, 2026
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Division 3 – Vehicular Off-Street Access, Parking, and Loading
A commissioner Hyman observed that while the stated purpose of the parking regulations is to
prevent congestion, the abundance of free parking is itself a driver of congestion. Discussion
centered on whether the language should be reframed. Ms. Chamberlain suggested changing
"prevent" to "reduce" as a modest improvement. No final language change was agreed upon
but the comment was noted. Commissioner Hyman also suggested replacing "reduce
hardcover" with "reduce impervious surface" for consistency with standard planning
terminology.
Responding to a question on Section C which encourages shared driveways, Mr. Morrison
explained that while the city can require a property owner to consolidate their own access
points, it cannot compel one property owner to accept traffic from an adjacent property.
Regarding pedestrian access within parking areas, Commissioner Divecha expressed strong
support for requiring pedestrian connections between parking areas and building entrances,
and that driveways not be used as designated pedestrian routes. She asked whether language
could be strengthened to require direct, segregated pedestrian access from the public street to
the building (even if from the back), so that a pedestrian would not need to go through a
parking lot. Discussion continued if a “driveway crossing” is just painting lines or a different
type of material (concrete versus asphalt).
Commissioner Strain sought clarification on Section 36-227 provision 2, which provides that
structures existing as of January 10, 2020, are deemed code-compliant with respect to parking.
Ms. Chamberlain noted that the date should likely be updated to reflect the adoption date of
the current ordinance. Mr. Morrison confirmed that fractional parking spaces are rounded (half
a space is a space).
Parking Table. Ms. Chamberlain explained that the MU district minimums in the parking table
are derived from the existing Walker Lake (MX2) district standards, which feature both a
minimum and a maximum. It was suggested that a maximum column could be noted for
grocery stores, liquor stores, etc. Ms. Chamberlain will add to the work plan a discussion of
expanding to all districts. Also, requirements for Parks districts are not included in this work
plan.
E-Bike Parking. Commissioner Hyman noted that the draft devotes significant attention to EV
charging standards while e-bike parking receives comparatively little. Given the increasing
prevalence of heavy e-bikes and cargo bikes that cannot easily use standard inverted-U racks or
elevated parking infrastructure, commissioners suggested that the code should address surface
accessibility (including ramps), appropriate rack types accommodating larger frames, and the
possibility of allowing businesses to convert a vehicular parking space into a dedicated bicycle
parking area. Ms. Chamberlain and Mr. Morrison agreed this could be considered.
Transit Proximity Reductions. Ms. Chamberlain summarized the current transit reduction
framework: 30% within a quarter mile of LRT, 20% within a half mile of LRT, 15% within a
quarter mile of high-frequency bus service, and 10% within a quarter mile of regular bus
service. Mr. Morrison noted this represented a significant increase from the 10% flat reduction
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Unofficial minutes
Planning commission study session April 8, 2026
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that existed prior to 2020, and that the reductions now apply to residential uses.
Commissioners discussed whether these percentages should be increased further. There was a
suggestion to increase each tier by five percentage points. Commissioner Weber suggested
from a code perspective treating LRT and high-frequency bus service as interchangeable. Ms.
Chamberlain noted a meaningful distinction in that LRT is intended to operate 24 hours while
high-frequency bus service does not. Commissioner Hyman raised the question of applying
proximity reductions to bike trails. Further discussion of transit reductions was deferred to the
parking work plan.
Division 4 – Landscaping
Commissioner Strain noted that Sections 36-240, C8, C9, C10 which describe rain gardens,
bioretention, and xeriscaping, provide descriptive language but no corresponding credit,
incentive, or nexus to any landscaping requirement. Mr. Morrison explained that these features
were intentionally moved out of the alternative landscaping category to encourage them as
standard landscaping rather than substitutes.
Regarding alternative landscaping options section 36-243, a commissioner asked how are these
typically assessed? Ms. Chamberlain explained that staff and the consultant are working to
standardize the process by which alternative compliance is evaluated (typically by comparing
the cost equivalent of required plantings to investments in green roofs, public art, or similar
improvements).
Division 5 – Fences
Ms. Chamberlain noted this is a new section. Previously, it was in various parts of the code.
Division 6 – Architectural Design
Mr. Morrison explained that the architectural standards section primarily consolidates existing
regulations from various districts, including standards that were unique to the MX district. He
noted that provisions regarding interior and exterior security grills and mesh, previously
discussed, have not yet been incorporated into this draft. They are intended to be included,
distinguishing between permanent security installations (which would be regulated under the
design standards) and temporary closures during non-business hours (which would be treated
differently).
Division 7 – Outdoor Lighting
No changes are proposed to the outdoor lighting section. The section was relocated into Article
8 without substantive modification.
Division 8 – Signs
Mr. Morrison and Ms. Chamberlain explained that the sign ordinance is undergoing a
substantial rewrite to make them content neutral in compliance with First Amendment case law
as interpreted by the Supreme Court. The court has held that sign regulations may address only
the physical dimensions, materials, and placement of signs, not the content of the message. As
a result, category-specific language (e.g., references to "garage sale signs" or "political signs")
must be replaced with content-neutral standards. One proposed change is to expand the
eligibility for rooftop screen signs, currently limited to buildings of eight stories or more and
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Unofficial minutes
Planning commission study session April 8, 2026
5
located in a PUD, to all buildings within the applicable district subject to the same standards.
Mr. Morrison also noted that the Economic Development Authority has expressed interest in
formalizing the city's ability to display banners on light poles, which may be incorporated as an
additional change.
Grading, Filling, Land Reclamation, Excavation and Mining
Mr. Morrison noted that this section will be replaced in its entirety with a simpler ordinance
being developed by the engineering department.
Next Steps
The consensus was that an additional study session prior to public outreach was not necessary.
Any remaining clarifications, in particular which items discussed are going into the work plan,
could be communicated via email.
2. Adjournment – 7:55 p.m.
________________________________ ________________________________
Laura Chamberlain, liaison John Flanagan, chair member
These minutes were created with the assistance of a generative AI transcript service, then edited
and finalized by a city staff person.
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Unofficial Minutes
Planning commission
May 6, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Planning commission
Study Session
Members present: Jim Beneke, Matt Eckholm, Sylvie Hyman, Tess Machalek, Sarah Strain,
Tom Weber
Members absent: Mia Divecha, John Flanagan
Staff present: Laura Chamberlain
Item 1: Arrive + Thrive implementation tracker
Arrive + Thrive is a two-year small area planning initiative focused on three light rail station
areas and the Excelsior Boulevard corridor west of Highway 100. Ms. Chamberlain presented
the Arrive + Thrive Implementation Tracker, an interactive web-based tool intended to serve as
an interactive way for the public to view the information rather than only through static PDF
documents. The tracker also allows staff to update in the future and link to implementation
actions. Currently, only the Beltline Gateway is populated with content. The commission is
serving in a beta-testing capacity before the tool is expanded to other gateways.
The interface features an interactive map with a slider toggling between the illustrative plan
rendering and an aerial base map, alongside panels listing outcomes and associated
implementation actions for each gateway. Each implementation action includes details such as
timeline category, action type, complexity, benefit score, community partners, action tracker
for staff to update progress and an area to link related projects.
Commissioners offered the following feedback during the discussion. Commissioner
Weber suggested there be clear labeling slider comparison tool with one side as the
current aerial photograph with a date and the other as the illustrative future vision,
drawing a parallel to how the swipe tool is commonly used to show before-and-after
imagery following natural disasters.
Commissioner Machalek raised a question about how the benefit score was determined.
It is displayed as a one-to-three dot scale on each implementation action, but having
some explanatory information would be helpful.
Commissioner Beneke also noted difficulty being geographically oriented within the
map and recommended the addition of landmark labels such as the post office or Bass
Lake. Another commission added that it would be helpful add in the outcomes
description say something like, “this space currently houses buildings, Pavik Museum,
post office”. Similarly, Commissioner Hyman asked about the meaning of the orange
and red lines on the illustrative plan. Ms. Chamberlain confirmed that a map legend
would be added and suggested a street map view option.
Commissioner Weber raised a concern about the visual boundaries between outcomes,
noting uncertainty about where one outcome zone ended and another began or do they
overlap? Ms. Chamberlain acknowledged that in some areas, outcomes are intentionally
overlapping and we are looking for a clearer way to convey this in the tracker. It was
also suggested that the descriptive language for outcomes be written in more direct,
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Unofficial minutes
Planning commission study session May 6, 2026
user-friendly terms (for example, “three new connector roads are envisioned” when
describing the road network outcome.
Additional feedback included making the light rail station icon larger and interactive
saying “future light rail station”; a "home" or reset button be made more prominent for
navigation.
Ms. Chamberlain confirmed the tracker will be viewable on different devices, including
phones.
Ms. Chamberlain also relayed feedback received from Commissioner Flanagan, who
recommended that the action tracker portion be highlighted more and stationary at the
top. He also recommended including an introductory walkthrough or tutorial for first-
time users.
2. Summary of zoning code Items Identified by planning commissions
Commissioner Hyman raised an item from a prior meeting regarding a proposed zoning code
amendment that would allow businesses to convert required car parking spaces into bicycle
parking without incurring a penalty against their minimum parking count. Commissioner Hyman
indicated that the precise ratio was less important to her than enabling the option, suggesting
that even a one-to-one conversion (one car space replaced by one compliant bicycle rack)
would expand opportunities for added bike parking. Commissioners noted that this proposal
does not mandate action but simply opens the option to businesses, which the group agreed
was a meaningful distinction. Ms. Chamberlain committed to drafting language, noting it would
not be included in the version of the zoning code update currently published online but could
be incorporated thereafter.
Commissioner Hyman also suggested that a complementary effort (outside the scope of the
Planning Commission) could involve the city council exploring grant funding or incentive
programs to offset the cost of rack installation for businesses, removing a further barrier. For
the summary document, she recommended that language describing parking's relationship to
congestion be revised from "can cause" to "causes," to reflect a more definitive statement.
Future scheduled meeting/event dates:
May 20, 2026 – planning commission regular meeting
June 3, 2026 – planning commission regular meeting
June 17, 2026 – planning commission regular meeting
July 1, 2026 – planning commission regular meeting
3. Adjournment – 6:40 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Laura Chamberlain, liaison John Flanagan, chair member
These minutes were created with the assistance of a generative AI transcript service, then edited
and finalized by a city staff person.
16
Planning commission: Regular meeting
Meeting date: June 17, 2026
Agenda item: 1
1 Comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance and zoning map amendments – phase 2
Executive Summary
Title: Zoning code update - phase 2
Recommended action: Conduct the public hearing.
Motion(s) to recommend approval of the amendments to the comprehensive plan, zoning
ordinance and zoning map as recommended by staff.
Summary: Phase 1 of the zoning code update was adopted by the city in May of 2025. Phase 1
was an update of the residential zoning districts and it established the new format for the city’s
future zoning ordinance.
The attached proposed ordinance is the second phase of the zoning code update. The
amendment consolidates several districts into three new mixed-use districts, renames most of
the remaining districts, reduces minimum parking requirements for some uses and districts,
makes mandated sign code updates, streamlines performance standards, and introduces
clearer density bonuses to more districts. The proposed code is calibrated to experiences at the
local-level and responds to the community’s strategic priorities. It reformats and reorganizes
the remaining code sections not changed in phase 1. While the update is comprehensive, many
other existing regulations remain unchanged. Revisions were discussed with or initiated by the
planning commission throughout the process and are summarized within this report.
The public outreach efforts are discussed within the report. Survey results and comments
received are attached for review.
Next Steps: If the planning commission recommends approval of the comprehensive plan and
zoning amendments, they will be presented to the city council on July 20, 2026, for the first
reading of the ordinance. The second reading of the zoning ordinance amendments would be
conducted on Aug. 3, 2026. The comprehensive plan amendment will also require Metropolitan
Council review.
Supporting documents: Discussion, draft zoning ordinance, existing and proposed zoning maps,
comments received from surveys and open houses.
Prepared by: Gary Morrison, zoning administrator
Katelyn Champoux, planner
Jeff Miller, consultant planner
Reviewed by: Jennifer Monson, planning & economic development manager
Sean Walther, deputy community development director
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
Title: Comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance and zoning map amendments – phase 2
2
Discussion
Background - Comprehensive plan amendment
The city has undertaken a multi-phase update to the zoning ordinance to advance the city’s
strategic priorities. The first phase intended to expand housing choices and opportunities
throughout the city. Those adopted changes included rezoning residential parcels in the city to
newly established neighborhood zoning districts that allow additional housing types beyond
traditional single-unit dwellings. The city adjusted the density range for three future land use
designations in early 2025. Staff finds that additional revisions are needed to align the new
zoning ordinance and the comprehensive plan.
Staff propose the following amendments to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan: (1) adjust the
descriptions and densities for two residential land use designations, (2) change the future land
use of a 4.4-acre parcel from COM - Commercial to RH - High Density Residential to
accommodate an approximately 208-unit affordable housing project and (3) update tables to
reflect changes to the 2040 Future Land Use Map. These changes are not anticipated to impact
the city’s growth projections, transportation analysis zones (TAZ) figures or affordable housing
need allocation.
Comprehensive plan text amendments
Staff propose changes to two of the city’s future land use designations:
Land Use Designation Pre-CPA Density Range CPA Density Range
RM – Medium Density Residential 18 to 30 units/acre 7 to 30 units/acre
RH – High Density Residential 30 to 125 units/acre 16 to 125 units/acre
RM - Medium Density Residential
The Medium Density Residential designation is intended for residential areas adjacent to
commercial centers, corridors, and nodes. It allows net residential densities from 18 7 to 30
units per acre. This designation allows a variety of housing types include house-scale and low-
rise scale housing types, including single-family detached, duplexes, townhomes, and small
two- or three-story apartment buildings.
RH - High Density Residential
The High Density Residential land use designation is intended for higher density, compact urban
residential areas with convenient access to major transportation corridors, open spaces, and
commercial centers. This designation allows for a residential density range of 30 16 to 125 units
per acre. The appropriate building height will vary by development and depend upon the
characteristics of the development and its surroundings.
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
Title: Comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance and zoning map amendments – phase 2
3
Comprehensive plan map amendment
The map amendment proposes to change the future land use guidance of a 4.4-acre parcel
located at 8800 Highway 7 from COM - Commercial to RH - High Density Residential to
accommodate an approximately 208-unit affordable housing project.
Comprehensive plan table amendments
The following tables reflect the future land use change for 4.4 acres from commercial to high
density residential, shown by the underlined numbers. Table 5-5 Housing Units Added by
Decade also reflects changes to the minimum density allowed in the medium density residential
and high density residential land use designations.
19
Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
Title: Comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance and zoning map amendments – phase 2
4
Table 5-2 2040 Future Land Use Plan
Future Land Use Gross Acres Net Acres % Net
RL - Low Density Residential 2,455.79 2,419.33 35.02%
RM - Medium Density Residential 461.62 445.36 6.45%
RH – High Density Residential 227.60 218.96 3.17%
MX - Mixed Use 52.81 52.81 0.76%
TOD - Transit Oriented Development 82.62 82.62 1.20%
COM - Commercial 252.92 252.58 3.66%
OFC - Office 229.41 212.26 3.07%
BP - Business Park 103.81 103.65 1.50%
IND - Industrial 225.62 187.44 2.71%
CIV - Civic 210.97 205.38 2.97%
PRK - Park and Open Space 937.32 578.19 8.37%
ROW - Right of Way 1,508.28 1,499.92 21.71%
RRR - Railroad 159.97 150.80 2.18%
Water/Wetlands 0.00 499.44 7.23%
Total 6,908.74 6,908.74 100.00%
Table 5-4 Anticipated Net Acres of Redevelopment by Decade
Future Land Use 2018-2020
Net acres
2021-2030
Net acres
2031-2040
Net acres
TOTAL
RL - Low Density Residential 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
RM - Medium Density Residential 1.31 10.10 13.09 24.50
RH - High Density Residential 3.01 18.48 5.70 27.19
MX - Mixed Use 4.02 5.19 0.00 9.21
TOD - Transit Oriented Development 13.20 38.38 14.02 65.60
COM - Commercial 0.00 1.08 0.00 1.08
OFC - Office 15.02 5.95 14.06 35.03
BP - Business Park 0.00 8.60 47.06 55.66
IND - Industrial 0.00 16.05 11.87 27.92
CIV - Civic 0.00 1.50 0.00 1.50
PRK - Park and Open Space 0.00 2.25 0.25 2.50
Total 36.56 107.58 106.05 250.19
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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Table 5-5 Housing Units Added by Decade*
Future Land
Use
Units per acre
% Res
2021-2030 Total
Min Max Net
Acres
Min Max Net
Acres
Min Max
RL 3 18 100% 0.00 0 0 0.00 0 0
RM 7 30 100% 10.10 71 303 24.50 172 735
RH 16 125 100% 18.48 296 2,310 27.19 435 3,399
MX 20 75 75% 3.89 78 292 6.91 138 518
TOD 50 125 75% 28.79 1,439 3,598 49.20 2,460 6,150
COM 20 50 10% 0.11 2 5 0.11 2 5
OFC 50 125 10% 0.60 30 74 3.50 175 438
Total 61.96 1,916 6,582 111.41 3,382 11,245
Units/Acre 30.92 106.20 30.36 100.9
* This table does not show the acreage for 2018-2020 or 2031-2040 because it is not changing. The
“total” column includes these numbers.
Comprehensive plan guidance
The 2040 Comprehensive Plan sets numerous goals to advance the city’s strategic priorities that
are supported by the proposed zoning code update and comprehensive plan amendments.
Strategic priorities
The proposed comprehensive plan amendments advance the city’s strategic priorities for
diverse, affordable and dignified housing and good governance. It is the city’s priority to ensure
a quality range of housing options that are affordable and attainable for all. The proposed
changes to the comprehensive plan will close policy gaps between the neighborhood zoning
districts and the future land use designations to allow more housing types throughout the city.
These changes illustrate good governance by identifying inconsistencies, operating with
transparency and using city resources responsibly to create policy that advances city priorities.
Comprehensive plan goals
As mentioned above, the proposed comprehensive plan amendments advance the city’s
strategic priority for diverse, affordable and dignified housing, which aligns with several
residential land use and housing goals in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Residential Land Use Goal #1: Create a mix of residential land uses and housing types to
increase housing choices, including affordable housing, and increase the viability of
neighborhood services through redevelopment or infill development.
Housing Goal #1: The City of St. Louis Park will promote and facilitate a balanced and
enduring housing stock that offers a continuum of diverse life-cycle housing choices
suitable for households of all income levels including, but not limited to affordable,
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
Title: Comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance and zoning map amendments – phase 2
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senior, multi-generational, supportive and mixed-income housing, disbursed throughout
the city.
Housing Goal #3: The city is committed to promoting quality multi-family developments,
both rental and owner occupied, in appropriate locations, including near transit centers,
retail and employment centers and in commercial mixed-use districts.
Housing Goal #4: The city is committed to creating, preserving and improving the city’s
rental housing stock.
Housing Goal #6: The city is committed to promoting affordable housing options for
low- and moderate-income households.
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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Background – zoning ordinance amendment. The city is updating the zoning ordinance which
was last overhauled in 1992. Phase 1 of the zoning ordinance update overhauled the residential
districts, which have been renamed neighborhood districts. The phase 1 updates were adopted
by the city council on March 3, 2025.
Phase 2 of the project involves updating the entire zoning ordinance to the new format, which
relies on tables to display requirements and reorganizing information into the ten new articles
which are summarized below. The amendment also includes updating the zoning map to reflect
the new zoning districts and district boundaries which are also summarized below.
Zoning Ordinance. In this update, the overall structure of the zoning ordinance is reorganized
to make the ordinance easier to use and prepare it to be converted to a digital format for
display on the internet. Some key structure updates are:
Districts are organized by type into separate articles -
o Article III. Neighborhood base districts
o Article IV. Non-neighborhood base districts
o Article V. Planned unit development districts
o Article VI. Overlay districts
Zoning district regulations are converted from a primarily narrative format to a table-
based format, which streamlines the information and makes it easier to find and
compare regulations for each district.
Standards that are specific to a use are currently located in each district and other
places in the ordinance (e.g. General Provisions, Special Provisions). This results in
redundancy for any use that is allowed in multiple districts. Additionally, the currently
decentralized format increases the chances that customers miss important information.
The proposed ordinance solves these problems by centralizing these use specific
standards in one place, a new Use Specific Standards article (Article VII).
All high-level ordinance provisions are now in one place, Article I Introductory
Provisions. All general district-related provisions are also now in one place, Article II
General Zoning Provisions.
Definitions, which are currently located in multiple articles/sections, are now in one
place, Article X Definitions.
The following table shows the current vs. new ordinance structures:
Current Ordinance Structure New Ordinance Structure
Article I. In General Article I. Introductory Provisions
Article II. Administration and
Enforcement
Article II. General Zoning Provisions
Article III. General Provisions Article III. Neighborhood Base Districts
Article IV. Zoning Districts Article IV. Non-Neighborhood Base Districts
Article V. Special Provisions Article V. Planned Unit Development Districts
Article VI. Nonconformities Article VI. Overlay Districts
Article VII. Use Specific Standards
Article VIII. Development Standards
Article IX. Procedures
Article X. Definitions
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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The following is a summary of the content of the ten proposed articles:
Article I Introductory Provisions. Article I includes the foundational regulations of the zoning
ordinance, such as the purpose, findings, and authority of the zoning ordinance. It also
establishes how to interpret provisions, and how to handle non-conformities.
Article II General Zoning Provisions. This article establishes the zoning districts and the zoning
map. It also includes general zoning regulations that apply to all properties in the city such as
the right to conduct a principal and accessory use, access to utilities, required yards and
encroachments, visibility triangles at intersections, and height exceptions.
Article III Neighborhood Districts. This article was adopted in 2025 as the zoning code update-
phase 1. It establishes the uses allowed in the Neighborhood districts along with the
dimensional standards such as height, yards, impervious surface limits etc. There are no
significant changes proposed other than to remove use related standards so they can be
consolidated in the use specific standards article of this proposed ordinance (Article VII).
Article IV Non-Neighborhood Districts. This article contains all the mixed-use, commercial,
industrial, and park districts. The proposed ordinance simply consolidates these districts into
one article and reformats the regulations into tables to be consistent with the format
established in the zoning code update-phase 1.
The intent is to keep the regulations and uses that exist in the current zoning ordinance as
much as possible. For example, the current C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district is proposed
to be the Mixed-Use 1 (MU-1) Neighborhood Mixed Use district. The uses are primarily the
same with the exception that light industrial was added because this district also includes the
Historic Walker Lake area. Light industrial is basic assembly activity that has minimal impacts to
adjacent properties and would include artistic studios which would be a good addition to areas
like Excelsior Blvd. The MU-1 district also continues the same buffer and height limits as the C-1
district. This is important because the south side of Excelsior Blvd east of Highway 100 was
included in a neighborhood study that resulted in some development guidelines, many of which
were adopted into the C-1 district as regulations. These same regulations are intentionally
continued in the MU-1 Neighborhood Mixed-Use district.
This section also expands density bonus options currently available in the MX-1 district. The
proposed ordinance makes the bonus option available in both the Mixed-Use 2 (MU-2) and
Mixed-Use 3 (MU-3) districts. The bonus option makes additional height and/or density
available with the condition that the building has to meet the city’s building energy policy and
the housing inclusionary policy. Participating in the bonus option is allowed by conditional use
permit only and requires a public hearing at planning commission and final review and action by
the city council.
More detailed discussion of the dimensional standards proposed for these districts is discussed
below.
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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Article V Planned Unit Developments. This article contains all the Planned Unit Developments
(PUDs) that have been adopted since 2015. There are currently 26 PUDs. These PUDs are
continued without changes other than to update terminology, and in some cases, update uses
allowed.
Article VI Overlay Districts. This article establishes the overlay districts. There are currently two
overlay districts, floodplain and travel demand management (TDM). Changes are not proposed
to either of these districts. Proposed is the creation of the Historic Walker Lake (HWL) overlay
district. The purpose of the HWL overlay district is to allow the HWL area to have regulations
specific to that area only, such as design and parking regulations. See the parking discussion
below for parking regulations proposed for the HWL overlay district.
Article VII Use Specific Standards. This article contains a list of all the uses allowed in the city
with standards (conditions) that apply to that specific use. These uses and standards are
continued from the current zoning ordinance with minimal changes. The current zoning
ordinance lists these uses in each zoning district which results in redundancies and
inconsistencies in how they are allowed. Combining them in one section eliminates the
redundancies and inconsistencies.
Article VIII Development Standards. This article contains development standards that apply to
all properties in the city. These standards exist in today’s ordinance and have been consolidated
and continued into Article VIII with minimal changes. Below is a brief description of the
standards along with notable changes proposed:
Parking
Parking minimums are continued in the Phase 2 ordinance with the following changes:
o The minimum parking requirements table is altered to provide one set of parking
minimums for the Neighborhood, Business and Industrial districts and a separate
set of minimums for the Mixed-Use districts. The numbers for the Mixed-Use
districts are similar and sometimes less than the set required for the other
districts due to their access to transit, including light-rail.
o Parking maximums are proposed for properties within any of the three Mixed-
Use zoning districts.
Parking minimums in the Mixed-Use districts are proposed to apply to new construction
and additions, but not existing buildings. This would allow any use to occupy any
existing building without having to meet a minimum parking requirement. The only
requirement being that the business cannot decrease the number of parking spaces on
the site. This is the same requirement that currently applies to the Historic Walker Lake
area.
Parking minimums in the Walker Lake overlay district are proposed to be eliminated
altogether.
Landscaping
Screening regulations, which are currently in multiple sections of the code, are now a
separate subsection within the landscaping section. Screening standards for parking lots
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
Title: Comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance and zoning map amendments – phase 2
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and loading facilities are updated to meet contemporary needs. The city’s Design
Guidelines for the South Side of Excelsior Boulevard was used as a resource.
Fences
Fence regulations have been relocated from today’s Article III General Provisions to
Article VIII Development Standards to make them easier to find in the code.
Architectural Design
The architectural design standards have been updated to make them easier to
understand and use, including reformatting into a table format.
Mural regulations have been relocated outside of the signage ordinance and added to
the architectural section. The intent is to expand the parameters and understanding of
murals to more efficiently permit and encourage them in the community.
Temporary window security screening regulations were added to allow businesses to
provide security options while closed for business.
Signs
The primary updates to the sign ordinance are to ensure content-neutrality, to meet the
needs of a 2015 federal judicial decision (Reed v. Town of Gilbert) regarding the
protection of signs as free speech. Sign ordinances must not restrict speech or have
content-based regulations.
Article IX Procedures. All of the procedures and land use permit types have been consolidated
to this article. The following changes are proposed:
Procedures and requirements for all land use applications have been consolidated at the
beginning of this article to help people understand the basics of development procedure
requirements in St. Louis Park.
The variance notification procedure has been simplified to focus on properties directly
and diagonally adjacent to the subject site, which includes properties that are directly
and diagonally across a street and alley from the subject property. Variance notifications
currently require notification to each owner of the affected property and owners of
record of property located wholly or partly within 350 feet of the property for which the
variance has been requested and publication of the notification in the official
newspaper.
The ordinance clarifies that special permits are to be treated as conditional use permits.
Special permits were used by the city until 1992 when the city transitioned to
conditional use permits. Per the direction of the city attorney, the city needs to treat
special permits in the same manner as conditional use permits.
Article X. Definitions. All definitions and land use descriptions within the various articles of the
current zoning ordinance have been consolidated into this new article.
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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Proposed Mixed-Use, Business, Industrial, and
Park districts. To align with the 2040
Comprehensive Plan and Arrive + Thrive Gateway
Plans, the districts are proposed to be restructured
and renamed as follows, reducing the number of
non-neighborhood districts from 9 down to 7
districts:
These proposed changes result in replacement of
the O, BP, MX, and C-1 districts with MU districts:
The O Office district is currently applied in
areas identified for mixed use by the 2040
Comprehensive Plan. The Office land use
designation in the 2040 Plan is mixed use,
including residential, whereas the O Office
zoning district does not allow residential
uses. Based on the 2040 Future Land Use
plan guidance and existing development, it
is appropriate to replace the O district with
MU districts.
The BP Business Park district is primarily applied in the light rail (LRT) station areas
currently. This district does not allow residential uses. Both the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan’s Future Land Use Plan and the Arrive + Thrive Gateway Plans guide the LRT station
areas for mixed use development, so it is appropriate to replace the BP district with MU
districts. When the BP district was originally established, it was intended to be a
transition district for the LRT station areas as they evolved from single use, primarily
industrial areas, to mixed use areas.
The C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district is currently applied to the Excelsior Blvd
corridor and small neighborhood commercial nodes found throughout the city. The C-1
district currently allows residential uses of a limited scale. Since the MX-2 (Historic
Walker Lake area) and C-1 districts are both mixed use and limit the scale of
development, it makes sense to consolidate these two districts to MU-1.
1. The proposed mix of uses for each non-neighborhood district are as follows:
Districts Business Uses Allowed Residential Uses Allowed
MU-1 Neighborhood
Mixed Use
Low-intensity, small scale,
neighborhood-oriented commercial
businesses, along with light industrial
Low-rise apartment
buildings, live/work units,
residential not allowed on
the ground story
MU-2 Community
Mixed Use
Mix of small- and medium-scale
commercial businesses in activity
centers that serve the broader
community
Low-rise and mid-rise
apartment buildings,
live/work units
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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MU-3 Transit
Oriented
Development Mixed
Use
Mix of medium- and large-scale
commercial businesses in and around
transit corridors
All scales of apartment
buildings including high-rise,
live/work units
B-1 General Business Mix of small- and medium-scale
commercial businesses in transit
corridors and larger planned districts
(e.g. West End, Shelard Park)
All scales of apartment
buildings including high-rise,
live/work units, residential
not allowed on the ground
story
I-1 Light Industrial Employment centers that
accommodate a diverse mix of office
and light industrial uses and jobs
None
I-2 General Industrial Large- and small-scale industrial
enterprises engaged in such activities
as manufacturing, processing,
assembly, storage, and warehousing
None
P-1 Park and Open
Space
City-owned parks, undevelopable
land, and areas with valuable
environmental qualities
None
2. The lot size and density requirements for the non-neighborhood district are as follows:
District
Lot width
minimum
(ft)
Net lot area
minimum
(sq ft)
Density minimum
(dwelling units
per acre)
Density
maximum
(dwelling units
per acre)
Density bonus
maximum
(dwelling units
per acre)
MU-1
None None
None 30 None
MU-2 20 50 75 (C)
MU-3 50 75 125 (C)
B-1 None 30 50 (C)
I-1 N/A N/A N/A
I-2 N/A N/A N/A
P-1 N/A N/A N/A
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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3. The building placement requirements for the non-neighborhood district are as follows:
District
Front
yard
min.
(feet)
Front
yard
max.
(feet)
Lot line
frontage
min. (%)
Side
yard
abutting
street
min.
(feet)
Side
yard
abutting
street
max.
(feet)
Side
yard
interior
min.
(feet)
Rear
yard
min.
(feet)
Distance between
buildings, min. (feet)
Perimeter
yard min.
(feet)
MU-1 10 15
Primary
frontage:
80%
Secondary
frontage:
50%
5 20 None
20 feet
except
where
an alley
exists it
can be
reduced
to ten
feet
Townhouses; 15
feet; Apartments:
1/2 the building
height
10 feet
for side
interior
property
lines
adjacent
to N-1 or
N-2 zoned
and used
districts
MU-2 10 15
Primary
frontage:
80%
Secondary
frontage:
50%
10 20 None
Townhouses; 15
feet; Apartments:
1/2 the building
height
15 feet
for side
interior
and rear
property
lines
adjacent
to N-1 or
N-2 zoned
and used
districts
MU-3 10 15
Primary
frontage:
80%
Secondary
frontage:
50%
10 20 None Apartments: 1/2 the
building height
15 feet
for side
interior
and rear
property
lines
adjacent
to N-1 or
N-2 zoned
and used
districts
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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District
Front
yard
min.
(feet)
Front
yard
max.
(feet)
Lot line
frontage
min. (%)
Side
yard
abutting
street
min.
(feet)
Side
yard
abutting
street
max.
(feet)
Side
yard
interior
min.
(feet)
Rear
yard
min.
(feet)
Distance between
buildings, min. (feet)
Perimeter
yard min.
(feet)
B-1 10 20 None 5 None None
Townhouses; 15
feet; Apartments:
1/2 the building
height
15 feet
for side
interior
and rear
property
lines
adjacent
to N-1 or
N-2 zoned
and used
districts
I-1 10 20 None 20 None
20 ft.; no yard
required for
railroad loading
facility if abutting
railroad trackage
None
50 feet
for side
interior
and rear
property
lines
adjacent
to non-
industrial
zoned
and used
districts
I-2 10 20 None 20 None
10 ft.; no yard
required for
railroad loading
facility if abutting
railroad trackage
None
100 feet
for side
interior
and rear
property
lines
adjacent
to non-
industrial
zoned
and used
districts
P-1 Each standard shall match the requirement for the adjacent properties. If the adjacent properties are in
two or more zoning districts, then the most restrictive requirement applies.
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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4. The building size and coverage requirements for the non-neighborhood district are as
follows:
District Building height,
minimum
Building height,
maximum
Building
height
bonus,
maximum
Ground
story
height
(feet)
Upper
stories
height
(feet)
Building
length,
maximum
(feet)
Impervious
surface
coverage,
maximum
(%)
MU-1 None
3 stories or 40
feet, whichever is
less
12 feet
minimum;
20 feet
maximum
10 feet
minimum;
15 feet
maximum
200 80%
MU-2
2 stories or 20
feet, whichever is
less
6 stories or 75
feet, whichever is
less
9 stories
or 115
feet,
whichever
is less (C)
12 feet
minimum;
20 feet
maximum
10 feet
minimum;
15 feet
maximum
200 80%
MU-3
4 stories or 50
feet, whichever is
less
6 stories or 75
feet, whichever is
less
12 stories
or 150
feet,
whichever
is less (C)
12 feet
minimum;
20 feet
maximum
10 feet
minimum;
15 feet
maximum
200 80%
B-1 None
6 stories or 75
feet, whichever is
less
9 stories
or 115
feet,
whichever
is less (C)
None None None 85%
I-1 None 6 stories or 75 feet
whichever is less N/A N/A None 75%
I-2 None 6 stories or 75 feet
whichever is less N/A N/A None 75%
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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District Building height,
minimum
Building height,
maximum
Building
height
bonus,
maximum
Ground
story
height
(feet)
Upper
stories
height
(feet)
Building
length,
maximum
(feet)
Impervious
surface
coverage,
maximum
(%)
P-1
Each standard shall match the requirement for the adjacent properties. If the
adjacent properties are in two or more zoning districts, then the most restrictive
requirement applies.
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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Zoning map. The proposed zoning map, which is attached, shows the following:
MU-1 Neighborhood Mixed Use district is applied to the MX-2 properties (Walker Lake
area) and to the current C-1 properties. No additional properties are proposed to be
added to these areas.
MU-2 Community Mixed Use district is applied to current MX-1 properties.
MU-3 TOD Mixed Use – this new district is applied to the cores of the LRT station areas,
West End, and Shelard Park.
B-1 General Business district is proposed for a limited number of existing auto-oriented
business areas that are currently zoned C-2, such as Knollwood, Park Place Plaza in West
End, and Park Commons West (Byerly’s, Target).
I-1 Light Industrial district is simply a renaming of the current I-P district.
I-2 General Industrial district is simply a renaming of the current I-G district.
The intent is to align the business and mixed use districts with neighborhood districts in terms
of scale. For example, the MU-1 district is most appropriate for business areas adjacent to
neighborhoods that are zoned N-1 or N-2. The table below identifies the business and mixed
use districts that are most compatible with each of the N districts based on building heights.
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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The existing and proposed zoning maps are shown
below in comparison. The map shows how the
conversion of the existing zoning districts to the
proposed zoning districts shown on the chart is
reflected on the map.
Two notable changes to the proposed map are further
discussed below.
Larger maps are attached to the end of the report.
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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Notable changes proposed in the zoning map include:
8800 Highway 7. This is the former Bremer Bank building located on the west side of
Minnehaha Creek and adjacent to the Knollwood Target property. It is currently zoned
C-2 Neighborhood Commercial. The city anticipates this office building will redevelop as
residential, so the map proposes to change the zoning from C-2 to Neighborhood-4 (N-
4). This property is also the subject of the proposed comprehensive plan amendment.
The office use could continue as a non-conforming use if it does not redevelop.
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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Miracle Mile. The Miracle Mile mall is currently zoned C-2 General Commercial and is
proposed to be rezoned to the compatible Mixed-Use district, which is MU-2. The
properties to the east of Miracle Mile, however, are zoned C-1 Neighborhood
Commercial and are proposed to be rezoned to the MU-2 district to coincide with the
proposed zoning of the Miracle Mile property. See the maps below.
The change in zoning seems appropriate given that the size of the properties are more
similar to the Miracle Mile property than the smaller C-1 properties along Excelsior Blvd
which are proposed to be zoned MU-1.
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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Public outreach.
Planning commission: The zoning code update-phase 2 project began at the completion of
phase 1 with a series of ten meetings with the planning commission beginning in May of 2025.
At these meetings, staff presented specific sections of the zoning ordinance and responded to
comments, questions, and commission direction.
City council: The city council was updated on the progress at one study session conducted in
November of 2025. At this meeting, staff discussed:
Replacing the Office, Business Park, and C-1 Neighborhood Commercial zoning districts,
with Mixed-Use districts.
Changing the zoning map district boundaries.
Utilizing density and height bonuses to achieve policy objectives.
Determining uses that need council review.
Reducing parking minimum requirements.
Revising the public hearing process for variances.
The city council asked questions and directed the planning commission and staff to continue
with the ordinance amendment process as discussed.
Community surveys. Staff conducted two community surveys in 2025. The first survey was
oriented toward residents and was open for public comment from May 22 to August 24, 2025.
It was advertised through community wide emails, articles in the Park Perspective and social
media campaigns. A copy of the survey results is attached.
A second survey was conducted from September to November 2025 and was oriented to
business owners. The survey was advertised via emails targeted to the business community and
staff hand delivered invitations to participate in the survey to businesses, because tenants do
not often receive notices mailed to the property owners. A copy of the business survey results
are attached.
Virtual engagement: A web-based project story map was created at the project’s onset to
provide detailed information throughout the entire zoning code update process. Additionally,
once drafts of the ordinance were posted, a video was prepared and posted to the project
webpage to instruct people on how to use the webpage, project story map and how to find the
information about the proposed ordinance. The contact information for the staff lead(s) were
also provided.
Open house meetings. Staff conducted two in-person open houses to answer questions. These
open houses were advertised by way of the Park Perspective, a social media campaign, emails
to those that signed up for general city news, the zoning code update, and business owners that
the city economic development department has contact information for. The economic
development division also advertised the open houses in its business newsletter and mentioned
the open houses at chamber of commerce meetings.
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Regular meeting of June 17, 2026 (Item No. 1)
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Twelve people attended the open houses. People were generally in favor of the zoning code
update and had specific questions about their properties. The written comments received
during the meeting are attached for planning commission’s review.
Environment and sustainability commission. The ordinance was presented to the environment
and sustainability commission. A letter of support is attached for your review.
Next steps: The planning commission will hold a public hearing and consider recommending
approval of the comprehensive plan amendments and zoning ordinance amendments on
June 17, 2026.
If recommended by the planning commission, the city council would consider the
comprehensive plan amendments and the first reading of the zoning code ordinance
amendments on July 20, 2026. A second reading of the zoning code ordinance amendments
would be scheduled for Aug. 3, 2026. The comprehensive plan amendment will also require
Metropolitan Council review.
38
DRA
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ARTICLE I. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
DIVISION 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
Sec. 36-1. Title.
(a) This chapter shall be known as the City of St. Louis Park Zoning Code except as referred
to herein as “this chapter.”
Sec. 36-2. Purpose and intent of chapter.
(a) The intent, through the zoning code chapter, is to promote the most appropriate and
orderly development of the city.
(b) This chapter establishes minimum requirements to protect the public health, safety,
mobility, and general welfare of the people.
(c) This chapter shall divide the city into zoning districts and establish regulations which
control the location, erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, and use of
structures and land.
Sec. 36-3. Findings.
Through establishing and implementing the zoning code, the city council finds it necessary to
accomplish the following:
(a) Require that development proceed according to the vision, strategic priorities, goals,
land use designations and map, strategies and implementation actions established in
the city's comprehensive plan, as well as other adopted plans.
(b) Provide adequate light, air and convenient access to property.
(c) Facilitate the provision of municipal utilities, transportation, schools, recreation and
other public infrastructure supporting current and future needs.
(d) Provide for compatibility of different land uses.
(e) Enhance the city’s development pattern, quality, character and long-term sustainability.
(f) Conserve the natural resources and environmental assets of the community.
(g) Provide effective administration of this chapter and any future amendments to the
ordinance from which this chapter is derived and prescribe penalties for the violation
of its requirements.
(h) Establish a continuing system of review of this chapter to ensure it will be amended to
meet the changing needs of the community and advances in technology and economic
and social systems.
DIVISION 2. AUTHORITY
Sec. 36-4. Effective date.
(a) The effective date of this chapter is ______, 2026. This chapter hereby supersedes and
replaces in its entirety, Chapter 36 of the St. Louis Park, Minnesota Code on the
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effective date hereof. The provisions of this title shall apply to all development plans
and permits filed on or after the effective date. Plans on file before the effective date
shall be reviewed for compliance with the Zoning Code title effective at the time of
filing.
Sec. 36-5. Jurisdiction and authority.
(a) This chapter is enacted under the authority granted to the city in state statutes chapter
462, as well as other state statutes and rules. If those statutes are amended to restrict
or enlarge the authority delegated to the city, those amendments shall be incorporated
into this chapter.
(b) This chapter governs the use of all land and structures in the city unless such regulation
is specifically preempted by state or federal statutes or regulations.
DIVISION 3. ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 36-6. Enforcing officer.
(a) The zoning administrator or their designee shall enforce this chapter under the
direction and control of the zoning administrator ’s supervisor, department director and
city manager.
DIVISION 4. INTERPRETATION
Sec. 36-7. Purpose of interpretation.
(a) The purpose of interpreting and applying this chapter is to determine and carry out the
intent of the city council. This chapter must be interpreted, whenever possible, so that
all provisions are given effect.
(b) The language of this chapter is clear and unambiguous as applied to a particular
situation, it must be applied as written.
(c) When the words of this chapter are not explicit, the intention of the city council may
be ascertained by considering, among other matters:
(1) The occasion and necessity for this chapter or specific provision.
(2) The circumstance under which it was enacted.
(3) The object to be attained.
(4) The former zoning ordinance.
(5) The consequences of a particular interpretation.
(6) Administrative interpretations of this chapter and interpretations by the board of
zoning appeals and the city council.
(d) In ascertaining the intention of the city council, the following presumptions apply:
(1) The city council does not intend a result that is absurd, impossible of execution, or
unreasonable.
(2) The city council intends the entire chapter to be effective and certain.
(3) The city council does not intend to violate the Constitution of the United States or
the state constitution.
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(4) The city council intends to favor the public interest against any private interest.
Sec. 36-8. Minimum and maximum requirements.
(a) The provisions of this chapter are the minimum and maximum requirements for the
promotion of the public health, safety, mobility and general welfare.
Sec. 36-9. Rules of construction.
(a) The following rules of construction govern the interpretation of the language of this
chapter:
(1) The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular.
(2) The present tense includes the past and future tenses and the future includes the
present.
(3) The word "shall" is mandatory, and the word "may" is permissive.
(4) Whenever a word or term which is defined in this chapter appears in the text of
this chapter, its meaning shall be that stated in the chapter definition. Words or
terms which are not defined in this chapter shall have the meaning found in the
most recent edition of Merriam-Webster's Unabridged Dictionary. Words not
defined in that dictionary shall have their ordinary, usual meaning at the time the
word or term is being applied to a zoning question or situation. General words are
construed to be restricted in their meaning by preceding particular words.
(5) Unless otherwise specified, calculations completed as a result of the provisions in
this chapter shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.
(b) Distance. All measured distance expressed in feet shall be to the nearest tenth of a
foot. The measurement of distances when required by this chapter shall be done in a
straight line in the plane located at a point one foot above the highest point in the
surface of the ground along the path of measurement, from the closest exterior wall
(extended vertically if a cantilever) of a building containing the use to the property line
of the adjacent street, district, or lot or other boundary line. If the use is not within a
building, the measurement shall be the shortest distance from the location of the use
to the property line of the adjacent street, district, or lot or other boundary line.
(c) Performance time; delivery and filing time. Where the performance or doing of any
act, duty, matter, payment or thing is ordered or directed and the period of time or
duration for the performance or doing thereof is described and fixed by this chapter,
the time shall be computed so as to exclude the first and include the last day of the
prescribed or fixed period or duration of time. When the last day of the period falls on
Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, that day shall be omitted from the computation.
When an application, payment, drawing, contract or other document is to be delivered
to or filed with any department of the city or other unit of government on or before a
prescribed date and the prescribed date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, it
is timely delivered or filed if it is delivered or filed on the next succeeding day which is
not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
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(d) Grammatical errors. Grammatical errors shall not destroy the application of this
chapter. A transposition of words and clauses may be resorted to when a sentence is
without meaning as it stands. Words and phrases which may be necessary to the
proper interpretation of this chapter and which do not conflict with its obvious
purpose and intent, nor in any way affect its scope in operation, may be added in the
construction thereof.
(e) Provisos. Provisos shall be construed to limit rather than to extend the operation of the
clauses to which they refer. Exceptions expressed in this chapter shall be construed to
exclude all others.
(f) Penalty; forfeiture. When a penalty or forfeiture is provided for the violation of this
chapter, such penalty or forfeiture shall be construed to be for each such violation.
Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate violation.
(g) Provision conflicts. When a general provision of this chapter conflicts with a special
provision in this chapter, the two shall be construed if possible so that effect shall be
given to both. If the conflict between the two provisions is irreconcilable, the special
provisions shall prevail and shall be construed as an exception to the general provision
unless the general provision was enacted subsequent to the special provision and it
shall be the manifest intention of the city council that such general provisions shall
prevail. When several clauses are irreconcilable, the chapter clause last in order of date
or position shall prevail. When the provisions of two or more amendments to this
chapter passed at different dates are irreconcilable, the amendment latest in date of
final enactment shall prevail.
(h) Amendment. When a section or part of the ordinance from which this chapter is
derived is amended, the amendment shall be construed as merging into the original
ordinance, becoming a part thereof, and replacing the part amended, and the
remainder of the original ordinance and the amendment shall be read together and
viewed as one ordinance passed at one time. The portions of this chapter which were
not altered by the amendment shall be construed as effective from the date of the first
enactment, and the new provision shall be construed as effective only from the date
when the amendment became effective. When this chapter adopts the provisions of
state statute by reference, it also adopts by reference any subsequent amendments of
that statute except when the intent of the city council is clearly to the contrary. If two
or more amendments to the same provision or this chapter are enacted at the same or
at different times, one amendment overlooking and making no reference to the other,
the amendments shall be construed together if possible and effect be given to each. If
the amendments are irreconcilable, the amendment latest in date of final enactment
shall prevail.
(i) Appendix. The appendix is for information purposes only and is not intended to
govern.
Sec. 36-10. Compliance with the comprehensive plan.
(a) No building permit, certificate of occupancy, registration of land use, or any other
permit required by this chapter, shall be issued unless the proposal complies with the
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comprehensive plan and the requirements of this chapter. If a conflict exists between
this chapter and the comprehensive plan on land for which an approval is requested,
such approval cannot be issued unless the conflict is resolved.
Sec. 36-11. Diagrams.
(a) Diagrams, where provided, are intended to be illustrative only and may not be drawn
to scale. Where a conflict exists between a diagram and text, the text shall prevail.
Sec. 36-12. More restrictive applications.
(a) Where the conditions imposed by any provision of this chapter are either more or less
restrictive than comparable conditions imposed by any other applicable law, ordinance,
statute, resolution or regulation of any kind, the regulations which are more restrictive,
or which impose higher standards or requirements shall control.
Sec. 36-13. Abbreviations
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to identify the abbreviations which are used in
this chapter to clarify meaning.
(b) Abbreviations.
(1) BOZA Board of zoning appeals
(2) DSH Diameter at standard height
(3) DORA Designed outdoor recreational area
(4) DU Dwelling unit
(5) EVSE Electric vehicle supply equipment
(6) EVCS Electric vehicle charging station
(7) PUD Planned unit development
(8) FW Floodway district
(9) FF Flood fringe district
(10) FP General floodplain district
DIVISION 5. SEPARABILITY
Sec. 36-14. Separability.
(a) Provisions in this chapter are separable if the following events occur:
(1) If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this chapter to be invalid,
that judgment shall not affect any other provision of this chapter not specifically
included in the judgment.
(2) If a court of competent jurisdiction finds the application of any portion of this
chapter to a particular property, building, or other structure invalid, that judgment
shall not affect the application of the provision to any other property, building or
structure not specifically included in the judgment.
(b) If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any individual condition of a conditional use
permit invalid, that judgment shall not invalidate any other condition of the same
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conditional use permit not specifically included in such judgment nor shall it invalidate
the application of the same condition in any other conditional use permit.
DIVISION 6. NONCONFORMITIES
Sec. 36-15. Scope of article.
(a) Nothing in this division shall be construed to permit a violation of any section of this
chapter or the continuation of any unsafe or unsanitary condition.
Sec. 36-16. Purpose.
The purpose of this division is to provide for the continuation and eventual elimination of
nonconformities and other instances of nonconformance by:
(a) Recognizing nonconformities which lawfully existed prior to the effective date of the
ordinance from which this article is derived.
(b) Prohibiting the enlargement or extension of nonconformities.
(c) Providing criteria which provide for the reconstruction of nonconformities which are
damaged by fire or other natural disaster.
(d) Encouraging the elimination of nonconformities or minimizing their impact on adjacent
properties.
(e) Requiring nonconformities and other instances of nonconformance in certain
situations to either comply with this chapter or terminate.
Sec. 36-17. General requirements.
(a) Right to continue. Except for a sexually oriented business as defined in the city code, a
nonconformity may be continued in the manner of operation existing at the time of
adoption of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, subject to the provisions
of this division.
(b) Subject to general requirements of this chapter. Subject to its right to continue, a
property having a nonconformity is subject to all provisions of this chapter and future
amendments thereto.
(c) Expansion prohibited. A nonconformity shall not be expanded in any manner.
Expansion includes the intensification of the character or operation of a
nonconformity. Expansion shall include, but not be limited to, increased hours of
operation, expansion of the use to a portion of the property not previously used,
reducing the size of the parcel containing the nonconformity by subdivision or
administrative lot line adjustment, expansion of a parking area, and increased number
of employees.
(d) Damaged or destroyed structures. If any nonconformity is destroyed by fire or other
peril to the extent of greater than 50 percent of its assessed market value, and no
building permit has been applied for within 180 days of when the property is damaged,
the building official may impose reasonable conditions upon a building permit in order
to mitigate any newly created impact on adjacent property. If the building permit has
not been applied for within one year of the date of destruction, any right to continue
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the nonconformity is terminated and any future use of the land must comply fully with
this chapter.
(e) Termination of rights through discontinuation of the use. If a nonconformity is
discontinued for a period of more than one year, any right to continue the
nonconformity is terminated and any future use of the land must comply fully with this
chapter.
Sec. 36-18. Special requirements.
(a) City approvals.
(1) Condition of approval. An addition or expansion to a nonconforming structure may
be granted a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or building permit so long as the
addition or expansion adheres to all requirements of this chapter. Amendments to
existing special permits shall be administered in accordance with section 36-
36(c)(4).
(2) Exception. A new use in part of a nonconforming multiple tenant structure may be
granted a CUP or special permit amendment, so long as there are no exterior
modifications needed to accommodate the new tenant which would result in an
increase in building height, density, or a decrease in required yards, or other
substantial change (other than property improvement to meet building code
requirements), and the following standards are met:
a. The new use does not involve an expansion of the nonconformity or
otherwise increase the noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter.
b. Any nonconformity or other items of noncompliance existing on the site shall
be brought into greater or complete compliance with this chapter to the
extent reasonable and possible, except that greater or complete compliance
will not be required with the following provisions of this chapter:
1. Lot area.
2. Lot width.
3. Required yards.
4. Building height
5. Density.
6. Usable open space.
(b) Permitted construction. Construction is permitted under the following circumstances:
(1) The repair, replacement, restoration, maintenance or improvement of any
nonconformity, but not including expansion, except that such construction is
prohibited in floodplain areas to the extent necessary to maintain eligibility in the
National Flood Insurance Program and not increase flood damage potential or
increase the degree of construction to flood flows in the floodway.
(2) Construction which would allow additions and alterations to buildings containing
nonconforming dwelling units complying with the following conditions:
a. The construction will not result in an increase in the number of dwelling units;
and
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b. The building or parcel is not located in an area which the council has
designated as a high priority for redevelopment according to an adopted
redevelopment strategy or plan. For the purpose of this section, a
redevelopment strategy or plan shall be defined as a document and/or
process which specifically outlines the area to be redeveloped and may
include timelines and/or action steps to be taken, or which are being taken, to
achieve the redevelopment. These action steps may include, but are not
limited to: solicitation of developers, the purchase of property, environmental
testing or remediation, demolition of structures and other similar activities.
(c) Change in tenant or ownership. Any change of a tenant or in the ownership of any land
which is classified as a nonconforming use shall require the new tenant or owner to
obtain a certificate of occupancy or Registration of Land Use before the nonconforming
use may be continued.
(d) Change to less intense use. A nonconforming use may be changed to a less intense
nonconforming use subject to approval by the zoning administrator. The property
owner or tenant has the burden of providing evidence that the proposed use is less
intense than the existing nonconforming use. The zoning administrator shall consider
the evidence provided by the property owner or tenant in evaluating relative
intensities including, but not limited to, each of the following factors:
(1) Hours of operation.
(2) Signage.
(3) Off-street parking and loading.
(4) Nature of business operations.
(5) Type of equipment or machinery.
(6) Outdoor storage.
(7) Number of employees.
(8) Aesthetic impacts on surrounding property.
(9) Property values.
(e) Reduction in nonconformity. Any nonconformity which is reduced in size, intensity or
otherwise becomes more conforming may not again expand or become less
conforming.
(f) Nonconformity as a result of government action.
(1) When lot area, width or setbacks are reduced as a result of conveyance to a
federal, state, or local government for a public purpose and the remaining area is
at least 50 percent of the otherwise applicable standards, then that lot and any
structures existing at the time of public action shall be deemed to be in
compliance with the minimum lot area, lot width and setbacks of this chapter.
(g) Nonconforming parking.
(1) Any use on any property which contains a nonconforming parking lot or paved
area shall not be expanded unless the property is brought into compliance with
the standards contained in section 36-361. In addition to the other penalties
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provided by law, the city may withhold a certificate of occupancy for any property
not in compliance with this section.
(2) Any use which does not provide the number of parking spaces required by section
36-361(c) for the amount of parking provided may not be expanded unless it
provides the parking spaces required under this chapter for the expansion.
(3) Uses with nonconforming parking in terms of numbers of stalls shall need not be
required to provide additional parking to bring the use into compliance if such
parking would occupy required yards or interfere with screening requirements.
(h) Nonconforming landscaping. If buildings were existing on a parcel of land on the
effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived which, due to their
location, make construction of the required landscaping impossible, then an alternative
landscaping plan may be approved as outlined in section 364.
(i) Nonconforming impervious surface coverage. Impervious surfaces can be replaced
with other types of impervious surfaces so long as the amount of impervious surface is
not increased.
(j) Non-conforming rear yard. Additions may be made to a principal structure with a
nonconforming rear yard provided that the addition meets the rear yard requirements
of this chapter.
Secs. 36-19 to 36-39 reserved.
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ARTICLE II. GENERAL ZONING PROVISIONS
Sec. 36-40. Zoning districts established.
All land in the city shall be assigned to one of the following zoning districts:
(a) Neighborhood districts, see article III.
(1) N-1 neighborhood district
(2) N-2 neighborhood district
(3) N-3 neighborhood district
(4) N-4 neighborhood district
(b) Mixed use districts, see article IV.
(1) MU-1 neighborhood mixed use district
(2) MU-2 community mixed use district
(3) MU-3 transit oriented development mixed use district
(c) Business districts. B-1 general business district, see article IV.
(d) Industrial districts, see article IV.
(1) I-1 light industrial district
(2) I-2 general industrial district
(e) Park and open space districts. P-1 park and open space district, see article IV.
(f) PUD planned unit development districts, see article V.
Sec. 36-41. Overlay districts established.
Overlay districts are as follows:
(a) FW floodway district, see article VI, division 1.
(b) FF flood fringe district, see article VI, division 1.
(c) FP general floodplain district, see article VI, division 1.
(d) TDM travel demand management district, see article VI, division 2.
(e) HWL historic Walker Lake district, see article VI, division 3.
Sec. 36-42. Map.
The boundaries of the use districts listed in section 36-111 are shown on the zoning map, as
amended. The map is certified by the city clerk and is stored in the office of community
development and is referred to as the "zoning map" or "map," in this chapter. The map and all
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of the notations, references and other information shown on it shall have the same force and
effect as if fully set forth in this chapter and are hereby made a part of this chapter by
reference.
Sec. 36-43. Boundaries
(a) District boundary lines indicated on the zoning map follow lot lines, the center lines of
streets or alleys projected, railroad right of way lines, the center of watercourses, or
the corporate limit lines as they exist upon the effective date of the ordinance from
which this chapter is derived. If zoning district boundary lines do not follow any of the
above-described lines, the zoning district boundary lines are established as drawn on
the zoning map.
(b) Where a district boundary line divides a lot of record which was in single ownership at
the time of enactment of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived and places
portions of such lot of record in two or more use districts, any portion of such lot
within 50 feet on either side of dividing district boundary line may be used for any use
permitted in either use district. If the lot shall be wider than the 50-foot limitation, the
use district line as shown shall prevail.
(c) Appeals from the zoning administrator's determination and questions of doubt
concerning the exact location of district boundary lines shall be heard by the board of
zoning appeals.
(d) Whenever any street, alley or other public way is vacated by official action of the city,
the location of the zoning district line shall not be affected by such proceeding.
(e) A determination of whether a property is within the boundaries of the FW, FF or FP
district shall be made by the zoning administrator. Any person objecting to that
determination may appeal to the zoning administrator by submitting a topographic
survey which includes the contour of the flood protection elevation and the location
and elevation of all proposed structures. The zoning administrator may change the
determination based on the topographic survey, but the zoning administrator shall
notify the commissioner of the state department of natural resources at least ten days
before granting the permit. Provisions for the modification of floodplain district
boundaries are contained in division 8 of article IV of this chapter.
Sec. 36-44. Uses
(a) Interpretation of allowed uses:
(1) The only uses which can be made are those uses listed in the zoning district and
these are permitted only in the manner described by this chapter.
(2) Any person seeking to establish a use of land or a building which is not specifically
listed in any of the use categories in this chapter may ask the zoning administrator
which category of use shall be applied. The zoning administrator's decision will
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establish whether the proposed use is permitted under any of the categories in
this chapter. The zoning administrator shall consider functional similarities
between uses listed in this chapter and the proposed use including nuisance
characteristics, traffic, appearance and mode and hours of operation in making
this determination. The determination of the zoning administrator shall be in
writing and shall include a statement whether the use is designated as
"permitted," "permitted with standards," or "conditional." If the zoning
administrator determines that the proposed use is not permitted under any
category, that conclusion shall be stated in the written determination.
(b) Accessory uses shall be limited to a maximum area of 25% of the gross floor area of the
principal use unless otherwise specified by this chapter.
(c) The following definitions shall apply to the uses tables found in Tables XX, XX, XX:
(1) Permitted use: “P” indicates that a use is allowed by right, subject to compliance
with all other applicable provisions of this code.
(2) Permitted with standards use: “PS” indicates that a use is allowed when standards
identified in section 36-168 “Use-Specific Standards, Principal” are met. Uses
permitted with standards are also subject to all other applicable requirements of
this chapter. The use-specific standards shall apply when they are contradictory or
otherwise inconsistent with other applicable requirements in this chapter. Any
request to vary from the standards set forth for a permitted with standards use
shall be processed as a variance.
(3) Conditional use: “C ” indicates that a use is allowed only when standards identified
in section 36-168 “Use-Specific Standards, Principal” are met, and a conditional
use permit is issued by the city. Uses permitted by conditional use permit are also
subject to all other applicable requirements of this chapter. The use-specific
conditions shall apply when they are contradictory or otherwise inconsistent with
other applicable requirements in this chapter. Any request to vary from the
standards set forth for a conditional use permit shall be processed as a variance.
(4) Prohibited use: A blank cell in the use table indicates that the land use is
prohibited in that zoning district.
(d)
Sec. 36-45. Lot provisions.
(a) Limitations. Unless permitted by this section:
(1) A lot which does not conform with the lot width and lot area requirements of the
zoning district in which the lot is located shall not be a buildable lot unless the lot
already contains an occupiable structure.
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(2) A developed lot which does not meet the area or width requirements of this
chapter shall not be more intensively developed unless it is combined with one or
more abutting lots or parcels of land to create a lot meeting the requirements of
this chapter. This provision does not apply to single-unit dwellings.
(b) Lots of record, buildable.
(1) A lot of record existing upon the effective date of the ordinance from which this
chapter is derived in the N-1 or N-2 district, which does not meet either the area
or width requirements of this chapter required for a single-unit or two-unit
dwelling may be utilized for single-unit or two-unit dwelling purposes if the
dimensions of its area and width shown exactly on the plat of record, meet the
requirements of this chapter.
(2) Any single-unit or two-unit dwelling which exists on the effective date of the
ordinance from which this chapter is derived on any substandard lot located within
a N district which is later destroyed by fire or other natural disaster or otherwise
removed may be rebuilt if a building permit for reconstruction is issued within 365
days of its destruction and if it otherwise is in conformance with the provisions of
this chapter.
(3) Any substandard lot which is in common ownership with an abutting lot on or after
the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived may not be
developed. No building permit shall be issued for such development unless the
two lots are combined to increase the substandard dimension of the lot to meet
the area and width requirements of this chapter. Under these circumstances, only
one single-unit dwelling may be built on the two lots.
(c) Except as specifically permitted, all activities conducted in a MU, B, or I district shall be
conducted wholly within an enclosed structure. This provision does not apply to off-
street vehicular parking or off-street loading.
Sec. 36-46. No sewer and water.
(a) All developments and structures intended for human use or occupancy shall be
connected to the public water supply and sanitary sewer systems.
(b) If a development is proposed for a site which does not have either a public water
supply or sanitary sewer system available adjacent to the property proposed to be
developed, no building permit shall be issued for such development until adequate
provisions have been made by the person proposing the development to provide
public water supply and sanitary sewer service to the property. The city shall
determine what constitutes adequate water and sewer service.
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(c) The city may also require that a surety in a form approved by the city manager be
provided to the city in an amount equal to 125% of the estimated cost of extending
public water and sanitary sewer facilities to the subject property.
(d) No certificate of occupancy shall be issued until the new structure or development is
connected to the public water supply and sanitary sewer system.
Sec. 36-47. Utility service lines
(a) New structures and structures which expand the gross square footage of the structure
by more than 50% shall be required to place all utility service lines including electric,
gas, water, sanitary sewer, telephone and cable underground. Any new service to an
existing building shall be placed underground.
Sec. 36-48. Required yards and open space.
(a) The area of a yard or designed outdoor recreation area shall not be reduced below the
minimum size required by this chapter.
(b) If the existing designed outdoor recreation area is less than the minimum size required
by this chapter, it shall not be reduced in size.
(c) On a through lot, both street lines shall be front lot lines for the application of this
chapter.
Sec. 36-49. Permitted yard encroachments.
(a) No permanent structure may be placed in an easement without first obtaining
approval of an encroachment agreement.
(b) The following may encroach on yard requirements provided all structures are located
entirely upon the private property of the party requiring or requesting the construction
of the structure, the encroachment is within height limitations of this Code and
ornamental structures are constructed so the finished side is facing towards the
neighboring properties, exposing the structural side to the party requiring or
requesting the structure:
(1) Front enclosed entryways not exceeding a depth of five feet toward the front lot
line and not exceeding a total of 40 square feet in area.
(2) Balconies, bays and window wells not exceeding a depth of three feet and
containing an area of less than 20 square feet.
(3) Chimney, flues, belt courses, leaders, sills, pilasters, lintels, ornamental features,
cornices, and eaves; provided they do not extend more than three feet into a
required yard; and provided such encroachment is no closer than four feet from all
lot lines. Building overhangs shall also comply with the state building code.
(4) Gutters up to six inches wide.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 6 General Zoning Provisions
(5) Steps which do not extend above the ground floor level of the principal building
may encroach up to five feet into any yard.
(6) Stoops which do not extend above the ground floor level of the principal building
and do not exceed 25 square feet.
(7) Canopies and door hoods.
a. In the N-1 and N-2 districts, door hoods and canopies may extend up to four
feet into a front and side yard abutting a street.
b. In all other N, MU and B districts, door hoods and canopies may extend to the
front lot line and side lot line abutting a street.
(8) Open covered porches that do not contain either windows or screens may extend
up to 10 feet into a front and rear yard. Porches shall be open between the floor
and the ceiling. All railings shall be open utilizing posts and spindles.
(9) Uncovered porches, patios or decks.
a. Uncovered porches, patios or decks which do not extend above the height of
the ground floor level of the principal building may be located a minimum of
two feet from any interior side or rear lot line and 15 feet from any front lot
line. Encroachment on any side yard abutting a street is prohibited.
b. Non-residential properties: Ground level patios and decks may extend up to
the property line provided it is part of a non-residential use, adjacent to a
right of way or a non-residential property, and does not encroach into an
easement without prior approval.
(10) Driveways, parking areas and pedestrian sidewalks subject to the requirements of
sections 36-162 and 36-361.
(11) Enclosed pedestrian walkways meeting the following standards:
a. The walls of the walkway shall conform with the class I exterior materials
requirements of this chapter.
b. Such walkways may be no more than 16 feet wide and 12 feet in height from
floor to ceiling.
c. A clearance of 16 feet six inches is required if the walkway is above a traveled
roadway.
d. The properties connected by the walkways must submit documents that
indicate their agreement to build the arrangement for maintenance of the
walkway, and under what conditions the walkways might be removed.
e. The location of any pedestrian walkway shall be approved by the director of
public works and community development director. Approval shall not be
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 7 General Zoning Provisions
granted for any walkway that does not provide a satisfactory means to access
any utility or public trail lying under or adjacent to the walkway.
(12) Heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment in side and rear yards in N-1
and N-2. None of that equipment shall extend more than six feet from the
principal structure and shall be no closer than one foot to the property line..
(13) Fences and retaining walls subject to the requirements of section 36-74 and
provided the retaining walls are necessary to correct grade differences and height
is minimized via terracing where feasible. Where a fence is attached to a retaining
wall structure, the retaining wall shall be included in the fence height
measurement.
(14) Yard lights and the nameplate signs for one-unit and two-unit dwellings in the N-1
and N-2 districts.
(15) Floodlights or other sources of light illuminating authorized illuminated signs, or
illuminating parking areas, loading areas, or yards for safety and security purposes
if these meet the regulations of section 36-363.
(16) Railroad
a. Feeder tracks which provide access to buildings and structures in the I-1 and I-
2 districts. No loading or unloading may be done from railroad cars on any
feeder track in any front yard.
b. Railroad spurs and sidings for loading and unloading of railroad cars in the I-1
and I-2 districts may encroach on side and rear yard requirements.
Sec. 36-50. Traffic visibility.
(a) Walls, fences, structures, trees, shrubs, vegetation or other obstructions shall be
permitted in any yard as regulated in this article except when it poses a danger to
traffic by obscuring the view from any street, roadway or alley.
(b) Visibility from any street or roadway shall be unobstructed above the height of two and
one-half feet and below five feet within the triangle described as beginning from a
point at the intersection of the extension of the existing curblines of the two streets,
and extending a distance of 30 feet along the edge of each street. This defines two
sides of the triangle. The third side is a line connecting the end points of the two sides
described in this subsection.
(c) Visibility from the intersection of any street or roadway and an alley shall be
unobstructed above the height of two and one-half feet and below five feet within the
triangle described as beginning from a point at the intersection of the extension of the
existing curblines or pavement edges or, if unpaved, the edge of the traveled surface of
the street and alley, and extending a distance of 15 feet along the edge of each street.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 8 General Zoning Provisions
This defines two sides of the triangle. The third side is a line connecting the end points
of the sides described in subsection (b) of this section.
(d) Visibility from the intersection of any two alleys shall be unobstructed above the height
of two and one-half feet and below five feet within the triangle described as beginning
from a point at the intersection of the extension of the existing curblines or pavement
edges of the two alleys, and extending a distance of ten feet along the edge of each
alley. This defines two sides of the triangle. The third side is a line connecting the end
points of the two sides described in subsection (b) of this section.
Sec. 36-51. Building height limitations.
(a) Height limitations set forth elsewhere in this ordinance shall be increased by 50
percent when applied to the following structures:
(1) Art objects in neighborhood districts and accessory to permitted principal non-
residential uses (places of worship, schools, parks, etc.) in neighborhood districts.
(2) Belfries.
(3) Chimneys.
(4) Church spires.
(5) Cooling towers.
(6) Cupolas and domes which do not add additional floor area.
(7) Elevator penthouses.
(8) Fire and hose towers.
(9) Flagpoles.
(10) Monuments.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 9 General Zoning Provisions
(11) Observation towers.
(12) Smokestacks.
(b) Parapet walls extending not more than three feet above the limiting height of the
building are permitted.
(c) Water towers are exempt from height limitations.
(d) Building integrated solar energy system extending not more than three feet above the
limiting height of the building are permitted.
Sec. 36-52. Essential services.
(a) Essential services shall be permitted as authorized and regulated by state law and
ordinances of the city. Such essential services are exempt from the application of this
chapter, except when they are conducted in the FW, FF and FP overlay districts.
Secs. 36-53 to 36-73 reserved.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 1 Neighborhood Districts
ARTICLE III. NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICTS
Sec. 36-74. Purpose of division.
(a) The provisions of this division deal with the city’s neighborhood districts including the
appropriate uses of land and the forms of structures for residential and compatible
non-residential uses.
Sec. 36-75. District purpose statements.
(a) The N-1 district is consistent with the low-density residential land use category in the
comprehensive plan. This district is intended to:
(1) Provide a compatible mix of housing types at the same scale allowed for a single-
unit dwelling.
(2) Allow non-residential uses limited to city facilities, educational, childcare, and
places of worship. Home occupations are encouraged and required to be
consistent with the residential character of the neighborhood.
(3) Accommodate a variety of property sizes with housing types properly scaled to the
size of the property.
(b) The N-2 district is consistent with the medium-density residential land use category in
the comprehensive plan. It is intended to:
(1) Provide a mix of house scale and low-rise housing types beyond those allowed in
the N-1 district, such as low-rise multiple-unit buildings that retain compatibility
with the scale of housing allowed in the N-1 district.
(2) Allow non-residential uses are limited to city facilities, educational, childcare, and
places of worship. Home occupations are encouraged and required to be
consistent with the residential character of the neighborhood.
(3) Support neighborhood commercial businesses and transit by focusing on transit-
priority streets and encouraging close proximity to small commercial nodes.
(c) The N-3 district is consistent with the high-density residential land use category in the
comprehensive plan. It is intended to:
(1) Provide low-rise and mid-rise multiple-unit housing types.
(2) Allow non-residential uses limited to city facilities, educational, childcare, and
places of worship. Home occupations are encouraged and required to be
consistent with the residential character of the neighborhood.
(3) Support neighborhood commercial businesses and transit by focusing on transit-
priority streets and close proximity to employment areas.
(4) Provide access to parks and open spaces. Access can be provided by being located
adjacent to large parks and open spaces, schools, or by off-street sidewalk and/or
trail access.
(d) The N-4 district is consistent with the high-density residential land use category in the
comprehensive plan. It is intended to:
(1) Provide mid-rise and high-rise multiple-unit housing types.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 2 Neighborhood Districts
(2) Allow non-residential uses limited to city facilities, educational, childcare, and
places of worship. Home occupations are encouraged and required to be
consistent with the residential character of the neighborhood.
(3) Support neighborhood commercial businesses and transit by focusing on transit-
priority streets and being adjacent to employment areas.
(4) Have access to parks and open spaces. Access can be provided by being located
adjacent to large parks and open spaces, schools, or by off-street sidewalk and/or
trail access.
Sec. 36-76. Principal uses.
(a) Table 36-163(a) lists land uses and indicates whether they are permitted, permitted
with standards, conditional, or prohibited.
(b) The following definitions shall be referenced when using Table 36-163(a):
(1) Permitted Use: A “P” indicates that a use is allowed by right, subject to compliance
with all other applicable provisions of this code.
(2) Permitted with Standards Use: A “PS” indicates that a use is allowed when
standards identified in section 36-168 “Use-Specific Standards, Principal” are met.
Uses permitted with standards are also subject to all other applicable
requirements of this chapter. The use-specific standards shall apply when they are
contradictory or otherwise inconsistent with other applicable requirements in this
chapter. Any request to vary from the standards set forth for a permitted with
standards use shall be processed as a variance.
(3) Conditional Use: A “C ” indicates that a use is allowed only when standards
identified in section 36-168 “Use-Specific Standards, Principal” are met, and a
conditional use permit is issued by the city. Uses permitted by conditional use
permit are also subject to all other applicable requirements of this chapter. The
use-specific conditions shall apply when they are contradictory or otherwise
inconsistent with other applicable requirements in this chapter. Any request to
vary from the standards set forth for a conditional use permit shall be processed as
a variance.
(4) Prohibited Use: A blank cell in the use table indicates that the land use is
prohibited in that zoning district.
Table 36-75(a). Principal Uses in Neighborhood Districts
Neighborhood Districts Use Specific
Standards
Use Type N-1 N-2 N-3 N-4
Residential
Household Living
Dwelling, single-unit PS PS
Dwelling, single-unit small PS PS
Dwelling, two-unit (duplex) PS PS
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 3 Neighborhood Districts
Table 36-75(a). Principal Uses in Neighborhood Districts
Neighborhood Districts Use Specific
Standards
Use Type N-1 N-2 N-3 N-4
Dwelling, two-unit attached
(twinhome) PS PS
Dwelling, detached courtyard
cottage/bungalow PS PS
Dwelling, three-unit PS PS
Dwelling, four-unit PS
Dwelling, townhouse (small) PS PS PS
Dwelling, apartment (low-rise) PS PS PS
Dwelling, townhouse (large) PS PS
Dwelling, apartment (mid-rise) PS PS
Dwelling, apartment (high-rise) PS
Manufactured home park C C C C
Dwelling, existing single-unit
detached P P P P
Group Living
Group home PS PS PS PS
Nursing home PS PS PS
Roominghouse P P P
State-licensed residential facility PS PS PS PS
Lodging
Bed and breakfast establishment PS PS
Hostel PS PS
Public, Social, & Institutional
Community center C C C C
Educational (academic) facility with
20 or fewer students PS PS PS PS
Educational (academic) facility with
more than 20 students C C C C
Library C C C C
Municipal, county, state, or federal
administrative or service facility PS PS PS PS
Police/fire station PS PS PS PS
Religious institution C C C C
Commercial
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 4 Neighborhood Districts
Table 36-75(a). Principal Uses in Neighborhood Districts
Neighborhood Districts Use Specific
Standards
Use Type N-1 N-2 N-3 N-4
Adult day care PS PS PS PS
Group day care/nursery school PS PS PS PS
Office less than 2,500 square feet PS PS PS
Office in existence or having
received preliminary office
development approval by March 1,
1999
P P
Recreation
Country club C
Golf course C
Park and open space P P P P
Park/recreation PS PS PS PS
Transportation and Utilities
Communication tower that is 45 feet
or less in height PS PS PS PS
Communication tower more than 45
feet in height but does not exceed 70
feet in height
C C C C
Public service structure PS PS PS PS
Transit station P P P
Wireless telecommunication facility P P P P
Sec. 36-77. Accessory uses.
(a) Table 36-164(a) lists accessory land uses and indicates whether they are permitted,
permitted with standards, conditional, or prohibited.
(b) The following definitions shall be referenced when using Table 36-164(a):
(5) Permitted Use: A “P” indicates that a use is allowed by right, subject to compliance
with all other applicable provisions of this code.
(6) Permitted with Standards Use: A “PS” indicates that a use is allowed when
standards identified in section 36-169 “Use-Specific Standards, Accessory” are
met. Uses permitted with standards are also subject to all other applicable
requirements of this chapter. Any request to vary from the standards set forth for
a permitted with standards use shall be processed as a variance.
(7) Conditional Use: A “C ” indicates that a use is allowed only if a conditional use
permit is issued by the city after compliance with the procedure and requirements
set forth in section 36-33 “Conditional Use Permit.”
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 5 Neighborhood Districts
(8) Prohibited Use: A blank cell in the use table indicates that the land use is
prohibited in that zoning district.
Table 36-77(a). Accessory Uses
Neighborhood Districts Use
Specific
Standards Use Type N-1 N-2 N-3 N-4
Accessory Uses
Accessory dwelling unit PS PS
Accessory dwelling unit affiliated with a
place of worship PS PS PS PS
Accessory building PS PS PS PS
Accessory structure PS PS PS PS
Adult day care in a place of worship,
community center, or nursing home PS PS PS PS
Boarders or roomers PS PS PS PS
Catering PS P
Community garden PS PS PS PS
Electric vehicle charging station P P P P
Family day care facility serving 14 or fewer
persons PS PS PS PS
Gardening and other horticultural uses P P P P
Group day care/nursery school in a place of
worship, community center, or educational
(academic) institution
PS PS PS PS
Helistop PS PS
Home occupation PS PS PS PS
Living quarters of persons employed for
domestic or medical purposes on the
premises
PS PS PS PS
Mikvah pool PS PS PS PS
Parking lot P P P P
Parking ramp PS PS
Residential swimming pool, whirlpool, or
sport court PS PS PS PS
Solar energy system PS PS PS PS
Student housing PS PS
Temporary use PS PS PS PS
Wind energy conversion system (WECS) PS PS PS PS
Wireless telecommunication facility P P P P
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 6 Neighborhood Districts
Sec. 36-78. Lot dimension standards.
(a) Table 36-77(a) establishes the minimum lot width and lot area standards for the N-1,
N-2, N-3 and N-4 districts. If a use permitted in the district by PS or C requires a greater
standard, then the greater standard shall apply.
Table 36-77(a). Lot Dimensional Standards
District Use Type
Lot width
minimum
with alley (ft)1
Lot width
minimum
without alley
(ft)1
Lot area
minimum
with alley (sq
ft)1
Lot area
minimum
without alley (sq
ft)1
N-1
Dwelling, single-unit small [only lots
with alleys]
30 3,600
Dwelling, single-unit 40 50 4,800 6,000
Dwelling, two-unit (duplex) 40 50 4,800 6,000
Dwelling, two-unit attached
(twinhome)
25 [50] 35 [70] 3,125 [6,250] 4,375 [8,750]
Dwelling, detached courtyard
cottages/bungalows
100 110 13,000 14,300
Dwelling, three-unit 60 70 7,800 9,100
All other uses 60 70 7,800 9,100
N-2
Dwelling, single-unit small [only lots
with alleys]
30 3,600
Dwelling, single-unit 40 50 4,800 6,000
Dwelling, two-unit (duplex) 40 50 4,800 6,000
Dwelling, two-unit attached
(twinhome)
25 [50] 35 [70] 3,125 [6,250] 4,375 [8,750]
Dwelling, detached courtyard
cottages/bungalows
100 110 13,000 14,300
Dwelling, three-unit 60 70 7,800 9,100
Dwelling, four-unit 60 70 7,800 9,100
Dwelling, townhouse (small) 20 20 2,600 2,600
Dwelling, apartment (low-rise) 60 70 7,800 9,100
All other uses 60 70 7,800 9,100
N-3
Dwelling, townhouse (small) 20 20 2,600 2,600
Dwelling, apartment (low-rise) 60 70 7,800 9,100
Dwelling, townhouse (large) 20 20 2,600 2,600
Dwelling, apartment (mid-rise) 60 70 7,800 9,100
All other uses 60 70 7,800 9,100
N-4
Dwelling, townhouse (small) 20 20 2,600 2,600
Dwelling, apartment (low-rise) 60 70 7,800 9,100
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 7 Neighborhood Districts
Table 36-77(a). Lot Dimensional Standards
District Use Type
Lot width
minimum
with alley (ft)1
Lot width
minimum
without alley
(ft)1
Lot area
minimum
with alley (sq
ft)1
Lot area
minimum
without alley (sq
ft)1
Dwelling, townhouse (large) 20 20 2,600 2,600
Dwelling, apartment (mid-rise) 60 70 7,800 9,100
Dwelling, apartment (high-rise) 60 70 7,800 9,100
All other uses 60 70 7,800 9,100
Table notes:
1 Except where subdivisions for the purpose of establishing condominium ownership result in lot sizes smaller than
the established minimum. Any parcels which are subdivided for the purpose of creating condominium ownership are
permitted provided that the overall density created within all condominium parcels plus the common lot do not
exceed the maximum density permitted within the zoning district as established in the comprehensive plan.
Sec. 36-79. Site dimension standards.
(a) Table 36-78(a) establishes the minimum yard setback standards for the N-1, N-2, N-3
and N-4 districts. If a use permitted in the district by PS or C requires a greater
standard, then the greater standard shall apply.
Table 36-78(a). Yard Setback Standards
District Use Type
Front
Yard
Minimum
(feet)1,2
Side Yard
Abutting
a Street
Minimum
(feet)3,4
Side Yard
Interior
Minimum
(feet) for
Attached
Garage or
Lot with
Alley3, 4
Side Yard
Interior
Minimum
(feet) for
Detached
Garage on
Lot
without
Alley3, 4, 5
Rear Yard
Minimum
(feet)6
Perimeter
Yard
Minimum
(feet)
N-1
Dwelling, single-
unit small [only lots
with alleys]
25 9
5 9/5 25
Dwelling, single-
unit 5 9/5 25
Dwelling, two-unit
(duplex) 5 9/5 25
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 8 Neighborhood Districts
Table 36-78(a). Yard Setback Standards
District Use Type
Front
Yard
Minimum
(feet)1,2
Side Yard
Abutting
a Street
Minimum
(feet)3,4
Side Yard
Interior
Minimum
(feet) for
Attached
Garage or
Lot with
Alley3, 4
Side Yard
Interior
Minimum
(feet) for
Detached
Garage on
Lot
without
Alley3, 4, 5
Rear Yard
Minimum
(feet)6
Perimeter
Yard
Minimum
(feet)
Dwelling, two-unit
attached
(twinhome)
5 9/5 25
Dwelling, three-
unit 5 9/5 25
Dwelling, detached
courtyard cottages/
bungalows
10
All other uses 10 10 25
N-2
Dwelling, single-
unit small [only lots
with alleys]
25 9
5 9/5 25
Dwelling, single-
unit 5 9/5 25
Dwelling, two-unit
(duplex) 5 9/5 25
Dwelling, two-unit
attached
(twinhome)
5 9/5 25
Dwelling, detached
courtyard cottages/
bungalows
10
Dwelling, three-
unit 5 9/5 25
Dwelling, four-unit 5 9/5 25
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 9 Neighborhood Districts
Table 36-78(a). Yard Setback Standards
District Use Type
Front
Yard
Minimum
(feet)1,2
Side Yard
Abutting
a Street
Minimum
(feet)3,4
Side Yard
Interior
Minimum
(feet) for
Attached
Garage or
Lot with
Alley3, 4
Side Yard
Interior
Minimum
(feet) for
Detached
Garage on
Lot
without
Alley3, 4, 5
Rear Yard
Minimum
(feet)6
Perimeter
Yard
Minimum
(feet)
Dwelling,
townhouse (small) 10 10 25
20 feet if
adjacent to N-
1 district
Dwelling,
apartment (low-
rise)
10 10 25
All other uses 10 10 25
N-3
Dwelling,
townhouse (small) 15 15 10 10 10
20 feet if
adjacent to N-
1 district
Dwelling,
apartment (low-
rise)
15 15 10 10 10
20 feet if
adjacent to N-
1 district
Dwelling,
townhouse (large)
30 feet if
adjacent to N-
1 or N-2
districts
Dwelling,
apartment (mid-
rise)
30 feet if
adjacent to N-
1 or N-2
districts
All other uses 30 feet if
adjacent to N-
1 or N-2
districts
N-4
Dwelling,
townhouse (small) 15 15 10 10 10
20 feet if
adjacent to N-
1 district
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 10 Neighborhood Districts
Table 36-78(a). Yard Setback Standards
District Use Type
Front
Yard
Minimum
(feet)1,2
Side Yard
Abutting
a Street
Minimum
(feet)3,4
Side Yard
Interior
Minimum
(feet) for
Attached
Garage or
Lot with
Alley3, 4
Side Yard
Interior
Minimum
(feet) for
Detached
Garage on
Lot
without
Alley3, 4, 5
Rear Yard
Minimum
(feet)6
Perimeter
Yard
Minimum
(feet)
Dwelling,
apartment (low-
rise)
20 feet if
adjacent to N-
1 district
Dwelling,
townhouse (large)
30 feet if
adjacent to N-
1 or N-2
districts
Dwelling,
apartment (mid-
rise)
30 feet if
adjacent to N-
1 or N-2
districts
Half the
building
height if
adjacent to N-
1, N-2, or N-3
districts
Dwelling,
apartment (high-
rise)
All other uses 30 feet if
adjacent to N-
1 or N-2
districts
Table Notes:
1 For N-1 and N-2 districts, the minimum yard is the requirement listed in the table, or the front yard of the
house closest to the front lot line on the block front, whichever is greater. See additional exceptions in
Section 36-73.
2 For N-1 and N-2 districts, through lots shall have a required front yard on each street.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 11 Neighborhood Districts
Table 36-78(a). Yard Setback Standards
District Use Type
Front
Yard
Minimum
(feet)1,2
Side Yard
Abutting
a Street
Minimum
(feet)3,4
Side Yard
Interior
Minimum
(feet) for
Attached
Garage or
Lot with
Alley3, 4
Side Yard
Interior
Minimum
(feet) for
Detached
Garage on
Lot
without
Alley3, 4, 5
Rear Yard
Minimum
(feet)6
Perimeter
Yard
Minimum
(feet)
3 The width of the side yard abutting a building wall shall be increased two inches for each foot the length of
the wall exceeds 40 feet (N-1, N-2) or 50 feet (N-3, N-4). The additional yard requirement applies only to
that portion of the wall exceeding the listed 40 or 50 foot length.
4 For the purposes of applying this side yard requirement, a wall includes any building wall within ten
degrees of being parallel to and abutting the side lot line. Side yard widths may be reduced if the side wall
of a building is not parallel by more than ten degrees with the side lot line. The minimum side yard shall be
met by the average depth of the side yard. No side yard shall be less than five feet deep.
5 No side yard shall be reduced to prevent construction of a driveway from the street into the rear of the lot
unless an attached garage which has access from the street is located on the lot or an alley provides access
to the rear yard of the lot.
6 For N-1 and N-2 districts, if a corner lot has a rear lot line which is common with the side lot line of
another lot, no building shall occupy that portion of the rear yard of the corner lot that abuts the front yard
of the other lot for a distance equal to the depth of the front yard of that other lot or 30 feet, whichever is
less, measured from the common property line of the two lots extending toward the front lot line of the
corner lot on a line perpendicular to the common lot line of the two lots. See the following diagram.
Common Rear / Side Lot Lines
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 12 Neighborhood Districts
Table 36-78(a). Yard Setback Standards
District Use Type
Front
Yard
Minimum
(feet)1,2
Side Yard
Abutting
a Street
Minimum
(feet)3,4
Side Yard
Interior
Minimum
(feet) for
Attached
Garage or
Lot with
Alley3, 4
Side Yard
Interior
Minimum
(feet) for
Detached
Garage on
Lot
without
Alley3, 4, 5
Rear Yard
Minimum
(feet)6
Perimeter
Yard
Minimum
(feet)
7 When two numbers are listed as a yard, then both shall apply. One on one side, the other on the other
side. In the case of a corner lot, the required side yard abutting a street shall take the place of the greater
yard.
(b) Table 36-78(b) establishes the minimum building, outdoor recreation, and lot coverage
for the N-1, N-2, N-3 and N-4 districts.
Table 36-78(b). Building, Outdoor Recreation, and Lot Coverage Standards
District Housing Type
Building
Height
Maximum
(feet)1
Distance
Between
Buildings
Minimum
(feet)
DORA
Minimum
Principal
Building
Coverage
Maximum
Impervious
Surface
Coverage
Maximum
N-1
Dwelling, single-
unit small [only
lots with alleys]
30
35% 60%
Dwelling, single-
unit
Dwelling, two-unit
(duplex)
Dwelling, two-unit
attached
(twinhome)
Dwelling,
detached
courtyard
cottages/
bungalows
10
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 13 Neighborhood Districts
Table 36-78(b). Building, Outdoor Recreation, and Lot Coverage Standards
District Housing Type
Building
Height
Maximum
(feet)1
Distance
Between
Buildings
Minimum
(feet)
DORA
Minimum
Principal
Building
Coverage
Maximum
Impervious
Surface
Coverage
Maximum
Dwelling, three-
unit 30 35% 60%
All other uses
N-2
Dwelling, single-
unit small [only
lots with alleys]
40
35% 60%
Dwelling, single-
unit 35% 60%
Dwelling, two-unit
(duplex) 35% 60%
Dwelling, two-unit
attached
(twinhome)
35% 60%
Dwelling,
detached
courtyard
cottages/
bungalows
10 35% 60%
Dwelling, three-
unit 35% 60%
Dwelling, four-
unit 35% 75%
Dwelling,
townhouse (small) 15 12% 75%
Dwelling,
apartment (low-
rise)
15 12% 80%
All other uses 80%
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 14 Neighborhood Districts
Table 36-78(b). Building, Outdoor Recreation, and Lot Coverage Standards
District Housing Type
Building
Height
Maximum
(feet)1
Distance
Between
Buildings
Minimum
(feet)
DORA
Minimum
Principal
Building
Coverage
Maximum
Impervious
Surface
Coverage
Maximum
N-3
Dwelling,
townhouse (small)
75
15 12% 75%
Dwelling,
apartment (low-
rise)
1/2 the
building
height
12% 80%
Dwelling,
townhouse (large) 15 12% 80%
Dwelling,
apartment (mid-
rise)
1/2 the
building
height
12% 85%
All other uses 85%
N-4
Dwelling,
townhouse (small)
More than 75
15 12% 80%
Dwelling,
apartment (low-
rise)
1/2 the
building
height
12% 80%
Dwelling,
townhouse (large) 15 12% 80%
Dwelling,
apartment (mid-
rise)
1/2 the
building
height
12% 85%
Dwelling,
apartment (high-
rise)
1/2 the
building
height
12% 85%
All other uses 85%
Table Notes:
1 Building height maximum is subject to exceptions in section 36-78.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 15 Neighborhood Districts
Secs. 36-80 to 36-100 reserved.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 1 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
ARTICLE IV. MIXED USE, BUSINESS, INDUSTRIAL, AND PARK DISTRICTS
Sec. 36-101. Applicability.
(a) The provisions of this article deal with the city’s non-neighborhood districts
including the appropriate uses of land and the forms of structures for business,
residential, and other compatible uses.
Sec. 36-102. District purpose statements.
The following statements specify the purposes of each base district established to regulate the
areas of the city considered appropriate for mixed use, business, industrial and park uses:
(a) MU-1 neighborhood mixed use district. The MU-1 neighborhood mixed use district
is consistent with the mixed use land use category in the comprehensive plan. This
district is intended to:
(1) Promote investment and infill development within the district by allowing
flexibility of uses and a mix of uses including limited-scale residential, commercial
and light industrial;
(2) Integrate new development with its surroundings by encouraging connections for
pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles;
(3) Integrate new development with its surroundings by considering compatible use,
scale and operational transitions to neighborhood uses;
(4) Promote flexibility in parking requirements, including shared parking and
optimization of existing parking areas; and
(5) Promote high quality architectural design and materials and innovative site
design.
(b) MU-2 community mixed use district. The MU-2 community mixed use district is
consistent with the mixed use land use category in the comprehensive plan. This
district is intended to:
(1) Provide appropriate areas for and facilitate quality development of a mix of small-
and medium-scale commercial and residential uses in activity centers that serve
the broader community;
(2) Support a variety of medium density residential housing types to assure activity,
support a mix of uses and enhance the housing choices of city residents;
(3) Integrate new development with its surroundings by encouraging connections for
pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles;
(4) Further integrate new development with its surroundings by assuring compatible
use, scale and operational transitions to neighborhood uses;
(5) Promote high quality architectural design, materials, and innovative site design
that minimizes surface parking and retains open space.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 2 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
(c) MU-3 transit oriented development mixed use district. The MU-3 transit oriented
development mixed use district is consistent with the transit-oriented development
and office land use categories in the comprehensive plan. This district is intended to:
(1) Facilitate quality development of a mix of medium- and large-scale commercial
and residential uses in and around transit corridors;
(2) Support a variety of medium and high-density residential housing types to assure
activity, support a mix of uses and enhance the housing choices of city residents;
(3) Integrate new development with its surroundings by encouraging connections for
pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles;
(4) Further integrate new development with its surroundings by assuring compatible
uses, scale and operational transitions to neighborhood uses;
(5) Promote high quality architectural design, materials and innovative site design that
minimizes surface parking.
(d) B-1 general business district. The B-1 general business district is consistent with the
commercial land use category in the comprehensive plan. This district is intended to:
(1) Provide appropriate areas for a concentration of general commercial development,
including auto-oriented and large-scale commercial uses;
(2) Provide adequate space to meet the needs of larger-scale commercial
development, including off-street parking and truck loading areas; and
(3) Carefully regulate the intensity of commercial development as it refers to both
internal site factors and external impacts.
(e) I-1 light industrial district. The I-1 light industrial district is consistent with the industrial
land use category in the comprehensive plan. This district is intended to:
(1) Encourage the creation of significant employment centers that accommodate a
diverse mix of office and light industrial uses and jobs;
(2) Provide locations for industrial enterprises of various scales which are not typically
associated with high levels of noise, soot, odors and other potential nuisance
impacts;
(3) Promote and support the redevelopment or rehabilitation of physically and
economically obsolete or underutilized buildings and sites;
(4) Integrate new development with its surroundings by creating strong multimodal
connections to adjacent public streets and spaces, natural features, transit and
other community amenities;
(5) Promote high quality architectural design, materials, and innovative site design
that enhances compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood and promotes
flexibility in parking requirements to allow for multimodal use of available transit
and regional trail facilities.
(f) I-2 general industrial district. The I-2 general industrial district is consistent with the
industrial land use category in the comprehensive plan. This district is intended to:
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 3 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
(1) Provide locations for large- and small-scale industrial enterprises engaged in such
activities as manufacturing, processing, assembly, outdoor storage and
warehousing;
(2) Promote and support the redevelopment or rehabilitation of physically and
economically obsolete or underutilized buildings and sites;
(3) Integrate new development with its surroundings by creating strong multimodal
connections to adjacent public streets and spaces, natural features, transit and
other community amenities;
(4) Promote high quality architectural design, materials, and innovative site design
that enhances compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood and promotes
flexibility in parking requirements to allow for multimodal use of available transit
and regional trail facilities.
(g) P-1 park and open space district. The P-1 park and open space district is consistent with
the parks and open space land use category in the comprehensive plan. This district is
intended to identify and preserve city-owned parks, undevelopable land and areas with
valuable environmental qualities serving as open space to ensure the continued health,
safety and welfare of the community and to provide a location for recreational
activities. This district recognizes existing parks and protects those locations for local
park use and related public facilities and uses intended to serve the community.
Sec. 36-103. Principal uses
(a) Table 36-102 lists land uses and indicates whether they are permitted, permitted with
standards, conditional or prohibited (see section 36-XXX).
(b) Mixed use. All regulations applicable to each use in a mixed-use development or a
property with multiple uses shall be applicable, except for parking for mixed-use
development within the HWL Historic Walker Lake overlay district, section 36-XXX.
Table 36-102. Principal Uses in Mixed Use, Business, Industrial and Park Districts
(P = permitted; PS = permitted with standards; C = permitted with CUP)
Mixed Use Districts Business
Districts
Industrial
Districts
Park
and
Open
Space
Districts
Use-Specific
Standards
Use Types MU-1 MU-2 MU-3 B-1 I-1 I-2 P-1
Residential Uses
Household Living
Dwelling, apartment (low-
rise) PS PS
Dwelling, townhouse
(large) PS
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 4 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
Table 36-102. Principal Uses in Mixed Use, Business, Industrial and Park Districts
(P = permitted; PS = permitted with standards; C = permitted with CUP)
Mixed Use Districts Business
Districts
Industrial
Districts
Park
and
Open
Space
Districts
Use-Specific
Standards
Dwelling, apartment mixed
use (low-rise) PS PS PS
Dwelling, apartment mixed
use (mid-rise) PS PS PS
Dwelling, apartment mixed
use (high-rise) C PS
Dwelling, live/work unit PS PS PS PS
Manufactured home park C C C C
Group Living
State-licensed residential
facility PS PS PS PS
Nursing home PS PS PS
Lodging
Hotel/motel PS PS PS PS
Public, Social, &
Institutional Uses
Business/trade
school/college PS PS PS PS P
Educational facility PS PS PS PS
Hospital C
Medical/dental clinic or
office P P P P
Municipal, county, state,
or federal administrative
or service facility
P P P P P P P
Place of assembly PS PS PS PS PS PS
Religious institution PS PS PS PS PS PS
Commercial Uses
Personal Services and
Businesses
Adult day care PS PS PS PS PS
Animal handling PS PS PS PS PS PS
Animal handling, limited PS PS PS PS
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 5 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
Table 36-102. Principal Uses in Mixed Use, Business, Industrial and Park Districts
(P = permitted; PS = permitted with standards; C = permitted with CUP)
Mixed Use Districts Business
Districts
Industrial
Districts
Park
and
Open
Space
Districts
Use-Specific
Standards
Appliance, small engine
and bicycle repair PS PS PS PS PS PS
Autobody/painting PS
Bank PS PS PS P
Cannabis retailer PS PS PS
Car wash C
Catering PS PS PS PS PS PS
Coffee shop P P P P
Dry cleaning or laundering
facility PS PS PS PS
Food service P P P P
Funeral home P P
Grocery store PS PS PS PS
Group day care/nursery
school PS PS PS PS
Liquor store PS PS PS
Lower potency hemp
edible retailer PS PS PS PS
Motor fuel station C C
Motor vehicle sales C
Motor vehicle service and
repair C PS
Parcel delivery service P P
Pawnshop C
Payday loan agency and
currency exchange C
Restaurant P PS PS PS PS
Retail or service
establishment P P P P
Self-storage facility PS PS
Sexually-oriented business,
high impact PS
Sexually-oriented business,
limited impact PS PS PS
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 6 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
Table 36-102. Principal Uses in Mixed Use, Business, Industrial and Park Districts
(P = permitted; PS = permitted with standards; C = permitted with CUP)
Mixed Use Districts Business
Districts
Industrial
Districts
Park
and
Open
Space
Districts
Use-Specific
Standards
Shopping center,
neighborhood PS PS PS PS
Shopping center,
community C C C
Showroom PS PS PS PS P P
Studio PS PS PS PS PS P
Vendor market PS PS PS PS
Professional
Office P P P P P PS
Research and
development P P P PS P P
Recreation
Commercial
entertainment, outdoor P P
Country club P
Golf course P
Park/open space P P P P P P P
Indoor entertainment PS PS PS PS PS PS
Park/recreation PS PS PS PS P P P
Industrial Uses
Anaerobic digester C
Cannabis operation PS
Composting operation PS
Hemp processor PS
Manufacturing/processing PS PS
Manufacturing/processing,
light PS P P
Microbrewery or
microdistillery PS PS PS PS PS P
Outdoor storage PS
Printing facility PS PS PS PS
Printing facility, industrial P P
Recycling operation P
Warehouse/storage PS PS
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 7 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
Table 36-102. Principal Uses in Mixed Use, Business, Industrial and Park Districts
(P = permitted; PS = permitted with standards; C = permitted with CUP)
Mixed Use Districts Business
Districts
Industrial
Districts
Park
and
Open
Space
Districts
Use-Specific
Standards
Transportation and
Utilities Uses
Communication tower,
less than 45 feet in height PS PS PS PS PS PS PS
Communication tower, 45-
70 feet in height C C C PS PS PS C
Communication tower, 71-
110 feet in height PS PS PS
Communication tower,
111-170 feet in height C C C
Communication tower,
171-199 feet in height C C
Communication tower, in a
wetland, public waters
wetland, Wetland
Conservation Act (WCA)
wetland, flood fringe
district or general
floodplain district
C C C C C C C
Freight terminal P
Parking ramp PS PS PS PS PS
Public service structure PS PS PS PS PS PS PS
Transit station P P P P P P P
Utility substation PS PS PS PS PS PS P
Wireless
telecommunication facility P P P P P P P
Sec. 36-104. Accessory uses
(a) Table 36-103 lists accessory land uses and indicates whether they are permitted,
permitted with standards, conditional, or prohibited. These terms are defined
further in section 36-XXX.
(1) Mixed use. All regulations applicable to each use in a mixed-use development shall
be applicable, except for parking for mixed-use development within the HWL
Historic Walker Lake overlay district, section 36-XXX.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 8 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
Table 36-103. Accessory Uses in Mixed Use, Business, Industrial and Park Districts
(P = permitted; PS = permitted with standards; C = permitted with CUP)
Mixed Use Districts Business
Districts
Industrial
Districts
Park
and
Open
Space
Districts
Use-
Specific
Standards
Use Types MU-1 MU-2 MU-3 B-1 I-1 I-2 P-1
Accessory Uses
Accessory office P P P P P P P
Accessory retail sales PS PS P
Adult day care in a religious
institution, community
center, or nursing home
PS PS PS PS PS
Auto body/painting PS PS
See
principal
use
Bar PS PS PS PS
Rooming house P P P P
Cannabis retailer C
Catering PS PS PS PS
Communication antenna PS PS PS PS PS PS PS
See
principal
use
Community garden PS PS PS PS PS PS P
Electric vehicle charging
station P P P P P P P
Food service P P P P PS PS P
Gardening and other
horticultural uses P P P P P P P
Group day care/nursery
school in a religious
institution, community
center, or educational
facility
PS PS PS PS PS PS
Home occupation PS PS PS PS
Incidental repair or
processing which is
necessary to conduct a
permitted principal use
PS PS PS PS PS PS
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 9 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
Table 36-103. Accessory Uses in Mixed Use, Business, Industrial and Park Districts
(P = permitted; PS = permitted with standards; C = permitted with CUP)
Mixed Use Districts Business
Districts
Industrial
Districts
Park
and
Open
Space
Districts
Use-
Specific
Standards
Use Types MU-1 MU-2 MU-3 B-1 I-1 I-2 P-1
In-vehicle sale or service C C C
Mikvah pool PS PS PS PS
Motor fuel station PS
Motor vehicle service and
repair PS PS
Off-street parking area P P P P P P P
Outdoor sales (display) PS PS
Outdoor seating and service
of food and beverages PS PS PS PS PS PS PS
Outdoor storage PS PS
Parking ramp PS PS PS PS PS PS PS
See
principal
use
Property management or
rental office P P P P
Parks service facility P
Public service structure P P P P P P P
Public transit stop/shelter P P P P P P P
Railroad spur P P
Residential swimming pool,
whirlpool, or sport court PS PS PS PS
Service and retail facilities,
private P P P P
Showroom PS PS
Solar energy system PS PS PS PS PS PS PS
Temporary use PS PS PS PS PS PS PS
Utility substation P P P P P P P
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 10 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
Table 36-103. Accessory Uses in Mixed Use, Business, Industrial and Park Districts
(P = permitted; PS = permitted with standards; C = permitted with CUP)
Mixed Use Districts Business
Districts
Industrial
Districts
Park
and
Open
Space
Districts
Use-
Specific
Standards
Use Types MU-1 MU-2 MU-3 B-1 I-1 I-2 P-1
Visitor lodging associated
with residential or
institutional facilities
P P P P
Warehouse/storage PS PS PS PS
Wind energy conversion
system (WECS) PS PS PS PS PS PS PS
Wireless
telecommunication facility P P P P P P P
Sec. 36-105. Lot size and density standards
(a) Table 36-104 establishes the required lot width, lot area, and residential density
standards for the MU, B, I and P districts.
(b) Some districts have both a permitted maximum residential density and a density
bonus maximum residential density as identified in Table 36-104.
(c) Density bonus program: A density bonus shall be requested as a conditional use
permit. The higher residential density is allowed if the proposed development
achieves both of the following density bonus requirements.
(1) Inclusionary housing. Provide affordable housing at the levels required in the city’s
Inclusionary Housing Policy, as amended from time to time.
(2) Green building. Meet the requirements of the city’s Green Building Policy as
amended from time to time.
(d) For any developments which include residential uses, the acreage of the entire
development site shall be included in the calculation, including portions of the
development site which feature only non-residential uses.
(e) If a use permitted in the district by PS or C requires a greater standard, then the
greater standard shall apply.
Table 36-104. Lot Size and Density Requirements in Mixed Use, Business, Industrial
and Park Districts
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 11 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
District
Lot width
minimum
(ft)
Net lot
area
minimum
(sq ft)
Density
minimum
(dwelling units
per acre)
Density
maximum
(dwelling units
per acre)
Density bonus
maximum
(dwelling units
per acre)
MU-1
None None
None 30 None
MU-2 20 50 75 (C)
MU-3 50 75 125 (C)
B-1 None 30 50 (C)
I-1 N/A N/A N/A
I-2 N/A N/A N/A
P-1 N/A N/A N/A
Sec. 36-106. Building placement standards
(a) Table 36-105 establishes the required building placement standards for the MU, B, I
and P districts. If a use permitted in the district by PS or C requires a greater
standard, then the greater standard shall apply.
Table 36-105. Building Placement Standards for the Mixed Use, Business, Industrial and Park Districts.
District
Front
yard
min.
(feet)
Front
yard
max.
(feet)
Lot line
frontage
min. (%)
Side
yard
abutting
street
min.
(feet)
Side
yard
abutting
street
max.
(feet)
Side
yard
interior
min.
(feet)
Rear
yard
min.
(feet)
Distance between
buildings, min. (feet)
Perimeter
yard min.
(feet)
MU-1 5 15
Primary
frontage:
80%
Secondary
frontage:
50%
5 20 None
20 feet
except
where
an alley
exists it
can be
reduced
to ten
feet
Townhouses;
15 feet;
Apartments:
1/2 the
building
height
10 feet
for side
interior
property
lines
adjacent
to N-1 or
N-2 zoned
and used
districts
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 12 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
Table 36-105. Building Placement Standards for the Mixed Use, Business, Industrial and Park Districts.
District
Front
yard
min.
(feet)
Front
yard
max.
(feet)
Lot line
frontage
min. (%)
Side
yard
abutting
street
min.
(feet)
Side
yard
abutting
street
max.
(feet)
Side
yard
interior
min.
(feet)
Rear
yard
min.
(feet)
Distance between
buildings, min. (feet)
Perimeter
yard min.
(feet)
MU-2 10 15
Primary
frontage:
80%
Secondary
frontage:
50%
10 20 None
Townhouses; 15
feet; Apartments:
1/2 the building
height
15 feet
for side
interior
and rear
property
lines
adjacent
to N-1 or
N-2 zoned
and used
districts
MU-3 10 15
Primary
frontage:
80%
Secondary
frontage:
50%
10 20 None Apartments: 1/2 the
building height
15 feet
for side
interior
and rear
property
lines
adjacent
to N-1 or
N-2 zoned
and used
districts
B-1 10 20 None 5 None None
Townhouses; 15
feet; Apartments:
1/2 the building
height
15 feet
for side
interior
and rear
property
lines
adjacent
to N-1 or
N-2 zoned
and used
districts
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 13 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
Table 36-105. Building Placement Standards for the Mixed Use, Business, Industrial and Park Districts.
District
Front
yard
min.
(feet)
Front
yard
max.
(feet)
Lot line
frontage
min. (%)
Side
yard
abutting
street
min.
(feet)
Side
yard
abutting
street
max.
(feet)
Side
yard
interior
min.
(feet)
Rear
yard
min.
(feet)
Distance between
buildings, min. (feet)
Perimeter
yard min.
(feet)
I-1 10 20 None 20 None
20 ft.; no yard
required for
railroad loading
facility if abutting
railroad trackage
None
50 feet
for side
interior
and rear
property
lines
adjacent
to non-
industrial
zoned
and used
districts
I-2 10 20 None 20 None
10 ft.; no yard
required for
railroad loading
facility if abutting
railroad trackage
None
100 feet
for side
interior
and rear
property
lines
adjacent
to non-
industrial
zoned
and used
districts
P-1 Each standard shall match the requirement for the adjacent properties. If the adjacent properties are in
two or more zoning districts, then the most restrictive requirement applies.
Sec. 36-107. Building size and coverage standards
(a) Table 36-106 establishes the required building size and coverage standards for the
MU, B, I, and P districts.
(b) Some districts have both a permitted maximum building height and a density bonus
maximum building height as identified in Table 36-106.
(c) Building height bonus program. A building height bonus shall be requested as a
conditional use permit. The higher building height is allowed if the proposed
development achieves both of the following building height bonus requirements.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 14 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
(1) Inclusionary housing. Provide affordable housing at the levels required in the city’s
Inclusionary Housing Policy, as amended from time to time.
(2) Green building. Meet the requirements of the city’s Green Building Policy as
amended from time to time.
Table 36-106. Building Size and Coverage Standards
(C = permitted with CUP)
District Building height,
minimum
Building height,
maximum
Building
height
bonus,
maximum
Ground
story
height
(feet)
Upper
stories
height
(feet)
Building
length,
maximum
(feet)
Impervious
surface
coverage,
maximum
(%)
MU-1 None
3 stories or 40
feet, whichever is
less
12 feet
minimum;
20 feet
maximum
10 feet
minimum;
15 feet
maximum
200 80%
MU-2
2 stories or 20
feet, whichever is
less
6 stories or 75
feet, whichever is
less
9 stories
or 115
feet,
whichever
is less (C)
12 feet
minimum;
20 feet
maximum
10 feet
minimum;
15 feet
maximum
200 80%
MU-3
4 stories or 50
feet, whichever
is less
6 stories or 75
feet, whichever is
less
12 stories
or 150
feet,
whichever
is less (C)
12 feet
minimum;
20 feet
maximum
10 feet
minimum;
15 feet
maximum
200 80%
B-1 None
6 stories or 75
feet, whichever is
less
9 stories
or 115
feet,
whichever
is less (C)
None None None 85%
I-1 None
6 stories or 75
feet whichever is
less
N/A N/A None 75%
I-2 None
6 stories or 75
feet whichever is
less
N/A N/A None 75%
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 15 Mixed Use, Business, Industrial, and Park Districts
Table 36-106. Building Size and Coverage Standards
(C = permitted with CUP)
District Building height,
minimum
Building height,
maximum
Building
height
bonus,
maximum
Ground
story
height
(feet)
Upper
stories
height
(feet)
Building
length,
maximum
(feet)
Impervious
surface
coverage,
maximum
(%)
P-1
Each standard shall match the requirement for the adjacent properties. If the
adjacent properties are in two or more zoning districts, then the most restrictive
requirement applies.
Secs. 36-108 to 36-129 reserved.
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ARTICLE V. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS
Sec. 36-130. PUD 1.
(a) PUD 1 is commonly referred to as “Shoreham.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. G000 – Cover Sheet.
b. C1.01 – Title Sheet.
c. C2.01 – Preliminary Plat.
d. C2.02 - Construction Route/Parking.
e. C3.01 – Site Plan.
f. C4.01 – Grading and Erosion Control.
g. C6.01 – Utility Plan.
h. C8.01 – France Avenue Plan and Profile.
i. L000 – Tree Preservation Plan.
j. L100 – Landscape Site Plan.
k. L101 – Planting Details.
l. AS100 – Architectural Site Plan.
m. A100 – Level P1 Floor Plan.
n. A110 – Level 1 Floor Plan.
o. A120 – Level 2 Floor Plan.
p. A130 – Level 3 Floor Plan.
q. A140 – Level 4 Floor Plan.
r. A150 – Level 5 Floor Plan.
s. A160 – Roof Plan.
t. A200 – Elevations.
u. A201 – Elevations.
v. A202 – Elevations.
w. A310 – Building Sections.
x. Site Lighting Photometric Plan.
y. Final Plat.
z. Zoning Map Amendment Exhibit.
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be divided into two zones, as indicated on Sheet AS100 of
the Official Exhibits. The zones shall be established by dividing the site into a
north side and south side. The north side shall be called Zone A and the south
side shall be called Zone B.
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b. Parking will be provided off-street in a surface lot and structured parking, and
on-street in the circular driveway on the north side of the property. A total of
291 parking spaces will be provided: 203 spaces for residential units and 88
spaces for non-residential uses.
c. The maximum building height in Zone A shall not exceed 65 feet and five
stories. The maximum building height in Zone B shall not exceed 35 feet and
three stories.
d. The development site shall include a minimum of 12% designed outdoor
recreation area based on private developable land area.
(c) Permitted uses.
(1) Zone A.
a. Mid-rise apartment mixed use dwellings. Dwelling units are not permitted on
the first floor. Uses associated with the apartment dwellings, including, but
not limited to the residential office, fitness facility, mail room, assembly rooms
or general amenity space are limited to a maximum of 50% of the building
first floor.
b. Commercial uses. Commercial uses are only permitted on the first floor, and
are limited to the following: office, medical or dental office, adult day care,
group day care/nursery school, group home, banks without drive-up facilities,
food service, indoor commercial entertainment, retail, service, limited animal
handling, showrooms, studios and lower potency hemp edible retailers.
1. All parking requirements must be met for each use.
2. Hours of operation for commercial uses shall be limited to 6 a.m. to 12
a.m.
3. No drive-up facilities are allowed.
c. Civic and institutional uses. Civic and institutional uses are limited to the
following: educational facility, indoor entertainment, police utility substations,
parcel delivery service/post office and studios.
(2) Zone B.
a. Low-rise apartment dwellings.
(d) Accessory uses.
(1) Accessory uses are as follows:
a. Repair or processing which is necessary to conduct a permitted use and not to
exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the associated permitted use.
b. Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
c. Catering, if accessory to food service, delicatessen or retail bakery.
d. No outdoor uses or storage allowed.
e. Solar energy systems.
(e) Special performance standards.
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(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking and screening requirements.
(2) All trash handling and loading areas shall be inside of the building and screened
from view.
(3) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with the approved redevelopment plan
or final PUD site plan and development agreement in accordance with the
following conditions:
a. Pylon signs are prohibited.
b. Freestanding monument signs shall utilize the same exterior materials as the
principal buildings and shall not interfere with pedestrian, bicycle or
automobile circulation and visibility.
c. Pedestrian-scale signs visible from public sidewalks shall be no more than
three feet in vertical dimension unless flush with the building wall.
d. Maximum allowable number, sizes and heights of signs shall be regulated by
section 36-362, MU-2 requirements, except as may be specifically modified by
the final PUD.
e. Wall signs of non-residential uses shall only be placed on the ground floor,
exterior wall of the occupied tenant lease space and/or a monument sign.
f. Wall signs shall not be included in calculating the aggregate sign area on the
lot if they meet the following outlined conditions:
1. Non-residential wall signs permitted by this section that do not exceed 7%
of the exterior wall area of the ground floor tenant lease space.
2. The sign is located on the exterior wall of the ground floor tenant lease
space from which the 7% sign area was derived.
3. No individual wall sign shall exceed 80 square feet in area.
(4) Façade. The following façade design guidelines shall be applicable to all ground
floor non-residential facades located in Zone A:
a. For street-facing facades, no more than 10% of total window and door area
shall be glass block, mirrored, spandrel, frosted or other opaque glass finishes
or material including window painting and signage. The remaining 90% of
window and door area shall be clear or slightly tinted glass, allowing views
into and out of the interior.
b. Visibility into the space shall be maintained for a minimum depth of three
feet. This requirement shall not prohibit the display of merchandise.
(5) Awnings.
a. Awnings must be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings are prohibited.
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Sec. 36-131. PUD 2.
(a) PUD 2 is commonly referred to as “4800 Excelsior.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. C1.0 – Cover Sheet.
b. C2.0 – Demolition Plan.
c. C2.1 – Phase I Erosion Control Plan.
d. C2.2 – Phase II Erosion Control Plan.
e. C2.3 – Erosion Control Details.
f. C3.0 – Site Plan.
g. C4.0 – Grading and Drainage Plan.
h. C4.1 – P-01 Drainage Plan.
i. C4.2 – P-02 Drainage Plan.
j. C4.3 – Stormwater Details.
k. C5.0 – Utility Plan.
l. L100 – Landscape Plan.
m. A001 – Site Plan.
n. A002 – Floor Plans.
o. A003 – Floor Plans.
p. A004 – Floor Plans.
q. A005 – Floor Plans.
r. A006 – Rendering.
s. A007 – Elevations.
t. A008 – Elevations.
u. A009 – Elevations.
v. E001 – Exterior Lighting Plan.
w. PP2 – Preliminary Plat.
x. Final Plat.
y. Zoning Map Amendment Exhibit.
z. Parking Management Plan.
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with 164 to 176 apartment dwelling units
totaling not more than 228 bedrooms, and not more than 28,250 square feet
of commercial space.
b. Parking will be provided in parking ramps and adjacent on-street parking bays.
340 parking spaces will be provided: 241 spaces for residential units, 66
spaces for commercial uses and 33 on-street spaces. At least 20 parking
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spaces on Level P1 will be available for shared parking for employees of the
commercial uses and residential guest parking.
c. The maximum building height will be 77 feet and six stories tall, plus up to an
additional eight feet for the rooftop metal trellis architectural elements.
d. The development site shall include a minimum of 12% designed outdoor
recreation area based on private developable land area.
(c) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in the PUD 2 district:
(1) Mid-rise apartment mixed use dwelling.
(d) Uses permitted with standards. A structure of land in the PUD 2 district may be used
for one or more of the following uses if it complies with the standards specified for the
use in this subsection:
(1) Commercial uses. Commercial uses limited to the following: bank, food service,
grocery store, liquor store, medical/ dental office, office, places of assembly, retail,
service, showroom, limited animal handling, studio, cannabis retailer and lower
potency hemp edible retailer. These commercial uses shall meet the following
standards:
a. Commercial uses are limited to the first floor.
b. Hours of operation, including loading/unloading of deliveries, for commercial
uses shall be limited to 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
c. In-vehicle sales or service is prohibited.
d. Restaurants are prohibited.
e. Outdoor storage is prohibited.
f. A lot with a cannabis retailer must be at least 1,000 feet from the property
line of a site containing a school. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse
building, the distance shall be measured from the portion of the center or
building occupied by the cannabis retailer.
g. A lot with a cannabis retailer must be at least 1,000 feet from the property
line of a site containing a pawn shop, currency exchange, payday loan agency,
firearms sales or sexually oriented business. In the case of a shopping center
or multiuse building, the distance shall be measured from the portion of the
center or building occupied by the cannabis retailer.
h. The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a
cannabis retailer. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the
distance shall be measured from the portion of the shopping center or
multiuse building occupied by the cannabis retailer.
i. Cannabis retailers shall be contained within a completely enclosed building,
and no outside storage, display, or sale of merchandise is permitted.
j. On-site consumption of cannabis edibles and beverages is prohibited.
(2) Civic and institutional uses. Civic and institutional uses are limited to the following:
educational facility, indoor entertainment, police utility substations, parcel delivery
service/post office and studios.
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(e) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
(1) Parking ramps.
(2) Incidental repair or processing which is necessary to conduct a permitted use and
not to exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the associated permitted use.
(3) Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
(4) Catering, if accessory to a food service, grocery store or retail bakery.
(5) No outdoor uses or storage allowed.
(6) Solar energy systems.
(f) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance must
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping and all screening requirements.
(2) Each commercial tenant space on the ground floor shall have a direct and primary
access to the outside of the building that is open during business hours.
(3) All trash handling and loading areas must be inside of the building and screened
from view.
(4) Signs shall be allowed in conformance with the following conditions:
a. Pylon signs are permitted; and
b. Maximum allowable number, size and height of signs shall be regulated by
section 36-362 per the MU-2 district regulations.
(5) Façade. The following design requirements shall be applicable to all ground floor,
non-residential facades along Excelsior Boulevard:
a. Façade Transparency.
1. The façade shall be primarily transparent materials at the pedestrian
level.
2. No more than 10% of the total window and door area shall be glass block,
mirrored, spandrel, frosted or other opaque glass, finishes or material
including window painting and signs. The remaining 90% of window and
door area shall be clear or slightly tinted glass, allowing view into and out
of the interior.
3. Visibility into the tenant spaces from the exterior windows and doors
shall be maintained for a minimum depth of three feet. This requirement
shall not prohibit the display of merchandise. Display windows may be
used to meet the transparency requirement.
(6) Awnings.
a. Awnings must be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings are prohibited.
(7) Use of Sidewalk. A business may use that portion of a sidewalk extending a
maximum of five feet from the building wall for the following purposes, provided a
six foot minimum horizontal clearance along Excelsior Boulevard is maintained
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between obstructions on public sidewalks and provided that all activity is
occurring on private property:
a. Display of merchandise.
b. Benches, planters, ornaments, and art.
c. Signage, as permitted in the zoning ordinance.
d. Dining areas may extend beyond five feet of the building, provided six feet
minimum horizontal clearance along Excelsior Boulevard is maintained
between the obstructions on the sidewalk. An agreement shall be obtained
for any temporary private use of public land for seating upon any public right
of way or easements.
Sec. 36-132. PUD 3
(a) PUD 3 is commonly referred to as “Arlington Row West.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. T1.1 – Title Sheet.
b. AS1.2 – Architectural Site Plan.
c. AS2.1 – Reference Images.
d. C1-1 – Existing Conditions.
e. C1-2 – Preliminary Plat.
f. C1-3 – Preliminary Plat.
g. C2-1 – Site Plan.
h. C3-1 – Grading Plan.
i. C3-2 – Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
j. C4-1 – Sanitary & Watermain.
k. C4-2 – Storm Sewer.
l. C8-1 – Details.
m. C8-2 – City Details.
n. L1-1 – Landscape Plan.
o. L2-1 – Tree Inventory Plan.
p. Photometric Plan.
q. A1.1 – Floor Plan.
r. A1.2 – Floor Plan.
s. A1.3 – Floor Plan.
t. A1.4 – Floor Plan (Roof).
u. A3.1 – Exterior Elevations.
v. A3.2 – Exterior Elevations.
w. A3.3 – Exterior Elevations.
x. Final Plat.
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y. Zoning Map Amendment Exhibit.
z. Solar Canopy Schematics.
aa. Solar Study.
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. Parking will be provided off-street in a surface lot. A total of 52 spaces will be
provided for residential users including five spaces for guest parking.
b. The maximum building height shall be 37 feet.
c. The development site shall include a minimum of 12% designed outdoor
recreation area based on private developable land area.
(c) Permitted uses.
(1) Low-rise apartment dwelling.
(2) Parks/open space.
(d) Accessory uses.
(1) Accessory uses are as follows:
a. Private swimming pool in conformance with section 36-73.
b. Service and retail facilities intended for use of residents not to exceed 10% of
the gross floor area of the development.
c. Property management or rental office provided that it does not occupy more
than 10% of the gross floor area.
d. Gardening and other horticultural uses.
e. Solar energy system.
1. Rooftop of building mounted systems.
i. Roof or building mounted solar systems shall not exceed the
maximum allowed height in the PUD zoning district.
2. Ground or accessory structure mounted solar systems.
i. The height of a ground or accessory structure mounted solar system,
measured when oriented at maximum design tilt, shall not exceed 15
feet.
ii. Ground or accessory structure mounted solar systems shall have a
minimum setback of seven feet from the south property line, 46 feet
from the west property line and shall be subject to the principal
building setbacks along the north and east property lines.
f. No outdoor uses or storage allowed.
(e) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking and screening requirements.
(2) All trash handling and loading areas shall be screened from view by a masonry wall
no taller than six feet in height and constructed out of a material compatible with
the principal buildings.
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(3) Signs shall be allowed in conformance with the approved redevelopment plan or
final PUD site plan and development agreement in accordance with this Chapter
and the sign area and height regulations for the N-3 zoning district.
Sec. 36-133. PUD 4.
(a) PUD 4 is commonly referred to as “Hotel West End (AC Hotel by Marriott).”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following:
a. Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
1. C100 – Site Conditions After Phases 1 & 2 With Demolition Plan
2. C200 – Proposed Site Plan
3. C300 – Storm Drainage and Grading Plan
4. C400 – Utility Plan
5. C500 – Erosion Control Plan
6. C600 – Storm Water and Erosion Control Details
7. E002 – Electrical Site Plan
8. A101 – Parking Garage Level, First Floor Plan
9. A201 – Exterior Elevations
10. A202 – Exterior Elevations
11. A901 – 3D Views
12. L000 – Tree Inventory
13. L001 – Tree Mitigation Plan
14. L100 – Landscape Plan
15. L101 – Landscape Details and Notes
16. PH-3 – Phasing Plan
17. Designed Outdoor Recreation Area Calculation Exhibit
18. Zoning Map Amendment Exhibit
19. Temporary Off-Site Parking Plan.
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with 126 rooms, approximately 1,700 square
feet of meeting space, and approximately 3,620 square feet of
hotel/restaurant/lounge area.
b. Parking will be provided both on-site and off-site. The on-site parking will
contain 25 underground spaces and 54 surface spaces. Off-site parking will
include 50 parking spaces in an above ground ramp located on Lot 2, Block 1,
Central Park West PUD No. 121 Second Addition at 1603 Utica Avenue South.
Parking will total 129 parking spaces.
c. The maximum building height shall not exceed 84 feet and six stories.
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d. The development site shall provide 1,416 square feet of Designated Outdoor
Recreation Area (DORA) on a rooftop deck.
(c) Permitted uses.
(1) Hotel/motel. The standards are as follows: Building heights shall be limited to six
stories or 84 feet.
(d) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
(1) Bar, if accessory to a hotel and in compliance with city liquor licensing
requirements.
(2) Parking ramps utilizing the same exterior facing materials as the principal
buildings.
(3) Public transit stops/shelters.
(4) Food service.
a. Service space is limited to space designated in Site Plan.
(5) Outdoor seating, public address (PA) system prohibited.
(6) No outdoor storage allowed.
(7) Solar energy systems.
(e) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be located within the building and screened from view.
(3) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with the approved redevelopment plan
or final PUD site plan and development agreement in accordance with the
following conditions:
a. Pylon signs are not permitted.
b. Freestanding monument signs shall utilize the same exterior materials as the
principal buildings and shall not interfere with pedestrian/bicycle or
automobile circulation and visibility.
c. Pedestrian-scale signs visible from public sidewalks shall be no more than
three feet in vertical dimension unless flush with the building wall; and
d. Maximum allowable number, sizes and heights of signs shall be regulated by
section 36- 362, B-1 requirements, except as may be specifically modified by
the final PUD.
(4) Façade. The following façade design guidelines shall be applicable to all ground
floor non-residential facades:
a. For street-facing facades, no more than 10% of total window and door area
shall be glass block, mirrored, spandrel, frosted or other opaque glass, finishes
or material including window painting and signage. The remaining 90% of
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window and door area shall be clear or slightly tinted glass, allowing views
into and out of the interior.
b. Visibility into the space shall be maintained for a minimum depth of three
feet. This requirement shall not prohibit the display of merchandise.
(5) Awnings.
a. Awnings must be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings are prohibited.
Sec. 36-134. PUD 5.
(a) PUD 5 is commonly referred to as “Arlington Row East.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. T1.1 – Title Sheet
b. AS1.3 – Architectural Site Plan
c. Sheet 1 – Survey
d. C1-1 – Existing Conditions/Survey
e. C1-2 – Preliminary Plat (existing conditions)
f. C1-3 – Preliminary Plat
g. C2-1 – Site Plan
h. C3-1 – Grading Plan
i. C3-2 – Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
j. C4-1 – Sanitary & Watermain
k. C4-2 – Storm Sewer
l. C8-1 – Details
m. C8-2 – City Details
n. L1-1 – Landscape Plan
o. L2-1 – Tree Inventory Plan
p. A1.0 – First & Second Level Floor Plans
q. A1.1 – Level 3 Floor & Roof Plan
r. A3.0 – Exterior Elevations
s. A3.4 – Exterior Elevations
t. Site Lighting Photometric Plan
u. Final Plat
v. Zoning Map Amendment Exhibit
w. Solar Canopy Details
x. Solar Study.
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
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a. The property shall be developed with up to 27 apartment dwelling units
totaling no more than 43 bedrooms.
b. A total of 43 off-street parking spaces shall be provided in a surface lot.
c. The maximum building height shall be 36.5 feet and three stories.
d. A minimum of 12% of the lot shall be developed as a designed outdoor
recreation area.
(c) Permitted uses.
(1) Low-rise apartment dwelling.
(2) Parks/open space.
(d) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
(1) Private swimming pool in conformance with section 36-73.
(2) Service and retail facilities intended for use of residents not to exceed 10% of the
gross floor area of the development.
(3) Property management or rental office provided that it does not occupy more than
10% of the gross floor area.
(4) Gardening and other horticultural uses.
(5) Solar energy systems.
a. Rooftop of building mounted systems.
1. Roof or building mounted solar systems shall not exceed the maximum
allowed height in the PUD zoning district.
b. Ground or accessory structure mounted solar systems.
1. The height of a ground or accessory structure mounted solar system,
measured when oriented at maximum design tilt, shall not exceed 15
feet.
2. Ground or accessory structure mounted solar systems shall have a
minimum setback of 8 feet from the north property line, 5 feet from the
east property line, 46 feet from the south property line and shall be
subject to the principal building setbacks along the west property line.
(6) Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
(7) No outdoor uses or storage allowed.
(e) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
(2) All trash handling and loading areas shall be screened from view by a masonry wall
no taller than six feet in height and constructed out of a material compatible with
the principal buildings.
(3) Signs shall be allowed in conformance with the approved redevelopment plan or
final PUD site plan and development agreement in accordance with this Chapter
and the sign area and height regulations for the N-3 zoning district.
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Sec. 36-135. PUD 6.
(a) PUD 6 is commonly referred to as “10 West End & 20 West End.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. C100-C102 – Survey
b. C101 – Proposed Site Plan
c. C200 – Erosion Control Plan
d. C300 – Site Plan
e. C301 – Final Phasing Plan
f. C400 – Grading Plan
g. C500 – Utility Plan
h. E100 – Photometric Plan
i. L100 – Landscape Site Plan
j. L101 – DORA Requirements
k. L200 – Layout Plan
l. L400 – Planting Plan
m. L500 – Planting Detail Sheet
n. A050 – Architectural Site Plan
o. A100 – Floor Plan – Level 1
p. A101 – Floor Plan – Level 2
q. A102 – Floor Plan – Level 3 & 4 (Typ. Multi)
r. A103 – Floor Plan – Level 5-10 (Typ. Single)
s. A104 – Floor Plan – Level 11
t. A105 – Floor Plan – Level 12 (Penthouse)
u. A120 – Roof Plan
v. A150 – Floor Plan - Loading Dock
w. A300 – Exterior Elevation - South
x. A301 – Exterior Elevation - West
y. A302 – Exterior Elevation - North
z. A303 – Exterior Elevation – East
aa. Preliminary Plat
bb. Final Plat
cc. 10 West End AUAR Memorandum
dd. Travel Demand Management Plan
ee. Zoning Map Amendment Exhibit
ff. Parking Easement for Phase III Hotel
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
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a. The property shall be developed with 332,600 square feet of building space.
b. Parking shall be provided on-site. The parking structure located on Lot 2, Block
1, Central Park West P.U.D. 121 Second Addition will provide at least 1,214
parking stalls. 110 of these stalls shall be shared with Phase III of Central Park
West (PUD-4).
c. The maximum building height shall not exceed 175 feet and eleven stories,
excluding mechanical penthouse.
d. The development site shall provide Designated Outdoor Recreation Area
(DORA) through access to the outdoor amenity decks located on each floor,
and through shared outdoor space on site.
(c) Permitted uses.
(1) Office. The standards are as follows: Building heights shall be limited to eleven
stories or 173 feet.
(2) Retail. The standards are as follows:
a. No single use retail establishment over 20,000 square feet is permitted. The
retail facility shall be permitted only as a part of a larger development on a
single parcel which contains at least one other permitted principal use or as a
part of a mixed use PUD.
b. Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a
collector or arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be
provided without generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
c. All refuse shall meet the requirements of chapter 22 regulating refuse.
(3) Restaurants. The standards are as follows:
a. This use shall be permitted as part of a larger development which contains at
least one other principal use or as part of a PUD.
b. These uses shall not result in any exterior building modifications, including
truck docks or freestanding signage, overnight truck parking or similar
features.
c. Restaurant uses shall be integrated with other principal land uses which are
within the O district and shall not exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the
building.
d. If there is a wine and/or beer license, the following additional standards shall
apply:
1. If the standards in subsections (c)(15) a.--(c)(15) e. of this section are not
met, a restaurant with a wine and/or beer license may apply for a major
amendment to a Planned Unit Development under section 36-194(d)(4),
provided that the parking requirements for a restaurant with intoxicating
liquor license are met.
(4) Lower potency hemp edible retailers.
(d) Accessory uses. Permitted accessory uses are as follows:
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(1) Parking structures. Facades that are visible from off-site shall display and
integration of building materials, building form, textures, architectural motifs, and
building colors with principal building.
(2) Public transit stops/shelters.
(3) Outdoor seating, public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
(4) No outdoor storage allowed.
(5) Solar energy systems.
(e) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this Code. City strongly encourages all new
developments to have on-site organic recycling, Garbage/recycling rooms should
be sized to allow for organics recycling. All trash handling and loading areas shall
be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(3) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with the approved redevelopment plan
or final PUD site plan and development agreement in accordance with the
following conditions:
a. Pylon signs are not permitted.
b. Freestanding monument signs shall utilize the same exterior materials as the
principal buildings and shall not interfere with pedestrian/bicycle or
automobile circulation and visibility.
c. Maximum allowable number, sizes and heights of signs shall be regulated by
section 36-362, MU-3 requirements.
(4) Façade. The following façade design guidelines shall be applicable to ground floor
north, south, and west side facades.
a. For street-facing facades, no more than 10% of total window and door area
shall be glass block, mirrored, spandrel, frosted or other opaque glass, finishes
or material including window painting and signage. The remaining 90% of
window and door area shall be clear or slightly tinted glass, allowing views
into and out of the interior.
b. Visibility into the space shall be maintained for a minimum depth of three
feet. This requirement shall not prohibit the display of merchandise.
(5) Awnings.
a. Awnings must be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings are prohibited.
Sec. 36-136. PUD 7.
(a) PUD 7 is commonly referred to as “Parkway 25.”
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(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. G000P – Cover Sheet
b. C0.1 – Site Survey
c. C1.0 – Removals Plan
d. C2.0 – Site Plan
e. C2.1 – Alley Plan and Profile
f. C3.0 – Grading Plan
g. C3.1 – Grading Plan Interim
h. C4.0 – Utility Plan
i. C5.0 – Civil Details
j. C5.1 – Civil Details
k. C5.2 – Civil Details
l. SW1.0 – SWPPP – Existing Conditions
m. SW1.1 – SWPPP – Proposed Conditions
n. SW1.2 – SWPPP – Narrative and Details
o. SW1.3 – SWPPP – Attachments
p. SW1.4 – SWPPP – Attachments
q. LS100 – Tree Preservation and Replacement Plan
r. LS300 – Site Landscape Plan
s. L400 – Reference Plan
t. L401 – Layout Plan
u. L500 – Planting Details
v. G000 – Cover Sheet
w. A100P – Floor Plan – Level 1
x. A110P – Floor Plan – Level 1
y. A120P – Floor Plan – Level 2-4
z. A150P – Floor Plan – Level 5
aa. A160P – Roof Plan
bb. A200P – Exterior Elevations
cc. A201P – Exterior Elevations
dd. AS100P – Architectural Site Plan
ee. A300P – Building Sections
ff. Site Lighting Photometric Plan
gg. Zoning Map Amendment Exhibit
hh. Preliminary Plat
ii. Final Plat
jj. Traffic Study
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kk. Parking Management Plan
ll. Parking Agreement.
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with 112 residential units and 12,040 square
feet of ground floor commercial space.
b. At least 202 off-street parking spaces shall be provided. At least 16 on-street
parallel parking and loading spaces shall be installed adjacent to the site. An
off-street parking management plan shall be approved by the city and
managed by the property owner, with the goal of avoiding spill over parking
into surrounding streets in the neighborhood and maximizing the benefits of
mixed use development and shared parking. At least 10% of the parking shall
be permitted for use as guest parking.
c. The maximum building height shall not exceed 67 feet and five stories.
d. The development site shall include a minimum of 17.7% designed outdoor
recreation area based on private developable land area.
(c) Permitted uses.
(1) Mid-rise apartment mixed use dwelling. Uses associated with the apartment
dwellings, including, but not limited to, the residential office, fitness facility, mail
room, assembly rooms or general amenity space are limited to a maximum of 40%
of the building first floor.
(2) Commercial uses. Commercial uses are only permitted on the first floor, and are
limited to the following: medical/dental office, office, places of assembly, retail,
service, showrooms, limited animal handling, studios and lower potency hemp
edible retailers.
a. All parking requirements shall be met for each use.
b. Hours of operation for commercial uses shall be limited to 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
including commercial deliveries.
c. Each commercial tenant space on the first floor shall have a direct and
primary access to the outside of the building on the north building elevation
that is open during business hours.
d. In-vehicle sales is prohibited.
e. Restaurants are prohibited.
(3) Civic and institutional uses. Civic and institutional uses are limited to the following:
educational facility, indoor entertainment, police utility substations, parcel delivery
service/post office and studios.
(d) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
(1) Incidental repair or processing which is necessary to conduct a permitted use and
not to exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the associated permitted use.
(2) Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
(3) Catering, if accessory to food service, delicatessen, or retail bakery.
(4) Gardening and other horticultural uses.
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(5) Public transit stops/shelters.
(6) Outdoor seating, public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
(7) Outdoor uses and outdoor storage are prohibited.
(8) Solar energy systems.
(e) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this Code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(3) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with the MU-2 requirements found in the
sign code.
(4) Façade. The following façade design guidelines shall be applicable to all ground
floor non-residential facades:
a. For street-facing facades, no more than 10% of total window and door area
shall be glass block, mirrored, spandrel, frosted or other opaque glass, finishes
or material including window painting and signage. The remaining 90% of
window and door area shall be clear or slightly tinted glass, allowing views
into and out of the interior.
b. Visibility into the space shall be maintained for a minimum depth of three
feet. This requirement shall not prohibit the display of merchandise.
(5) Awnings.
a. Awnings must be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings are prohibited.
Sec. 36-137. PUD 8.
(a) PUD 8 is commonly referred to as “The Elmwood.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. C0.0– Title Sheet
b. C0.1 – Site Survey
c. C0.2 – Preliminary Plat
d. C0.3 – Final Plat
e. C1.0 – Removals Plan
f. C2.0 – Site Plan
g. C2.1 – Green Roof Layout & Landscape Plan
h. C2.2 – Rooftop Green Roof Layout & Landscape Plan
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i. C3.0 – Grading Plan
j. C4.0 – Utility Plan
k. C5.0 – Civil Details
l. C5.1 – Civil Details
m. C5.2 – Civil Details
n. L1.0 – Landscape Plan
o. LT1.0 – Lighting Plan
p. LT1.1 – Lighting Specifications
q. A010 – Floor Plan – Level (-1) & 1
r. A011 – Floor Plan – Level 2 & 3
s. A012 – Floor Plan – Level 4 & 5
t. A013 – Floor Plan – Roof
u. A200 – Exterior Elevations
v. A201 – Exterior Elevations
w. Shadow Study
x. Front Perspective 1
y. Front Perspective 2
z. Rear Perspective
aa. Exterior Vignettes
bb. Parking Management Plan
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with 70 residential units and a minimum of
4,393 square feet of ground floor commercial space.
b. At least 118 off-street parking spaces shall be constructed. At least nine public
on-street parallel parking spaces shall be constructed on 36th Street West and
one public on-street loading bay shall be installed adjacent to the site.
c. The maximum building height shall not exceed 69 feet and five stories.
d. The development site shall include a minimum of 12% designed outdoor
recreation area based on private developable land area.
(c) Permitted with standards.
(1) Mid-rise apartment mixed use dwellings. The standards are as follows:
a. Dwelling units are permitted on all floors of the building.
b. Dwelling units are limited to a maximum of 35% of the ground floor area of
the building.
c. Dwelling units shall not exceed 40% of building frontage along 36th Street
West.
d. Uses associated with apartment dwellings, including but not limited to, the
residential office, fitness facility, mail room, assembly rooms or general
amenity space are limited to a maximum of 45% of the ground floor area of
the building.
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(2) Commercial uses. Commercial uses are only permitted on the first floor, and are
limited to coffee shops, office, places of assembly, retail, service, showrooms,
limited animal handling, studios and lower potency hemp edible retailers. The
standards are as follows:
a. All parking requirements must be met for each use.
b. Hours of operation shall be limited to 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
c. Restaurants are prohibited.
d. In-vehicle sales is prohibited.
(d) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
(1) Incidental repair or processing which is necessary to conduct a permitted use and
not to exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the associated permitted use.
(2) Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
(3) Catering, if accessory to food service, delicatessen, or retail bakery.
(4) Gardening and other horticultural uses.
(5) Outdoor seating, public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
(6) No outdoor uses or storage allowed.
(7) Solar energy systems.
(e) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to, outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
(2) Each commercial, civic, or institutional tenant space on the ground floor shall have
a direct and primary access to and from the 36th Street (north) building façade
and the access shall remain open during business hours.
(3) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this Code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(4) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with the approved redevelopment plan
or final PUD site plan and development agreement in accordance with the
following conditions:
a. Pylon signs are prohibited.
b. Freestanding monument signs shall utilize the same exterior materials as the
principal buildings and shall not interfere with pedestrian, bicycle or
automobile circulation and visibility.
c. Maximum allowable number, sizes, heights, and yards for signs shall be
regulated by section 36-362, MU-3 requirements.
d. Wall signs of non-residential uses shall only be placed on the ground floor and
exterior walls of the occupied tenant lease space, and/or a monument sign.
e. Wall signs shall not be included in calculating the aggregate sign area on the
lot if they meet the following outlined conditions:
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1. Non-residential wall signs permitted by this section that do not exceed 7%
of the exterior wall area of the ground floor tenant lease space.
2. The sign is located on the exterior wall of the ground floor tenant lease
space from which the 7% sign area was derived.
3. No individual wall sign shall exceed 80 square feet in area.
(5) Façade. The following façade design guidelines shall be applicable to all ground
floor non-residential street-facing facades:
a. Minimum ground floor transparency shall be 65% at the pedestrian level
b. No more than 10% of total window and door area shall be glass block,
mirrored, spandrel, frosted or other opaque glass, finishes or material
including window painting and signs. The remaining 90% of window and door
area shall be clear or slightly tinted glass, allowing views into and out of the
interior.
c. Active permitted uses, not including storage areas or utility closets, shall be
maintained for a minimum depth of 15 feet.
d. Visibility into the space shall be maintained for a minimum depth of 10 feet.
This requirement shall not prohibit the display of merchandise.
(6) Awnings.
a. Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings are prohibited.
Sec. 36-138. PUD 9.
(a) PUD 9 is commonly referred to as “PLACE (Zelia on Seven).
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. PUD Exhibit
b. GN-000 – Cover Sheet
c. GN-001 – Drawing Index
d. GN-002 – General Legend & Abbreviations
e. GN-003 – Area calculations
f. C001 – Existing Conditions and Removals
g. C002 – Tree Removals and Protection Plan
h. C003 – Tree Removals and Preservation Plan
i. C101 – Site Plan – Overall
j. C102 – Site Plan Northwest
k. C103 – Site Plan Northeast
l. C201 – Erosion Control Plan
m. C301 – Grading and Drainage Plan – Overall
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n. C302 – Grading and Drainage Plan – Northwest
o. C303 – Grading and Drainage Plan - Northeast
p. C401 – Sanitary Sewer and Watermain
q. C402 – MCES Forcemain Plan and Profile
r. C403 – MCES Forcemain Plan and Profile
s. C501 – Storm Sewer Plan & Profile
t. C502 – North Building – Storm Sewer Plan
u. C801 – Typical Stormwater Details
v. C901 – City Std Utility Plates
w. C902 – Detail Sheet Stormwater
x. C903 – City Std Site Plates
y. C904 – Detail Sheet Erosion Control
z. C905 – Detail Sheet Pavement
aa. C1001 – MNDOT Std Ped Curb Ramp Details
bb. C1002 – MNDOT Std Ped Curb Ramp Details
cc. L101 – Planting Plan Index
dd. L102 – West Planting Plan
ee. L103 – East Planting Plan
ff. L104 – East Planting Plan, Shrubs
gg. L105 – Soil Amendments and Site Mulching Plan
hh. L106 – East Layout Plan Plaza
ii. L107 – East Layout Plan, Bike Shop Front and Urban Forest
jj. L108 – West Irrigation Plan
kk. L109 – East Irrigation Plan
ll. L501 – Landscape Details
mm.
502 – Landscape Details
nn. L503 – Landscape Details
oo. L801 – Planting Details
pp. V101 – Preliminary Plat
qq. V102 – Prelimina
rr. E101 – Photometric grid
ss. S001 – Site Plan
tt. AN-100.1 – Overall Floor Plans P1 & Level 1
uu. AN-100.2 – Overall Floor Plans Levels 2 & 3
vv. AN-100.3 – Overall Floor Plans Levels 4 & 5
ww. AN-100.4 – Overall Roof Plan
xx. AN-100.5 – PV Panel Layout
yy. AN-201 – Overall Building Elevations
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zz. A501 – Illustrative Sections
aaa. A502 – Sections
bbb.
LACE – Sustainability Proposals
ccc. PLACE – Proof of Parking
ddd.
LACE – Lighting Proposals
(2) The following shall be considered Final PUD Official Exhibits from March 25, 2024,
onward. If there is conflicting information between the following and the previous
list of Official Exhibits, the following shall be considered correct:
a. T001 – Title
b. C000 – Survey
c. C001 – Civil Site Plan
d. C100 – Selective site demolition and erosion control plan
e. C101 – Selective site demolition and erosion control plan
f. C200 – Grading Drainage and Erosion Control Plan
g. C201 – Grading Drainage and Erosion Control Plan
h. C300 – Paving and Geometric Plan
i. C301 – Paving and Geometric Plan
j. C400 – Civil Details
k. C500 – Watershed Summary
l. L100 – Landscape Overview Plan
m. L101 – Parking Expansion Landscape Plan
n. L102 – Pool Area Landscape Removals Plan
o. As-Built Landscape Data and 2024 Removals 2-1-24_Trees
p. As-Built Landscape Data and 2024 Removals 2-1-24_Shrubs
q. L103 – Pool Area Landscape Restoration Plan
r. L104 – Landscape Detail
s. L105 – Landscape Details
t. Zelia on Seven-Site Lighting Plan 1-22-24
(3) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be divided into two zones, as indicated on PUD Exhibit of
the Official Exhibits. The zones shall be established by dividing the site into
“Site A – West”, and “Site B – East”. The property shall be developed with 217
residential units, including 18 live/work units and 0.88 acres of urban forest.
b. Parking will be provided off-street in a surface lot, on-street parallel parking,
and structured parking. A total of 211 parking spaces will be provided: 97
parking spaces shall be provided underground in the structured parking, 90
parking spaces shall be provided on the surface lot, 24 parking spaces shall be
provided on-street.
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c. The maximum building height for Site B – East shall not exceed 61 feet and
five stories.
d. The development site shall include a minimum of 12% designed outdoor
recreation area based on private developable land area.
e. The development shall incorporate a Travel Demand Management (TDM)
plan. The details of the TDM plan shall be included in the planning
development contract or as an exhibit thereto and amendments shall require
city approval. The activities performed as specified in the TDM plan shall be
reported to the city annually until December 31, 2027, and upon request by
the city after that date.
(c) Site A – West
(1) Permitted.
a. Parking lot.
(2) Accessory uses.
a. Outdoor uses and outdoor storage are prohibited.
b. Solar energy systems.
(d) Site B – East
(1) Permitted with standards:
a. Mid-rise apartment dwellings. Uses associated with the apartment dwellings,
including, but not limited to the residential office, fitness facility, mail room,
assembly rooms or general amenity space.
b. Live-work dwellings.
1. All material or equipment shall be stored within an enclosed structure.
2. Operation of the home occupation is not apparent from the public right
of way.
3. The activity does not involve warehousing, distribution or retail sales of
merchandise produced off the site.
4. No person is employed at the residence who does not legally reside in the
home.
5. No light or vibration originating from the business operation is discernible
at the property line.
6. Only equipment, machinery and materials which are normally found in
the home are used in the conduct of the home occupation.
7. No more than one non-illuminated wall sign limited to two square feet in
area is used to identify the home occupation.
8. Space within the dwelling devoted to the home occupation does not
exceed one room or 45% of the floor area, whichever is greater.
9. No portion of the home occupation is permitted within any attached or
detached accessory building.
10. The structure housing the home occupation conforms to the building
code; and in the case where the home occupation is day care or if there
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are any customers or students, the home occupation has received a
certificate of occupancy.
c. Commercial uses. Commercial uses are only permitted on the first floor, and
are limited to the following: coffee shops, office, private indoor
entertainment, retail shops, service, showrooms, and studios.
1. All parking requirements must be met for each use per Sheet 62 of the
Official Exhibits.
2. Hours of operation for commercial uses shall be limited to 6 a.m. to 12
a.m.
3. Restaurants are prohibited.
4. In-vehicle sales is prohibited.
d. Civic and institutional uses. Civic and institutional uses are limited to the
following: educational facility, indoor entertainment, police utility substations,
parcel delivery service/post office and studios.
(2) Accessory uses:
a. Incidental repair or processing which is necessary to conduct a permitted use
and not to exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the associated permitted use.
b. Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
1. Except family day care is prohibited.
c. Catering, if accessory to food service, delicatessen, or retail bakery.
d. Gardening and other horticultural uses.
e. Outdoor seating, with the following standards:
1. No speakers or other electronic devices which emit sound are permitted
outside of the principal structure if the use is located within 500 feet of a
residential use.
2. Hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. if located
within 500 feet of a residential use.
f. No outdoor uses or storage allowed.
g. Solar energy systems.
h. Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS), with the following standards:
1. Wind turbines shall be of the helical type.
2. Helical wind turbines shall meet the following design requirements:
i. One WECS shall be allowed per lot.
ii. The WECS unit shall not exceed 17 feet in height, and shall not
exceed 79 feet overall, including the building height when attached
to the roof of a building.
iii. The fall zone shall be completely within the property lines of the lot
within which the WECS is located.
iv. Minimize visual impact. WECS design and location shall minimize
visual impact.
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v. Color and finish. All WECS shall be white, grey, black or another non-
obtrusive color. Blades may be black in order to facilitate deicing.
Finishes shall be matt or non-reflective.
vi. Tower lighting. WECS shall not be artificially lighted, except as
specified herein and to the extent required by the FAA or other
federal or state law or regulation that preempts local regulations.
vii. Signs and displays. The use of any portion of a WECS for displaying
flags and signs, other than warning or equipment information signs,
is prohibited.
viii. Associated equipment. Ground equipment associated with a WECS
shall be housed in a structure. Structures housing equipment shall
meet the architectural design standards of the Zoning Ordinance.
Control wiring and powerlines shall be wireless or underground.
ix. Braking system required. All WECS shall have an automatic braking,
governing, or feathering system to prevent uncontrolled rotation,
over speeding and excessive pressure on the structure, rotor blades
and turbine components.
x. Design height. The applicant shall provide evidence that the
proposed height of the WECS does not exceed the height
recommended by the manufacturer or distributor of the system.
xi. Interconnection agreement. The applicant shall provide a copy of the
utility notification requirements for interconnection, unless the
applicant intends, and so states on the application, that the system
will not be connected to the electricity grid.
xii. Technology standards. WECS must meet the minimum standards of a
WECS certification program recognized by the American Wind Energy
Association, such as AWEA’s Small Wind Turbine Performance and
Safety Standard, the Emerging Technologies program of the California
Energy Commission, or other 3rd party standards acceptable to the
City.
xiii. Noise. Audible sound due to wind energy system operations shall
comply with the standards governing noise contained in the City of
St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances.
xiv. If the WECS remains nonfunctional or inoperative for a continuous
period of one year, the system shall be deemed abandoned and shall
constitute a public nuisance. The owner shall remove the abandoned
system at their expense after a demolition permit has been obtained.
Removal includes the entire structure including foundations to below
natural grade and transmission equipment.
(e) Special performance standards.
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(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking and screening requirements.
(2) The site is exempt from the shadowing requirements specified in section 36-
366(b)(1)g of the zoning ordinance.
(3) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(4) Signs shall be allowed in conformance with the approved redevelopment plan or
final PUD site plan and development agreement in accordance with the following
conditions:
a. Pylon signs are prohibited.
b. Freestanding monument signs shall utilize the same exterior materials as the
principal buildings and shall not interfere with pedestrian, bicycle or
automobile circulation and visibility.
c. Maximum allowable number, sizes, heights, and yards for signs shall be
regulated by section 36-362, MU-3 requirements.
d. Wall signs of non-residential uses shall only be placed on the ground floor and
exterior walls of the occupied tenant lease space, and/or a monument sign.
e. Wall signs shall not be included in calculating the aggregate sign area on the
lot if they meet the following outlined conditions:
1. Non-residential wall signs permitted by this section that do not exceed 7%
of the exterior wall area of the ground floor tenant lease space.
2. The sign is located on the exterior wall of the ground floor tenant lease
space from which the 7% sign area was derived.
3. No individual wall sign shall exceed 100 square feet in area.
(5) Façade.
a. Fibrous cement, high performance brick veneer with rain screen cladding
systems, and vertically integrated photovoltaic panels shall be considered
Class I Materials.
(6) Awnings.
a. Awnings must be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings are prohibited.
Sec. 36-139. PUD 10.
(a) PUD 10 is commonly referred to as “Knollwood Mall.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. Site Plans
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b. Landscaping Plans
c. Lighting Plans
d. Grading Plans
e. Building Plans
f. Storm Water Plans
g. Utility Plans
h. Survey
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. A minimum of 1,695 parking spaces shall be provided on-site.
b. The maximum building height shall be 40 feet.
(c) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted uses in PUD 10:
(1) Shopping Center. The shopping center shall be limited to the following uses:
a. Office.
b. Medical/dental office.
c. Adult day care.
d. Group day care/nursery school.
e. Bank.
f. Food service.
g. Private indoor entertainment.
h. Retail.
i. Liquor store.
j. Service.
k. Showroom.
l. Studios.
m. Restaurants with or without intoxicating liquor.
n. Museum.
o. Police utility substation.
p. Parcel delivery service/post office.
q. Limited animal handling.
r. Lower potency hemp edible retailers.
(d) Uses permitted with standards.
(1) Cannabis retailer. The standards are as follows:
a. The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a
school. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance
shall be measured from the portion of the center or building occupied by the
cannabis retailer.
b. The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a
pawn shop, currency exchange, payday loan agency, firearms sales or sexually
oriented business. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the
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distance shall be measured from the portion of the center or building
occupied by the cannabis retailer.
c. The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a
cannabis retailer. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the
distance shall be measured from the portion of the shopping center or
multiuse building occupied by the cannabis retailer.
d. In-vehicle sales or service is prohibited.
e. The use shall be contained within a completely enclosed building, and no
outside storage, display, or sale of merchandise is permitted.
f. On-site consumption of cannabis edibles and beverages is prohibited.
(e) Accessory uses. The following uses shall be permitted accessory uses in PUD 10:
(1) Incidental repair or processing which is necessary to conduct a permitted use and
does not exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the associated permitted use.
(2) Catering, if accessory to food service, delicatessen, or retail bakery.
(3) Food service.
(4) Outdoor seating and service of food and beverages with the following conditions:
a. No speakers or other electronic devices which emit sound are permitted
outside of the principal structure if the use is located within 500 feet of a
residential use.
b. Hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. if located within
500 feet of a residential use.
(5) In-vehicle sales or service, limited to restaurants, banks, and pharmacies.
a. Drive-through facilities and stacking areas shall not be located within 100 feet
of any parcel that is zoned residential and used or subdivided for residential
use, or has an occupied institutional building, including but not limited to
schools, religious institutions, and community centers, unless the entire
facility and stacking areas are separated from the lot in a N district by a
building wall.
b. Stacking shall be provided for six cars per customer service point and shall
comply with all yard requirements.
c. This use shall only be permitted when it can be demonstrated that the
operation will not have a significant adverse effect on the existing level of
service on adjacent streets and intersections.
d. The drive-through facility shall be designed so it does not impede traffic or
impair vehicular and pedestrian traffic movement or exacerbate the potential
for pedestrian or vehicular conflicts.
e. Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a
collector or arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be
provided without generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
f. Any canopy constructed as part of this use shall be compatible with the
architectural design and materials of the principal structure.
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g. The use is in conformance with the comprehensive plan including any
provisions of the redevelopment chapter and the plan by neighborhood
policies for the neighborhood in which it is located, and conditions of approval
may be added as a means of satisfying this requirement.
(6) Solar energy systems.
(f) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
(2) Signage shall be subject to the regulations found in section 36-362 pertaining to
signs. PUD 10 shall be subject to the B-1 regulations with the following
clarifications and modifications:
a. The maximum sign area shall be increased by 240 square feet with the
condition that the additional signage be used in its entirety for a free-standing
sign located at the corner of Highway 7 and Texas Ave S. The sign shall be
double sided, and not exceed 120 square feet per side.
(3) Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass. Plastic
and vinyl awnings are prohibited. Backlit awnings are prohibited.
Sec. 36-140. PUD 11.
(a) PUD 11 is commonly referred to as “The Mera.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. A1-0 Parking Level – P1
b. A1-1 Levels 1-2
c. A1-2 Levels 3-6
d. A3-0 Elevations
e. AP1-1 Area Plan – P1 and Level 1
f. AP1-2 Area Plan – Levels 2 & 3-5
g. AP1-6 Area Plan – Level 6
h. AS0.00 Alta Survey
i. C0.00 Cover Sheet
j. C0.01 Removals Plan
k. C0.02 Fire Plan
l. C0.03 Site Plan
m. C0.04 Site Details
n. C0.05 Site Details
o. C0.06 Site Details
p. C0.07 Grading Plan
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q. C0.08 Erosion Control Plan
r. C0.09 SWPPP
s. C0.10 Erosion Details
t. C0.11 Utility Plan
u. C0.12 Utility Service Profiles
v. C0.13 Utility Details
w. C0.14 Utility Details
x. C0.15 Utility Details
y. E0.2 Photometric Site Plan
z. E0.3 Photometric Plan Fixture Cut Sheet
aa. E0.4 Photometric Plan Fixture Cut Sheet
bb. L0.01 Landscape Notes and Schedules
cc. L0.02 Landscape Plan
dd. L0.02A Landscape Plan – Color
ee. L0.03 Landscape Details
ff. L0.04 DORA Plan
gg. PL0.01 Preliminary Plat Sheet 1
hh. PL0.02 Preliminary Plat Sheet 2
ii. PL0.03 Final Plat Sheet 1
jj. PL0.04 Final Plat Sheet 2
kk. PL0.05 Final Plat Sheet 3
ll. T1-0 Title Sheet
mm.
2-1 Project Imagery
nn. T2-2 Project Imagery
oo. T2-3 Project Imagery
pp. Shadow Studies
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with 233 residential units.
b. At least 325 off-street parking spaces shall be provided.
c. The maximum building height shall not exceed 73 feet and six stories.
d. The development site shall include a minimum of 20% designed outdoor
recreation area based on private developable land area.
(c) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted uses:
(1) Mid-rise apartment dwellings, and uses associated with the apartment dwellings,
including, but not limited to, the residential management office, fitness facility,
mail room, assembly rooms and general amenity space.
(d) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
(1) Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
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(2) Gardening and other horticultural uses.
(3) Public transit stops/shelters.
(4) Outdoor seating, excluding public address (PA) systems.
(5) Outdoor uses and outdoor storage are prohibited.
(6) Solar energy systems.
(e) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure. Trash enclosures shall be
constructed from the same materials as the principal building.
(3) Signs shall be allowed in conformance with the following requirements:
a. The signs shall be consistent with the sign regulations for the N-4 zoning
district.
b. Pylon signs shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-141. PUD 12.
(a) PUD 12 is commonly referred to as “Park Village.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. Survey.
b. A100 Main Level Plan
c. A101 Upper-Level Plan
d. A300 Exterior Elevations
e. A301 Exterior Elevations
f. A302 Exterior Renderings
g. D2.1 Site/Drive through Layout Plan
h. Planting Plan Area 3
i. A1 Demo Plan, Patio Plan and Notes
j. A2 Elevations, Wall Section, Finish Plan
k. A2.03R Floor Plan and Elevations
l. Granite City Building Elevations
(c) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted uses:
(1) Medical/dental office.
(2) Funeral homes.
(3) Libraries.
(4) Museums.
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(5) Office.
(6) Parks and open spaces.
(7) Police/fire stations.
(8) Banks.
(9) Business/trade school/college.
(10) Retail up to 20,000 square feet.
(11) Service.
(12) Studios.
(13) Public service structures.
(14) Food service.
(15) Restaurants with or without intoxicating liquor.
(16) More than one principal building located on a single lot.
(17) Limited animal handling.
(18) Lower potency hemp edible retailer.
(d) Uses permitted with standards. The following uses are permitted if they comply with
the standards specified in this section:
(1) Medical, optical or dental laboratories. The use shall not generate any fumes or
odors which are detectable at the property lines of the parcel on which the use is
located.
(2) Private indoor entertainment with or without intoxicating liquor.
(e) Accessory uses.
(1) Accessory uses are as follows:
a. Catering if accessory to a restaurant, food service, delicatessen, grocery store
or retail bakery.
b. In-vehicle sales or service. The standards are as follows:
1. Stacking shall be provided for six cars per customer service point and shall
comply with all yard requirements.
2. This use shall only be permitted when it can be demonstrated that the
operation will not have a significant adverse effect on the existing level of
service on adjacent streets and intersections.
3. The drive-through facility shall be designed so it does not impede traffic
or impair vehicular and pedestrian traffic movement or exacerbate the
potential for pedestrian or vehicular conflicts.
4. Any canopy constructed as part of this use shall be compatible with the
architectural design and materials of the principal structure.
c. Parking ramps.
d. Public transit stops/shelters.
e. Outdoor seating with the following standards:
1. Public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
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2. Additional parking will not be required if the outdoor seating area does
not exceed 500 square feet or 10% of the gross floor area of the principal
use, whichever is less. Parking will be required at the same rate as the
principal use for that portion of outdoor seating area in excess of 500
square feet or 10% of the gross building area, whichever is less.
f. Outdoor storage is prohibited.
g. Solar energy systems.
(f) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this PUD shall be
met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking and screening requirements.
(2) All solid waste materials containers shall be kept in the manner required by this
code. All solid waste handling and loading areas shall be screened from view. The
screening shall be constructed from the same materials as the principal building.
(3) Signs shall be allowed in conformance with the requirements found in the B-1
zoning district.
Sec. 36-142. PUD 13.
(a) PUD 13 is commonly referred to as “Bridgewater Bank Corporate Headquarters.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site located on property legally described as Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Bridgewater
Bank Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and
maintained in conformance with the following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. G000P – Cover Sheet
b. G001P - Renderings
c. G002P – Shadow Study
d. C0.0 – Title Sheet
e. V1.0 – Site Survey
f. V1.1 – Final Plat Page 1
g. V1.2 – Final Plat Page 2
h. C1.0 – Removals Plan
i. C2.0 – Site Plan
j. C2.1 – Site Plan – Northern Drive
k. C2.2 – Vehicle Turning Movement Plan
l. C2.3 – Right of Way Dedication
m. C3.0 – Grading Plan
n. C3.1 Grading Plan – Northern Drive
o. C4.0 – Utility Plan
p. C5.0 – Civil Details
q. C5.1 – Civil Details
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r. C5.2 – Civil Details
s. C5.3 – Civil Details
t. SW1.0 – SWPPP – Existing Conditions
u. SW1.1 – SWPPP – Proposed Conditions
v. SW1.2 – SWPPP – Details & Narrative
w. SW1.3 – SWPPP – Attachments
x. SW1.4 – SWPPP - Attachments
y. SW1.5 – SWPPP – Attachments
z. L001 – Tree Preservation Plan
aa. L100 – Landscape Plan
bb. L400 – Landscape Enlargement
cc. L500 – Landscape Details and Notes
dd. AS100P – Architectural Site Plan
ee. A090P – Floor Plan – Level P2
ff. A100P – Floor Plan – Level P1
gg. A110P – Floor Plan – Level 1
hh. A120P – Floor Plan – Level 2
ii. A130P – Floor Plan – Level 3
jj. A140P – Floor Plan – Level 4
kk. A160P – Roof Plan
ll. A200P – Exterior Elevations
mm.
A201P – Exterior Elevations
nn. A202P – Exterior Elevations
oo. A203P – Exterior Elevations
pp. A300P – Building Sections
qq. AL100 – Photometric Plan
rr. AL100 – Photometric P1 Plan
ss. AL102 – Photometric P2 Plan
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with 84,000 square feet of building space.
b. Parking requirements shall be as follows:
1. At least 277 off-street parking spaces shall be constructed.
2. At least five public on-street parallel parking spaces shall be constructed
on Excelsior Boulevard.
3. Parking will be provided off-street in a surface lot (50 spaces), on-street
parallel parking (5 spaces), and in below grade structured parking (227).
4. 10 spaces shall be shared parking via a shared parking easement with Lot
2 Block 1 Bridgewater Addition.
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5. An off-street parking management plan shall be approved by the city and
managed by the property owner, with the goal of avoiding spill over
parking into surrounding streets in the neighborhood and maximizing the
benefits of mixed use development and shared parking.
c. A commercial loading bay shall be located six feet from the east property line
on the north side of the building. Access shall be provided from 36-1/2 Street.
d. The maximum building height shall not exceed 62 feet and four stories, plus
up to an additional 10 feet for stair and elevator penthouses.
e. The development site shall include a minimum of 12% designed outdoor
recreation area based on private developable land area.
(c) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted on Lot 2, Block 1, Bridgewater Bank
Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota:
(1) Office.
(d) Permitted with standards. The following uses are permitted with standards on Lot 1,
Block 1, Bridgewater Bank Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota:
(1) Office. Office uses shall be limited to upper floors.
(e) The following uses are permitted with standards on Lot 1 and Lot 2, Block 1,
Bridgewater Bank Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota:
(1) Commercial uses. Commercial uses shall be limited to the following:
a. medical/dental offices, libraries, museums, banks, and studios.
b. Retail and service facilities. The standards are as follows:
1. No single use retail or service facility establishment over 4,000 square
feet is permitted. The use shall be located on the ground floor and shall
be permitted only as a part of a larger development which contains at
least one other permitted principal use or as a part of a mixed use PUD.
2. All refuse shall meet the requirements of chapter 22 regulating refuse.
c. Restaurants with or without intoxicating liquor license. The standards are as
follows:
1. This use shall be permitted as part of a larger development which
contains at least one other principal use or as part of a PUD.
2. A Travel Demand Management Plan shall be implemented and shall
provide ongoing mitigation while a restaurant use is present.
3. These uses shall not result in any exterior building modifications,
including truck docks or freestanding signage, overnight truck parking or
similar features.
4. If there is a wine, beer, and/or intoxicating liquor license, the Restaurant
uses shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from any parcel that is zoned
neighborhood and used or subdivided for residential or has an occupied
institutional building including but not limited to a school, religious
institution, or community center.
5. In-vehicle sales is prohibited.
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d. Lower potency hemp edible retailers.
(2) Civic and institutional uses. Civic and institutional uses are limited to educational
facility, indoor entertainment, police utility substations, parcel delivery
service/post office and studios. The standards are as follows:
a. All parking requirements must be met for each use.
b. In-vehicle sales is prohibited.
(f) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
(1) Parking lots.
(2) Parking structures. Facades that are visible from off-site shall display and
integration of building materials, building form, textures, architectural motifs, and
building colors with principal building.
(3) Public transit stops/shelters.
(4) Catering, if accessory to food service, delicatessen, or retail bakery.
(5) Outdoor seating, public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
(6) No outdoor uses or storage allowed.
(7) Solar energy systems.
(8) In-vehicle sales is prohibited.
(g) Prohibited uses. The following uses are prohibited:
(1) In-vehicle sales.
(h) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking and screening requirements.
(2) Each commercial, civic, or institutional tenant space on the ground floor shall have
a direct and primary access to and from the Excelsior Boulevard (south) building
façade and the access shall remain open during business hours.
(3) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this Code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(4) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with the C-2 General Commercial Zoning
District and shall comply with the following:
a. Pylon signs shall be prohibited.
(5) Façade.
a. Composite wooden resin paneling a minimum of seven millimeters thick shall
be considered a Class I Material.
b. The following façade design guidelines shall be applicable to all ground floor
street-facing facades:
1. Minimum ground floor transparency shall be 70% at the pedestrian level.
2. No more than 10% of total window and door area shall be glass block,
mirrored, spandrel, frosted or other opaque glass, finishes or material
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including window painting and signs. The remaining 90% of window and
door area shall be clear or slightly tinted glass, allowing views into and
out of the interior.
3. Active permitted uses shall be maintained for a minimum depth of 15
feet. Storage areas and utility closets are prohibited within this 15 feet.
4. Visibility into the space shall be maintained for a minimum depth of 10
feet. This requirement shall not prohibit the display of merchandise
(6) Awnings.
a. Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings are prohibited.
Sec. 36-143. PUD 14.
(a) PUD 14 is commonly referred to as “Caraway West End.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site located at Lot 2, Block 1, The Shops at West End, Hennepin County,
Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. Exhibit A: Survey
b. Exhibit B: T1.1 Title Sheet
c. Exhibit C: A3.1 Exterior Elevations
d. Exhibit D: A3.2 Exterior Elevations
e. Exhibit E: AP0.01 Area Plan – P1
f. Exhibit F: AP0.02 Area Plan – P2
g. Exhibit G: AP.1 Area Plan – Level 1
h. Exhibit H: AP.2 Area Plan – Level 2-5 Typical
i. Exhibit I: AP.6 Area Plan – Level 6
j. Exhibit J: C0.0 Cover Sheet
k. Exhibit K: C1.0 General Notes
l. Exhibit L: C2.0 Existing Conditions & Removal Plan
m. Exhibit M: C3.0 Erosion & Sediment Control Plan – Phase 1
n. Exhibit N: C3.1 Erosion & Sediment Control Plan – Phase 2
o. Exhibit O: C4.0 Site Plan
p. Exhibit P: C5.0 Grading & Drainage Plan
q. Exhibit Q: C6.0 Utility Plan
r. Exhibit R: L1.0 Landscape Plan
s. Exhibit S: L1.1 Detail Landscape Plans
t. Exhibit T: L1.2 Amenity Deck Landscape Plan
u. Exhibit U: L1.4 Tree Preservation Plan
v. Exhibit V: L1.5 Lighting Plan
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(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with 207 dwelling units.
b. At least 315 off-street parking spaces shall be provided.
c. The maximum building height shall not exceed 73.2 feet and six stories.
d. The development site shall include a minimum of 46% designed outdoor
recreation area based on private developable land area.
(c) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted on Lot 2, Block 1, The Shops at West
End, Hennepin County, Minnesota:
(1) Mid-rise apartment dwellings, and uses associated with the apartment dwellings,
including, but not limited to, the residential management office, fitness facility,
mail room, assembly rooms and general amenity space.
(d) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
(1) Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
(2) Gardening and other horticultural uses.
(3) Public transit stops/shelters.
(4) Outdoor seating, public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
(5) Outdoor uses and outdoor storage are prohibited.
(6) Solar energy systems.
(e) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this Code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure. Trash enclosures shall be
constructed from the same materials as the principal building.
(3) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with the requirements found in the –MU-
3 zoning district.
Sec. 36-144. PUD 15.
(a) PUD 15 is commonly referred to as “Parkway Place, Parkway Flats, Parkway Residences
Rehab, and Parkway Plaza.”
(b) Development plan. The property shall be divided into four zones, as indicated on the
PUD Exhibit of the Official Exhibits. The zones shall be established by dividing the site
into a north campus, a southeast campus, a southwest campus, and a west campus.
The north campus shall be called “Site 1,” the southeast campus shall be called “Site 2,”
the southwest campus shall be called “Site 3,” and the west campus shall be called
“Site 4.”
(1) Site 1
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a. Site 1, legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Manhattan Park Second Addition,
Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained in
conformance with the following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
1. C1.0.0 Title Sheet
2. V1.1.0 Alta/NSPS Land Title Survey
3. C1.1.0 Removals Plan
4. C1.2.0 Site Plan
5. C1.3.0 Grading Plan
6. C1.4.0 Utility Plan
7. C1.5.0 Civil Details
8. C1.5.1 Civil Details
9. C1.5.2 Civil Details
10. SW1.1.0 SWPPP Existing Conditions
11. SW1.1.1 SWPPP Proposed Conditions
12. SW1.1.2 SWPP – Details
13. SW1.1.3 SWPPP – Narrative
14. SW1.1.4 SWPPP – Attachments
15. SW1.1.5 SWPPP - Attachments
16. 0.0 Cover sheet
17. 1.0 Floor Plan Level P2
18. 2.0 Floor Plan Level P1
19. 3.0 Floor Plan Level 1
20. 4.0 Floor Plan Level 2
21. 5.0 Floor Plan Level 3
22. 6.0 Floor Plan Level 4
23. 7.0 East & West Elevation
24. 8.0 North Elevation
25. 9.0 South Elevation
26. 23.0 DORA Site Plan
27. AL101A Photometric Plan West
28. AL101B Photometric Plan East
29. LS101 Landscape Layout Plan
30. LP101 Planting Plan
31. C1.2.1 Overall Site Plan
32. C1.3.1 Overall Grading Plan
33. C1.4.1 Overall Utility Plan
34. C1.4.2 Public Utility Plan and Profile
35. C.1.4.3 Public Utility Plan and Profile
36. L001 Tree Preservation Plan
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37. LS100 Landscape Plan
38. LP500 Planting Details
39. LS500 Landscape Details
(2) Site 2
a. Site 2, legally described as Lot 1, Block 3, Manhattan Park Second Addition,
Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained in
conformance with the following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
1. C2.0.0 Title Sheet
2. V2.1.0 Alta/NSPS Land Title Survey
3. C2.1.0 Removals Plan
4. C2.2.0 Site Plan
5. C2.3.0 Grading Plan
6. C2.4.0 Utility Plan
7. C2.5.0 Civil Details
8. C2.5.1 Civil Details
9. C2.5.2 Civil Details
10. SW2.1.0 SWPPP Existing Conditions
11. SW2.1.1 SWPPP Proposed Conditions
12. SW2.1.2 SWPP – Details
13. SW2.1.3 SWPPP – Narrative
14. SW2.1.4 SWPPP – Attachments
15. SW2.1.5 SWPPP - Attachments
16. 10.0 Floor Plans
17. 11.0 Building Elevations
18. 23.0 DORA Site Plan
19. AL102 Photometric Plan
20. LS102 Landscape Layout Plan
21. LP102 Planting Plan
b. Site 2 shall also conform to the following requirements:
1. Parking shall be provided off-street in a surface lot and on-street.
i. A total of six parking spaces will be provided in the surface lot.
2. The property shall be developed with six residential units.
3. The maximum height shall not exceed 33 feet and three stories.
4. The site shall include a minimum 7% designed outdoor recreation area.
(3) Site 3
a. Site 3, legally described as Lot 1, Block 2, Manhattan Park Second Addition,
Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained in
conformance with the following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
1. C3.0.0 Title Sheet
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2. V3.1.0 Alta/NSPS Land Title Survey
3. C3.1.0 Removals Plan
4. C3.2.0 Site Plan
5. C3.3.0 Grading Plan
6. C3.4.0 Utility Plan
7. C3.5.0 Civil Details
8. C3.5.1 Civil Details
9. C3.5.2 Civil Details
10. SW3.1.0 SWPPP Existing Conditions
11. SW3.1.1 SWPPP Proposed Conditions
12. SW3.1.2 SWPP – Details
13. SW3.1.3 SWPPP – Narrative
14. SW3.1.4 SWPPP – Attachments
15. SW3.1.5 SWPPP - Attachments
16. 12.0 Floor Plan Level 1
17. 13.0 Floor Plan Level 2
18. 14.0 Floor Plan Level 3
19. 15.0 Floor Plan Level 4
20. 15.2 Floor Plan Roof Deck
21. 16.0 Elevation – North
22. 17.0 Elevation – South
23. 18.0 Elevation – East & West
24. 23.0 DORA Site Plan
25. AL103 Photometric Plan B. Site 3 shall also conform to the following
requirements:
i. Parking shall be provided off-street in structured parking and on-
street.
a. A total of 37 parking spaces will be provided in structured
parking.
ii. The property shall be developed with 37 residential units.
iii. The maximum building height shall not exceed 50 feet and four
stories.
iv. The site shall include a minimum 12%designed outdoor recreation
area.
(4) Site 4
a. Site 4, legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Thomas O. Heggen’s Addition,
Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained in
conformance with the following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
1. C4.0.0 Title Sheet
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2. V4.1.0 Alta/NSPS Land Title Survey
3. C4.1.0 Removals Plan
4. C4.2.0 Site Plan
5. C4.3.0 Grading Plan
6. C4.4.0 Utility Plan
7. C4.5.0 Civil Details
8. C4.5.1 Civil Details
9. C4.5.2 Civil Details
10. SW4.1.0 SWPPP Existing Conditions
11. SW4.1.1 SWPPP Proposed Conditions
12. SW4.1.2 SWPP – Details
13. SW4.1.3 SWPPP – Narrative
14. SW4.1.4 SWPPP – Attachments
15. SW4.1.5 SWPPP - Attachments
16. 19.0 Floor Plan Level P1-3
17. 20.0 Floor Plan Level 4-11
18. 21.0 Building Elevations
19. 22.0 Building Elevations
20. 23.0 DORA Site Plan
21. AL104 Photometric Plan
22. LS102 Landscape Layout Plan
23. LP102 Planting Plan B. Site 4 shall also conform to the following
requirements:
i. Parking shall be provided off-street in structured parking and in a
surface lot.
a. A total of 19 parking spaces will be provided in the surface lot.
b. A total of 109 parking spaces will be provided on-street.
ii. The property shall be developed with 73 residential units.
iii. The maximum height shall not exceed 138 feet and 11 stories
iv. The site shall include a minimum 12% designed outdoor recreation
area.
(c) Uses.
(1) Permitted uses: The following uses are permitted in PUD 15:
a. Mid-rise apartment dwellings. Uses associated with apartment dwellings,
including but not limited to, the residential office, fitness facility, mail room,
assembly room or general amenity space.
(2) Accessory uses: Accessory uses are as follows:
a. Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
b. Gardening and other horticultural uses.
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c. Public transit stops/shelters.
d. Outdoor seating, public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
e. Outdoor uses and outdoor storage are prohibited.
f. Accessory utility structures including:
1. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
2. Solar energy systems.
3. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
(d) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this Code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(3) Signage shall be subject to the regulations found in section 36-362 pertaining to
signs
a. Site 1, Site 2, and Site 3 shall be subject to the sign regulations for N-4
districts.
b. Site 4 shall be subject to the sign regulations for MU-2 districts.
c. Pylon signs shall be prohibited.
(4) Composite wooden resin paneling a minimum of seven millimeters thick shall be
considered a Class I material.
(5) Awnings.
a. Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-145. PUD 16.
(a) PUD 16 is commonly referred to as “The Quentin.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site located on property legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Cedar Place
Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained
in conformance with the following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. C000 Cover Sheet
b. C100 Existing Conditions & Removals Plan
c. C200 Sediment & Erosion Control – Phase I
d. C201 Sediment & Erosion Control – Phase II
e. C300 Site Plan
f. C400 Grading Plan
g. C410 Accessible Route Plan
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h. C500 Utility Plan
i. A000 Lower-Level Parking Plan
j. A001 Lobby/Upper-Level Parking Plan
k. A002-1 Floor Plans
l. A002-2 Floor Plan/Roof Plan
m. A003 Building Elevations
n. A004 Building Elevations
o. A005 Building Images
p. A006 Shadow Study
q. A007 Designated Outdoor Recreation Area
r. L000 Tree Preservation Plan
s. L100 Landscape Plan
t. Exterior Lighting Plan
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. Parking shall be provided off-street.
1. A total of 107 parking spaces will be provided in structured parking.
2. A total of five spaces will be provided in an off-street surface lot.
b. The property shall be developed with 79 residential units.
c. The maximum height shall not exceed 72 feet and six stories.
d. The site shall contain a minimum of 13% designed outdoor recreation area.
(c) Uses.
(1) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in PUD 16:
a. Mid-rise apartment dwellings. Uses associated with the apartment dwellings,
including but not limited to, the residential office, fitness facility, mail room,
assembly room or general amenity space.
(2) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
a. Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
b. Gardening and other horticultural uses.
c. Public transit stops/shelters.
d. Outdoor seating, public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
e. Outdoor uses and outdoor storage are prohibited.
f. Accessory utility structures including:
1. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
2. Solar energy systems.
3. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
(d) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
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(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this Code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(3) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with the N-4 zoning district and shall
comply with the following:
a. Pylon signs shall be prohibited.
(4) Fiber cement paneling a minimum of 5/8-inch thick shall be considered a class I
material.
(5) Awnings.
a. Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-146. PUD 17.
(a) PUD 17 is commonly referred to as “Union Park Flats.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site located on property legally described as Lots 1 and 2, Unity Village
Apartments, Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and
maintained in conformance with the following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. G001 Title Sheet
b. AL101 Architectural Site Plan
c. AL102 Architectural Context Plan
d. AL103 Shadow Study
e. AL104 Block Elevation Study
f. Existing Conditions Survey
g. Lot Division Survey
h. Preliminary Plat
i. Final Plat
j. C100 Selective Site Demolition and Erosion Control Plan
k. C200 Grading, Drainage, and Erosion Control Plan
l. C300 Utility Plan
m. C400 Paving and Geometric Plan
n. C500 Civil Details
o. C501 Civil Details
p. C600 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
q. L010 General Notes & Schedules
r. L011 Reference Note & Plant Schedules
s. L012 Tree Preservation Plan
t. L110 Overall Site Plan
u. L111 Enlarged Site Plan – Courtyard
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v. L120 Overall Site Plan – DORA Exhibit
w. L140 Overall Tree Plan
x. L141 Overall Shrub & Perennial Plan
y. L142 Enlarged Landscape Plan – Courtyard
z. L500 Landscape Details
aa. L501 Landscape Details
bb. E0.00 Electrical Site Lighting Plan
cc. A001.0 Sublevel 1 – Overall Plan
dd. A101.0 Level 1 Plan – Overall
ee. A102.0 Level 2 Plan – Overall
ff. A103.0 – Level 3 Plan – Overall
gg. A201 Roof Plan – Overall
hh. A301 Building Elevations
ii. A302 Building Elevations
jj. A303 Building Elevations
kk. A304 Building Elevations
ll. PUD A1 Church Concept Models
mm.
UD A2 Church Demolition Plan
nn. PUD A3 Church Plan
oo. PUPD A4 Church Building Elevations
(2) The site plan shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. Parking shall be provided off-street.
1. A total of 69 parking spaces shall be provided in structured parking.
2. A total of 10 parking spaces shall be provided in the Lot 1 surface lot.
3. A total of 31 parking spaces shall be provided in the Lot 2 parking lot.
b. Lot 1 shall be developed with 60 residential units.
c. The maximum height of both parcels shall not exceed 35 feet.
d. Lot 1 shall contain a minimum of 14% designed outdoor recreation area.
(c) Permitted uses.
(1) The following uses are permitted uses on Lot 1:
a. Mid-rise apartment dwellings. Uses associated with the apartment dwellings,
including but not limited to fitness facility, mail room, assembly room or
general amenity space.
(2) The following uses are permitted uses on Lot 2:
a. Religious institutions.
(d) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
(1) Accessory utility structures including:
a. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
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b. Solar energy systems.
c. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
(2) Family day care serving 14 or fewer persons.
a. A licensed family day care facility may have one outside employee.
(3) Gardening and other horticultural uses.
(4) Property management or rental office provided it does not occupy more than 10%
of the gross floor area.
(5) Public transit stops/shelters.
(6) Service and retail facilities intended for use of residents not to exceed 10% of the
gross floor area of the development.
(7) Outdoor seating, public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
(8) Outdoor storage is prohibited.
(9) Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
(e) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this Code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(3) Signage shall be in conformance with the N-3 zoning district and shall comply with
the following:
a. Pylon signs shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-147. PUD 18.
(a) PUD 18 is commonly referred to as “Texa-Tonka.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site located on property legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Edith Addition,
Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained in
conformance with the following Final PUD signed official exhibits:
a. Preliminary Plat
b. Final Plat
c. C000 Cover sheet
d. V100 Survey
e. C100 General notes
f. C200 Tree inventory and preservation plan
g. C201 Demo plan
h. C300 Erosion and sediment control plan – phase 1
i. C301 Erosion and sediment control plan – phase 2
j. C302 Erosion and sediment control details
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k. C303 SWPPP
l. C400 Site plan
m. C600 Storm sewer plan
n. C700 Utility plan
o. C800 Construction details
p. C801 Construction details
q. C802 Construction details
r. C803 Construction details
s. L100 Landscape plan
t. L101 Landscape enlargement – north
u. L102 Landscape enlargement – south
v. L103 Landscape schedule
w. L104 Landscape details
x. L105 DORA plan
y. Photometric plan
z. Shadow study
aa. Townhome floor plans – Levels 1 & 2
bb. Townhome elevations
cc. South building floor plans – Level -1
dd. South building floor plans – Level 1
ee. South building floor plans – Level 2-3
ff. South building floor plans – Level 4
gg. Building elevations
hh. Renders – corner view
ii. Renders – driveway view
jj. Renders – townhome view
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with 112 residential units.
1. 101 units shall be provided in a mid-rise apartment building on the south
side of the site.
2. 11 townhome units shall be provided on the north side of the site.
b. At least 134 off street-parking spaces shall be constructed and at least 4 on-
street parallel parking spaces shall be provided on 29th Street West.
c. The maximum height shall be as follows:
1. The height adjacent to single-family residential shall adhere to section 36-
32(c)(3)a.
2. The height of the mid-rise apartment building shall not exceed 62 feet
and five stories.
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3. The height of the townhome buildings shall not exceed 25 feet and two
stories.
4. The site shall contain a minimum of 12% designed outdoor recreation
area.
(c) Uses.
(1) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in PUD 18:
a. Mid-rise apartment dwellings. Uses associated with the apartment dwellings,
including but not limited to, the residential office, fitness facility, mail room,
assembly room or general amenity space.
(2) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
a. Home occupations.
b. Gardens.
c. Parking lots.
d. Public transit stops/shelters.
e. Outdoor seating, public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
f. Outdoor uses and outdoor storage are prohibited.
g. Accessory utility structures including:
1. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
2. Solar energy systems.
3. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems
(d) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this Code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(3) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with N-4 zoning district and shall comply
with the following:
a. Pylon signs shall be prohibited.
(4) Awnings.
a. Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-148. PUD 19.
(a) PUD 19 is commonly referred to as “Rise on 7.”
(b) Development plans.
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(1) The site located on property legally described at Lot 1, Block 1, Rise on 7,
Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained in
conformance with the following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. Survey
b. Preliminary Plat
c. Final Plat
d. C1-1 Demolition Plan
e. C2-1 Site Plan
f. C3-1 Grading Plan
g. C3-2 SWPPP
h. C3-3 SWPPP Notes
i. C4-1 Sanitary & Watermain
j. C4-2 Storm Sewer
k. L1-1 Landscape Plan
l. Landscape Details
m. Lighting Plan
n. A000 Cover Sheet
o. A300 Level 0 Plan
p. A310 Level 1 Plan
q. A320 Level 2 Plan
r. A330 Level 3 Plan
s. A340 Level 4 Plan
t. A500 Exterior Elevations
u. A501 Exterior Elevation
v. A502 Exterior Elevations
w. A121 Shadow Study
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with 120 dwelling units and 6,600 square
feet of commercial space.
b. The property shall include 167 off-street parking spaces.
c. The maximum height shall not exceed 55 feet and five stories.
d. The site shall contain a minimum of 12% of the lot area as designed outdoor
recreation area.
(c) Uses.
(1) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in PUD 19:
a. Mid-rise apartment mixed use dwellings. Uses associated with the apartment
dwellings, including but not limited to, the residential leasing and property
management office, fitness facility, mail room, assembly room or general
amenity space.
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b. Group daycare/nursery schools complying with the following standards:
1. The on-site outdoor activity areas shall be enclosed with a fence.
2. City parks may be utilized to meet up to 50% of the required outdoor
activity areas with the following standards:
i. The park must have age-appropriate play equipment.
ii. There is a clearly defined and maintained sidewalk or improved trail
connecting the facility to the park.
3. An off-street passenger loading area shall be provided in order to
maintain vehicular and pedestrian safety.
(2) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
a. Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
b. Gardening and horticultural uses.
c. Public transit stops/shelters.
d. Outdoor seating, public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
e. Outdoor uses and outdoor storage are prohibited.
f. Accessory utility structures including:
1. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
2. Solar energy systems.
3. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
(d) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(3) Signs shall be allowed in conformance with the sign regulations for the N-4 zoning
district and shall comply with the following:
a. Pylon signs shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-149. PUD 20.
(a) PUD 20 is commonly referred to as “Corsa.”
(b) Development plans.
(1) The site located on property legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Beltline Industrial
Park 4th Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and
maintained in conformance with the following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. Preliminary Plat
b. Final Plat
c. C000 Cover sheet
d. Existing conditions survey
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e. C100 General notes
f. C101 Tree inventory and preservation plan
g. C200 Existing conditions and removal plan
h. C300 Erosion and sediment control plan – phase 1
i. C301 Erosion and sediment control plan – phase 2
j. C302 Erosion and sediment control details
k. C303 SWPPP
l. C400 Site plan
m. C401 Fire access plan
n. C500 Grading plan
o. C501 Stormwater management plan
p. C502 Stormwater details
q. C503 Stormwater details
r. C600 Utility plan
s. C700 Construction details
t. C701 Construction details
u. C702 Construction details
v. C703 Construction details
w. L100 Landscape plan
x. L101 Landscape schedule
y. L102 Landscape details
z. L103 DORA plan
aa. A.00 Cover sheet
bb. A.01 Concept Level 1
cc. A.02 Concept Level 2
dd. A.03 Concept Level 3
ee. A.04 Concept Level 4
ff. A.05 Concept Level 5
gg. A.06 Concept Roof Plan
hh. A.07 Concept Elevations
ii. A.08 Concept Elevations
jj. A.09 Concept Elevations and Diagrams
kk. A.10 Project Information and Details
ll. A.11 Project Images
mm.
un Studies
nn. E060 Site Photometric Plan
oo. E061 Site Photometric Fixture Cut Sheet
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
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a. The property shall be developed with 250 residential units and a minimum of
7,400 square feet of ground floor commercial.
b. At least 352 off street-parking spaces shall be constructed. Up to a 20%
reduction of required parking may be permitted for residential and non-
residential uses under the terms of a parking management plan approved by
the zoning administrator.
c. The maximum building height shall be 56 feet and five stories.
d. The site shall contain a minimum of 12% designed outdoor recreation area
based on private developable land area.
(c) Uses.
(1) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in PUD 20:
a. Mid-rise apartment mixed use dwellings. Uses associated with the apartment
dwellings, including but not limited to, the residential office, fitness facility,
mail room, assembly room or general amenity space.
(2) Permitted with standards. The following uses are permitted with standards in PUD
20:
a. Live-work units.
1. Live-work uses as defined by Sec. 36-142 of city code are permitted on
the first floor.
b. Commercial uses. Commercial uses are only permitted on the first floor, and
are limited to the following: restaurants, coffee shops, office, private
entertainment (indoor), retail, service, showrooms, studios and lower potency
hemp edible retailers.
1. All parking requirements must be met for each use.
2. Hours of operation for commercial uses shall be limited to 6 a.m. to 12
a.m.
3. In-vehicle sales is prohibited.
(3) Accessory uses: Accessory uses are as follows:
a. Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
b. Gardening and other horticultural uses.
c. Public transit stops/shelters.
d. Outdoor seating.
1. Public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
e. Outdoor uses and outdoor storage are prohibited.
f. Accessory utility structures including:
1. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
2. Solar energy systems.
3. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
(d) Special performance standards.
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(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this Code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(3) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with the MU-3 Zoning Districts and shall
comply with the following:
a. Pylon signs shall be prohibited.
(4) Awnings.
a. Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-150. PUD 21.
(a) PUD 21 is commonly referred to as “Risor.”
(b) Development plans.
(1) The site located on property legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Belt Line Industrial
Park 3rd Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and
maintained in conformance with the following Final PUD approved Official
Exhibits:
a. V001 Alta Survey
b. V002 Final Plat
c. P0.01 Preliminary Plat
d. C000 Cover sheet
e. A0.01 Concept floor plan level 1
f. A0.02 Concept floor plan level 2
g. A0.03 Concept floor plan level 3
h. A0.04 Concept floor plan level 4
i. A0.05 Concept floor plan level 5
j. A0.06 Concept floor plan level 6
k. A0.07 Concept roof plan
l. A0.08 Concept exterior elevations
m. A0.09 Concept exterior elevations
n. A0.10 Project images
o. A0.11 Shadow studies
p. C0.01 Site plan
q. C0.02 Site access plan
r. C0.03 Grading and erosion control plan
s. C0.04 Utility plan
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t. L0.0 Tree preservation plan
u. L0.01 Landscape plan
v. L0.01 Landscape plan – color
w. L0.02 Landscape schedule
x. L0.03 Dora plan
y. V000 Site lighting plan
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with 177 residential units and a minimum of
4,000 square feet of ground floor commercial.
b. At least 240 off street-parking spaces shall be constructed. Up to a
20%reduction of required parking may be permitted for residential and non-
residential uses under the terms of a parking management plan approved by
the zoning administrator.
c. The maximum building height shall be 70 feet and six stories.
d. The site shall contain a minimum of 12% designed outdoor recreation area
based on private developable land area.
(c) Uses.
(1) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in PUD 21:
a. Mid-rise apartment mixed use dwellings. Uses associated with the apartment
dwellings, including but not limited to, the residential office, fitness facility,
mail room, assembly room or general amenity space.
(2) Permitted with standards. The following uses are permitted with standards in PUD
21:
a. Live-work units.
1. Live-work uses as defined by Sec. 36-142 of city code are permitted on
the first floor.
2. A Registration of Land Use (RLU) shall be approved by the city when there
is a change in commercial tenant.
b. Commercial uses. Commercial uses are only permitted on the first floor, and
are limited to the following: restaurants, coffee shops, office, private
entertainment (indoor), retail, service, showrooms, studios and lower potency
hemp edible retailers.
1. All parking requirements must be met for each use.
2. Hours of operation for commercial uses shall be limited to 6 a.m. to 12
a.m.
3. In-vehicle sales is prohibited.
(3) Accessory uses: Accessory uses are as follows:
a. Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
b. Gardening and horticultural uses.
c. Public transit stops/shelters.
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d. Outdoor seating.
1. Public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
e. Outdoor uses and outdoor storage are prohibited.
f. Accessory utility structures including:
1. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
2. Solar energy systems.
3. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
(d) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, architectural design,
landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(3) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with the MU-3 Zoning Districts and shall
comply with the following:
a. Pylon signs shall be prohibited.
(4) Awnings.
a. Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-151. PUD 22.
(a) PUD 22 is commonly referred to as “Beltline Station Sherman.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The property shall be divided into four zones, as indicated on the A0.01
Architectural Site Plan of the Official Exhibits. The zones shall be established by
dividing the site into four lots. The northwest lot shall be called “Site 1”, the
northeast lot shall be called “Site 2”, the southeast lot shall be called “Site 3”, and
the southwest lot shall be called “Site 4”.
a. Development
1. Site 1, Site 2, Site 3, and Site 4 shall be developed, used, and maintained
in conformance with the following Final PUD Official Exhibits:
i. PP100 Preliminary Plat
ii. PP200 Comprehensive Preliminary Plat
iii. Final Plat
iv. V1.00 Alta Survey
v. V1.01 Alta Survey
vi. A0.01 Architectural Site Plan
vii. A0.19 Shadow Study
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viii. C0.00 Cover Sheet
ix. C1.00 General Notes
x. C2.00 Demo Plan
xi. C3.00 Erosion and Sediment Control Plan – Phase 1
xii. C3.01 Erosion and Sediment Control Plan – Phase 2
xiii. C.3.02 Erosion and Sediment Control Details
xiv. C3.03 SWPPP
xv. C4.00 Site Plan
xvi. C4.01 Site Access Plan
xvii. C5.00 Grading Plan
xviii. C5.01 Storm Sewer Plan
xix. C6.00 Utility Plan
xx. C6.01 Sanitary Sewer Plan
xxi. C6.02 Water Plan
xxii. C6.03 Dry Utility Plan
xxiii. C7.00 Construction Details
xxiv.C7.01 Construction Details
xxv. C7.02 Construction Details
xxvi.E0.00 Electrical Site Photometrics
xxvii. V1.02 Tree Survey
xxviii. G0.01 Cover Sheet
xxix. L.100 Overall Site – Landscape Plan
xxx. L.101 Overall Site – Planting Plan
xxxi. L.106 DORA – Site Plan
xxxii. L300 Construction Details
xxxiii. L301 Construction Details
b. Site 1
1. Site 1, legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Beltline Station, Hennepin
County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained in
conformance with the following Final PUD Official Exhibits:
i. A1.01 Building 1 – Level 1
ii. A1.02 Building 1 – Level 2
iii. A1.03 Building 1 – Level 3
iv. A1.04 Building 1 – Level 4
v. A1.05 Building 1 – Level 5-7
vi. A1.06 Building 1 Elevations
vii. A1.07 Building 1 Elevations
viii. A1.08 Building 1 Data Summary
ix. A1.09 Building 1 - Roof
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x. L102 Building 1 – Planting Plan
2. Site 1 shall also conform to the following requirements:
i. The property shall be developed with a mixed use building with 156
residential units and 19,000 square feet of commercial uses.
ii. The maximum height shall not exceed 83 feet and seven stories
iii. The site shall include a minimum 12% designed outdoor recreation
area.
iv. Parking shall be provided off-street in structured parking and surface
parking lots.
a. A total of 55 parking spaces shall be provided off street in
surface parking. 6 spaces shall include Level 2 electric vehicle
charging stations.
b. A total of 247 parking spaces shall be provided off-site on Site 4,
and an irrevocable covenant or easement shall be recorded by
the county on Site 4 benefiting Site 1. 13 spaces shall include
Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations.
c. Site 2
1. Site 2, legally described as Lot 2, Block 1, Beltline Station, Hennepin
County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained in
conformance with the following Final PUD Official Exhibits:
i. A2.01 Building 2 – Level P1
ii. A2.02 Building 2 – Level 1
iii. A2.03 Building 2 – Level 2
iv. A2.04 Building 2 – Level 3
v. A2.05 Building 2 – Level 4
vi. A2.06 Building 2 Elevations
vii. A2.07 Building 2 Elevations
viii. A2.08 Building 2 Data Summary
ix. A2.09 Building 2 - Roof
x. L103 Building 2 – Planting Plan
2. Site 2 shall also conform to the following requirements:
i. The property shall be developed with 82 residential units.
ii. The maximum height shall not exceed 49 feet and four stories.
iii. The site shall include a minimum 12% designed outdoor recreation
area.
iv. Parking shall be provided off-street in structured parking and surface
parking lots.
a. A total of 56 parking spaces will be provided in structured
parking.
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b. A total of 36 parking spaces will be provided in surface parking
lots.
c. 9 spaces shall include Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations.
d. Site 3
1. Site 3, legally described as Lot 3, Block 1, Beltline Station, Hennepin
County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained in
conformance with the following Final PUD Official Exhibits:
i. A3.01 Building 3 – Level P1
ii. A3.02 Building 3 – Level 1
iii. A3.03 Building 3 – Level 2
iv. A3.04 Building 3 – Level 3-4
v. A3.05 Building 3 – Level 5
vi. A3.06 Building 3 Elevations
vii. A3.07 Building 3 Elevations
viii. A3.08 Building 3 Data Summary
ix. A3.09 Building 3 - Roof
x. L104 Building 4 – Planting Plan
2. Site 3 shall also conform to the following requirements:
i. The property shall be developed with 146 residential units.
ii. The maximum height shall not exceed 60 feet and five stories.
iii. The site shall include a minimum 12% designed outdoor recreation
area.
iv. Parking shall be provided off-street in structured parking and surface
parking lots.
a. A total of 96 parking spaces will be provided in structured
parking.
b. A total of 5 parking spaces will be provided in surface parking
lots.
c. A total of 77 parking spaces shall be provided off-site on Site 4,
and an irrevocable covenant or easement shall be recorded by
the county on Site 4 benefiting Site 3.
d. 13 spaces shall include Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations.
e. Site 4
1. Site 4, legally described as Lot 4, Block 1, Beltline Station, Hennepin
County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained in
conformance with the following Final PUD Official Exhibits:
i. A4.01 Parking Ramp – Level P1
ii. A4.02 Parking Ramp – Level 1
iii. A4.03 Parking Ramp – Level 2
iv. A4.04 Parking Ramp – Level 3
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v. A4.05 Parking Ramp – Level 4
vi. A4.06 Parking Ramp – Level 5
vii. A4.07 Parking Ramp – Level 6
viii. A4.08 Parking Ramp – Level 7
ix. A4.09 Parking Ramp Elevations
x. A4.010 Parking Ramp Elevations
xi. A0.20 Parking Ramp Diagram
xii. E0.01 Typical Internal Ramp Level Photometrics
xiii. E0.02 Parking Ramp Roof Photometrics
xiv. E0.03 Parking Ramp Level 1-6 Photometrics
xv. L105 Parking Garage – Planting Plan
2. Site 4 shall also conform to the following requirements:
i. The property shall be developed with 1,900 square feet of
commercial uses on the southwest corner of ground floor.
ii. The maximum height shall not exceed 77 feet and 6.5 stories for the
ramp structure and shall not exceed 93 feet to the peak of the clock
tower.
iii. The site shall include a minimum 12% designed outdoor recreation
area.
iv. Parking shall be provided in a structured parking ramp:
a. A total of 247 parking spaces will be provided for Site 1
b. A total of 77 parking spaces will be provided for Site 3
c. A total of 268 parking spaces will be provided for transit station
park and ride.
v. The property shall utilize a minimum of 67% class 1 materials on the
west facade and a minimum of 50% class 1 materials on the south
facade.
(c) Uses.
(1) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in PUD 22:
a. Mid-rise apartment dwellings, including mid-rise apartment mixed use
dwellings. Uses associated with the apartment dwellings, including but not
limited to, the residential office, fitness facility, mail room, assembly room or
general amenity space.
(2) Permitted with standards. The following uses are permitted in PUD 22 if it
complies with the standards specified for the use in this subsection:
a. Commercial uses. Commercial uses limited to the following: bank, coffee
shop, food service, grocery store, liquor store, medical/dental office, office,
private entertainment (indoor), restaurants, retail, service, showroom, studio,
cannabis retailer and lower potency hemp edible retailer. These commercial
uses shall meet the following standards:
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1. Commercial uses are limited to the first floor.
2. Hours of operation, including loading/unloading of deliveries, for
commercial uses shall be limited to 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
3. In-vehicle sales or service is prohibited.
4. Outdoor storage is prohibited.
5. A lot with a cannabis retailer must be at least 1,000 feet from the
property line of a site containing a school. In the case of a shopping
center or multiuse building, the distance shall be measured from the
portion of the center or building occupied by the cannabis retailer.
6. A lot with a cannabis retailer must be at least 1,000 feet from the
property line of a site containing a pawn shop, currency exchange, payday
loan agency, firearms sales, sexually-oriented business, and other
cannabis retailers. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building,
the distance shall be measured from the portion of the center or building
occupied by the cannabis retailer.
7. Cannabis retailers shall be contained within a completely enclosed
building, and no outside storage, display, or sale of merchandise is
permitted.
8. On-site consumption of cannabis edibles and beverages is prohibited.
(3) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
a. Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
b. Gardening and other horticultural uses.
c. Parking ramps.
d. Incidental repair or processing which is necessary to conduct a permitted use
and not to exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the associated permitted use.
e. Public transit stops/shelters.
f. Catering, if accessory to food service, delicatessen, or retail bakery.
g. Food service.
h. Outdoor seating and service of food and beverages with the following
standards:
1. No speakers or other electronic devices which emit sound are permitted.
2. Hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
i. Accessory utility structures including:
1. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
2. Solar energy systems. A solar energy system with a supporting framework
that is either place on, or anchored in, the ground and that is
independent of any building or other structure; or that is affixed to or an
integral part of a principal or accessory building, including but not limited
to photovoltaic or hot water solar energy systems which are contained
within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings.
3. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
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j. Outdoor storage is prohibited.
k. Communication towers are prohibited.
l. Small cell antennae are prohibited on the clock tower.
(d) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, transparency, architectural
design, landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(3) Signs shall be allowed in conformance with the approved final PUD site plan and
development agreement in accordance with the following conditions:
a. Freestanding monument signs shall utilize the same exterior materials as the
principal buildings and shall not interfere with pedestrian, bicycle or
automobile circulation and visibility, and shall be a maximum height of 15
feet.
b. Maximum allowable number, sizes, heights, and yards for signs shall be
regulated by section 36-362, MU-3 requirements.
c. Wall signs of non-residential uses shall only be placed on the ground floor and
exterior walls of the occupied tenant lease space, and/or a monument sign.
d. Wall signs shall not be included in calculating the aggregate sign area on the
lot if they meet the following outlined conditions:
1. Non-residential wall signs permitted by this section that do not exceed 7%
of the exterior wall area of the ground floor tenant lease space.
2. The sign is located on the exterior wall of the ground floor tenant lease
space from which the 7% sign area was derived.
3. No individual wall sign shall exceed 100 square feet in area.
(4) Awnings.
a. Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-152. PUD 23.
(a) PUD 23 is commonly referred to as “Arbor Court.”
(b) Development plan.
(1) The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in conformance with the
following Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
a. C Preliminary Plat
b. C Final Plat
c. C ALTA-NSPS Land Title Survey
d. C Easement Vacation Exhibit
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e. C EX-1 DORA Exhibit
f. C Storm Report
g. C1-1 Demolition Plan
h. C2.1 Site Plan
i. C3-1 Grading Plan
j. C3-2 SWPPP
k. C3-3 SWPPP Notes
l. C4.1 Sanitary Sewer & Water Main Plan
m. C4.2 Storm Sewer Plan
n. C8-1 City Details
o. C8-2 Civil Notes
p. A1.0 Project Data
q. A2.0 Site Plan
r. A3.0 Floor Plans – Level -1
s. A3.1 Floor Plans – Level 1
t. A3.2 Floor Plans – Levels 2 & 3
u. A3.3 Floor Plans – Level 4
v. A3.4 Roof Plan
w. A4.2 Elevations
x. A6.0 Exterior Material Schedule
y. L1-1 Landscape Plan
z. L1-2 Landscape Details
aa. LI Site Photometrics Plan
bb. LII Garage Photometrics Plan
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with 114 residential units.
b. 207 off-street parking spaces shall be provided.
c. The maximum building height shall not exceed 49 feet and four stories.
d. The development site shall include a minimum of 12.2% designed outdoor
recreation area based on private developable land area.
(c) Uses.
(1) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in PUD 23:
a. Mid-rise apartment dwellings. Uses associated with the apartment dwellings,
including but not limited to, the residential office, fitness facility, mail room,
assembly room or general amenity space.
(2) Accessory uses. Accessory uses are as follows:
a. Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
b. Gardening or other horticultural uses.
c. Public transit stops/shelters.
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d. Accessory utility structures including:
1. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
2. Solar energy systems. A solar energy system with a supporting framework
that is either placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that is
independent of any building or other structure; or that is affixed to or an
integral part of a principal or accessory building, including but not limited
to photovoltaic or hot water solar energy systems which are contained
within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings.
3. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
e. Outdoor uses and outdoor storage are prohibited.
f. Communication towers are prohibited.
(d) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, transparency, architectural
design, landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this Code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(3) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with the N-4 zoning district and shall
comply with the following:
a. Pylon signs shall be prohibited.
(4) Awnings.
a. Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-153. PUD 24.
(a) PUD 24 is commonly referred to as “Wooddale Station (OlyHi).”
(b) Development plans.
(1) The site located on property legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Wooddale Station,
Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used, and maintained in
conformance with the following Final PUD approved Official Exhibits:
a. C0.0 Title Sheet
b. C0.1 Site Survey
c. C0.10 Site Survey Drawing
d. C0.2 Preliminary Plat
e. C0.3 Final Plat
f. C1.0 Removals Plan
g. C1.1 Tree Preservation Plan
h. C2.0 Site Plan
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i. C3.0 Grading Plan
j. C4.0 Utility Plan
k. C5.0-C5.6 Civil Details
l. L1.0 Landscape Plan
m. L1.1 Designed Outdoor Recreation Area Plan
n. L1.2 Landscape Plan Notes and Details
o. Photometric Site Lighting Plan
p. Parking Structure Lighting Plan – Level P1
q. Parking Structure Lighting Plan – Level 1
r. Parking Structure Lighting Specifications
s. SW1.0 SWPPP Existing Conditions
t. SW1.1 SWPPP Proposed Conditions
u. SW1.2 SWPPP-Details
v. SW1.3 SWPPP-Narrative
w. A0.0 Title Page
x. A1.0 Introduction – Table of Contents
y. A1.1 Introduction – Project Information
z. A2.0 Site Analysis – Aerial Views
aa. A2.1 Site Analysis – Zoning
bb. A2.2 Site Analysis – Surrounding Buildings
cc. A2.3 Site Analysis – Existing Conditions
dd. A3.0 Proposed Project – Site Plan
ee. A3.1 Proposed Project – Circulation
ff. A3.2 Designed Outdoor Recreation Area Plan Diagram
gg. A4.0 Proposed Project – Floor Plan – Level P1
hh. A4.1 Proposed Project – Floor Plan – Level 1
ii. A4.2 Proposed Project – Floor Plan – Level 2
jj. A4.3 Proposed Project – Floor Plan – Level 3-5
kk. A4.4 Proposed Project – Floor Plan – Level 6
ll. A4.5 Proposed Project – Roof Plan
mm.
5.0-A5.5 Proposed Project – Exterior Elevations
nn. A6.0-A6.12 Proposed Project – Perspectives
oo. A7.0 Proposed Project – Shadow Study
pp. A8.0-A8.1 Proposed Project – Material Boards
qq. A9.0-A9.1 Proposed Project – Project Data
rr. Site Loading and Unloading Exhibit
ss. Site Public Access Exhibit
tt. Waste Removal Route
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(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with two buildings:
1. One mixed use building with 69 residential units and 12,000 square feet
of commercial uses.
2. One mixed use building with 240 residential units and six live-work units.
b. The maximum height shall not exceed 77 feet and six stories for either
building.
c. The site shall include a minimum 12% designed outdoor recreation area.
d. 408 off-street parking spaces shall be provided, and a parking management
plan shall be filed with the city.
(c) Uses.
(1) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in PUD 24:
a. Mid-rise apartment mixed use dwellings. Uses associated with the apartment
dwellings, including but not limited to, the residential office, fitness facility,
mail room, assembly room or general amenity space.
(2) Uses permitted with standards. The following uses are permitted in PUD 24 if the
use complies with the standards specified for the use in this subsection:
a. Commercial uses: Commercial uses limited to the following: bank, coffee
shop, food service, grocery store, liquor store, medical/dental office, office,
private entertainment (indoor), restaurants, retail, service, showroom, studio,
cannabis retailer and lower potency hemp edible retailer. These commercial
uses shall meet the following standards:
1. Commercial uses are limited to the first floor.
2. Hours of operation, including loading/unloading of deliveries, for
commercial uses shall be limited to 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
3. In-vehicle sales or service is prohibited. iv. Outdoor storage is prohibited.
4. A lot with a cannabis retailer must be at least 1,000 feet from the
property line of a site containing a school. In the case of a shopping
center or multiuse building, the distance shall be measured from the
portion of the center or building occupied by the cannabis retailer.
5. A lot with a cannabis retailer must be at least 1,000 feet from the
property line of a site containing a pawn shop, currency exchange, payday
loan agency, firearms sales or sexually oriented business. In the case of a
shopping center or multiuse building, the distance shall be measured
from the portion of the shopping center or multiuse building occupied by
the cannabis retailer.
6. The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site
containing a cannabis retailer. In the case of a shopping center or
multiuse building, the distance shall be measured from the portion of the
shopping center or multiuse building occupied by the cannabis retailer.
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7. Cannabis retailers shall be contained within a completely enclosed
building, and no outside storage, display, or sale of merchandise is
permitted.
8. On-site consumption of cannabis edibles and beverages is prohibited.
b. Live-work units:
1. Live-work uses as defined by Sec. 36-142 of city code are permitted on
the first floor.
2. A Registration of Land Use (RLU) shall be approved by the city when there
is a proposed change in commercial tenant.
c. Accessory uses. The following uses are permitted in PUD 24 if the use
complies with the standards specified for the use in this subsection:
1. Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
2. Gardening and other horticultural uses.
3. Parking ramps.
4. Incidental repair or processing which is necessary to conduct a permitted
use and not to exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the associated
permitted use.
5. Public transit stops/shelters.
6. Catering, if accessory to food service, delicatessen, or retail bakery.
7. Food service.
8. Outdoor seating and service of food and beverages with the following
standards:
i. No speakers or other electronic devices which emit sound are
permitted.
ii. Hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
9. Accessory utility structures including:
i. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
ii. Solar energy systems. A solar energy system with a supporting
framework that is either place on, or anchored in, the ground and
that is independent of any building or other structure; or that is
affixed to or an integral part of a principal or accessory building,
including but not limited to photovoltaic or hot water solar energy
systems which are contained within roofing materials, windows,
skylights, and awnings.
iii. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
10. Outdoor storage is prohibited.
(d) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to outdoor lighting, transparency, architectural
design, landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
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(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(3) Signs shall be allowed in conformance with the MU-3 zoning districts with the
following conditions:
a. Freestanding monument signs shall utilize the same exterior materials as the
principal buildings and shall not interfere with pedestrian, bicycle or
automobile circulation and visibility, and shall be a maximum height of 15
feet; pole-mounted signs shall be prohibited.
b. Wall signs of non-residential uses shall only be placed on the ground floor and
exterior walls of the occupied tenant lease space, and/or a monument sign.
c. Wall signs shall not be included in calculating the aggregate sign area on the
lot if they meet the following outlined conditions:
1. Non-residential wall signs permitted by this section that do not exceed 7%
of the exterior wall area of the ground floor tenant lease space.
2. The sign is located on the exterior wall of the ground floor tenant lease
space from which the 7% sign area was derived.
3. No individual wall sign shall exceed 100 square feet in area.
d. Awnings.
1. Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
2. Backlit awnings shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-154. PUD 25.
(a) PUD 25 is commonly referred to as “Terasa.”
(b) Development plans.
(1) The site located on property legally described as Tracts D and E, Registered Land
Survey No. 1481, Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall be developed, used and
maintained in conformance with the following Final PUD approved Official
Exhibits:
a. V100 ALTA survey
b. V101 ALTA survey
c. A00 Cover sheet
d. A01 Project information
e. A02 Site plan – Architectural
f. A03 Site plan – Lighting
g. A04 Floor Plan – Level -1
h. A05 Floor Plan – Level 1
i. A06 Floor Plan – Level 2
j. A07 Floor Plan – Level 3-4
k. A08 Floor Plan – Level 5
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l. A09 Floor Plan – Level 6
m. A10 Roof plan
n. A11 Exterior elevations
o. A12 Exterior elevations
p. A13 Exterior elevations
q. A14 Axonometrics
r. A15 Perspectives
s. A16 Perspectives
t. A17 Renderings
u. A17.1 Renderings
v. A17.2 Renderings
w. A18 Transparency exhibit
x. A19 Signage exhibit
y. A20 Shadow study
z. A21 Shadow study
aa. A22 Greenspace exhibit
bb. A23 Transit shelter exhibit
cc. A24 Overall area survey
dd. A25 General development plan
ee. C000 Cover sheet
ff. C100 General notes
gg. C200 Site demolition plan
hh. C201 Tree inventory & preservation plan
ii. C300 Erosion and Sediment Control Plan – Phase 1
jj. C301 Erosion and Sediment Control Plan – Phase 2
kk. C302 Erosion and Sediment Control Details
ll. C303 SWPPP
mm. C400 Site dimension plan
nn. C401 Bus stop plan
oo. C402 Easement plan
pp. C403 Semi-truck turning movement
qq. C500 Grading plan
rr. C501 Storm sewer plan
ss. C600 Utility plan
tt. C700 Construction details
uu. C701 Construction details
vv. C702 Construction details
ww. C703 Construction details
xx. C704 Construction details
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yy. C705 Construction details
zz. C706 Construction details
aaa. C707 Construction details
bbb. L100 Landscape plan
ccc. L101 Landscape enlargement
ddd. L102 Landscape enlargement
eee. L103 Landscape enlargement
fff. L104 Landscape enlargement
ggg. L105 Amenity terrace enlargements
hhh. L106 Amenity terrace enlargements
iii. L107 Amenity terrace enlargements
jjj. L108 Temporary green space
kkk. L200 Landscape details
lll. L300 DORA plan
(2) The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The property shall be developed with a mixed use building with no more than
223 residential units and no more than 21,000 square feet of commercial uses
b. The maximum height shall not exceed 81 feet and six stories.
c. The site shall include a minimum 12% designed outdoor recreation area.
d. Parking shall be provided off-street in structured parking and surface parking
lots
1. A total of 231 parking spaces will be provided in structured parking.
2. A total of 133 parking spaces will be provided in surface parking lots
3. 31 spaces shall include Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, two of
which provide parking access in compliance with the ADA.
(c) Uses.
(1) Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in PUD 25:
a. Mid-rise apartment mixed use dwellings. Uses associated with apartment
dwellings, including but not limited to, the residential office, fitness facility,
mail room, assembly room or general amenity space.
(2) Uses permitted with conditions. The following uses are permitted in PUD 25 if they
comply with the conditions specified for the use in this subsection:
a. Commercial uses: Commercial uses limited to the following: bank, coffee
shop, food service, grocery store, liquor store, medical/dental office, office,
private indoor entertainment, restaurants, retail, service, showroom, studio
and lower potency hemp edible retailers. These commercial uses shall meet
the following conditions:
1. Commercial uses are limited to the first floor.
2. Hours of operation, including loading/unloading of deliveries, for
commercial uses shall be limited to 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
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3. Outdoor storage is prohibited.
(3) Accessory uses. The following uses are permitted in PUD 25 if the use complies
with the conditions specified for the use in this subsection:
a. Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
b. Gardening or other horticultural uses.
c. Parking ramps.
d. Incidental repair or processing which is necessary to conduct a permitted use
and not to exceed 10% of the gross floor area of the associated permitted use.
e. Public transit stops/shelters.
f. Catering, if accessory to food service, delicatessen, or retail bakery.
g. Food service.
h. Outdoor seating and service of food and beverages with the following
conditions:
1. No speakers or other electronic devices which emit sound are permitted
2. Hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
i. Accessory utility structures including:
1. Small wind energy conversion system as defined in 36-4 Definitions.
2. Solar energy systems.
3. Cisterns and rainwater collection systems.
j. Outdoor storage is prohibited.
(d) Special performance standards
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to: outdoor lighting, transparency, architectural
design, landscaping, parking, and screening requirements.
(2) Each commercial tenant space on the ground floor facing Gamble Drive and the
corner of Gamble Drive and Park Place Boulevard shall have a direct and primary
access to and from the street building façade and the access shall remain open
during business hours.
(3) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure.
(4) Signs shall be allowed in conformance with the MU-3 zoning districts with the
following conditions:
a. Freestanding monument signs shall utilize the same exterior materials as the
principal buildings and shall not interfere with pedestrian, bicycle or
automobile circulation and visibility, and shall be a maximum height of 15
feet; pole-mounted signs shall be prohibited.
b. Wall signs of non-residential uses shall only be placed on the ground floor and
exterior walls of the occupied tenant lease space, and/or a monument sign.
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c. Wall signs shall not be included in calculating the aggregate sign area on the
lot if they meet the following outlined conditions:
1. Non-residential wall signs permitted by this section that do not exceed 7%
of the exterior wall area of the ground floor tenant lease space.
2. The sign is located on the exterior wall of the ground floor tenant lease
space from which the 7% sign area was derived.
3. No individual wall sign shall exceed 100 square feet in area.
(5) Awnings.
a. Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal and/or glass.
Plastic and vinyl awnings are prohibited.
b. Backlit awnings shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-155. PUD 26.
(a) PUD 26 is commonly referred to as “Minnetonka Boulevard Twin Homes.”
(b) Development plans.
(1) The site located on properties legally described as Lots 1-2, Block 1 and Lots 1-6,
Block 2, Minnetonka Blvd Twin Homes Addition Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall
be developed, used and maintained in conformance with the following Final PUD
approved Official Exhibits:
a. G100 Cover Sheet
b. C000 Certificate Survey
c. C001 Construction Notes
d. C002 Construction Notes
e. C100 Existing Conditions & Removals
f. C200 Erosion & Sediment Control Plan
g. C201 Erosion & Sediment Control Details
h. C300 Site Plan
i. C400 Grading Plan
j. C500 Utility Plan
k. C900 Construction Details
l. C901 Construction Details
m. A000 General Development Plan
n. A100 Architectural Project Site Plan
o. A110 Project Site Area Plan
p. A200 House Type A - LL & ML Floor Plans
q. A210 House Type A - UL Floor Plans & Roof Plans
r. A220 House Type A - Exterior Elevations
s. A300 House Type B - LL & ML Floor Plans
t. A310 House Type B - UL Floor Plans & Roof Plans
u. A320 House Type B - Exterior Elevations
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v. L100 Landscape Plan
w. L100.1 Landscape Details
x. L200 Tree Inventory Plan
y. Preliminary Plat
z. Final Plat
(2) The Site shall also conform to the following requirements:
a. The properties shall be developed with four twin home buildings, providing
eight dwelling units.
b. The maximum height shall not exceed 27 feet and 2.5 stories.
c. Parking shall be provided off-street in individual garages attached to each
dwelling unit and individual driveways connecting each garage to the alley.
(c) Uses.
(1) Permitted uses: The following uses are permitted in PUD 26:
a. Two-unit attached dwellings (twin homes).
(2) Accessory uses. The following uses are permitted in PUD 26 if the use complies
with the conditions specified for the use in this subsection:
a. Home occupations as regulated by this chapter.
b. Gardening or other horticultural uses.
c. Outdoor storage is prohibited.
(d) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall
be met, including but not limited to: outdoor lighting, transparency, architectural
design, landscaping, parking, fencing and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this code.
(3) Signs shall be allowed in conformance with the N-2 zoning district.
Secs. 36-156 to 36-176. Reserved.
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ARTICLE VI. OVERLAY DISTRICTS
DIVISION 1. FLOODPLAIN OVERLAY DISTRICT
Sec. 36-177. Statutory authorization.
(a) The legislature of the State of Minnesota has, in state statutes Chapter 103F and
Chapter 462 delegated the responsibility to local government units to adopt
regulations designed to minimize flood losses. Therefore, the City Council of St. Louis
Park, Minnesota does ordain as follows:
Sec. 36-178. Purpose.
(a) This ordinance regulates development in the flood hazard areas of St. Louis Park. These
flood hazard areas are subject to periodic inundation, which may result in loss of life
and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental
services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and
impairment of the tax base. It is the purpose of this ordinance to promote the public
health, safety, and general welfare by minimizing these losses and disruptions.
(b) National Flood Insurance Program Compliance. This ordinance is adopted to comply
with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program codified as 44
Code of Federal Regulations Parts 59 -78, as amended, to maintain the community’s
eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Sec. 36-179. General provisions.
(a) How to use this ordinance. This ordinance adopts the floodplain maps applicable to the
City of St. Louis Park includes three floodplain districts: Floodway, Flood Fringe, and
General Floodplain.
(1) Where Floodway and Flood Fringe districts are delineated on the floodplain maps,
the standards in sections 4 or 5 will apply, depending on the location of a property.
(2) Locations where Floodway and Flood Fringe districts are not delineated on the
floodplain maps are considered to fall within the General Floodplain district.
Within the General Floodplain district, the Floodway District standards in section
36-296 apply unless the floodway boundary is determined, according to the
process outlined in section 36-298. Once the floodway boundary is determined,
the Flood Fringe District standards in section 36-297 may apply outside the
floodway.
(b) Lands to which ordinance applies. This ordinance applies to all lands within the
jurisdiction of St. Louis Park shown on the Official Zoning Map and/or the attachments
to the map as being located within the boundaries of the Floodway, Flood Fringe, or
General Floodplain Districts.
(1) The Floodway, Flood Fringe and General Floodplain Districts are overlay districts
that are superimposed on all existing zoning districts. The standards imposed in
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the overlay districts are in addition to any other requirements in this ordinance. In
case of a conflict, the more restrictive standards will apply.
(c) Incorporation of maps by reference. The following maps together with all attached
material are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of the Official
Zoning Map and this ordinance. The attached material includes the Flood Insurance
Study for Hennepin County, Minnesota, and Incorporated Areas, dated November 4,
2016 and the Flood Insurance Rate Map panels enumerated below, dated November 4,
2016, all prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. These materials are
on file in the office of the zoning administrator.
Effective Flood Insurance Rate Map panels:
27053C0331F 27053C0342F 27053C0353F 27053C0362F
27053C0332F 27053C0351F 27053C0354F
27053C0334F 27053C0352F 27053C0361F
(d) Regulatory flood protection elevation. The regulatory flood protection elevation (RFPE)
is an elevation no lower than two feet above the elevation of the regional flood plus
any increases in flood elevation caused by encroachments on the floodplain that result
from designation of a floodway.
(e) Interpretation. The boundaries of the zoning districts are determined by scaling
distances on the Flood Insurance Rate Map.
(1) Where a conflict exists between the floodplain limits illustrated on the official
zoning map and actual field conditions, the flood elevations shall be the governing
factor. The Zoning Administrator must interpret the boundary location based on
the ground elevations that existed on the site on the date of the first National
Flood Insurance Program map showing the area within the regulatory floodplain,
and other available technical data.
(2) Persons contesting the location of the district boundaries will be given a
reasonable opportunity to present their case to the board of zoning appeals and
city council and to submit technical evidence.
(f) Abrogation and greater restrictions. It is not intended by this ordinance to repeal,
abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or other private agreements.
However, where this ordinance imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this
ordinance prevail. All other ordinances inconsistent with this ordinance are hereby
repealed to the extent of the inconsistency only.
(g) Warning and disclaimer of liability. This ordinance does not imply that areas outside
the floodplain districts or land uses permitted within such districts will be free from
flooding or flood damages. This ordinance does not create liability on the part of the
City of St. Louis Park or its officers or employees for any flood damages that result from
reliance on this ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.
(h) No stage increase permitted. No structure, fill, deposit, obstruction or storage of
materials or equipment shall be allowed in any floodway, or general floodplain district
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which will cause any increase in the stage of the 100-year flood or will cause an
increase in flood damages in the reaches affected.
(i) Compensating storage. The city may approve such structure, fill, deposit, obstruction
or storage of materials or equipment if it otherwise complies with the provisions of this
chapter and provision is made for compensating storage of floodwaters displaced by
the activity listed in this subsection (f). Such compensating storage shall be located
where it will achieve the goal of eliminating a stage increase.
Sec. 36-180. Establishment of zoning districts.
(a) Districts.
(1) Floodway district (FW). The Floodway District includes those areas within Zones AE
that have a floodway delineated as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map
adopted in section 36-293(c). For lakes, wetlands and other basins within Zones AE
that do not have a floodway delineated, the Floodway District also includes those
areas that are at or below the ordinary high water level as defined in state
statutes, section 103G.005, subdivision 14.
(2) Flood fringe district (FF). The Flood Fringe District includes areas within Zones AE
that have a floodway delineated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in
section 36-293(c) but are located outside of the floodway. For lakes, wetlands and
other basins within Zones AE that do not have a floodway delineated, the Flood
Fringe District also includes those areas below the 1% annual chance (100-year)
flood elevation but above the ordinary high water level as defined in state
statutes, section 103G.005, subdivision 14.
(3) General floodplain district (FP). The General Floodplain District includes those
areas within Zones A and AH that do not have a delineated floodway as shown on
the Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in section 36-293(c).
(b) Applicability. Within the floodplain districts established in this ordinance, the use, size,
type, and location of development must comply with the terms of this ordinance and
other applicable regulations. In no cases shall floodplain development adversely affect
the efficiency or unduly restrict the capacity of the channels or floodways of any
tributaries to the main stream, drainage ditches, or any other drainage facilities or
systems.
(c) Compliance. Provisions for compliance are as follows:
(1) Recreational vehicles that do not meet the exemption criteria specified in section
36-295(c)(1)a below shall be subject to the provisions of this Ordinance and as
specifically spelled out in sections 36-295(c)(1)c below.
a. Exemption - Recreational vehicles are exempt from the provisions of this
Ordinance if they are placed in any of the areas listed in section 36-295(c)(1)b
below and further they meet the following criteria:
1. Have current licenses required for highway use.
2. Are highway ready meaning on wheels or the internal jacking system, are
attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities commonly used
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in campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks and the recreational
vehicle has no permanent structural type additions attached to it.
3. The recreational vehicle and associated use must be permissible in any
preexisting, underlying zoning use district.
b. Areas exempted for placement of recreational vehicles:
1. Individual lots or parcels of record.
2. Existing commercial recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds.
3. Existing condominium type associations.
c. Recreational vehicles exempted in section 36-295(c)(1)b lose this exemption
when development occurs on the parcel exceeding $500 for a structural
addition to the recreational vehicle or exceeding $500 for an accessory
structure such as a garage or storage building. The recreational vehicle and all
additions and accessory structures will then be treated as a new structure and
shall be subject to the elevation/flood proofing requirements and the use of
land restrictions specified in section 36-295(c) & section 36-295(d) of this
ordinance. There shall be no development or improvement on the parcel or
attachment to the recreational vehicle that hinders the removal of the
recreational vehicle to a flood free location should flooding occur.
(2) Modifications, additions, structural alterations, normal maintenance and repair, or
repair after damage to existing nonconforming structures and nonconforming uses
of structures or land are regulated by the general provisions of this chapter.
(d) Annexations. The Flood Insurance Rate Map panels adopted by reference into section
36-293(c) above may include floodplain areas that lie outside of the corporate
boundaries of the City of St. Louis Park at the time of adoption of this ordinance. If any
of these floodplain land areas are annexed into the City of St. Louis Park after the date
of adoption of this ordinance, the newly annexed floodplain lands will be subject to the
provisions of this ordinance immediately upon the date of annexation.
Sec. 36-181. Floodway district (FW).
The floodway district, all uses not listed as permitted uses or conditional uses shall be
prohibited. No new structure or land shall hereafter be used and no structure shall be
located, extended, converted or structurally altered without full compliance with the terms
of this chapter and other applicable regulations which apply to uses within the jurisdiction
of this chapter.
(a) Permitted uses. The following uses, subject to the standards set forth in section 36-
296(b), are permitted uses if otherwise allowed in the underlying zoning district or any
applicable overlay district:
(1) Outdoor plant nurseries, horticulture, forestry, sod farming, and wild crop
harvesting.
(2) Industrial-commercial loading areas, and parking areas.
(3) Open space uses and public golf courses, tennis courts, driving ranges, archery
ranges, picnic grounds, boat launching ramps, swimming areas, parks, wildlife and
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nature preserves, fish hatcheries, fishing areas, and single or multiple purpose
recreational trails.
(4) Residential lawns, gardens, parking areas, and play areas.
(5) Railroads, streets, bridges, utility transmission lines and pipelines, provided that
the Department of Natural Resources’ Area Hydrologist is notified at least ten days
prior to issuance of any permit.
(b) Standards for floodway permitted uses.
(1) The use shall have a low flood damage potential.
(2) The use shall be permissible in the underlying zoning district.
(3) The use shall not obstruct flood flows or increase flood elevations and must not
involve structures, obstructions, or storage of materials or equipment.
(4) Any facility that will be used by employees or the general public must be designed
with a flood warning system that provides adequate time for evacuation if the area
is inundated to a depth and velocity such that the depth (in feet) multiplied by the
velocity (in feet per second) would exceed a product of four upon occurrence of
the regional (1% chance) flood.
(c) Conditional Uses. The following uses shall require a conditional use permit following
the standards and procedures set forth in section 36-301(c) of this ordinance and
further subject to the standards set forth in section 36-296(d), if otherwise allowed in
the underlying zoning district or any applicable overlay district.
(1) Structures and parking lots accessory to the uses listed in section 36-296(a)(1) -
section 36-296(a)(3), above and the uses listed in section 36-296(c)(2) - section 36-
296(c)(3) below.
(2) Docks, piers, wharves, and water control structures.
(3) Placement of fill or construction of fences that obstruct flood flows.
(4) Structural works for flood control such as levees, dikes and floodwalls, constructed
to any height where the intent is to protect individual structures for a frequency
flood event equal to or less than the 10-year frequency flood event.
(d) Standards for Floodway Conditional Uses. The standards for floodway conditional uses
are as follows:
(1) All Uses. A conditional use must not cause any increase in the state of the 1%
chance or regional flood or cause an increase in flood damages in the reach or
reaches affected.
(2) The conditional use shall be permissible in the underlying zoning district.
(3) Fill; Storage of materials and equipment:
a. The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding,
flammable, explosive, or potentially injurious to human, animal, or plant life is
prohibited.
b. Fill, dredge spoil, and other similar materials deposited or stored in the
floodplain must be protected from erosion by vegetative cover, mulching,
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riprap or other acceptable method. Permanent sand and gravel operations
and similar uses must be covered by a long-term site development plan.
c. Temporary placement of fill, other materials, or equipment which would
cause an increase to the stage of the 1% percent chance or regional flood may
only be allowed if the city council has approved a plan that assures removal of
the materials from the floodway based upon the flood warning time available.
(4) Accessory Structures. Accessory structures, as identified in section 36-296(c)(1),
may be permitted, provided that:
a. Structures are not intended for human habitation;
b. Structures will have a low flood damage potential;
c. Structures will be constructed and placed so as to offer a minimal obstruction
to the flow of flood waters;
d. Service utilities, such as electrical and heating equipment, within these
structures must be elevated to or above the regulatory flood protection
elevation or properly floodproofed;
e. Structures must be elevated on fill or structurally dry floodproofed in
accordance with the FP1 or FP2 floodproofing classifications in the State
Building Code. All floodproofed structures must be adequately anchored to
prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement and designed to equalize
hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls.
f. As an alternative, an accessory structure may be internally/wet floodproofed
to the FP3 or FP4 floodproofing classifications in the State Building Code,
provided the accessory structure constitutes a minimal investment and does
not exceed 576 square feet in size. Designs for meeting this requirement must
either be certified by a registered professional engineer or meet or exceed the
following criteria:
1. To allow for the equalization of hydrostatic pressure, there must be a
minimum of two “automatic” openings in the outside walls of the
structure, with a total net area of not less than one square inch for every
square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding; and
2. There must be openings on at least two sides of the structure and the
bottom of all openings must be no higher than one foot above the lowest
adjacent grade to the structure. Using human intervention to open a
garage door prior to flooding will not satisfy this requirement for
automatic openings.4.44. Structural works for flood control that will
change the course, current or cross section of protected wetlands or
public waters are subject to the provisions of state statutes, section
103G.245.
(5) A levee, dike or floodwall constructed in the floodway must not cause an increase
to the 1% chance or regional flood. The technical analysis must assume equal
conveyance or storage loss on both sides of a stream.
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(6) Floodway developments must not adversely affect the hydraulic capacity of the
channel and adjoining floodplain of any tributary watercourse or drainage system.
Sec. 36-182. Flood fringe district (FF).
(a) Permitted uses. Permitted uses are those uses of land or structures allowed in the
underlying zoning district(s) that comply with the standards in section 36-297(b).
(b) Standards for flood fringe permitted uses.
(1) All structures, including accessory structures, must be elevated on fill so that the
lowest floor including basement floor, is at or above the regulatory flood
protection elevation. The finished fill elevation for structures shall be no lower
than the regulatory flood protection elevation and the fill shall extend at such
elevation at least 15 feet beyond the outside limits of the structure erected
thereon.
(2) For all structures constructed after June 15, 1998, the lowest floor elevations shall
be no lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation. For all structures
existing on June 15, 1998, and additions to structures existing on June 15, 1998,
the lowest floor shall be no lower than one foot below the regulatory flood
protection elevation.
(3) Accessory Structures. As an alternative to the fill requirements of section 36-
297(b)(1), structures accessory to the uses identified in section 36-297(a) may be
permitted to be internally/wet floodproofed to the FP3 or FP4 floodproofing
classifications in the State Building Code, provided that:
a. The accessory structure constitutes a minimal investment, does not exceed
576 square feet in size, and is only used for parking and storage.
b. All portions of floodproofed accessory structures below the Regulatory Flood
Protection Elevation must be:
1. Adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement
and designed to equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls, and
2. Constructed with materials resistant to flood damage, and
3. Must have all service utilities be water-tight or elevated to above the
regulatory flood protection elevation.
c. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered
professional engineer or meet or exceed the following criteria:
1. To allow for the equalization of hydrostatic pressure, there must be a
minimum of two “automatic” openings in the outside walls of the
structure, with a total net area of not less than one square inch for every
square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding; and
2. There must be openings on at least two sides of the structure and the
bottom of all openings must be no higher than one foot above the lowest
adjacent grade to the structure. Using human intervention to open a
garage door prior to flooding will not satisfy this requirement for
automatic openings.
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(4) The cumulative placement of fill or similar material on a parcel must not exceed
400 cubic yards, unless the fill is specifically intended to elevate a structure in
accordance with section 36-297(b)(1) of this ordinance, or if allowed as a
conditional use under section 36-297(c)(3) below.
(5) The storage of any materials or equipment must be elevated on fill to the
regulatory flood protection elevation.
(6) All service utilities, including ductwork, must be elevated or water-tight to prevent
infiltration of floodwaters.
(7) The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding, flammable,
explosive, or potentially injurious to human, animal, or plant life is prohibited.
(8) Compacted fill; protected slopes. Fill shall be properly compacted, and the slopes
shall be properly protected by the use of rip rap, vegetative cover or other
acceptable methods. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has
established criteria for removing the special flood hazard area designation for
certain structures properly elevated on fill above the 100-year flood elevation.
FEMA's requirements incorporate specific fill compaction and side slope protection
standards for multistructure or multilot developments. These standards should be
investigated prior to the initiation of site preparation if a change of special flood
hazard area designation will be requested.
(9) Vehicular access. All new principal structures must have vehicular access at or
above an elevation not more than two feet below the regulatory flood protection
elevation.
(10) Commercial uses. Accessory uses such as yards, railroad tracks, and parking lots
may be at an elevation lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation.
However, any facilities used by employees or the general public must be designed
with a flood warning system that provides adequate time for evacuation if the area
is inundated to a depth and velocity such that the depth (in feet) multiplied by the
velocity (in feet per second) would exceed a product of four upon occurrence of
the regional (1% chance) flood.
(11) Hydraulic capacity. Floodplain developments shall not adversely affect the
hydraulic capacity of the channel and adjoining floodplain of any tributary
watercourse or drainage system where a floodway or other encroachment limit
has not been specified on the official zoning map.
(12) Manufacturing and industrial uses. Certain accessory land uses such as yards and
parking lots may be at lower elevations subject to requirements set out in
subsection (b)(10) of this section. In considering permit applications, consideration
shall be given to needs of an industry whose business requires that it be located in
floodplain areas.
(13) Anchoring. All manufactured homes must be securely anchored to an adequately
anchored foundation system that resists flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.
Methods of anchoring may include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or
frame ties to ground anchors. This requirement is in addition to applicable state or
local anchoring requirements for resisting wind forces.
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(c) Conditional uses. The following uses and activities may be allowed as conditional uses,
if allowed in the underlying zoning district(s) or any applicable overlay district,
following the procedures in section 36-301(c) of this ordinance.
(1) Any structure that is not elevated on fill or floodproofed in accordance with
section 36-297(b)(1) and section 36-297(b)(3) of this ordinance.
(2) Storage of any material or equipment below the regulatory flood protection
elevation.
(3) The cumulative placement of more than 400 cubic yards of fill when the fill is not
being used to elevate a structure in accordance with section 36-297(b)(1) of this
ordinance.
(4) The use of methods to elevate structures above the regulatory flood protection
elevation, including stilts, pilings, parallel walls, or above-grade, enclosed areas
such as crawl spaces or tuck under garages, shall meet the standards in section 36-
297(d)(6).
(d) Standards for flood fringe conditional uses.
(1) The standards listed in section 36-297(b)(5) through section 36-297(b)(13) apply to
all conditional uses.
(2) Basements, as defined by section 36-297 of this ordinance, are subject to the
following:
a. Residential basement construction is not allowed below the regulatory flood
protection elevation.
b. Non-residential basements may be allowed below the regulatory flood
protection elevation provided the basement is structurally dry floodproofed in
accordance with section 36-297(d)(3).
(3) All areas of nonresidential structures, including basements, to be placed below the
regulatory flood protection elevation must be floodproofed in accordance with the
structurally dry floodproofing classifications in the State Building Code. Structurally
dry floodproofing must meet the FP1 or FP2 floodproofing classification in the
State Building Code, which requires making the structure watertight with the walls
substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural
components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the
effects of buoyancy.
(4) The placement of more than 400 cubic yards of fill or other similar material on a
parcel (other than for the purpose of elevating a structure to the regulatory flood
protection elevation) must comply with an approved erosion/sedimentation
control plan.
a. The plan must clearly specify methods to be used to stabilize the fill on site for
a flood event at a minimum of the regional (1% chance) flood event.
b. The plan must be prepared and certified by a registered professional engineer
or other qualified individual acceptable to the city council.
c. The plan may incorporate alternative procedures for removal of the material
from the floodplain if adequate flood warning time exists.
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(5) Storage of materials and equipment.
a. The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding,
flammable, explosive or potentially injurious to human, animal or plant life is
prohibited.
b. Storage of other materials or equipment may be allowed if readily removable
from the area within the time available after a flood warning and in a manner
required by a plan approved by the city.
(6) Alternative elevation methods other than the use of fill may be utilized to elevate
a structure's lowest floor above the regulatory flood protection elevation. The
base or floor of an enclosed area shall be considered above-grade and not a
structure’s basement or lowest floor if: 1) the enclosed area is above-grade on at
least one side of the structure; 2) it is designed to internally flood and is
constructed with flood resistant materials; and 3) it is used solely for parking of
vehicles, building access or storage. The above-noted alternative elevation
methods are subject to the following additional standards:
a. Design and certification - The structure’s design and as-built condition must be
certified by a registered professional engineer as being in compliance with the
general design standards of the State Building Code and, specifically, that all
electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and
other service facilities must be at or above the regulatory flood protection
elevation or be designed to prevent flood water from entering or
accumulating within these components during times of flooding.
b. Specific standards for above-grade, enclosed areas - Above-grade, fully
enclosed areas such as crawl spaces or tuck under garages must be designed
to internally flood and the design plans must stipulate:
1. The minimum area of openings in the walls where internal flooding is to
be used as a floodproofing technique. There shall be a minimum of two
openings on at least two sides of the structure and the bottom of all
openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade. The automatic
openings shall have a minimum net area of not less than one square inch
for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding unless a
registered professional engineer or architect certifies that a smaller net
area would suffice. The automatic openings may be equipped with
screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they
permit the automatic entry and exit of flood waters without any form of
human intervention; and
2. That the enclosed area will be designed of flood resistant materials in
accordance with the FP3 or FP4 classifications in the State Building Code
and shall be used solely for building access, parking of vehicles or storage.
Sec. 36-183. General floodplain district (GF).
(a) Permitted uses.
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(1) The uses listed in section 36-296(a) of this ordinance, Floodway District Permitted
Uses, are permitted uses.
(2) All other uses are subject to the floodway/flood fringe evaluation criteria specified
in section 36-298(b) below. Section 36-296 applies if the proposed use is
determined to be in the Floodway District. Section 36-297 applies if the proposed
use is determined to be in the Flood Fringe District.
(b) Procedures for floodway and flood fringe determinations.
(1) Upon receipt of an application for a permit or other approval within the General
Floodplain District, the applicant shall be required to furnish such information
deemed necessary by the Zoning Administrator for the determination of the
regulatory flood protection elevation and whether the proposed use is within the
floodway or flood fringe district. This information may include the following:
a. A plan (surface view) showing elevations or contours of the ground; pertinent
structure, fill or storage elevations; size, location and spatial arrangement of
all proposed and existing structures on the site; and the location and
elevations of streets.
b. The drainage area contributing to the waterbody and existing type and level of
development in the drainage area.
c. A typical valley cross-section(s) showing the channel of the stream, elevation
of land areas adjoining each side of the channel, cross-sectional areas to be
occupied by the proposed development, and high water information.
d. Photographs showing existing land uses, vegetation upstream and
downstream, and soil types.
e. Profile showing the slope of the bottom of the channel or flow line of the
stream for at least 500 feet in either direction from the proposed
development.
(2) If regional flood elevation and floodway data are not readily available, the
applicant must furnish additional information, as needed, to determine the
regulatory flood protection elevation and whether the proposed use would fall
within the Floodway or Flood Fringe District. Information must be consistent with
accepted hydrological and hydraulic engineering standards and the standards in
section 36-298(b)(3) below.
(3) The determination of floodway and flood fringe must include the following
components, as applicable:
a. Estimate the peak discharge of the regional (1% chance) flood.
b. Calculate the water surface profile of the regional flood based upon a
hydraulic analysis of the stream channel and overbank areas.
c. Compute the floodway necessary to convey or store the regional flood
without increasing flood stages more than one-half (0.5) foot. A lesser stage
increase than 0.5 foot is required if, as a result of the stage increase, increased
flood damages would result. An equal degree of encroachment on both sides
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of the stream within the reach must be assumed in computing floodway
boundaries.
(4) The zoning administrator will review the submitted information and assess the
technical evaluation and the recommended floodway and/or flood fringe district
boundary. The assessment must include the cumulative effects of previous
floodway encroachments. The zoning administrator may seek technical assistance
from a designated engineer or other expert person or agency, including the
Department of Natural Resources. Based on this assessment, the zoning
administrator may approve or deny the application.
(5) Once the floodway and flood fringe district boundaries have been determined, the
zoning administrator must process the permit application consistent with the
applicable provisions of section 36-296 and section 36-297 of this ordinance.
Sec. 36-184. Land development standards.
(a) In general. Recognizing that flood prone areas may exist outside of the designated
floodplain districts, the requirements of this section apply to all land within the City of
St. Louis Park.
(b) Subdivisions. No land may be subdivided which is unsuitable for reasons of flooding or
inadequate drainage, water supply or sewage treatment facilities.
(1) All lots within the floodplain districts must be able to contain a building site
outside of the Floodway District at or above the regulatory flood protection
elevation.
(2) All subdivisions must have road access both to the subdivision and to the
individual building sites no lower than two feet below the regulatory flood
protection elevation.
(3) For all subdivisions in the floodplain, the floodway and flood fringe district
boundaries, the regulatory flood protection elevation and the required elevation
of all access roads must be clearly labeled on all required subdivision drawings and
platting documents.
(4) In the General Floodplain District, applicants must provide the information
required in section 36-296 of this ordinance to determine the regional flood
elevation, the floodway and flood fringe district boundaries and the regulatory
flood protection elevation for the subdivision site.
(5) If a subdivision proposal or other proposed new development is in a flood prone
area, any such proposal must be reviewed to assure that:
a. All such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage
within the flood prone area, and
b. All public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water
systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage,
and
c. Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure of flood hazard.
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(c) Building sites. If a proposed building site is in a flood prone area, all new construction
and substantial improvements (including the placement of manufactured homes) must
be:
(1) Designed (or modified) and adequately anchored to prevent floatation, collapse,
or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic
loads, including the effects of buoyancy;
(2) Constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage;
(3) Constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage; and
(4) Constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning
equipment and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to
prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during
conditions of flooding.
Sec. 36-185. Public utilities, railroads, roads, and bridges.
(a) Public utilities. All public utilities and facilities such as gas, electrical, sewer, and water
supply systems to be located in the floodplain must be floodproofed in accordance
with the State Building Code or elevated to the regulatory flood protection elevation.
(b) Public transportation facilities. Railroad tracks, roads, and bridges to be located within
the floodplain must comply with section 36-296 and section 36-297 of this ordinance.
These transportation facilities must be elevated to the regulatory flood protection
elevation where failure or interruption of these facilities would result in danger to the
public health or safety or where such facilities are essential to the orderly functioning
of the area. Minor or auxiliary roads or railroads may be constructed at a lower
elevation where failure or interruption of transportation services would not endanger
the public health or safety.
(c) On-site water supply and sewage treatment systems: Where public utilities are not
provided:
(1) On-site water supply systems must be designed to minimize or eliminate
infiltration of flood waters into the systems and are subject to the provisions in
state statutes chapter 4725.4350, as amended; and
(2) New or replacement on-site sewage treatment systems must be designed to
minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges
from the systems into flood waters, they must not be subject to impairment or
contamination during times of flooding and are subject to the provisions in state
statutes chapter 7080.2270, as amended.
Sec. 36-186. Administration.
(a) Zoning administrator. A zoning administrator or other official designated by the city
council must administer and enforce this ordinance.
(b) Permit requirements.
(1) Permit required. A permit must be obtained from the zoning administrator prior to
conducting the following activities:
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a. The erection, addition, modification, rehabilitation, or alteration of any
building, structure, or portion thereof.
b. The use or change of use of a building, structure, or land.
c. The construction of a dam, fences, or on-site septic system.
d. The change or extension of a nonconforming use.
e. The repair of a structure that has been damaged by flood, fire, tornado, or any
other source.
f. The placement of fill, excavation of materials, or the storage of materials or
equipment within the floodplain.
g. Relocation or alteration of a watercourse (including new or replacement
culverts and bridges), unless a public waters work permit has been applied for.
(2) Application for permit. Permit applications must be submitted to the zoning
administrator on forms provided by the zoning administrator. The permit
application must include the following as applicable:
a. A site plan showing all pertinent dimensions, existing or proposed buildings,
structures, and significant natural features having an influence on the permit.
b. Location of fill or storage of materials in relation to the stream channel.
c. Copies of any required municipal, county, state, or federal permits or
approvals.
d. Other relevant information requested by the zoning administrator as
necessary to properly evaluate the permit application.
(3) Certificate of zoning compliance for a new, altered, or nonconforming use. No
building, land or structure may be occupied or used in any manner until a
certificate of zoning compliance has been issued by the zoning administrator
stating that the use of the building or land conforms to the requirements of this
ordinance.
(4) Certification. The applicant is required to submit certification by a registered
professional engineer, registered architect, or registered land surveyor that the
finished fill and building elevations were accomplished in compliance with the
provisions of this ordinance. Floodproofing measures must be certified by a
registered professional engineer or registered architect.
(5) Record of first floor elevation. The zoning administrator must maintain a record of
the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new structures and
alterations or additions to existing structures in the floodplain. The zoning
administrator must also maintain a record of the elevation to which structures and
alterations or additions to structures are floodproofed.
(6) Notifications for watercourse alterations. Before authorizing any alteration or
relocation of a river or stream, the zoning administrator must notify adjacent
communities. If the applicant has applied for a permit to work in public waters
pursuant to state statutes, section 103G.245, this will suffice as adequate notice. A
copy of the notification must also be submitted to the Chicago Regional Office of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
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(7) Notification to FEMA when physical changes increase or decrease the base flood
Elevations. As soon as is practicable, but not later than six months after the date
such supporting information becomes available, the zoning administrator must
notify the Chicago Regional Office of FEMA of the changes by submitting a copy of
the relevant technical or scientific data.
(c) Factors for conditional use approval.
(1) Administrative review. An application for a conditional use permit under the
provisions of this ordinance will be processed and reviewed in accordance with
section(s) 36-33 Conditional Use Permits (CUP) of the zoning ordinance.
(2) The factors upon which the decision of the city council shall be based when
considering conditional use applications are as follows:
a. All relevant factors specified in other sections of this chapter.
b. The danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or velocities
caused by encroachments.
c. The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands or downstream to
the injury of others or they may block bridges, culverts or other hydraulic
structures.
d. The proposed water supply and sanitation systems and the ability of these
systems to prevent disease, contamination, and unsanitary conditions.
e. The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage
and the effect of such damage on the individual owner.
f. The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the
community.
g. The requirements of the facility for a waterfront location.
h. The availability of alternative locations not subject to flooding for the
proposed use.
i. The compatibility of the proposed use with existing development and the
development anticipated in the foreseeable future.
j. The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and
floodplain management program for the area.
k. The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and
emergency vehicles.
l. The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment transport
of the floodwaters expected at the site.
m. Such other factors which are relevant to the purposes of this division.
(3) Conditions attached to conditional use permits. Upon consideration of the factors
listed above and the purpose of this ordinance, the city council shall attach such
conditions to the granting of conditional use permits as it deems necessary to
fulfill the purposes of this ordinance. Such conditions may include, but are not
limited to, the following:
a. Modification of waste treatment and water supply facilities.
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b. Limitations on period of use, occupancy, and operation.
c. Imposition of operational controls, sureties, and deed restrictions.
d. Requirements for construction of channel modifications, compensatory
storage, dikes, levees, and other protective measures.
e. Flood proofing measures, in accordance with the State Building Code and this
Ordinance. The applicant shall submit a plan or document certified by a
registered professional engineer or architect that the flood proofing measures
are consistent with the regulatory flood protection elevation and associated
flood factors for the particular area.
(4) Submittal of hearing notices to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The
zoning administrator must submit hearing notices for proposed conditional uses to
the DNR sufficiently in advance to provide at least ten days’ notice of the hearing.
The notice may be sent by electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the respective DNR area
hydrologist.
(5) Submittal of final decisions to the DNR. A copy of all decisions granting conditional
uses must be forwarded to the DNR within ten days of such action. The notice may
be sent by electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the respective DNR area hydrologist.
Sec. 36-187. Nonconformities.
(a) Continuance of Nonconformities. A use, structure, or occupancy of land which was
lawful before the passage or amendment of this ordinance, but which is not in
conformity with the provisions of this ordinance may be continued subject to the
following conditions. Historic structures, as defined in section 36-294 of this ordinance,
are subject to the provisions of section 36-302(1) through section 36-302(6) of this
ordinance.
(1) A nonconforming use, structure, or occupancy must not be expanded, changed,
enlarged, or altered in a way that increases its nonconformity, its flood damage
potential or degree of obstruction to flood flows except as provided in section 36-
302(2) below. Expansion or enlargement of uses, structures or occupancies within
the floodway district is prohibited.
(2) Any addition or structural alteration to a nonconforming structure or
nonconforming use that would result in increasing its flood damage potential must
be protected to the regulatory flood protection elevation in accordance with any
of the elevation on fill or floodproofing techniques (i.e., FP1 thru FP4
floodproofing classifications) allowable in the State Building Code, except as
further restricted in section 36-302(3) and section 36-302(7) below.
(3) The cost of any structural alterations or additions to any nonconforming structure
over the life of the structure shall not exceed 50 percent of the market value of the
structure unless the conditions of this section are satisfied. The cost of all
structural alterations and additions constructed since the adoption of the city's
initial floodplain controls must be calculated into today's current cost which will
include all costs such as construction materials and a reasonable cost placed on all
labor. If the current cost of all previous and proposed alterations and additions
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exceeds 50 percent of the current market value of the structure, then the
structure must meet the standards of this chapter for new structure.
(4) If any nonconforming use, or any use of a nonconforming structure, is
discontinued for more than one year, any future use of the premises must conform
to this ordinance. The assessor must notify the zoning administrator in writing of
instances of nonconformities that have been discontinued for a period of more
than one year.
(5) If any nonconformity is substantially damaged, as defined in section 36-294 of this
ordinance, it may not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of
this ordinance. The applicable provisions for establishing new uses or new
structures in section 36-296 or section 36-297 will apply depending upon whether
the use or structure is in the floodway or flood fringe, respectively.
(6) If any nonconforming use or structure experiences a repetitive loss, as defined in
section 36-294 of this ordinance, it must not be reconstructed except in
conformity with the provisions of this ordinance.
(7) Any substantial improvement, as defined in section 36-294 of this ordinance, to a
nonconforming structure requires that the existing structure and any additions
must meet the requirements of section 36-296 or section 36-297 of this ordinance
for new structures, depending upon whether the structure is in the floodway or
flood fringe district.
Sec. 36-188. Penalties and enforcement.
(a) Violation constitutes a misdemeanor. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance or
failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and
safeguards established in connection with grants of variances or conditional uses)
constitute a misdemeanor and will be punishable as defined by law.
(b) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the city from taking such other lawful action as
is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation. Such actions may include but are not
limited to:
(1) In responding to a suspected ordinance violation, the zoning administrator and
local government may utilize the full array of enforcement actions available to it
including but not limited to prosecution and fines, injunctions, after-the-fact
permits, orders for corrective measures or a request to the National Flood
Insurance Program for denial of flood insurance availability to the guilty party. The
community must act in good faith to enforce these official controls and to correct
ordinance violations to the extent possible so as not to jeopardize its eligibility in
the National Flood Insurance Program.
(2) When an ordinance violation is either discovered by or brought to the attention of
the zoning administrator, the zoning administrator shall immediately investigate
the situation and document the nature and extent of the violation of the official
control. As soon as is reasonably possible, this information will be submitted to the
appropriate Department of Natural Resources' and Federal Emergency
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Management Agency Regional Office along with the Community's plan of action to
correct the violation to the degree possible.
(3) The zoning administrator shall notify the suspected party of the requirements of
this ordinance and all other official controls and the nature and extent of the
suspected violation of these controls. If the structure and/or use is under
construction or development, the zoning administrator may order the construction
or development immediately halted until a proper permit or approval is granted by
the community. If the construction or development is already completed, then the
zoning administrator may either: (1) issue an order identifying the corrective
actions that must be made within a specified time period to bring the use or
structure into compliance with the official controls; or (2) notify the responsible
party to apply for an after-the-fact permit/development approval within a
specified period of time not to exceed 30-days.
(4) If the responsible party does not appropriately respond to the zoning
administrator within the specified period of time, each additional day that lapses
shall constitute an additional violation of this ordinance and shall be prosecuted
accordingly. The zoning administrator shall also upon the lapse of the specified
response period notify the landowner to restore the land to the condition which
existed prior to the violation of this Ordinance.
Sec. 36-189. Amendments.
(a) Floodplain designation – restrictions on removal. The floodplain designation on the
Official Zoning Map must not be removed from floodplain areas unless it can be shown
that the designation is in error or that the area has been filled to or above the
elevation of the regulatory flood protection elevation and is contiguous to lands
outside the floodplain. Special exceptions to this rule may be permitted by the
Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) if the commissioner
determines that, through other measures, lands are adequately protected for the
intended use.
(b) Amendments require DNR approval. All amendments to this ordinance must be
submitted to and approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) prior to adoption. The commissioner must approve the amendment
prior to community approval.
(c) Map revisions require ordinance amendments. The floodplain district regulations must
be amended to incorporate any revisions by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency to the floodplain maps adopted in section 36-293(c) of this ordinance.
DIVISION 2. TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT (TDM) OVERLAY DISTRICT
Sec. 36-190. Purpose and effect.
(a) The United States and the state's departments of transportation are upgrading State
Highway No. 12 to become Interstate Highway 394 (I-394) which will alter
transportation patterns and foster new development and redevelopment along the
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highway corridor. It will also generate traffic congestion on both the freeway system
and the local street networks in portions of the city and Golden Valley resulting in
traffic congestion, air pollution, noise pollution and other environmental problems.
Since the I-394 corridor runs along the common border between the city and Golden
Valley, they have studied the situation and entered into a joint powers agreement. This
division is intended to impose on all dense developments, which will contain more
than 0.6 square foot of gross floor area per each square foot of land area within a lot
or parcel in the I-394 corridor, the condition that once the traffic generated at the
Xenia/Vernon interchange, the Louisiana Avenue interchange and General Mills
Boulevard/Boone Avenue interchange exceeds certain levels of service, or the
established reserve capacity, whichever is first, the developments will be required to
prepare and effectuate traffic management plans which will serve to reduce the traffic
congestion, air and noise pollution and other environmental problems associated with
them. This division does not prohibit development, but rather, permits development
assuming appropriate traffic management plans are in place and effect. The joint task
force will review the plans and ensure their compliance with this division.
Sec. 36-191. Area of application.
(a) The area covered by the I-394 Travel Demand Management (TDM) overlay zoning
district is that portion of zones A and B lying within the boundaries of the city. This
division is intended to supplement or overlay the existing zoning of lots or parcels in
the area covered, not to contradict or replace the existing zoning and contemplates
substantially completed and operational interchanges at I-394/Xenia-Vernon,
I394/Louisiana Avenue and I-394/General Mills Boulevard-Boone Avenue in this city
and Golden Valley. The city may restrict development below the projected reserve
capacity or the traffic level of service, if, in the exercise of its judgment, it deems it
appropriate to do so.
Sec. 36-192. Conditions.
(a) The conditions for this division as are follows:
(1) All developments in the area covered by this division which will contain more than
0.6 square foot of gross floor area per each square foot of land area within a lot or
parcel shall obtain a conditional use permit which conforms to the terms of this
division.
(2) In addition to the other land use requirements of this chapter, the conditional use
permit shall contain the following conditions:
a. For all parcels located within zone A, each time the traffic generated for one
hour during the p.m. peak hour three days out of five consecutive business
days exceeds level of service E at more than half of the intersections within
the Xenia/Vernon interchange (effective after the interchange is substantially
completed and operational), or once the reserve capacity allocated to the city
for this interchange has been used, whichever is first, the owner shall
implement an original or revised traffic management plan. The traffic
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management plan initially shall be prepared when the traffic generated for
one hour during the p.m. peak hour three days out of five consecutive
business days reaches level of service E at more than half of the intersections
of the Xenia/Vernon interchange (effective after the interchange is
substantially completed and operational). It shall be designed to reduce the
traffic generated by or from the parcel by a percentage which, in conjunction
with the other parcels in the zone, will accommodate level of service E at the
p.m. peak hour (or keep it within the city's allocable portion of the reserve
capacity, if that applies), given the p.m. peak hour trips assumed to be
generated by the parcel based on the table in section 36-330. The owner shall
submit the traffic management plan to the joint task force which shall review
and approve all traffic management plans before they may be implemented.
b. For all parcels located within zone B, each time the traffic generated for one
hour during the p.m. peak hour three days out of five consecutive business
days exceeds level of service D at more than half of the intersections within
the Louisiana Avenue interchange, or once the reserve capacity allocated to
the city for this interchange has been used, whichever is first, the owner shall
implement an original or revised traffic management plan. The traffic
management plan initially shall be prepared when the traffic generated for
one hour during the p.m. peak hour three days out of five consecutive
business days reaches level of service D at more than half of the intersections
of the Louisiana Avenue interchange. It shall be designed to reduce the traffic
generated by or from the parcel by a percentage which, in conjunction with
the other parcels in the zone, will accommodate level of service D at the p.m.
peak hour (or keep it within the city's allocable portion of the reserve
capacity, if that applies) given the p.m. peak hour trips assumed to be
generated by the parcel based on the table in section 36-330. The owner shall
submit the traffic management plan to the joint task force which shall review
and approve a traffic management plan before they may be implemented.
c. Each development containing more than 0.6 square foot of gross floor area
per each square foot of land area within a lot or parcel within one of the three
zones shall monitor the traffic generated by it, the locations and times to be
determined by the joint task force, and it shall supply such traffic volume
figures to the joint task force. Each planning department will publish those
figures yearly. The joint task force shall determine the acceptable methods of
measuring traffic volumes, the acceptability of persons or firms undertaking it
and all other reasonable requirements in connection therewith.
(3) Each developer or owner of a parcel who leases part of the parcel, or part of a
building thereon, to one or more tenants shall include the following in each lease:
the cities of Golden Valley and St. Louis Park have established an I-394 traffic
zoning ordinance. It will require traffic management plans for traffic generated by
this and certain adjacent developments when certain conditions occur. Under such
conditions, it will restrict traffic generated by these developments. The plan is
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intended to promote improved traffic circulation and reduce pollution and
congestion, particularly during peak times, for all users of city streets. The traffic
management plans prepared by the owners may require the use of rideshare
incentive programs, public transit incentives, bicycle and pedestrian incentive
measures, variable work hours or flex-time programs under which employees are
required to stagger their work hours, measures to reduce reliance on single-
occupancy vehicles, shared parking and the like. A copy of the complete zoning
ordinance may be obtained by calling the city offices of Golden Valley or St. Louis
Park.
Sec. 36-193. Owner requirement.
(a) Each development on a parcel which is required to have a traffic management plan by
the terms of this division shall manage the traffic it generates in such a way as to
substantially meet the terms of the traffic management plan for that parcel.
Sec. 36-194. Traffic management plan.
In addition to being approved by the joint task force, the initial traffic management plan shall be
reviewed by the other city planning agencies and approved by the city council as part of the
regular conditional use permit or planned unit development approval process. It shall utilize the
appropriate techniques available to reduce the p.m. peak hour traffic generated by the parcel,
including but not limited to:
(a) Ridesharing incentive programs which may include activities to encourage and assist
the formation of car, van, and bus pools, such as cash payments or subsidies and
preferential parking charges and parking space location, and other analogous incentive
programs.
(b) Public transit incentive programs which may include the provision of paratransit
services to and from convenient public transit sites and to accommodate midday and
evening excursions, the constructing of transit shelters and amenities, the construction
of bus/rail transit stations and related facilities, the dedication of land and the
provision of other subsidies for the construction and operation of public transit
facilities, the provision of transit fare media subsidies and marketing programs, and the
provision of other analogous incentive programs.
(c) Recommended improvements in public transit which services the site of the proposed
use, such as changes in service routes, increases in the frequency of service, alterations
in the location of facilities, the establishment of fare incentive programs and other
measures designed to make public transit more accessible to occupants of the
proposed use.
(d) Bicycle and pedestrian incentive measures which may include the provision of bicycle
parking and storage facilities, the construction and extension of bicycle paths and
pedestrian walkways, the provision of shower and locker facilities and similar incentive
features.
(e) In the case of office and industrial uses, variable work hour, or flex time, programs
under which employees working at the proposed use will stagger their work hours in
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order to affect a reduction in the amount of peak period traffic to and/or from the use
which would otherwise occur.
(f) Measures to reduce the reliance on single-occupancy vehicles by employees and
others who will travel to and from the proposed use which may include parking fee
structures tailored to discourage single-occupancy vehicles, proscription of tenant-
employee subsidy of parking costs for single-occupancy vehicles, time and other access
restrictions to parking spaces in on-site parking facilities, and programs to support and
encourage the utilization of alternative transportation modes.
(g) Use and accessory use design options which reduce reliance on single-occupancy
vehicles by employees and others who will travel to and from the proposed use, such
as the provision of less parking area than that required under the provision of this
chapter, shared parking arrangements, the incorporation of residential units (in the
case of proposed commercial uses) and other analogous design features.
(h) Any other technique or combination of techniques capable of reducing the traffic and
related impacts of the proposed use.
Sec. 36-195. Nonconforming traffic generation uses.
(a) Nonconforming traffic generation uses are all uses within the area covered by this
division which existed or had approved land use and building permits before the
effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived. If a nonconforming
traffic generation use exceeds more than 0.6 square foot of gross floor area per each
square foot of land area within a lot or parcel, it may not be altered or modified unless
it conforms to the terms of this division.
Sec. 36-196. Joint task force.
(a) The joint task force shall consist of eight members: two elected officials from each city,
each city manager and a staff member appointed by the city manager from each city.
Its function shall be to periodically monitor the traffic generation and air pollution in
zones A, B and C and to review traffic management plans so as to ensure their
compliance with the intent and purpose of this division. It also shall adopt and
promulgate rules of procedure. If the joint task force deadlocks, the issue or matter
shall be submitted first to mediation under the Rules of the American Arbitration
Association. Thereafter, upon agreement of the parties, the issue or matter may be
submitted under the Rules of the American Arbitration Association to binding
arbitration by a single arbitrator chosen by the parties, or if they cannot agree, by the
county district court. The arbitration shall proceed under the Rules of the American
Arbitration Association.
Sec. 36-197. Traffic management administrative fee.
(a) Under the authority in M.S.A. § 462.353, subd. 4, each owner of a parcel or
development subject to the terms of this division shall pay a traffic management
administrative fee of $0.10 per square foot of gross floor area. Fifty percent of the fee
shall be paid at the time such owner applies for a conditional use permit or planned
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unit development for such development and 50 percent of the fee shall be paid at the
time such owner applies for a building permit thereof. The fees shall be collected by
the city and deposited as a separate fund under the authority of the joint task force.
The fund will be used by the joint task force only for its costs incurred in reviewing,
investigating, and administering traffic management plans under this division. Should
the costs of administering and enforcing this division require it, the city reserves the
right to periodically assess such costs to the parcels within the area covered. The city
also reserves the right to periodically assess the parcels within the respective areas for
the costs involved in implementing capital improvements designed to reduce traffic
congestion, facilitate transit use, and implement traffic management plans in the
vicinity of Xenia/Park Place Boulevard and I-394, Louisiana Avenue and I-394, and
Boone Avenue and I-394.
Sec. 36-198. Trip generation rates; table.
(a) The following table is the I-394 corridor traffic study, trip generation rates
source/comparison:
Table XX. I-394 Corridor Traffic Study; trip generation rates source/comparison; P.M.
peak hour trip generation rates
Land Use
Type
Unit ITE (1982) BRW/MC SRF/MTKA SRF/G.V.-S.L.P. ITE (1987)
In Out In Out In Out In Out In Out
Residential
single-family
D.U. 0.63 0.37 -- -- 0.63 0.37 0.63 0.37 0.63 0.37
Residential
mid-density
D.U. 0.32 0.19 0.63 0.38 0.50 0.30 0.50 0.30 0.41 0.21
Residential
high-density
D.U. 0.44 0.26 0.66 0.38 0.38 0.22 0.38 0.22 0.22 0.17
Office < 200
K.S.F.
1,000
sq. ft.
0.44 1.76 0.37 1.49 0.44 1.76 0.44 1.76 0.31* 1.66*
Office > 200
K.S.F.
1,000
sq. ft.
0.44 1.76 0.37 1.49 0.24 1.76 0.24 1.76 0.24* 1.26*
Retail < 200
K.S.F.
1,000
sq. ft.
2.85 3.05 2.98 3.18 2.96 3.15 2.96 3.15 4.17* 4.52*
Retail > 200
K.S.F.
1,000
sq. ft.
2.11 2.69 2.61 3.32 1.62 2.06 1.62 2.06 1.69* 1.84*
Industrial 1,000
sq. ft.
0.35 0.70 -- -- 0.32 0.63 0.32 0.63 0.20 0.77
Restaurant 1,000
sq. ft.
3.79 2.35 1.16 0.71 2.74 1.69 2.74 1.69 5.00 2.25
Hotel/motel Room 0.36 0.37 0.51 0.52 0.51 0.52 0.32 0.33 0.37 0.24
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 24 Overlay Districts
Land Use
Type
Unit ITE (1982) BRW/MC SRF/MTKA SRF/G.V.-S.L.P. ITE (1987)
In Out In Out In Out In Out In Out
Entertainment
/club
1,000
sq. ft.
0.73 0.77 -- -- 0.73 0.77 0.73 0.77 0.74 0.78
Golf course Acre 0.08 0.31 -- -- -- -- 0.24 0.45 0.03 0.35
Nursing home Bed 0.05 0.16 -- -- 0.05 0.16 0.32 0.33 0.5 0.16
Service
commercial
1,000
sq. ft.
-- -- -- -- 2.35 2.12 -- -- -- --
Retail > 1,000
K.S.F.
1,000
sq. ft.
1.40 1.90 1.04 1.10 1.12 1.18 -- -- 1.39 1.51
* Mid rate in new (1987) I.T.E. range between 10—200 K.G.S.F. and 300—1,000 K.G.S.F.
Secs. 36-199 to 36-219 reserved.
DIVISION 3. HISTORIC WALKER LAKE OVERLAY DISTRICT
Sec. 36-199. Purpose
(a) The Historic Walker Lake (HWL) overlay district is established to promote investment
and infill development that preserves and protects the unique character of the Historic
Walker Lake area.
(b) The boundaries of the HWL overlay district shall be the area shown on the official
zoning map.
Sec. 36-200. Development Standards
(a) No minimum and maximum number of parking spaces are required in the HWL overlay
district.
(b) Parking lots and ramps as a principal use shall be owned by the City.
(c) Freestanding signs, including monument and pylon signs, are prohibited. Monument
signs less than six feet in height are permitted in the HWL overlay district.
Sec. 36-201. Design Guidelines
(a) The design of lots, uses, and buildings in the HWL overlay district shall substantially
conform with the design guidelines established in the Historic Walker Lake Area Design
Guidelines, adopted by the City Council on December 11, 2020.
Secs. 36-202 to 36-222 reserved.
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ARTICLE VII. USE SPECIFIC STANDARDS
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Sec. 36-223. Applicability.
(a) The Use Specific Standards listed in this article are applicable to those uses listed in the
Principal Uses and Accessory Uses tables in Article III and Article IV which are indicated
as having use specific standards in that column of the table. Compliance with the use
specific standards is required whether the uses are shown as Permitted with Standards
or Conditional.
DIVISION 2. PRINCIPAL USES, RESIDENTIAL
Sec. 36-224. Bed and breakfast establishment.
(a) The facility shall be owner occupied.
(b) The total number of guestrooms shall be limited to three.
(c) Not more than 50% of the gross floor area of the residence shall be used for the
guesthouse operation.
(d) Accommodations may be provided to a guest for a period not exceeding 14 days.
(e) Food service shall be limited to breakfast.
(f) Rented rooms shall not contain cooking facilities.
(g) Rooms used for sleeping shall be part of the primary residential structure and shall not
have been constructed specifically for rental purposes.
Sec. 36-225. Dwelling, single unit.
(a) Lot access.
(1) If a lot is adjacent to an alley, driveway access shall be off the alley.
(2) If a lot is not adjacent to an alley but is a corner lot or a through lot, then driveway
access shall be off the side street with the lower functional class as defined by the
comprehensive plan.
(3) If a lot is not adjacent to an alley nor a corner lot, driveway access can be from the
street.
(4) A driveway existing as of [insert date] that does not meet the above lot access
standards can continue in the same location until the property is redeveloped.
Such driveway may be expanded as long as it is in conformance with the city code.
(b) The maximum cumulative garage door width facing a public right of way shall not
exceed 50% of the principal building’s front facade.
(c) If the dwelling is a manufactured home, it shall:
(1) Have a permanent, completely enclosed foundation which complies with the state
manufactured home building code and which is constructed around the entire
circumference of the structure.
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(2) Meet the standards and be certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
(d) For N-1 and N-2 districts, a single-unit dwelling which legally existed or for which a
valid building permit had been granted on or before the effective date of the ordinance
from which this chapter is derived, may be expanded by an addition or dormer,
provided the addition does not extend into the existing side yard.
Sec. 36-226. Dwelling, single unit small.
(a) The dwelling shall have a maximum size of no more than 1,200 square feet. The
maximum ground floor area of the dwelling shall not exceed 800 square feet.
(b) The maximum height of the dwelling unit shall be 25 feet.
Sec. 36-227. Dwelling, two-unit (duplex).
(a) Any two-unit (duplex) dwelling shall abide by the standards required for dwelling,
single-unit.
Sec. 36-228. Dwelling, two-unit attached (twinhome).
(a) Any two-unit attached (twinhome) dwelling shall abide by the standards required for
dwelling, single-unit.
Sec. 36-229. Dwelling, detached courtyard cottage/bungalow.
(a) A cottage courtyard development shall consist of at least four and no more than 12
dwelling units located around a shared, centrally located courtyard.
(b) The cottage courtyard development shall provide a minimum of 300 square feet of
common open space per dwelling unit. This common open space includes the required
shared courtyard, which shall be at least 20 feet in width and depth.
(c) A cottage courtyard development may have more than one courtyard.
(d) Each dwelling unit shall have a maximum height of 25 feet.
(e) Each dwelling unit shall have a maximum ground floor area of 900 square feet.
(f) Each dwelling unit shall have the primary entrance oriented to the shared courtyard.
(g) Each dwelling unit abutting a public street shall have windows on the facade oriented
to the public street.
(h) Each dwelling unit shall have no more than a one-stall attached garage.
(i) Accessory buildings. No accessory buildings shall be allowed except for a one-stall
detached garage for each dwelling unit and accessory buildings for use by the
homeowners association.
(j) Parking areas shall not be located in any required yard abutting a public street.
(k) Accessory dwelling units are prohibited.
(l) Dwelling units may be located on one parcel or on individual parcels for each dwelling
unit with a separate parcel for common open spaces and facilities.
Sec. 36-230. Dwelling, three-unit.
(a) Any three-unit dwelling shall abide by the standards required for dwelling, single-unit.
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Sec. 36-231. Dwelling, four-unit.
(a) Lot access.
(1) If a lot is adjacent to an alley, driveway access shall be off the alley.
(2) If a lot is not adjacent to an alley but is a corner lot or a through lot, then driveway
access shall be off the side street with the lower functional class as defined by the
comprehensive plan.
(3) If a lot is not adjacent to an alley nor a corner lot, driveway access can be from the
street.
(4) A driveway existing as of [insert date] that does not meet the above lot access
standards can continue in the same location until the property is redeveloped.
Such driveway may be expanded as long as it is in conformance with the city code.
(b) On the public street-facing facade, no garage shall occupy more than 50% of any street-
facing individual unit facade.
Sec. 36-232. Dwelling, townhouse.
(a) Lot access.
(1) If a lot is adjacent to an alley, driveway access shall be off the alley.
(2) If a lot is not adjacent to an alley but is a corner lot or a through lot, then driveway
access shall be off the side street with the lower functional class as defined by the
comprehensive plan.
(3) If a lot is not adjacent to an alley nor a corner lot, driveway access can be from the
street.
(4) A driveway existing as of [insert date] that does not meet the above lot access
standards can continue in the same location until the property is redeveloped.
Such driveway may be expanded as long as it is in conformance with the city code.
(b) The maximum number of dwellings per structure shall be as follows:
(1) Small townhouse dwelling shall have no more than four units
(2) Large townhouse dwelling shall have no more than eight units. The orientation of
the structure(s) shall match the orientation of other existing principal structures
along the block on which it is located.
(c) On the public street-facing facades, no garage door shall exceed more than 50% of the
width of the front façade of any individual unit.
(d) Buildings shall be designed with significant variation in the façade every 60 feet and
minor variations at least every 20 feet. Variation can be achieved with articulation,
texture, materials, doors, windows, roof dormers, gables, and covered porches. Any
architectural projection or recess used to accomplish this change shall be a minimum
of six feet wide and two feet deep.
Sec. 36-233. Dwelling, apartment (low-rise).
(a) Lot access. Lot access for any low-rise apartment dwelling shall abide by the lot access
standards as required for dwelling, townhouse above.
(b) Individual dwelling unit entrances for ground floor units may be interior or exterior
entrances.
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(c) Any driveways or parking areas within 30 feet of a property zoned N-1 or N-2 shall be
screened. Such screening may consist of a solid hedge, an architectural compatible
opaque wall, fence, berm or combination thereof.
Sec. 36-234. Dwelling, apartment (mid-rise).
(a) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial, or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(b) Any mid-rise apartment dwelling shall abide by the standards as required for dwelling,
apartment (low-rise).
Sec. 36-235. Dwelling, apartment (high-rise).
(a) Any high-rise apartment dwelling shall abide by the standards as required for dwelling,
apartment (mid-rise).
Sec. 36-236. Dwelling, apartment (mixed use)
(a) On the ground story, at least 75% of the building facade along the primary street
frontage and 25% of the building façade along the secondary street shall be non-
residential uses within the first 30 feet behind the street frontage facade.
(1) The 25% non-residential requirement along the secondary street shall not apply if
adjacent to a Neighborhood zoned and used districts. In this case, residential and
residential accessory uses (including parking) are allowed along the entire length
of the building adjacent to the secondary street.
(2) Residential accessory uses may include leasing and/or property management
offices, fitness facilities for tenants, meeting rooms, or similar uses for the
exclusive use of residents of the building.
(b) The uses are in conformance with the comprehensive plan.
(c) Ground story residential dwellings in existence on December 11, 2020, shall be
considered a conforming use.
(d) The building design and placement shall provide a desirable residential environment.
(e) Dwelling unit entrances are not required to be interior to the building and individual
exterior entrances are encouraged for ground floor units.
(f) Buildings shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from the back of the curb line of
internal private roadways or parking lots.
(g) A minimum five-foot-wide sidewalk or paved trail access to open space, plazas,
pedestrian ways, and off-site parks shall be provided for building occupants.
(h) A minimum of 12% of the net site area shall be developed as designed outdoor
recreation area.
(i) Lot access.
(1) If a lot is adjacent to an alley, then the access to the parking lot and structured
parking shall be from the alley.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 5 Principal uses, residential
(2) If a lot is not adjacent to an alley but is a corner lot or a through lot, then driveway
access shall be off the street with the lower functional class as defined by the
comprehensive plan.
(3) For mid-rise and high-rise apartment dwellings, access shall be to a roadway
identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or arterial, or shall be
otherwise located so that access can be provided without generating significant
traffic on local residential streets.
(j) Any driveways or parking areas within 30 feet of a property zoned N-1 or N-2 shall be
screened to a height of eight feet. Such screening may consist of a solid hedge, an
architectural compatible opaque wall, fence, berm or combination thereof.
Sec. 36-237. Dwelling, live/work unit.
(a) The work space shall be separate from the living space.
(b) The floor area devoted to the business use may not exceed the floor area devoted to
the residential use within the unit.
(c) Any space that will be used by walk-in customers of the business must be accessible
from an exterior entrance that is not used to access other residential units.
(d) With the exception of the exterior entrance, the business cannot substantially alter the
exterior of the property or substantially affect the character of the neighborhood or
the health, safety and welfare of the residents.
(e) The business space must be designed to permit conversion to residential space with
minimum work and no structural changes.
(f) Uses which are not allowed include but are not limited to the following: uses classified
as industrial; appliance, small engine and bicycle repair; motor vehicle sales; motor
vehicle service and repair; pawnshops; animal handling; bars; food service;
restaurants; private entertainment; cannabis businesses; sexually oriented businesses;
and cannabis businesses.
(g) The dwelling shall be located above or behind the work space.
Sec. 36-238. Group home/non-statutory.
(a) The use shall not be located within 1,500 feet of any other group home or state-
licensed residential facility.
(b) The maximum occupancy of a facility shall not exceed six people in the N-1 and N-2
district, 30 people in the N-3 district, and 50 people in the N-4 district. A minimum of
300 square feet of gross building area shall be provided for each resident.
(c) A minimum of 12% of the net site area shall be developed as designed outdoor
recreation area.
(d) At least 800 square feet of lot area shall be provided for each person, including
resident staff, housed on the site.
(e) The building structure shall not be modified or converted for the specific purpose of
accommodating the group home use except to comply with Americans with Disabilities
Act requirements or other normal maintenance and repair.
(f) The following shall also be required for facilities located in the N-1 and N-2 districts:
(1) No more than two people shall occupy one bedroom
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(2) One bathroom shall be provided for every three persons living at the facility.
Sec. 36-239. Hostel.
(a) The hostel shall be affiliated with a national or international hostel organization and
shall be subject to the operating procedures of such organization.
(b) The hostel shall be available for occupancy only by members of the affiliate or the
parent organization.
(c) The hours for check-in/check-out shall be limited to 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
(d) Overnight parking of vehicles whose passenger capacity exceeds 15 shall be prohibited
on the site.
(e) Outdoor recreational and play areas shall be located at least 25 feet from any lot zoned
N and either used for residential use or has an occupied institutional building, including
but not limited to educational (academic) facilities, religious institutions, and
community centers.
(f) No room shall contain more than four beds.
Sec. 36-240. Hotel/motel.
(a) The facility shall contain a minimum of 600 square feet of lot area per unit.
(b) Building heights shall be limited to four stories or 45 feet within 100 feet of any parcel
that is zoned N and used for dwelling purposes.
(c) Shall be located in the upper stories of a structure; the basement; or in the ground
story, a minimum of 30 feet behind any primary street façade and behind a permitted
use.
(d) Rooms shall be accessed from the interior of the building.
(e) Secondary service uses may also be provided, such as food service, meeting rooms,
pools, and fitness rooms as accessory uses.
(f) A lobby and secondary service uses serving the hotel/motel may be provided along
25% of the primary frontage as defined by the zoning administrator. The remaining
75% of the primary frontage shall be non-residential uses.
Sec. 36-241. Nursing home.
(a) All structures shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any parcel that is zoned N
and used for dwelling purposes.
(b) A minimum of 12% of the net site area shall be developed as designed outdoor
recreation area.
Sec. 36-242. Manufactured home park.
(a) The manufactured home park, and all manufactured homes sited within it, must meet
all requirements set forth in state statutes.
(b) A responsible attendant or caretaker must be in charge at all times and shall be
responsible for ensuring the maintenance of the park, its facilities, and its equipment
in clean, ordinary, and sanitary condition.
(c) The manufactured home park must be at least 5 acres in size.
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(d) The manufactured home park shall meet the density requirement set forth in the
comprehensive plan.
(e) Uses permitted within the park shall include only manufactured homes, storm shelters,
recreational facilities, and accessory uses to the manufactured homes, including
common laundering facilities, garages, sheds, and similar structures necessary for the
operation and maintenance of the park.
(f) All manufactured homes shall be equipped with an anchoring system approved by the
Minnesota Department of Administration (Building Code division). The frame, wheels,
crawl space, storage areas, and utility connections of all manufactured homes shall be
concealed from view by skirting made of durable all-weather construction material
that is consistent with the exterior of the manufactured home. Installation of the
skirting must be completed within 60 days of the placement of the manufactured
home on the pad. No obstruction shall be permitted that impedes the inspection of
plumbing and electrical facilities.
(g) The maximum impervious surface coverage on individual manufactured home sites for
the manufactured home, any accessory structures, and driveway shall be 50%.
(h) Except for public, community, and utility structures, the maximum height of principal
and accessory structures shall not exceed 20 feet.
Sec. 36-243. State-licensed residential facility.
(a) The use shall have a valid state license authorizing the residential facility. The license
shall be issued specifically for the property where the residential facility is being
conducted.
DIVISION 3. PRINCIPAL USES, PUBLIC, SOCIAL, & INSTITUTIONAL
Sec. 36-244. Business/trade school/college.
(a) All educational and training activities shall occur within a building.
Sec. 36-245. Educational facility.
(a) Educational facilities with 20 or fewer students.
(1) The school shall be limited to preschool through eighth grade.
(2) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial, or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(3) Student drop-off and loading areas shall not interfere with traffic and pedestrian
movements.
(4) An outdoor play area shall be provided that contains at least 40 square feet per
student enrolled at the school, or be located adjacent to a public park.
(b) Educational facility with more than 20 students.
(1) The principal buildings shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any parcel
zoned N and used for a dwelling.
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(2) An off-street passenger loading area shall be provided to maintain vehicular and
pedestrian safety.
(3) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial, or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(c) Pick-up/drop-off areas shall not conflict with other on-site or abutting land uses and
shall not create congestion on public streets. Only automobiles and passenger vans
shall be allowed to use an alley for pickup and drop-off of students.
(d) In multitenant buildings, the school shall have at least one separate building entrance
or shall have an interior entrance that is within 50 feet of a common building entrance.
(e) Outdoor areas designated for group activities shall be located a minimum of 25 feet
from a lot zoned N and used for dwelling purposes.
(f) The use must have a minimum of 40 square feet of outdoor area per student dedicated
to outdoor student activity and enclosed by a fence or be within ¼ mile of a city park
developed with recreational facilities.
Sec. 36-246. Hospital.
(a) Buildings, or portions thereof, located within 100 feet of any parcel that is zoned N and
used for dwelling purposes shall be limited to four stories or 45 feet, whichever is less.
(b) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(c) Internal traffic circulation shall be designed to minimize traffic within 100 feet of any
abutting property zoned N and used for dwelling purposes.
(d) Screening shall be installed along any abutting property zoned N and used for dwelling
purposes, and the screening shall include a six-foot privacy fence.
Sec. 36-247. Municipal, county, state, or federal administrative or service facility.
(a) Buildings shall be located at least 25 feet from a lot that is zoned N and used for
dwelling purposes.
(b) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets
Sec. 36-248. Place of assembly.
(a) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(b) In MU-1 district, not permitted in a building with residential uses.
(c) In multitenant buildings, noise shall be contained within that space dedicated to the
place of assembly use. No noise shall be audible within common areas or in adjacent
units.
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(d) In multitenant buildings, the place of assembly shall have a separate entrance or shall
have an interior entrance that is within 50 feet of a common building entrance.
(e) All buildings shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any parcel that is zoned N and
used for dwelling purposes.
(f) An off-street passenger loading area shall be provided to maintain vehicular and
pedestrian safety.
(g) Outdoor recreational and play areas shall be located at least 25 feet from any parcel
that is zoned N and used for dwelling purposes.
Sec. 36-249. Police/fire station.
(a) Buildings shall be located at least 25 feet from a lot that is zoned N and used for
dwelling purposes.
(b) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(c) Unobstructed visibility shall be provided from the driveway to the adjacent streets for
emergency vehicles and a traffic light shall be installed at the entrance to the facility to
control non-emergency traffic if recommended by the Director of Public Works.
Sec. 36-250. Post office customer service.
(a) The use shall only be permitted when it can be demonstrated that the operation will
not have a significant adverse effect on the existing level of service and safety of
adjacent streets and intersections.
(b) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(c) Outdoor mailboxes intended for in-vehicle service shall be located to allow in-vehicle
mail drop-off by the vehicle's driver.
Sec. 36-251. Religious institution.
(a) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(b) All buildings shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any parcel that is zoned N and
used for dwelling purposes.
(c) An off-street passenger loading area shall be provided to maintain vehicular and
pedestrian safety.
(d) Outdoor recreational and play areas shall be located at least 25 feet from any lot zoned
N and used for dwelling purposes.
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DIVISION 4. PRINCIPAL USES, COMMERCIAL
Sec. 36-252. Adult day care.
(a) A minimum of 12% of the net site area shall be developed as designed outdoor
recreation area or be adjacent to a city park or public open space with designed
outdoor recreation opportunities.
(b) Within the N-1 and N-2 districts, the facility may serve 16 or fewer persons.
Sec. 36-253. Animal handling.
(a) No animals shall be kept outside the building or cause offensive odor or noise
discernible at the property line of the lot on which the activity is conducted.
(b) Boarding animals during the day and/or night shall not be permitted in a vertical
mixed-use building.
(c) The use shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from any parcel that is zoned N and
used for dwelling purposes.
Sec. 36-254. Animal handling, limited.
(a) Daytime or overnight boarding of animals is not permitted unless the animals are kept
overnight for medical treatment/care.
Sec. 36-255. Appliance, small engine and bicycle repair.
(a) Engines shall not be operated or tested outside of a structure if the use is located
within 300 feet of any parcel that is zoned N.
(b) Uses involving combustible engines shall not be permitted in a residential mixed-use
building.
Sec. 36-256. Auto body/painting.
(a) Damaged or inoperable vehicles shall be stored indoors or in areas that meet the
outdoor storage standards listed in section XX.
(b) The facility shall be located a minimum of 300 feet from any parcel that is zoned N or
occupied with a residential mixed-use building.
(c) No sales, storage or display of used automobiles shall be permitted.
(d) In the B1 district, the facility shall only be allowed as accessory to a motor vehicle sales
or motor vehicle fuel and repair use.
Sec. 36-257. Bank.
(a) Self-service machines shall be located inside the building.
Sec. 36-258. Cannabis retailer.
(a) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a school.
In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance shall be measured
from the portion of the shopping center or multiuse building occupied by the cannabis
retailer.
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(b) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a pawn
shop, currency exchange, payday loan agency, firearms sales or sexually-oriented
business. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance shall be
measured from the portion of the shopping center or multiuse building occupied by
the cannabis retailer.
(c) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a
cannabis retailer. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance
shall be measured from the portion of the shopping center or multiuse building
occupied by the cannabis retailer.
(d) In vehicle sales or service is prohibited.
(e) The use shall be contained within a completely enclosed building, and no outside
storage, display, or sale of merchandise is permitted.
(f) On-site consumption of cannabis or lower-potency hemp and beverages is prohibited.
Sec. 36-259. Car wash.
(a) A car wash that is a principal use shall have parking space to permit the stacking of at
least 30 cars or the maximum number of vehicles which can be washed during a 30-
minute period, whichever is greater; plus an additional 10 off-street parking spaces for
employees and storage of employee owned and washed cars.
(b) Drainage and surfacing plans for a car wash shall be approved by the director of public
works. The plans shall describe the wash water disposal and sludge removal facilities to
be employed to accomplish dust, salt, and other chemical and mud abatement on the
premises and prevent the accumulation of surface water, wash water or sludge on the
site or in the vicinity of the premises.
(c) No ingress or egress points for a car wash shall be closer than 150 feet from the point
of intersection of the required front and side yard lines adjoining intersecting streets.
The exit door from the car wash shall be at least 45 feet from the public right of way.
Drainage shall be away from the public street at the egress points to prevent spillage
onto the street. The grades of the interior floor shall be sloped away from the exit
door, and such floor shall be sloped to an accepted interior drainage system. No water
which is used in the operation of the car wash shall be allowed on any public right of
way.
(d) Automatic car washes shall be located a minimum of 95 feet from any parcel that is
zoned N and used for dwelling purposes or any parcel that has a residential mixed-use
building. In this case, entrance and exit doors for the car wash that face the residential
parcel shall be located at least 100 feet from the residential parcel.
(e) Automatic car washes accessory to a motor fuel station or motor vehicle service and
repair facility shall provide stacking space for at least four cars. Cars located in these
stacking spaces should not block ingress and egress driveways on the site or driveways
providing access to gasoline pumps, service bays or required off-street parking, except
that vehicles in stacking spaces may block access to parking stalls which are signed for
employee parking only. All other provisions in subsections (d)(3)g.1. through (d)(3)g.4.
of this section shall apply to automatic car washes, except that no additional off-street
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parking spaces shall be required for an automatic car wash and ingress or egress to an
automatic car wash may be permitted within 150 feet of the point of intersection of
the required front and side yard lines subject to the limitations of subsection (7) of this
section.
Sec. 36-260. Catering.
(a) This use may also include associated facilities such as offices and small-scale
warehousing, but distribution is limited to vans and small trucks. Distribution access
shall be from the rear.
(b) The maximum overall gross floor area is limited to 12,000 square feet.
(c) Outside storage of catering vehicles or associated equipment shall be kept in areas that
meet the outdoor storage standards specified in section XX.
(d) All outdoor activities such as loading and unloading shall be located a minimum of 100
feet from any parcel that is zoned N or used for dwelling purposes.
(e) Any exhaust system venting to the outdoors shall be located away from residential
areas.
Sec. 36-261. Dry cleaning or laundering facility.
(a) The use shall not exceed 15,000 square feet in area.
(b) Outside storage and parking of trucks involved in the operation of the business is
limited to trucks and vans with a manufacturer's rated cargo capacity of one ton or
less.
(c) Outside vehicle storage shall meet the standards listed in section XX outdoor storage.
Sec. 36-262. Grocery store.
(a) When the grocery store is located in a mixed-use building with residential or office uses
above the grocery use, the following applies:
(1) No activity results in any noxious or offensive odors, sounds, vibrations, emissions,
or any external nuisances upon adjacent properties.
Sec. 36-263. Group day care/nursery school.
(a) The principal buildings shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any parcel zoned N
and used for a dwelling.
(b) The on-site outdoor activity areas shall be enclosed by a minimum four-foot-tall fence.
(c) City parks may be utilized to meet up to 50% of the required outdoor activity areas
with the following standards:
(1) The park must have age-appropriate play equipment.
(2) There is a clearly defined and maintained sidewalk or improved trail connecting
the facility to the park.
(3) Outdoor recreational and play areas shall be located at least 25 feet from any
parcel zoned N and used for dwelling purposes.
(d) An off-street passenger loading area shall be provided in order to maintain vehicular
and pedestrian safety.
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Sec. 36-264. Liquor store.
(a) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a
pawnshop, currency exchange, payday loan agency, firearms sales or sexually-oriented
business. In the case of a shopping center or a multiuse building, the distance shall be
measured from the portion of the center or building occupied by the liquor store.
Sec. 36-265. Lower potency hemp edible retailer.
(a) The standards for lower-potency hemp edible retailers are that the use shall be located
more than 300 feet from the property line of a site containing a school. In the case of a
shopping center or multiuse building, the distance shall be measured from the portion
of the shopping center or multiuse building occupied by the lower-potency hemp
edible retailer.
Sec. 36-266. Motor fuel station.
(a) All pump islands, air dispensers and other service devices shall be installed at least 12
feet off and toward the interior of the lot from the required yard line, and no display,
servicing of vehicles, parking or dispensing of gasoline shall take place within the
required yard. On sites where pump islands have been constructed at the required yard
line, a landscaped area of eight feet shall be installed in the required yard.
(b) All on site utility installations shall be placed underground.
(c) No outside sale or display shall be permitted except gasoline and other goods
consumed in the normal operation of a car limited to the following kinds of products:
oil, gasoline and oil additives, propane tanks, windshield cleaner, windshield wipers,
tires and batteries. No products shall be sold or displayed in any required yard nor shall
the total display area occupy more than 150 square feet in area or be more than five
feet in height. No other vehicular parts and non-automobile-oriented goods shall be
displayed or sold outside.
(d) Modification of the requirement of this section may be made for service stations in
existence on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, if
the city council finds that, because of the shape of the lot, size of the lot, the location
of the principal building on the lot or similar circumstances, it would be impossible to
satisfy the strict terms of this section or that they could be satisfied only by imposing
exceptional or undue hardship upon the owner of the lot.
(e) Any canopy and canopy support systems shall be constructed using architectural design
and materials which are compatible with the principal structure.
(f) No public address system shall be audible from any parcel that is zoned N and used for
dwelling purposes.
(g) The use is in conformance with the comprehensive plan.
(h) Refer to section 36-361(e)(3)c for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)
requirements.
(i) In addition to the above requirements, the following standards shall apply to motor
fuel stations in the MU-1 district:
(1) Hours of operation shall be between 6:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.
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(2) The gasoline pump islands, dispenser type and location shall be designed so that
no more than eight vehicles can be refueled at any given time.
(3) The number of service stalls shall not exceed two.
Sec. 36-267. Motor vehicle sales.
(a) No previously registered but currently unlicensed or inoperable vehicles shall be stored
on premises.
(b) A minimum of 50% of the vehicles for sale on the premises shall be new vehicles.
(c) All open sales or rental lots shall be operated in conjunction with a building or
buildings containing the same or similar materials as displayed on the open sales or
rental lot.
(d) The building and the sales or rental lot shall be on one contiguous site.
(e) String lighting shall be prohibited.
(f) The area of open sales or rental lot used for storage and display of merchandise shall
not exceed two square feet for every one square foot of building on the site devoted to
the same or a similar use or accessory use.
(g) No test driving shall be permitted on local residential streets.
(h) No outdoor public address system shall be permitted.
(i) All customer and employee parking shall be clearly designated and signed.
(j) No motor vehicle transport loading or unloading shall be permitted on any minor
residential street.
(k) No display or storage of motor vehicles shall be permitted on any public right of way.
(l) The storage lot shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from any parcel that is zoned N
and used for dwelling purposes, or has an occupied institutional building, including but
not limited to schools, religious institutions, and community centers.
(m) The use is in conformance with the comprehensive plan.
Sec. 36-268. Motor vehicle service and repair.
(a) No public address system shall be audible from any parcel that is zoned residential and
used or subdivided for residential, or has an occupied institutional building, including
but not limited to schools, religious institutions, and community centers.
(b) All repair, assembly, disassembly and maintenance of vehicles shall be inside a closed
building except tire inflation, changing wipers or adding oil.
(c) Test driving shall be prohibited on any street in an N district.
(d) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(e) The building housing the use shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from any parcel
that is zoned neighborhood and used or subdivided for residential use, or any parcel
that has a residential mixed-use building.
Sec. 36-269. Office.
(a) The use shall occupy no more than 50% of the building in the I-2 district.
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(b) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial, or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(c) The parking areas shall be set back at least five feet from any parcel that is zoned N.
(d) The materials used in and placement of all signs shall be integrated with the building
design and architecture.
Sec. 36-270. Pawnshop.
(a) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing another
pawnshop, currency exchange, payday loan agency, firearms sales, liquor store,
sexually oriented business or cannabis retailer. In the case of a shopping center or
multiuse building, the distance shall be measured from the portion of the center or
building occupied by the pawnshop.
(b) The pawnshop use shall not operate in conjunction with a sexually oriented business.
(c) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing another
pawnshop, currency exchange, payday loan agency, firearms sales, liquor store or
sexually oriented business. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the
distance shall be measured from the portion of the center or building occupied by the
pawnshop.
(d) The pawnshop use shall not operate in conjunction with a sexually oriented business.
(e) The lot shall be located a minimum of 350 feet from any parcel that is zoned N, or has
an educational use, religious institution, park, library or community center. In the case
of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance shall be measured from the
portion of the center or building occupied by the pawnshop.
(f) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial. Access to and from local residential streets is prohibited.
(g) In-vehicle sales or service is prohibited.
(h) Firearm transactions are prohibited.
(i) The use shall be contained within a completely enclosed building. Outside storage,
display, or sale of merchandise is prohibited.
(j) Exterior loudspeakers or public address systems are prohibited.
(k) Visibility into the store shall be maintained by utilizing clear, transparent glass on all
windows and doors, and by keeping all windows free of obstructions for at least three
feet into the store. Product may be displayed for sale in the window as long as the
display, including signage, does not occupy more than 30% of the window area.
(l) Interior and exterior bars, grills, mesh or similar obstructions, whether permanently or
temporarily affixed, shall not cover any exterior door or more than 10% of any
individual window or contiguous window area.
(m) Neon accents and back-lighted awnings shall be prohibited.
(n) Parking space requirements shall be determined pursuant to section 36-361(c) (1). If a
pawnshop is combined with another use such as a currency exchange or payday loan
agency, each use shall be considered a separate use for purposes of determining
minimum parking requirements.
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Sec. 36-271. Payday loan agency and currency exchange.
(a) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a
pawnshop, currency exchange, payday loan agency, firearms sales, liquor store,
sexually oriented business, or cannabis retailer. In the case of a shopping center or
multiuse building, the distance shall be measured from the portion of the center or
building occupied by the payday loan agency or currency exchange.
(b) The use shall not operate in conjunction with a sexually-oriented business.
(c) The lot shall be located a minimum of 350 feet from any parcel that is zoned N, or has
an educational (academic) use, religious institution, park, library or community center.
In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance shall be measured
from the portion of the center or building occupied by the use.
(d) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial. Access to and from local residential streets is prohibited.
(e) In-vehicle sales or service are prohibited.
(f) The use shall be contained within a completely enclosed building.
(g) Exterior loudspeakers or public address systems are prohibited.
(h) Windows must be of clear, transparent glass and be free of obstructions for at least
three feet into the store. Product may be displayed in the window as long as the
display, including signage, does not occupy more than 30% of the window area.
(i) Neon accents and back-lighted awnings shall be prohibited.
Sec. 36-272. Restaurant.
(a) The uses must be so located as to be visible and easily accessible to pedestrians from
the public right of way.
(b) A six-foot sidewalk for pedestrian use shall be constructed along the perimeter of
parking lot, drive aisle, and street adjacent to building to allow for the separation of
pedestrian and vehicular movements within the parking lot.
(c) If there is a wine and/or beer liquor license, there shall be no separate bar area within
the restaurant.
Sec. 36-273. Retail or service establishment over 50,000 square feet.
(a) This use shall only be permitted when it can be demonstrated that the operation will
not have a significant adverse effect on the existing level of service on adjacent streets
and intersections.
(b) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(c) All buildings and structures shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from any parcel that
is zoned N and used for dwelling purposes.
(d) The use is in conformance with the comprehensive plan.
Sec. 36-274. Self-storage facility.
(a) No hazardous or flammable materials shall be stored on site.
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(b) No auctions, commercial sales/rentals, garage sales, or other activities not consistent
with the approved storage use shall be conducted on the premises.
(c) No separate, dedicated utility connections, namely, electricity, water, telephone, cable
TV, or gas, will be provided to the individual units.
(d) No unit within a self-storage facility shall be utilized as a place of business.
(e) Outdoor storage is permitted with the following conditions:
(1) Only commercial and recreational vehicles may be stored outside.
(2) The vehicles must be properly licensed and in operable condition.
(3) The outdoor storage area shall not exceed 10% of the property size.
(4) The outdoor storage area shall be screened from view from surrounding
properties with a 15-foot landscaped buffer and an 8-foot privacy fence and trees.
Sec. 36-275. Sexually-oriented business, high impact.
(a) No person shall operate a high impact sexually oriented business on property, any part
of which is within the area circumscribed by a circle which has a radius of 350 feet from
any of the uses listed in this subsection (c)(23). Distances shall be measured by
following a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, between
the closest points on the property lines of the two uses. This distance requirement
applies to the following uses:
(1) Property developed or zoned for residential uses;
(2) Property frequented by children or designed as a family destination, such as a day
care facility, school, library, park, playground, nature center, religious institution,
and other public recreational facility;
(3) Premises licensed under chapter 3 of this code, relating to on-sale liquor, beer and
wine licensing.
(b) No person shall operate a high impact sexually oriented business on property, any part
of which is within the area circumscribed by a circle which has a radius of 1,000 feet
from another high impact sexually oriented business, pawnshop, currency exchange,
payday loan agency, firearms sales, liquor store, or cannabis retailer. Distances shall be
measured by following a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or
objects, between the closest points on the property lines of the two uses.
(c) No owner, manager or employee may sell or display for sale any sexually-oriented
materials except in original unopened packages.
(d) No owner, manager or employee of a high impact sexually-oriented business shall have
been convicted of a sex crime, as identified in M.S.A. §§ 609.293 609.352, 609.746
609.749, 609.79, 518B.01, or related statute dealing with sexual assault, sexual
conduct, harassment, obscenity, or domestic abuse.
(e) No owner, manager or employee of a high impact sexually-oriented business shall
allow any sexually-oriented materials or entertainment to be used on any sign or
window display.
(f) No owner, manager or employee of a high impact sexually-oriented business shall
engage in any activity or conduct or permit any other person to engage in any activity
or conduct in or about the high impact sexually-oriented business establishment which
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is prohibited by any ordinance of the city, the laws of the state, or the laws of the
United States. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize or permit
conduct which is prohibited or regulated by other statutes or ordinances, including but
not limited to statutes or ordinance prohibiting the exhibition, sale or distribution of
obscene material generally, or the exhibition, sale or distribution of specified materials
to minors.
(g) The business owner, manager or employee shall ensure that no person under the age
of 18 years enters the business.
(h) No owner, manager or employee shall allow any sexually-oriented materials or
entertainment to be visible or perceivable in any manner, including aurally, at any time
from outside of the business.
(i) No owner, manager or employee shall allow any person under the age of 18 years to
have access to sexually-oriented materials, whether by sight, purchase, touch, or any
other means.
(j) Each business shall display a sign on its main entrance door which reads: "This business
sells sexually-oriented material or entertainment. Persons under the age of 18 are
prohibited from entering." The sign letters shall be a minimum of two inches high.
(k) No business regulated by this subsection may have a license under chapter 3 of this
code, and no alcoholic beverages may be consumed in the business.
(l) No business shall exceed 10,000 square feet in gross floor area.
(m) No patron, employee, or other person may physically contact any specified anatomical
area of himself or herself, or of any other person, except that a live performer may
touch himself or herself.
(n) Each live performer shall remain at all times a minimum distance of ten feet from all
members of the audience, and shall perform on a platform intended for that purpose,
which shall be raised at least two feet from the level of the floor on which the audience
is located. No performer may solicit or accept any pay, tip, or other item from any
member of the audience.
(o) No business shall have any booths, stalls or partitions which separate any area from a
general public room. The restrictions of this subsection do not apply to restrooms,
storage rooms, or private offices of the owner, manager, or employees of the business,
if such storage rooms or offices are used solely for running the business and no person
other than the owner, manager, and employees is allowed in the storage rooms or
offices.
Sec. 36-276. Sexually-oriented business, limited impact.
(a) No owner, manager or employee shall allow any sexually-oriented materials or
entertainment to be visible or perceivable in any manner, including aurally, at any time
from outside of the business.
(b) The business owner, manager or employee shall assure that no person under the age
of 18 years enters the separate area where sexually-oriented materials are provided.
(c) No owner, manager or employee shall allow any person under the age of 18 years to
have access to any sexually-oriented materials, whether by sight, purchase, touch, or
any other means.
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(d) No owner, manager, or employee may sell or display for sale any sexually-oriented
materials except in original unopened packages.
(e) No business may have a license under chapter 3 of this code other than an off-sale
license for nonintoxicating malt liquor.
(f) Both the owner of a sexually-oriented business and the manager of the business shall
be responsible for the conduct of their employees and for compliance with this section.
(g) No owner or manager of a sexually-oriented business shall employ a person under the
age of 18 years.
(h) No owner, manager or employee of a sexually-oriented business shall have been
convicted of violating this section three or more times within 24 months.
Sec. 36-277. Shopping center, neighborhood.
(a) The shopping center development shall not exceed 50,000 square feet of gross floor
area.
(b) Location shall be at the intersection of collector and/or arterial roadways.
(c) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(d) All buildings and structures shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from any parcel that
is zoned N and used for dwelling purposes, or has an occupied institutional building,
including but not limited to schools, religious institutions, and community centers.
(e) A neighborhood shopping center shall meet the pedestrian access requirements in
Article VIII, Division 2.
Sec. 36-278. Shopping center, community.
(a) The shopping center development shall not exceed 200,000 square feet of gross floor
area.
(b) Location shall be at the intersection of two arterial roadways, the intersection of an
arterial and a collector, or along an arterial near such an intersection.
(c) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(d) All buildings and structures shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from any parcel that
is zoned N and used for dwelling purposes, or has an occupied institutional building,
including but not limited to schools, religious institutions, and community centers.
Sec. 36-279. Showroom.
(a) Distribution is limited to vans and small trucks. Distribution access shall be from the
rear of the building.
(b) Delivery vehicles cannot be stored on-site.
(c) Showrooms with attached warehousing components shall be separated from the
warehousing components by a minimum eight-foot-tall permanent wall.
(d) Distribution shall be from a designated loading area only.
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Sec. 36-280. Studio.
(a) No impact noise shall be audible from any property located in a N district or dwelling
unit if the studio use is located in a residential mixed-use building.
(b) Distribution access shall be from the rear of the building.
(c) A showroom or retail outlet is permitted as an accessory use.
Sec. 36-281. Vendor market.
(a) In-vehicle sales or services prohibited.
(b) In multitenant buildings, the vendor market shall have a separate entrance or shall
have an interior entrance that is within 50 feet of a common building entrance.
DIVISION 5. PRINCIPAL USES, RECREATION
Sec. 36-282. Country club.
(a) All structures shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any parcel that is zoned N
and used for dwelling purposes.
Sec. 36-283. Golf course.
(a) All structures shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any parcel that is zoned N
and used for dwelling purposes or has an occupied institutional building, including but
not limited to educational facilities, religious institutions, and community centers.
Sec. 36-284. Indoor entertainment.
(a) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(b) Not permitted in a building with residential uses.
(c) In multitenant buildings, noise shall be contained within that space dedicated to the
place of assembly use. No noise shall be audible within common areas or in adjacent
units.
(d) In multitenant buildings, the place of assembly shall have a separate entrance or shall
have an interior entrance that is within 50 feet of a common building entrance.
(e) All buildings shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any parcel that is zoned N and
used for dwelling purposes.
(f) An off-street passenger loading area shall be provided to maintain vehicular and
pedestrian safety.
(g) Outdoor recreational and play areas shall be located at least 25 feet from any parcel
that is zoned N and used for dwelling purposes.
(h) In-vehicle sales or services prohibited.
(i) The use must be so located as to be visible and easily accessible to pedestrians from
the public right of way.
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(j) If there is a wine, beer, and/or intoxicating liquor license, there shall be no separate bar
area within the establishment.
Sec. 36-285. Park/recreation.
(a) All structures shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any parcel that is zoned N
and used for dwelling purposes or as an institutional building, including but not limited
to educational facilities, religious institutions and community centers.
(b) Areas designated for group activities shall be located a minimum of 25 feet from any
parcel that is zoned N and either used for dwelling purposes or as an institutional
building, including but not limited to educational facilities, religious institutions, and
community centers.
(c) Facilities which serve a regional function shall not be permitted.
(d) Facilities which serve a community wide or regional function shall be located with
primary vehicular access on a collector or arterial street.
(e) Swimming pools shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from any lot line and a
minimum of 12 feet from any other structure on the same lot.
(f) Swimming pools shall be completely enclosed using an F4 fence as a minimum
requirement.
(g) Screening shall be installed along the property line when the use abuts property used
for dwelling purposes or in an N districts. This screening shall include a berm or fence
which shall be adequately maintained. Application of this provision shall not require a
fence within the required front yard.
DIVISION 6. PRINCIPAL USES, INDUSTRIAL
Sec. 36-286. Anaerobic digester.
(a) Anaerobic digesters shall be permitted only as part of a larger development which
contains at least one other principal use, and where electricity and bio-gas produced
by the digester is used primarily by the larger development.
(b) Organic material, as defined in the zoning code, is the only input allowed.
(c) No more than 30,000 tons of organic material shall be processed per year.
(d) The digester system, associated equipment and operations must occur completely
within a negative pressure building.
(e) Organic material shall be deposited from the delivery vehicle directly into an enclosed
container integrated with the digester system.
(f) Sorting of material must occur in an enclosed container integrated with the digester
system.
(g) Odor controlling devices shall be used to prevent odors from being detectable outside
of the building containing the digester system.
(h) Flaring of bio-gas is only allowed to burn excess gas and shall not be visible from off-
site.
(i) No outdoor storage is allowed.
(j) Retail distribution of compressed natural gas is not allowed.
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(k) All necessary permits relating to items such as: emissions, solid waste processing,
energy production, industrial wastewater, and storm water must be obtained from the
appropriate agencies.
(l) All necessary contracts or agreements with material providers and utility companies
must be submitted to the city prior to the issuance of a building permit.
Sec. 36-287. Cannabis operation.
(a) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a school.
In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance shall be measured
from the portion of the shopping center or multiuse building occupied by the cannabis
producer.
(b) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a
cannabis operation. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance
shall be measured from the portion of the shopping center or multiuse building
occupied by the cannabis producer.
(c) The use shall be contained within a completely enclosed building, and no outside
storage, display or sale of merchandise is permitted.
Sec. 36-288. Composting operation.
(a) All buildings, structures and activity areas shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from
all lot lines.
(b) No food scraps or other vermin-attracting materials shall be processed, stored, or
disposed on the site.
(c) Operations shall not involve the on-site holding, storage or disposal of hazardous
wastes as defined by applicable statutes, rules, or regulations.
Sec. 36-289. Hemp processor.
(a) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a school.
In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance shall be measured
from the portion of the shopping center or multiuse building occupied by the hemp
processor.
(b) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a
cannabis operation. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance
shall be measured from the portion of the shopping center or multiuse building
occupied by the hemp processor.
(c) The use shall be contained within a completely enclosed building, and no outside
storage, display or sale of merchandise is permitted.
Sec. 36-290. Manufacturing/processing.
(a) All outdoor activities such as loading and unloading shall be located a minimum of 100
feet from any parcel that is zoned N and used for dwelling purposes and any residential
mixed-use building.
(b) All manufacturing/processing activities shall occur within a building.
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(c) All doors and windows facing a property zoned N shall remain closed.
Sec. 36-291. Manufacturing/processing, light.
(a) All activities shall occur within a building.
(b) Outside storage is prohibited.
(c) All doors and windows facing a property zoned N shall remain closed.
(d) Operation shall not result in noxious or offensive odors, sounds, vibrations, emissions,
or any external nuisances upon adjacent properties. Noise and odors pertaining to the
assembly, manufacturing and processing activities shall not be discernable from the
property line of a property zoned N.
(e) A showroom and/or retail outlet is required and shall be located in the primary street
frontage of the building.
(f) The showroom and/or retail outlet shall occupy a minimum of 20% of the gross floor
area with no maximum limit.
(g) All outdoor activities such as loading and unloading shall be located a minimum of 100
feet from any parcel that is zoned residential and used residential.
Sec. 36-292. Microbrewery or microdistillery.
(a) The brewery or distillery shall not produce more than 20,000 barrels of malt liquor per
year.
(b) Alcohol produced off-site shall not be sold on-site, this includes both on-sale and off-
sale transactions.
(c) In addition to the standards above, the following standards apply within the MU-1,
MU-2, MU-3 and B-1 districts:
(1) A taproom and/or retail outlet is required and shall occupy up to 25% of the gross
floor area of the brewery or distillery.
(2) This use may include associated facilities such as offices and small-scale
warehousing, but distribution is limited to vans and small trucks. Distribution
access shall be from the rear of the building.
(3) The maximum overall gross floor area is limited to 20,000 square feet.
Sec. 36-293. Outdoor storage.
(a) Storage areas shall be surrounded on all sides by a minimum six-foot-tall privacy fence.
Slatted chain-link fences shall not be allowed. Fence may be increased to eight feet
when:
(1) Adjacent to a property zoned N or a property improved with a residential mixed-
use building.
(2) Stored items are visible above the six-foot fence.
(b) For properties adjacent to a railroad track, fencing shall not be required on the side of
the storage yard adjacent to the railroad track when the grade of the railroad track is
more than six feet above the adjacent grade of the storage area.
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(c) A minimum five-foot-wide landscaped greenway, and six-inch tall concrete curb shall
be required when the storage area is adjacent to a right of way, property zoned
neighborhood, or a property improved with a residential mixed-use building.
(d) Storage shall not be permitted within any required yards.
(e) Storage areas shall be separated from the required parking and circulation areas.
(f) Stored materials shall not interfere with either on-site or off-site traffic visibility.
(g) Inoperative vehicles or equipment or other items typically stored in a junkyard or
salvage yard shall not be stored on land on which storage is permitted with conditions
under this section.
(h) All areas used for outdoor storage shall be paved and bordered with a six-inch concrete
curb.
(i) When allowed as an accessory use, in addition to the above requirements, storage
areas shall not be allowed to be closer to a street than the principal building.
Sec. 36-294. Printing facility.
(a) This use may also include associated facilities such as offices and small-scale
warehousing.
(b) The maximum overall gross floor area is limited to 12,000 square feet.
(c) A showroom and/or retail outlet is required and shall be located in the primary street
frontage of the building.
(d) The showroom and/or retail outlet shall occupy a minimum of 25% of the gross floor
Sec. 36-295. Warehouse/storage.
(a) In the I-1 district, no more than 60% of floor area may be utilized for warehouse.
(b) With the exception of loading and unloading of commodities, and parking and storage
of trailers, all functions shall be within an enclosed building. Parking and storing trailers
shall be considered outdoor storage and shall comply with the outdoor storage
outdoor storage land use regulations allowed in the district.
(c) All outdoor activities such as loading and unloading shall be located a minimum of 100
feet from any parcel that is zoned neighborhood and used or subdivided for residential,
or any property that is occupied by a residential mixed-use building.
(d) Where possible, the loading and unloading areas shall be located on the side of the
building farthest from any parcel that is zoned neighborhood and used for residential,
or is occupied by a residential mixed-use building.
DIVISION 7. PRINCIPAL USES, TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES
Sec. 36-296. Communication towers and antennas.
(a) Purpose.
(1) To accommodate the reasonable communication needs of residents and business
in the community while protecting the public health, safety, and general welfare of
the community.
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(2) To establish appropriate maximum heights of communication towers and
antennas, considering their potential adverse impacts on the community at large
and the ability to mitigate such impacts.
(3) To minimize adverse impacts on properties in close proximity to communication
towers and antennas.
(4) To minimize adverse visual effects of communication towers and antennas through
careful design and siting standards.
(5) To avoid potential damage to adjacent properties from communication tower and
antenna failure through structural standards and setback requirements.
(6) To maximize the use of existing communication towers, antennas and buildings to
accommodate new antennas in order to reduce the number of communication
towers needed to serve the community.
(b) Zoning compliance. Communication towers and antennas are allowed as provided in
each zoning district and must be in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance.
(c) Communication tower and antenna design requirements. Communication towers and
antennas proposed or modified anywhere in the city shall meet the following design
requirements:
(1) Communication towers up to 120 feet in height shall be of a monopole type.
(2) The city may impose reasonable requirements to preserve the design, appearance
or intended purpose of a structure when collocation is proposed.
(3) Antenna designs and mounts shall be designed to minimize visual impact.
(4) All small wireless facilities and their support structures must use the same color
and/or finish as the pole they are mounted to.
(5) Antenna must be mounted within two inches of the support pole.
(6) With the exception of the antenna, all components of the small wireless facilities,
including wires and conduit must be located inside the building, structure, or pole
it is attached to, and inside the, mounting bracket used to attach the antenna to
the building, structure or pole it is attached to. Wires and conduit must also be
placed underground when applicable. Components of the antenna may be
screened from off-site views when located on the roof of a building.
(7) Communication towers shall not be illuminated by artificial means and shall not
display strobe lights unless such lighting is specifically required by the Federal
Aviation Administration or other federal or state law or regulation that preempts
local regulations. Wireless facilities and lighting may collocate if the lighting is
intended for pedestrian or traffic safety or to illuminate parking lots or recreational
fields.
(8) All small wireless facilities and support facilities must comply with the city’s noise
regulations.
(9) Back-up battery facilities that generate noise are prohibited.
(10) Small wireless facilities shall not obstruct city street and wayfinding signage.
(11) The use of any portion of a communication tower for displaying flags or signs other
than warning or equipment information signs is prohibited.
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(12) No stickers, signs, or decals are allowed to be visible on small wireless facilities.
The exceptions to this rule are safety alerts required by law. These must be placed
on the back or underside of facilities.
(13) Ground equipment associated with a communication tower or antenna shall be
housed in a building. The building shall meet the architectural design standards of
the zoning ordinance and shall meet the minimum communication tower setback
requirements of the underlying zoning district. This provision shall not apply to
small wireless facilities.
(14) Wireless facilities and wireless support structures shall maintain at least eight feet
of clearance from other poles, furniture, landscaping, art, and other obstructions.
(15) All small wireless facilities must be mounted so that there is a vertical clearance of
at least 12 feet between the facility and the grade at the base of the structure.
(16) Every communication tower or free-standing antenna shall be protected to
discourage climbing of the tower or antenna by unauthorized persons.
(17) No small wireless facility may extend more than 10 feet above its wireless support
structure.
(d) Free-standing antennas. Any antenna that is a separate structure and not attached to a
building shall comply with all height and other requirements of this chapter relating to
towers.
(e) Co-location requirements.
(1) A proposal for a new communication tower or antenna shall not be approved
unless the applicant shows that the antenna cannot be reasonably accommodated
on an existing pole, structure, communication tower or building.
(2) The owner of any communication tower exceeding 50 feet in height constructed
after the effective date of this Ordinance shall permit the reasonable joint use of
the structure for other antennas.
(f) Building-Mounted Antennas.
(1) Antennas attached to a building shall be no higher than 10 feet above the highest
point of the building.
(2) All building-mounted equipment shall be consistent with the architectural features
of the building and be painted to match the color of the building exterior, roof or
sky, whichever most effectively screens the equipment, as determined by the
zoning administrator.
(g) Location specific regulations for communication towers and antennas.
(1) No more than one communication tower is allowed per parcel zoned and used for
residential.
(2) Communication towers located on parcels occupied by residential dwellings are
only allowed in the rear yard.
(3) Communication towers and antennas located on property zoned residential and
used for residential purposes shall be limited to communication towers and
antennas used for the private enjoyment of those on the premises.
(4) Monopoles shall be setback at least 10 feet from all lot lines. Communication
towers of all other construction types shall be setback a distance equal to 1.5
times their engineered collapse radius or a distance equal to their height,
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whichever is less, except that all communication towers located on private
property shall be located a minimum distance of twice their height from any parcel
zoned or used for residential purposes or zoned mixed-use.
(5) All equipment located on the ground shall be set back as to comply with the
minimum yards of the zoning district they are located in, except that equipment
located entirely underground is allowed to encroach into the required yards.
(6) Communication towers shall not be located between a principal structure and a lot
line adjacent to a street, with the following exceptions:
a. In industrial zoning districts, communication towers may be placed between
the building and the side lot line abutting a street.
b. On sites adjacent to public streets on all sides, communication towers may be
placed between the building and either the side lot line abutting a street or
the rear lot line.
(7) Public Right of Way. Communication towers and antennas may be installed in the
public right of way as permitted by chapter 24, article VII, division 2 of the St. Louis
Park city code.
(8) A communication tower that complies with all other requirements of this chapter
is allowed as a conditional use in a wetland, public waters wetland, Wetland
Conservation Act (WCA) wetland, flood fringe district or general floodplain district.
The standards for the issuance of a conditional use permit shall be the general
criteria contained in this chapter applicable to all conditional use permits and the
specific requirements for conditional uses in the flood fringe and general
floodplain districts. The tower shall also comply with all other applicable laws and
regulations.
(h) Permit requirements. All antennae and communication towers erected, constructed, or
located within the city shall obtain a building permit.
(i) Maintenance requirements. Communication tower and antenna shall be structurally
sound. Additionally, finish and paint shall be maintained in good condition, free from
rust, graffiti, peeling paint, or other blemish.
(j) Additional submittal requirements. In addition to the information required elsewhere
in this code, applications for communication towers or antennas that are permitted
with conditions or require a conditional use permit shall include the following
supplemental information unless it is determined by the zoning administrator that
certain information is not required based upon the nature of the proposed antenna or
communication tower:
(1) A report from a qualified and licensed professional engineer that:
a. Describes the communication tower height, width including antennas, and
design including a cross section and elevation; a site plan which demonstrates
all building dimensions and horizontal setbacks of associated equipment,
HVAC and decibels, paving, landscaping, security lighting, and fencing.
b. Documents the height above grade for all potential mounting positions for co-
located antennas and the minimum separation distances between antennas.
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c. Describes the communication tower's capacity, including the number and type
of antennas it can accommodate.
d. Documents what steps the applicant will take to avoid interference with
established public safety telecommunications.
e. Includes an engineer's stamp and registration number.
f. Includes other information necessary to evaluate the request.
g. Includes the dimensions and expected quality of the existing and proposed
transmission service area.
h. Includes the location, depth of utilities and other land lines connected to the
communication tower and associated equipment.
i. Reviews potential interference with public safety telecommunications
equipment and renders an opinion as to what the interference issues may be
resulting from the proposed antenna, and recommendations as to how the
interference can be mitigated. The report must also state whether or not the
proposed antenna complies with all non-interference requirements of the
FCC. A copy of the FCC approval of the antennae in regards to non-
interference must be attached.
(2) For all communication towers which are not used solely for private use antenna, a
letter of intent committing the communication tower owner and his or her
successors to allow the shared use of the communication tower if an additional
user agrees in writing to meet reasonable terms and conditions for shared use.
(3) Before the issuance of a conditional use permit and/or building permit, proof that
the proposed communication tower complies with regulations administered by the
Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communications Commission shall be
submitted.
(k) Discontinued or unused communication towers or antennas. All discontinued or
unused communication towers or antennas or portions of communication towers and
antennas, together with associated facilities shall be removed within 12 months of the
cessation of operations at the site. In the event that a communication tower is not
removed within 12 months of the cessation of operations at a site, the communication
tower and associated facilities may be removed by the city and the costs of removal
assessed against the property.
(l) Amateur radio towers.
(1) Communication towers supporting amateur radio antennas shall be exempt from
subsections (d)(1) and (d)(2) above. They shall be setback at least 15 feet from any
property line.
(2) Amateur radio towers must be installed in accordance with the instructions
furnished by the manufacturer of that tower model. Because of the experimental
nature of amateur radio service, antennas mounted on such a tower may be
modified or changed at any time so long as the published allowable load on the
tower is not exceeded and the structure of the tower remains in accordance with
the manufacturer ’s specifications.
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(3) As part of any administrative or Conditional Use Permit approval, any
requirements of this chapter may be modified to the extent necessary to provide
reasonable accommodations to an amateur radio antenna to the extent required
by federal law.
(m) Legal non-conforming towers. New or replacement antennas may be installed on a
legal non-conforming tower so long as the new or replacement antenna does not
increase the overall height of the tower and is designed to minimize visual impact.
Sec. 36-297. Parking ramp.
(a) For parking ramps in N districts, the following standards apply:
(1) The height of any parking ramp shall meet the height standards for principal
buildings for the district in which it is located.
(2) The minimum required yard for any parking ramp located within 200 feet of any
parcel that is zoned N and either used for residential use or has an occupied
institutional building, including but not limited to educational (academic) facilities,
religious institutions, and community centers shall be 50 feet. Parking ramps which
are entirely enclosed shall meet the principal building yard requirements of the
applicable zoning district.
(3) The parking ramp shall be screened from view from any abutting property located
within an N district. The screening shall include a six-foot berm where the parking
ramp is above ground.
(4) If the parking ramp is located within 400 feet of any parcel that is zoned N and
either used for dwelling purposes or has an occupied institutional building,
including but not limited to educational (academic) facilities, religious institutions,
and community centers, all light sources on the top deck of a parking ramp shall
be below the sight lines drawn from a point one foot above the light source to any
point within said parcel ten feet lower than the maximum structure height of that
use at a distance of 400 feet from the wall of the parking ramp nearest to said
parcel.
(b) For parking ramps located outside of N districts, the following standards apply:
(1) Access shall be from a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector
or arterial or otherwise located so that access can be provided without conducting
significant traffic on local residential streets.
(c) Parking ramps shall be designed so that vehicles are not visible from the sidewalk and
the only openings at street level are those to accommodate vehicle ingress and egress.
(1) Parking ramp facades that are visible from off the site shall display an integration
of building materials, building form, textures, architectural motif, and building
colors with the principal building. If the parking ramp is located within 20 feet of a
street right of way or recreational trail, the facade facing the street shall be subject
to the same requirements for exterior surface materials as for buildings.
(2) Snow removal areas shall not be located in the front yard or side yard abutting a
street.
(3) Parking ramps shall be located only behind the rear of the building.
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(4) Parking ramps located on a street frontage shall have principal uses on the ground
floor.
(5) The minimum yard requirement for any parking ramp located within 200 feet of a
parcel that is zoned neighborhood and used for residential shall be 50 feet.
(6) The parking ramp shall be screened from view from any abutting property located
within a N district.
(7) Vehicular entrances to structured parking garages within the building generally
shall be limited to locations on the rear façade that face the rear parking yard;
except such entrances may be located on the side façade, facing the limited side
parking yard, if the following is met:
a. The location may not be closer to the street than the maximum setback
requirement.
(8) No signs shall be permitted on parking ramp facades.
Sec. 36-298. Public service structure.
(a) Outdoor storage areas shall be located a minimum of 25 feet from any parcel that is
zoned residential and used or subdivided for residential use.
(b) All structures shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from any parcel that is zoned
residential and used or subdivided for residential.
(c) All service drives shall be paved.
Sec. 36-299. Utility substation.
(a) No structure shall be located within 25 feet of any property line.
(b) No structure shall be located within 200 feet of any parcel that is zoned N and used for
dwelling purposes or a property occupied by a residential mixed-use building.
DIVISION 8. ACCESSORY USES
Sec. 36-300. Accessory dwelling unit.
(a) Accessory dwelling units shall only be permitted on single-unit dwelling lots.
(b) There shall be no more than one accessory dwelling unit permitted per lot.
(c) Occupancy of the single-unit dwelling lot, including both the principal dwelling unit and
the accessory dwelling unit, shall be limited to no more than one household and up to
two persons who are boarders/roomers or reside in one of the dwelling units.
(d) The accessory dwelling unit shall not be sold independently of the principal residential
dwelling and may not be a separate tax parcel.
(e) Accessory dwelling units that are attached to the principal dwelling unit shall be no
more than 40% of the gross floor area of the single-unit dwelling.
(f) Accessory dwelling units that are detached from the principal residential structure shall
comply with the regulations for accessory structures and must comply with the
following additional requirements:
(1) Detached accessory dwelling units shall be located a minimum of five feet from
any rear lot line unless the rear lot line is adjacent to an alley, in which case it may
be located five feet from the rear lot line.
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(2) Detached accessory dwelling units located less than six feet from the principal
dwelling is subject to the same side yard as required for the principal dwelling.
Detached accessory dwelling units located six feet or more from the principal
dwelling shall be located a minimum of five feet from any side property line.
(3) Detached accessory dwelling units shall have a floor area greater than 200 square
feet.
(4) Balconies and decks above the ground floor shall be located a minimum of 15 feet
from a side yard or a rear yard. Rooftop decks for an accessory dwelling unit shall
not be allowed.
(g) Accessory dwellings may not be used for short term rental purposes.
Sec. 36-301. Accessory dwelling unit affiliated with religious institution.
(a) The dwelling units/living quarters shall be on the same property as the religious
institution.
(b) The dwelling units/living quarters shall at a minimum have access to on-site facilities
for cooking, sleeping, and bathing.
(c) At least 12% of the lot area shall be developed as a designed outdoor recreation area.
(d) The persons living/staying on-site must be clergy, employees, or similarly associated
with the religious institution.
(e) The residential density of the accessory dwelling units/living quarters shall not exceed
the residential density that would otherwise be allowed on the property, and in no
case shall it exceed 15 persons.
(f) The combined gross floor area of the accessory dwelling units/living quarters shall be
less than the gross building area of the principal building and principal use.
(g) If the dwelling units/living quarters are not within the principal building:
(1) The buildings shall be built on a permanent foundation and connected to city
sanitary sewer and water.
(2) The accessory dwelling units/living quarters shall be exempt from the accessory
building size limitations.
(3) The accessory building(s) shall be architecturally compatible with the principal
building.
(4) The accessory building(s) shall not be taller or otherwise larger in scale than the
principal building.
(h) All required licenses or permits to establish and maintain the dwelling units/living
quarters shall be obtained.
Sec. 36-302. Accessory building.
(a) Accessory buildings located less than six feet from a principal building on the same lot,
measured from ground to sky, and from the nearest projection of each building,
excluding decks and stoops less than 30 inches in height, shall be considered part of
the principal building and shall follow principal building standards.
(b) All accessory buildings shall obtain a zoning or building permit prior to installation and
must be anchored in a manner approved by the city.
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(c) Accessory buildings shall not be located in a drainage or utility easement without first
obtaining approval of an encroachment agreement.
(d) Accessory buildings used as accessory dwelling units shall abide by the accessory
building regulations and the accessory dwelling unit regulations. Regulations for
accessory dwelling units shall prevail when there are conflicts between the two
sections.
(e) Location.
(1) Shall not be located in front of the principal building’s front face.
(2) Accessory buildings located behind the principal building’s rear face shall meet the
following requirements:
a. Accessory buildings shall be located a minimum of two feet from any lot line,
except when the side of the building accessed by the vehicle is less than 30
degrees to the property line adjacent to an alley, then the building shall be at
least five feet from the lot line.
b. Eaves, overhangs, or other extensions from the roof shall be located a
minimum of two feet from the lot line.
c. Gutters shall be located a minimum of 18 inches from the side and rear lot
line.
(3) Detached garages when located between the front and rear faces of the principal
building shall meet the following requirements:
a. It shall meet the same side yards as required for the principal building.
b. Eaves shall meet the same yard requirements as required for the principal
building.
(4) Accessory buildings on through lots shall be subject to the front and side yard
requirements of the principal building if the accessory building is located within 60
feet of the rear lot line.
(f) Size.
(1) The total cumulative ground floor area of all accessory buildings on lots improved
with single-unit dwellings shall not exceed the smaller of 800 square feet or 25% of
the area behind the rear face of the principal building. This provision shall not
prohibit the construction of either a detached garage or a detached accessory
dwelling unit, or a combination thereof, that is no greater than 576 square feet in
area provided there are no other accessory buildings. This exception does not
allow more impervious surface than allowed for the principal use.
(2) The total cumulative ground floor area of all accessory buildings on lots improved
with two, three, or four-unit dwellings shall not exceed the smaller of 1200 square
feet or 25% of the area behind the rear face of the principal building. This
provision shall not prohibit the construction of a detached garage that is no
greater than 576 square feet in area provided there are no other accessory
buildings. This exception does not allow more impervious surface than allowed for
the property.
(g) Height.
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(1) Shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
(2) The maximum height may be increased to 24 feet where the primary exterior
materials of the accessory building match the primary exterior materials of the
principal building and the roof pitch matches a roof pitch of the principal building,
and provided the wall height shall not exceed 9 feet from the building ground floor
to the highest top plate of the exterior non-gable end walls. Dormers are exempt
from the height measurement if the combined width of the dormers is less than
50% of the side of the building they are located on.
(3) The height of all accessory buildings shall be lower than the highest roof line of the
principal building.
(h) Design.
(1) All detached garages and other accessory buildings shall be compatible in design
and materials to the principal building on the parcel.
(2) No plumbing for kitchen or bathroom facilities (including but not limited to toilets
and showers) is allowed in any detached garage or other accessory building unless
it is determined to be an accessory dwelling unit. Hose bibs and utility sinks are
allowed.
(3) Windows, doors, and similar openings may be located in the second story of an
accessory building if the wall or dormer in which it is located faces a lot line that
abuts a public right of way or the door and/or window is at least 15 feet from any
property that is zoned residential and used or subdivided for residential use.
(i) Garages below grade level. Where the natural grade of a lot at the building line of a
house is eight feet or more above the established curb level, a private garage may be
erected within any yard provided one-half or more of its height is below grade level
and it is located a minimum of ten feet from any lot line adjacent to a street and five
feet from any side lot line.
Sec. 36-303. Accessory retail sales.
(a) Accessory retail sales shall be limited to a maximum of 15% of the gross floor area of
the principal use.
Sec. 36-304. Accessory structure.
(a) All detached decks, patios, sport courts, detached pergolas, and similar structures shall
obtain a permit prior to installation and must be anchored in a manner approved by
the city.
(b) Accessory structures shall not be located in a drainage or utility easement without first
obtaining approval of an encroachment agreement.
(c) Accessory structures located behind the principal building’s front face shall be a
minimum of two feet from the lot line if over six feet in height.
(d) Accessory structures that are located in front of the principal building’s front face and
are over four feet in height shall be located:
(1) At least 15 feet from the street lot line.
(2) At least three feet from internal side lot lines.
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(3) At least nine feet from all other lot lines abutting a street when there is more than
one street frontage.
(e) Arbors, pergolas, arches, gateways, or similar open structures over purposeful
pedestrian walkways that extend between properties, between front and back yard
areas, or from the public right of way to a house or garage may be located up to the
property line as long as:
(1) There is no more than one such structure per lot line.
(2) The structure is not more than 10 feet in height, 10 feet in width, and three feet in
depth.
(f) All accessory structures shall be no more than 15 feet in height and lower than the
highest roofline of the principal building.
Sec. 36-305. Adult day care in a religious institution, community center, or nursing home.
(a) There shall be at least 150 square feet of outdoor sitting and exercise area per person
under care at peak periods.
Sec. 36-306. Bar.
(a) Allowed only as accessory to a restaurant, hotel or place of assembly.
Sec. 36-307. Boarders or roomers.
(a) Up to two boarders or roomers shall be allowed per resident household provided the
living area for the boarders/roomers is within the principal building and does not
constitute a separate dwelling unit.
Sec. 36-308. Cannabis retailer.
(a) The use shall locate within and be accessory to a cannabis operation.
(b) The use shall occupy a maximum of 25% of the gross floor area of a cannabis
operation.
(c) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a school.
In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance shall be measured
from the boundary of the portion of the shopping center or building occupied by the
cannabis retailer.
(d) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a pawn
shop, currency exchange, payday loan agency, firearms sales or sexually oriented
business. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance shall be
measured from the boundary of the portion of the shopping center or building
occupied by the cannabis retailer.
(e) The lot must be at least 1,000 feet from the property line of a site containing a
cannabis retailer. In the case of a shopping center or multiuse building, the distance
shall be measured from the portion of the shopping center or multiuse building
occupied by the cannabis retailer.
(f) In vehicle sales or service is prohibited.
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(g) The use shall be contained within a completely enclosed building, and no outside
storage, display, or sale of merchandise is permitted.
(h) On-site consumption of lower-potency hemp or cannabis edibles and beverages is
prohibited.
Sec. 36-309. Catering.
(a) In the N-1 district, this use is allowed only as accessory to community centers,
educational (academic) facilities, country clubs and religious institutions.
(b) In the MU and B-1 districts, this use is allowed only if accessory to a restaurant, food
service, or grocery store.
(c) All vehicles used in connection with any catering operation shall be stored within a
building or screened area of a parking structure or in a legal off-site location.
Sec. 36-310. Community garden.
(a) Allowed only as accessory to community centers, educational (academic) facilities,
country clubs, and religious institutions.
Sec. 36-311. Food service.
(a) Service shall be intended for employees of the development.
(b) It shall not occupy more than 5% of the gross floor area of the building.
(c) Seating may be provided for more than ten persons.
(d) Signs posted outside the building are not permitted.
Sec. 36-312. Family day care serving 14 or fewer persons.
(a) Only one employee who does not live within the dwelling unit is allowed.
Sec. 36-313. Group day care/nursery school in a religious institution, community center, or
educational (academic) institution.
(a) The on-site outdoor activity area shall be enclosed with a fence. If adjacent to an N
district, the fence shall meet the screening requirements listed in section XX.
(b) As allowed for by state licensing, city parks may be utilized to meet up to 50% of the
required outdoor activity areas with the following conditions:
(1) The park must have age-appropriate play equipment.
(2) There is a clearly defined and maintained sidewalk or improved trail connecting
the facility to the park.
(c) Within the N districts, the following standards apply:
(1) Outdoor activity areas shall be located at least 25 feet from any lot zoned N and
used for a dwelling.
(2) An off-street passenger loading area shall be provided to maintain vehicular and
pedestrian safety.
(d) In districts other than N districts, the following standards apply:
(1) The use shall occupy a maximum of 10% of the gross floor area.
(2) The use is intended for the benefit of employees.
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Sec. 36-314. Helistop.
(a) Helistops shall be used exclusively in connection with a hospital and is subordinate to
the hospital in area, extent, and purpose.
(b) The helicopter pad must be dust free and screened from view and takeoff and landings
shall not be over residential areas.
(c) Hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., excluding emergency
operations.
Sec. 36-315. Home occupation.
(a) Authorized home occupations. A dwelling in any use district that permits dwellings,
may conduct a home occupation as an accessory use if it complies with the following
conditions:
(1) A registration of land use is required for any home occupation established after
July 12, 2019, that has customers, students or an employee coming to the site.
(2) The home occupation and structure housing the home occupation meets all
applicable fire and building codes, as well as any other city, county, state, or
federal regulations.
(3) The home occupation is clearly incidental and subordinate to the residential use of
the property and does not change the character of the property.
(4) The floor area of the home occupation cannot exceed 25% of the total floor area
of the principal dwelling unit. If a home occupation is conducted by the occupant
of an accessory dwelling unit, then it is limited to 25% of the floor area of the
accessory dwelling unit.
(5) Operation of the home occupation is not apparent from the public right of way.
(6) All material or equipment is stored within an enclosed structure.
(7) The home occupation does not produce nuisance noise, odors, smoke, heat, glare,
vibration, or electrical interference beyond the residential lot occupied by the
home occupation.
(8) One person who does not legally reside at the property may be employed at a
home occupation. If there is a home occupation being conducted in both the
primary dwelling and accessory dwelling unit, then only one of the two may have
an employee that does not legally reside on the property.
(9) Persons do not come to the location of the home occupation to be dispatched to
other locations, or to pick-up or drop-off equipment, materials, or supplies.
(10) Sale of products related to the home occupation is allowed with the following
conditions:
a. Products are shipped to and from the premises; or
b. Product sales occur off-site at a permissible location; or
c. Customers visit the premises by appointment only; or
d. Products are sold on the premises at garage sales as regulated by this chapter.
(11) No more than one non-illuminated wall sign up to two square feet in area is used
to identify the home occupation.
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(12) The home occupation does not include any of the following uses: auto
body/painting, motor vehicle sales, motor vehicle service and repair, small engine
repair, massage, medical/dental office, animal handling, restaurant, firearm sales,
currency exchange, payday loan agency, sexually oriented business, high-impact
sexually oriented business, cannabis retailers, lower-potency hemp edible
retailers, or cannabis operations.
(13) No portion of the home occupation is conducted within any attached or detached
accessory building, except the occupants of an accessory dwelling unit may
conduct a home occupation in the accessory dwelling unit.
Sec. 36-316. Incidental repair or processing which is necessary to conduct a permitted
principal use.
(a) Shall not exceed 25%of the gross floor area.
(b) All repairs and maintenance shall be conducted indoors unless the vehicle or
equipment is too large to be moved indoors or if the vehicle or equipment cannot
practically be moved indoors or if the repair is of an emergency nature.
(c) No outdoor repair or maintenance shall be conducted within 100 feet of any parcel
that is occupied by a dwelling.
Sec. 36-317. In-vehicle sale or service.
(a) Not allowed in residential mixed-use buildings.
(b) Stacking shall be provided for six cars per customer service point and shall comply with
all yard requirements.
(c) Drive-through facilities and stacking areas shall not be located within 100 feet of any
parcel zoned N.
(d) This use shall only be permitted when it can be demonstrated that the operation will
not have a significant adverse effect on the existing level of service on adjacent streets
and intersections.
(e) The drive-through facility shall be designed so it does not impede traffic or impair
vehicular and pedestrian traffic movement, or exacerbate the potential for pedestrian
or vehicular conflicts.
(f) Access shall be to a roadway identified in the comprehensive plan as a collector or
arterial or shall be otherwise located so that access can be provided without
generating significant traffic on local residential streets.
(g) Any canopy constructed as part of this use shall be compatible with the architectural
design and materials of the principal structure.
(h) The use is in conformance with the comprehensive plan.
Sec. 36-318. Living quarters of persons employed for domestic or medical purposes.
(a) The living area for the domestic/medical household staff shall be within the principal
building and does not constitute a separate dwelling unit.
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Sec. 36-319. Mikvah pool.
(a) Shall be accessory to a single-unit dwelling or religious institution.
(b) Shall be allowed within an occupied single-unit dwelling if there are three additional
off-street parking spaces.
Sec. 36-320. Motor fuel station.
(a) The motor fuel station shall be for fleet vehicle use only, and shall not be open to the
public.
(b) All pump islands, air dispensers and other service devices shall be installed toward the
interior of the lot at least 12 feet from the required yard line, and no display, servicing
of vehicles, parking or dispensing of gasoline shall take place within the required yard.
On sites where pump islands have been constructed at the required yard line, a
landscaped area of eight feet will be installed in the required yard.
(c) All on-site utility installations shall be placed underground.
(d) Canopy and canopy support systems shall be constructed using architectural design
and materials which are compatible with the principal structure. Only incidental
regulatory signage may be permitted on the canopy and canopy support systems.
(e) No sound generated on the site by any means including a public address system shall
be audible from any N district.
(f) Modification of the requirements of this section may be made for businesses in
existence on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, if
the city council finds that, because of the shape of the lot, size of the lot, the location
of the principal building on the lot, or similar circumstances, it would be impossible to
satisfy the strict terms of this section or that they could be satisfied only by imposing
exceptional or undue hardship upon the owner of the lot. This section shall not be
interpreted to allow public use of the motor fuel station.
(g) Refer to section 36-361(e)(3)c for electric vehicle supply (EVSE) requirements.
Sec. 36-321. Motor vehicle service and repair.
(a) Shall be permitted only if accessory to a motor fuel station or motor vehicle sales.
(b) The number of service bays shall not exceed two.
(c) No public address system shall be permitted.
(d) All repair, assembly, disassembly and maintenance of vehicles shall be inside a closed
building except tire inflation, changing wipers or adding oil.
(e) Test driving shall be prohibited on any street in an N district.
Sec. 36-322. Outdoor sales (display).
(a) All outdoor sales (display) shall meet the conditions of section 36-82(b)(5) temporary
sales.
(b) For outdoor sales uses related to motor vehicles, the following standards apply:
(1) No public address system shall be audible from any property located in an N
district.
(2) The site shall be kept neat and orderly.
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(3) The use shall not be permitted within any required yard, or landscaped area.
(4) The use shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from any parcel that is occupied by
a dwelling.
(5) The operator of the use shall not sell or trade exclusively in used merchandise but
shall have at least one-third of its stock on the site in new, unused merchandise.
(6) All open sales or rental lots shall be operated in conjunction with a business
operated in a building or buildings in which the same or similar materials are
displayed and offered for sale as those displayed on the open sales or rental lot.
(7) All paved areas shall be graded, designed and landscaped as required by section
36-361.
(8) String lighting shall be prohibited.
(9) The area of open sales or rental lot used for storage and display of merchandise
shall not exceed two square feet for every one square foot of building on the site
devoted to the same or similar use or accessory use.
Sec. 36-323. Outdoor seating and service of food and beverages.
(a) The use shall be accessory to restaurants or food service, or characterized as employee
outdoor seating which may have chairs and a grill.
(b) The use shall not be located in the interior side or back yard facing a parcel zoned N
and used for dwelling purposes. This provision will not apply if the first floor of the
building located on the adjacent parcel is not occupied by a residential dwelling or if a
residential dwelling is located above the principal use.
(c) No speakers or other electronic devices which emit sound are permitted outside of the
principal structure.
(d) Hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(e) A minimum of six feet horizontal distance is required between obstructions on
sidewalks.
Sec. 36-324. Outdoor storage.
(a) Storage shall not be permitted within any required yards other than the rear yard.
(b) Outdoor storage is limited to a maximum area of 25% of the property area.
(c) The minimum required front yard shall be equal to the distance the principal building is
from the front lot line.
(d) The minimum required side yard abutting a street shall be equal to the distance the
principal building is from the side lot line abutting a street.
(e) Storage areas shall be separated from required parking areas and loading facilities by a
landscaped greenway at least five feet wide and enclosed around the perimeter with a
six inch high, poured in place concrete curb.
(f) Storage areas shall be screened from off-site views with a six foot minimum fence
constructed of wood or similar opaque material.
(g) For properties adjacent to a railroad track, fencing shall not be required on the side of
the storage yard adjacent to the railroad track when the grade of the railroad track is
more than six feet above the adjacent grade of the storage area.
(h) Stored materials shall not interfere with traffic visibility standards in section 36-76.
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(i) Inoperative vehicles or equipment shall not be stored in the storage area.
(j) All areas used for outdoor storage shall be maintained in a fashion which minimizes the
generation of dust from the storage area and precludes the transport of sand, gravel,
or other sediment to the public drainage system during stormwater runoff. Surface
materials used in outdoor storage areas may include, but are not limited to, concrete,
asphalt, crushed rock and gravel.
Sec. 36-325. Residential swimming pool, whirlpool, or sport court.
(a) Shall only be permitted behind the front face of the principal building.
(b) Shall be a minimum of five feet from the rear lot line.
(c) Shall meet the same side yard setbacks as required for the principal building.
(d) A six-foot privacy fence shall be required to screen the portion of the swimming pool,
whirlpool, or sport court located within 25 feet of the rear lot line.
(e) Mechanical equipment shall meet the same setback required for the swimming pool or
whirlpool unless it is contained within an accessory building.
(f) Residential swimming pools shall be in conformance with section 36-73 and section 12-
3 of the city ordinance.
(g) A pool house is an accessory building and shall be in conformance with the following
conditions:
(1) Property must have an in-ground swimming pool that is larger in area than the
pool house building.
(2) The pool house cannot exceed 400 square feet in area and one story in height.
(3) The building design and materials shall be consistent with the principal building.
(4) The building may include a bathroom but shall not include kitchen facilities.
(5) The building cannot be designed or used as a dwelling unit or for any business use.
Sec. 36-326. Showroom.
(a) The use shall not exceed 15% of the gross floor area of the associated principal use.
Sec. 36-327. Solar energy system.
(a) Solar energy systems shall be in conformance with the standards for solar energy
systems in article V, special provisions.
(b) Roof mounted location. Roof mounted equipment shall be located per one of the
following:
(1) Pitched roof. Locate the equipment on a rear facing surface of the roof, if feasible
for communication purposes.
(2) Flat roof. Locate the equipment towards the rear portion of the roof, where
visibility is limited from the street to the maximum extent possible. Solar panels
may be located anywhere on the roof and may be utilized to screen rooftop
equipment.
(c) Ground mounted location. Ground mounted equipment is limited to the rear yard.
Equipment may be located in the side yard if the equipment is screened from the
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street with an opaque wall, of the same or similar material of the street facade of the
building.
(d) Height. The height of the equipment is either a maximum of 12 feet or the maximum
that is not visible from any street sidewalk, whichever is greater.
(e) Performance standards. When noxious or offensive odors, sounds, vibrations,
emissions, or any external nuisances upon adjacent properties, including truck traffic,
will be generated by this accessory use above any generated by the principal use, a
Conditional Use Permit is required. Refer to 36-33 conditional use permits.
Sec. 36-328. Student housing.
(a) Student housing may be allowed as an accessory use to educational facilities within the
N-2 and N-3 districts with the following conditions:
(1) No more than 50 students may live on-site in the N-2 district, while no more than
200 students may live on-site in the N-3 district.
(2) An outdoor recreation area shall be provided that contains at least 40 square feet
per student living at the educational (academic) facility.
(3) The housing must be supervised 24 hours a day, seven days a week by an adult
living on-site.
(4) The students living on-site must be actively enrolled in the educational (academic)
facility as full-time students.
(5) The student housing must be located on the same parcel as the educational
(academic) facility.
Sec. 36-329. Warehouse/storage.
(a) The use shall not exceed 25% of the gross floor area of the associated principal use.
Sec. 36-330. Wind energy conversion system (WECS).
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum requirements for the size,
placement and maintenance of wind energy systems by the adoption of regulations
governing all wind energy systems in the city.
(b) Findings. The city finds that:
(1) While there is limited opportunity for wind power generation in St. Louis Park, the
city may have some sites that have the right characteristics of topography, land
cover, and lack of turbulence for the landowner to consider wind energy as an
option for sustainability. These sites tend to be large open areas typical of
commercial, industrial or park properties.
(2) Wind energy systems have the potential for nuisance and safety considerations
including structural reliability, visual impacts, bird and bat kills, noise, shadow
flicker, and ice throw. Therefore, careful consideration must be given when siting a
wind energy conversion system.
(3) Review of regulations may be appropriate as the WECS technology improves and
changes resulting in alternative energy systems that are viable for St. Louis Park
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and greatly diminish the potential for being a nuisance to adjacent properties or
the community.
(c) Standards by Zoning District. Table 36-369A lists in which zoning districts WECS are
allowed. The table also identifies, by zoning district, the maximum allowed height, the
maximum number of WECS allowed per lot and the minimum required lot size.
Table 36-369A. Wind energy conversion system standards.
District Height limit
(ft.)
Max. # of WECS
per lot*
Minimum lot
size (acres)
MU-1, MU-2,
MU-3, B-1, POS
110’
170’ with CUP
2 1.5
I-1, I-2 110’
199’ with CUP
4 1.5
* The height and number of systems per lot is dependent on meeting
the setback requirements.
(d) Setbacks. WECS shall meet the following setback requirements:
(1) At least 110% of the WECS height from all property lines.
(2) At least 100% of the WECS height from other WECS.
(3) At least 20 feet from principal buildings.
(4) The furthest reach of the blade must be at least 30 feet from the ground and any
other obstruction.
(e) Design requirements. All WECS shall meet the following design requirement:
(1) Monopole tower. All towers shall be of a free-standing monopole type that does
not utilize guyed wires or any other means to support the tower.
(2) Roof mounting. Roof mounted WECS are prohibited.
(3) Minimize visual impact. WECS design and location shall minimize visual impact.
(4) Color and finish. All WECS shall be white, grey or another non-obtrusive color.
Blades may be black in order to facilitate deicing. Finishes shall be matt or non-
reflective.
(5) Tower lighting. WECS shall not be artificially lighted, except to the extent required
by the FAA or other federal or state law or regulation that preempts local
regulations.
(6) Signs and displays. The use of any portion of a WECS for displaying flags and signs,
other than warning or equipment information signs, is prohibited.
(7) Associated equipment. Ground equipment associated with a WECS shall be
housed in a structure. Structures housing equipment shall meet the architectural
design standards of the Zoning Ordinance. Control wiring and powerlines shall be
wireless or underground.
(8) Braking system required. All WECS shall have an automatic braking, governing or
feathering system to prevent uncontrolled rotation, over speeding and excessive
pressure on the tower structure, rotor blades and turbine components.
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(9) Design height. The applicant shall provide evidence that the proposed height of
the WECS does not exceed the height recommended by the manufacturer or
distributor of the system.
(10) Interconnection agreement. The applicant shall provide a copy of the utility
notification requirements for interconnection, unless the applicant intends, and
states on the application, that the system will not be connected to the electricity
grid.
(11) Technology standards. WECS must meet the minimum standards of a WECS
certification program recognized by the American Wind Energy Association, such
as AWEA’s Small Wind Turbine Performance and Safety Standard, the Emerging
Technologies program of the California Energy Commission, or other 3rd party
standards acceptable to the city.
(f) Permits required. In addition to the information and permits required elsewhere in this
code, applications for a WECS shall include the following information unless it is
determined by the zoning administrator that certain information is not required based
upon the nature of the proposed WECS:
(1) A dimensioned drawing that illustrates the total WECS height, including the
footings and tower width.
(2) A site plan illustrating that the proposed WECS complies with all setbacks and
other requirements affecting where a WECS can be located.
(3) A report that describes decibels at varying wind speeds for a set distance from the
turbine, up to the cut-out wind speed.
(4) Additional information requested by the zoning administrator necessary to
evaluate the request.
(g) Noise. Audible sound due to wind energy system operations shall comply with the
standards governing noise contained in the City of St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances.
(h) Abandonment and decommissioning. If the WECS remains nonfunctional or
inoperative for a continuous period of one year, the system shall be deemed
abandoned and shall constitute a public nuisance. The owner shall remove the
abandoned system at their expense after a demolition permit has been obtained.
Removal includes the entire structure including foundations to below natural grade and
transmission equipment.
(i) Where accessory utility structures are permitted with conditions, the following apply:
(1) Accessory use. The equipment shall be located on a lot with a building and is a
secondary use for the lot.
(2) Roof mounted location. Roof mounted equipment shall be located per one of the
following:
a. Pitched roof. Locate the equipment on a rear facing surface of the roof, if
feasible for communication purposes.
b. Flat roof. Locate the equipment towards the rear portion of the roof, where
visibility is limited from the street to the maximum extent possible. Solar
panels may be located anywhere on the roof and may be utilized to screen
rooftop equipment.
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(3) Ground mounted location. Ground mounted equipment is limited to the rear yard.
Equipment may be located in the side yard if the equipment is screened from the
street with an opaque wall, of the same or similar material of the street facade of
the building.
(4) Height. The height of the equipment is either a maximum of 12 feet or the
maximum that is not visible from any street sidewalk, whichever is greater.
(5) Performance standards. When noxious or offensive odors, sounds, vibrations,
emissions, or any external nuisances upon adjacent properties, including truck
traffic, will be generated by this accessory use above any generated by the
principal use, a Conditional Use Permit is required. Refer to 36-33 conditional use
permits.
(6) Freestanding wind energy conversion systems (WECS). Refer to section 36-369,
with the exception of the following requirements which shall replace the
provisions of Table 36-369 A for all projects within the MX-1 District:
(7) Height Limit: 110 feet
(8) Maximum Number of WECS per lot: 2
(9) Minimum Lot Size: 1.5 acres
Sec. 36-331. Temporary uses.
(a) Purpose and effect. The purpose of this section is to provide conditions under which
temporary uses may be allowed in order to ensure a minimum negative impact to
neighborhoods and neighboring land uses.
(b) Authorized temporary uses. A structure or land may be used for one or more of the
following temporary uses if the use complies with the conditions stated in this chapter:
(1) Construction structures.
a. No construction structure, except leasing offices, shall be permitted for a
period of time exceeding that necessary for construction of the project.
b. No construction structure shall be located within the drip line of any trees
which are designated to be saved under section 36-81.
c. Construction structures may be located within required yards, but not within
15 feet of any public right of way or where prohibited under section 36-76.
d. All construction structures must be removed before a final occupancy permit
is issued.
(2) On-site equipment and material storage.
a. Construction materials shall not be placed on a construction site unless a valid
building permit has been issued for that construction.
b. Construction materials shall not be permitted on the site after the time
necessary for construction has expired.
c. Construction materials may not be located within the drip line of any trees
which are to be saved under the approved tree removal plan.
d. Construction materials may be located within required yards, but not within
15 feet of any public right of way or where prohibited under section 36-76.
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(3) Any equipment or construction materials stored on the site for a period exceeding
120 days shall be screened from view from any properties within a N district.
(4) Temporary structures.
a. Temporary structures shall not be permitted for more than 180 days per
calendar year, except that temporary structures used for the storage of
vehicles, equipment or other household items shall not be permitted for more
than 14 days per calendar year on any parcel that is zoned residential and
used or subdivided for residential.
b. No significant trees shall be removed for the placement of a temporary
structure.
c. Temporary structures may be located within required yards, but not within 15
feet of any public right of way or where prohibited under section 36-76.
(5) Carnivals and festivals.
a. Carnivals and festivals shall not be permitted for more than 14 days in any
calendar year except in public parks or closed right of way as approved by the
city or as specified by PUD approval. The city council may approve events
lasting more than 14 days at any other location with the following conditions:
1. Approval of a site plan showing compliance with city code;
2. Approval of a public safety plan, including traffic control, fire protection
and security of the site and area;
3. Approval of a clean up and restoration plan;
4. Other conditions to address the public health, safety, welfare and
community impacts from the use, including any sound and vibration
impacts to surrounding properties;
5. A financial guarantee, in an amount determined by the zoning
administrator or city council, may be required to ensure compliance with
and/or completion of the approved plans;
6. Payment of all required application fees.
b. Carnivals and festivals shall be permitted within the required front yard, side
yard, and rear yard; except where prohibited under section 36-76. Carnivals
and festivals shall not be allowed within the public right of way unless such
right of way will be closed for the event as approved by the city.
c. All signage must meet the temporary signage provisions found in section 36-
362(h)(3); a sign plan for carnivals and festivals lasting longer than 14 days
may vary from the temporary signage provisions if approved by the city
council. Exceptions to the temporary sign ordinance shall be limited to
allowing:
1. Temporary signs to be displayed for the duration of the event.
2. Up to twice the temporary sign area on the site than otherwise allowed.
More than twice the temporary sign area may be approved for sites larger
than 200,000 square feet.
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3. Private directional signage provided the signs are unlit, for directional
purposes only, are 2 square feet per sign face or less, and are located to
direct traffic to and from the location and the closest highways and away
from residential and other sensitive land use areas.
(6) Temporary outdoor sales.
a. Temporary sales, including licensed food service, shall only be permitted
within a MU, B, I or PUD district or in public parks or closed right of way as
approved by the city.
b. Temporary outdoor sales which do not exceed 100 square feet shall be
permitted. However, no merchandise shall be stored outside overnight.
c. Temporary sales which exceed 100 square feet shall be permitted for a period
not to exceed four consecutive days or a total of 14 days in a calendar year
except in public parks or closed right of way as approved by the city or as
specified by PUD approval.
d. Temporary sales shall only be allowed if associated with a permitted retail
business operating within a building on the site in which the same or similar
merchandise is offered for sale except in public parks or closed right of way as
approved by the city or as specified by PUD approval.
e. Temporary sales shall be permitted in the required front yard, side yard, and
rear yard unless prohibited under section 36-76; however, temporary outdoor
sales shall not be allowed in any required landscaped area or within the public
right of way unless such right of way will be closed for the event as approved
by the city or as specified by PUD approval. All signage must meet the
temporary signage provisions found in section 36- 362(h)(3).
(7) Agricultural commodities--Not more than 90 days.
a. Christmas tree sales or the sale of other agricultural commodities may be
located within required yards, but not within 15 feet of any public right of way
or where prohibited under section 36-76.
b. Agricultural commodities shall be permitted on a parcel for not more than 90
days within any calendar year.
c. Tents, stands and other similar temporary structures may be utilized, provided
they are clearly identified on the plan reviewed and approved by the zoning
administrator. The use shall not impair parking capacity, emergency access, or
the safe and efficient movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic on or off
the site.
(8) Same--Up to six months. The sale of agricultural commodities, including seasonal
farmers' markets, greenhouses, and gardening supplies, which are offered for sale
directly from the grower/producer, shall be allowed as a temporary use provided
the following standards are satisfied:
a. A site plan must be submitted to the city.
b. The temporary use shall be located in the C, O, MX and PUD districts, in a
public park or closed right of way as approved by the city.
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c. The owner of any private property on which the temporary use is proposed to
be located shall submit a letter in support of the use to the city.
d. If the temporary use is located on a surface parking lot or area, such use shall
not encumber more than 10% of the total amount of available parking spaces.
e. Products shall be limited to produce, vegetables, flowers, plants and related
items.
f. Sales activities may be conducted within a required yard provided the area is
paved and the activity does not interfere with parking, traffic circulation or
emergency access. Temporary sales on unpaved landscaped areas are
prohibited except in public parks as approved by the city or as specified by
PUD approval.
g. Tents, stands and other similar temporary structures may be utilized, provided
they are clearly identified on the submitted plan and provided it is determined
that they will not impair parking capacity, emergency access, or the safe and
efficient movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic on or off the site.
h. The submitted plan shall clearly demonstrate that adequate off-street parking
for the proposed temporary use can and will be provided for the duration of
the temporary use. Determination of compliance with this requirement shall
include the consideration of the nature of the temporary use and applicable
parking requirements set forth in section 36-361 or the approved PUD.
Consideration shall be given to the parking needs and requirements of the
principal uses located on the same property. If unforeseen circulation or
congestion problems occur on the site, or causes traffic to back up on public
streets, the city may order the use to relocate on the same property or to be
removed.
i. Signage related to the temporary use shall be in compliance with the
applicable standards set forth in the approved PUD, or section 36-362 and the
following standards:
1. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 16 square feet.
2. All other signage shall be placed on a tent or canopy.
3. No sign face shall exceed 100 square feet. Special signage for purposes of
traffic direction and control may be authorized by the city.
j. The maximum time for sales activities shall be six months per calendar year
per property.
k. All stands, equipment, signs, and other structures shall be maintained in good
repair.
l. All stands, equipment, signs and other structures shall be removed on the last
day of the temporary use.
(9) Pollution abatement structures and equipment.
a. Pollution abatement structures shall be permitted for a period not to exceed
60 months. If the abatement is not completed within 60 months, the period
may be extended provided that a statement is provided which shows the
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progress of abatement and an estimate of the length of time needed to
complete the project.
b. Equipment and structures shall not displace required off-street parking.
c. Equipment and structures shall not be located within any required yards,
except where it is demonstrated that no other areas exist on a designated site.
d. Structures shall meet all of the architectural requirements of section 36-366.
e. Any landscape materials which are displaced as a result of the structure or
equipment shall be replaced when the structure is removed.
f. A surety, in a form approved by the city manager, shall be filed before the
installation of any building to ensure its removal after pollution abatement is
completed and to ensure the replacement of displaced landscape materials.
g. All equipment and structures shall be removed and landscape materials
replaced within six months after the completion of the pollution abatement.
Pollution abatement shall be considered to be complete when notice has
been received from the state pollution control agency stating the abatement
has been completed.
(10) Garage sales. Garage sales shall be permitted in all N zoned and/or used properties
subject to the following conditions.
a. Activities relating to the sales, including any outdoor display/storage shall be
limited to no more than two sales events in each calendar year, each for a
period not to exceed 72 consecutive hours.
b. Garage sale signs are regulated as follows:
1. On single-unit and two-unit dwellings are limited to two square feet in
area per street frontage.
2. Garage sale signs on other neighborhood zoned and/or used properties
shall be regulated by the temporary sign area allowed under table 36-
362A for the zoning and size of the property in question except that in no
case may a sign exceed 25 square feet per street frontage.
3. All garage sale signs must comply with section 36-362(e).
4. Garage sale signs are exempt from sign permit requirements provided
such signs are posted no more than two days prior to the sale and are
removed immediately after the end of the sale.
(11) Mobile use. Mobile uses are permitted with the following conditions:
a. A zoning permit is required to operate a mobile use vehicle. A separate permit
shall be required for each location the mobile use operates, and permits shall
be valid for one calendar year unless further limited by this section. The
applications shall include:
1. A completed application form.
2. A site plan showing where on the property the vehicle shall be located.
3. The dates the vehicle shall be on the property.
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4. A copy of a letter from the property owner authorizing the vehicle to
locate on the property.
5. A copy of applicable licenses and permits to operate and provide the
service.
6. Required fee
b. Only Mobile Use-Food and Mobile Use-Medical are permitted.
c. The vehicle shall have all permits and licenses required by the State and
Hennepin County to operate. A current copy of the permits and licenses shall
be kept at the vehicle and immediately made available upon request. The
operator shall comply in all respects with all requirements of state and county
law.
d. A building permit is required for a trailer if the customer enters the trailer
during the conduct of the business.
e. The vehicle may be parked in a public right of way if the right of way is closed
as authorized by the city.
f. The vehicle operator shall have written permission from the property owner
to operate on their property. The written permission shall be kept with the
vehicle, and made immediately available to the city upon request.
g. The vehicle operator shall comply with the following site standards:
1. The vehicle shall be parked on a paved surface, unless it is located on a
public park as approved by the city.
2. The vehicle shall be located at least 30 feet away from an entrance to a
public road.
3. The vehicle shall not disrupt traffic and parking.
4. There shall be at least six feet of safe pedestrian passage around the
vehicle.
h. Hours of operation shall be limited to the hours between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
i. Lighting shall be limited to:
1. Vehicular lighting that is required by law.
2. Lights necessary to illuminate the inside of an enclosed vehicle, service
deck of a cart, and the point of sale area of the vehicle. The lighting shall
not extend above the vehicle, shall be downcast, and shielded in such a
way to illuminate the vehicle, and a point of sale area only. The lighting
shall not directly illuminate an area more than 10 feet away from the
vehicle.
j. Noise generated by the vehicle and the use shall not become a nuisance. The
operation of the vehicle shall adhere to the following:
1. No vehicle shall use or maintain any outside sound amplifying equipment,
televisions or similar visual entertainment devices, or noisemakers, such
as bells, horns, or whistles.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 50 Accessory Uses
2. Power generators shall not exceed 70 decibels measured 10 feet away
from the source.
k. Signage shall be limited to the following:
1. Text and images permanently applied to the vehicle as a decal or painted
image and text.
2. Signs that are attached to the vehicle. The signs shall not extend above
the roof of the vehicle, or extend more than five inches beyond any side
of the vehicle. These signs can be unlit or internally lit.
3. Text and images permanently applied to awnings that are attached to the
vehicle, do not extend above the height of the roof of the vehicle, and are
at least six feet from the ground to the bottom of the awning.
4. Text and images permanently applied to umbrellas that are attached to a
food cart. The umbrella shall be less than nine feet in height, and
maintain a clearance of at least six feet from the ground to the bottom of
the umbrella.
5. One pedestrian sign as defined in section 36-362. The pedestrian sign
must be located within five feet of the vehicle.
l. Trash, litter, recycling and refuse shall be handled in the following manner:
1. All waste liquids, garbage, litter and refuse shall be kept in leak proof,
nonabsorbent containers which shall be kept covered with tight-fitting
lids and properly disposed of at the establishment the vehicle operates
from. Public trash cans shall not be used to dispose of waste generated by
the operation. Excepted from this is the occasional use by customers.
2. No waste liquids, garbage, litter or refuse shall be dumped or drained into
sidewalks, streets, gutters, drains, or any other place except the licensed
food establishment.
3. The operator shall provide a garbage receptacle with a tight fitting lid. The
receptacle shall be easily accessible for customer use, and located within
five feet of the vehicle.
4. The operator shall be responsible for all litter and garbage left by
customers.
m. Overnight parking of the vehicle is not permitted, except that a vehicle under
a long term contract to operate on a premises may be kept overnight on the
same premises with the following conditions:
1. The vehicle is open for business at least six hours and five days per week
for every week it is kept on site. The business hours must be posted on
the outside of the vehicle at all times.
2. There is a minimum of six feet of pedestrian walkway between the vehicle
and the edge of the sidewalk or marked pedestrian walkway.
3. Vehicles located on public property are exempt from these requirements
pertaining to overnight parking.
n. Mobile Use-Food shall also comply with the following conditions:
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 51 Accessory Uses
1. Only food and non-alcoholic beverages shall be sold.
2. The vehicle shall not have a drive-thru.
3. Vehicles stored overnight on private property shall be kept within 10 feet
of the principal building wall, near the customer entrance of the building.
4. All transactions, services and preparation must occur inside the vehicle.
5. Mobile use-food is allowed to operate on any property, except that
properties zoned N are limited to six days per calendar year.
o. Mobile Use-Medical shall also comply with the following conditions:
1. The caregivers shall have all permits and licenses required by the State
and County to operate. A current copy of the permits and licenses shall
be kept at the vehicle and immediately made available upon request. The
operator shall comply in all respects with all requirements of state and
county law.
2. The vehicle shall be used to provide a non-surgical medical service only.
3. Hazardous waste shall be contained and disposed of in a manner required
by law.
4. Overnight boarding of pets is not permitted.
5. The sale of animals is not permitted.
6. Animals shall be kept inside the vehicle when receiving treatment and
when under the supervision of the caregiver.
7. Mobile use-medical is not permitted to operate on a N zoned property
which is used for residential purposes.
Secs. 36-330 to 36-350 reserved.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 1 Development Standards
ARTICLE VIII. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
DIVISION 1. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Sec. 36-351. Mixed use and business districts.
(a) The processes and equipment employed in the production of any goods on the
premises or used to conduct the business of a primary use shall meet the following
requirements:
(1) Vibration. Any vibration discernible beyond the property line to the human sense
of feeling for three minutes or more duration (cumulative) in any one hour and any
vibration producing a particle velocity of more than 0.035 inch per second are
prohibited.
(2) Glare or heat. Any operation producing intense glare or heat shall be performed
within an enclosure so as not to be perceptible at the property line.
(3) Noise. Noise levels both inside and outside of buildings must meet federal, state
and local requirements which may be amended from time to time.
(4) Air pollution. All emissions shall meet federal, state and local requirements which
may be amended from time to time.
Sec. 36-352. Industrial districts.
(a) Processes and equipment employed in production of goods shall conform to the
following standards:
(1) Vibration. Any vibration discernible beyond the property line to the human sense
of feeling for five minutes or more duration (cumulative) in any one hour and any
vibration producing a particle velocity of more than 0.035 inch per second are
prohibited. For properties abutting a N district, no vibration producing a particle
acceleration velocity of more than 0.035 inch per second at the property line are
permitted between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(2) Glare and heat. Any operation producing intense glare or heat shall be performed
within an enclosure so as not to be perceptible at the property line.
(3) Industrial waste material. All liquid and solid wastes shall be identified in all
processes and operations and approved disposal methods identified. All waste
discharged to the sanitary sewer shall meet the requirements of the city and the
rules and regulations of the metropolitan waste control commission. All proposed
discharges to the storm sewer shall be identified. No waste will be permitted to be
discharged into the storm sewer system, provided that this does not exclude storm
drainage, cooling water, and other water not prohibited by any law, rule,
regulation or ordinance. Storm drainage shall meet the requirements of all state
laws, rules, regulations, watershed district requirements, and city requirements as
may be amended from time to time. Stormwater drainage shall be protected from
undue pollution and contaminants. All solid wastes must be identified and handled
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 2 Development Standards
in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements as may be amended from
time to time.
(4) Noise. Noise levels inside and outside of all buildings must meet federal, state, and
local requirements as may be amended from time to time.
(5) Air pollution. All emissions shall meet federal, state, and local requirements as may
be amended from time to time.
DIVISION 2. PEDESTRIAN ACCESS.
Sec. 36-353. Purpose and effect.
(a) A goal of the comprehensive plan is to encourage transportation facilities which
adequately consider pedestrian, bicycle and other nonmotorized transportation needs.
In order to implement this goal, pedestrian links need to be incorporated into
development.
Sec. 36-354. Required linkage to public streets and trails.
(a) In all new commercial developments and all mixed-use and developments, a separate
direct pedestrian/bicycle access shall be provided between the principal building and
the public street or a public trail, on all sides of the lot which front on a public street or
public trail.
(1) If this access passes through a parking area, then the access shall be separated
from parking areas by curbed, landscaped islands which have a minimum width of
20 feet inclusive of sidewalk.
(2) If a transit stop is located on any adjacent public street, access shall be located
convenient to that transit stop.
a. In mixed use districts, developments located on a public transit route shall
work with the transit authority and accommodate a transit stop that
conveniently serves the development, if needed for the transit route.
(b) On-site pedestrian/bicycle facilities shall be provided as logical connections to adjacent
off-site uses.
(c) Sidewalks shall be provided along all sides of the lot that abut a public or private street.
DIVISION 3. VEHICULAR OFF-SITE ACCESS, PARKING, AND LOADING.
Sec. 36-355. Purpose.
(a) The purpose of regulating vehicular off-street access, parking, and loading facilities is
to prevent congestion on public rights-of-way for the safety and welfare of the public,
design facilities to enhance pedestrian safety, reduce hardcover, control stormwater,
and reduce the heat island effect. The regulations are created through analysis of the
associated land use intensity, duration, time, and style which demand design
requirements and standards for such facilities.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 3 Development Standards
Sec. 36-356. Site access.
(a) The standards within this section do not apply to residential uses in the N-1 and N-2
districts.
(b) Vehicular site access to all mixed-use, business, and industrial uses shall be to a local
street or alley when available. Access to collector or arterial streets is discouraged and
shall only be allowed when access to a local street or alley is unavailable or impractical.
(c) Vehicular driveway access is managed through alleys, primary and secondary street
frontages. The order of access is as follows:
(1) An alley permits unlimited access.
(2) If no alley exists, one driveway per secondary street frontage is permitted.
(3) If no other option exists, one driveway is permitted off the primary street frontage
and shared access with abutting properties is encouraged.
(d) Driveways access to streets and alleys are subject to review and regulations of the
engineering department.
(e) Shared driveways are encouraged.
(f) Connections between parking lots that allow vehicular cross access is encouraged.
(g) Pedestrian ways, sidewalks and driveway crossings, shall be provided to connect
parking spaces to the public entrance of the building. Driveways shall not be utilized as
designated pedestrian routes.
(h) There shall be no vehicular access or vehicular curb cuts within 50 feet of the
intersection of the projection of the nearest curblines of any public streets, with the
following exceptions:
(1) Where the City Engineer determines that such a curb-cut is necessary and will be
safe for pedestrians or bicyclists using nearby trails, sidewalks, or roadways.
(2) In the industrial districts where it can be demonstrated that adherence to this
standard will cause undue hardship to the property owner.
Sec. 36-357. Permits.
(a) The construction of any unenclosed off-street parking area or driveway access shall
require a permit, unless review is completed as part of another permit. The application
for such a permit shall include the application form, fee, and site plan. Additional
information, such as stormwater calculations and lighting plans may be required.
Sec. 36-358. Required quantity of parking spaces.
(a) Each use shall provide the required number of parking spaces for that use as
established in Table XX, except where otherwise noted.
(1) In the MU districts, all new structures and the expansion of an existing structures
shall be subject to the alternative minimum and maximum parking space
requirements specified in Table XX.
(2) In the MU districts, structures that were in existence on or before January 10,
2020 and are not expanding are not subject to the minimum and maximum
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 4 Development Standards
parking space requirements specified in Table XX. No additional parking spaces are
required for these structures; however, the number of existing parking spaces on
the property cannot be reduced unless the parking spaces are relocated to
another property in accordance with the shared parking requirements located
within this section.
(3) In the P-1 and Historic Walker Lake overlay district, Table XX shall not apply to any
properties. There are no minimum and maximum number of parking spaces
required in the HWL overlay district.
(b) For uses not listed, the off-street parking space requirements shall be established by
the zoning administrator based upon the characteristics and functional similarities
between uses including, but not limited to: the size of building, type of use, number of
employees, expected volume and turnover of customer traffic, and expected frequency
and number of delivery or service vehicles.
(c) For structures containing multiple uses, each parking requirement shall be calculated
separately.
(d) The parking space requirements may be revised upward or downward by the city
council as part of an application for a conditional use permit or planned unit
development based on verifiable information pertaining to parking.
(e) Required parking spaces must be located on the same lot as the principal use, unless
shared parking or off-site parking is approved for the use.
Table XX. Parking Space Requirements
Use N, B, and I
Districts
MU Districts
Minimum Standard Minimum Standard Maximum Standard
Residential Uses
Household Living
Dwelling, single-unit 2 spaces per dwelling unit. Additional spaces are not required for a
boarder or an accessory dwelling unit
Dwelling, two-unit 2 spaces per
dwelling unit.
Additional spaces
are not required for
a boarder or an
accessory dwelling
unit
Dwelling, detached
courtyard
cottage/bungalow
1.5 spaces per
dwelling unit
Dwelling, three-unit;
Dwelling, four-unit;
Dwelling, townhouse;
Dwelling, apartment
Per unit:
Studio or one bedroom – 1 space
Two bedroom – 1.5 spaces
Three or four bedroom – 2 spaces
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 5 Development Standards
Use N, B, and I
Districts
MU Districts
Minimum Standard Minimum Standard Maximum Standard
An additional 5% of the required parking shall be provided for guest
parking
Dwelling, live/work unit 1 space per unit
plus 1 space per
1,000 SF of
nonresidential
gross floor area
1 space per unit plus
1 space per 1,250 SF
of nonresidential
gross floor area
1 space per unit plus
1 space per 750 SF of
nonresidential gross
floor area
Manufactured home park 2 spaces per dwelling unit
Group Living
State-licensed residential
facility
1 space per 3
bedrooms
1 space per 4
bedrooms
1 space per 3
bedrooms
Roominghouse 2 spaces plus 1.25
spaces per guest
room
2 spaces plus 1 space
per guest room
2 spaces plus 1.5
spaces per guest
room
Group home 1 space per 3 beds 1 space per 4 beds 1 space per 2 beds
Nursing home 1 space per 5
bedrooms
1 space per 6
bedrooms
1 space per 5
bedrooms
Lodging
Bed and breakfast
establishment
1.25 spaces per
guest room
Hostel 1.25 spaces per
each dwelling unit,
guestroom, or hotel
room.
Hotel/motel 1.25 spaces per
each dwelling unit,
guestroom, or hotel
room
1 space per each
dwelling unit,
guestroom, or hotel
room
1.50 spaces per each
dwelling unit,
guestroom, or hotel
room
Public, Social and Institutional
Adult day care 2 spaces per each 5
program
participants
licensed by state.
2 spaces per each 6
program participants
licensed by state.
2 spaces per each 4
program participants
licensed by state.
Business/trade
school/college
1 space per
classroom plus 1
space for each 5-
person capacity
1 space per
classroom plus 1
space for each 6-
person capacity
1 space per
classroom plus 1
space for each 4-
person capacity
Group daycare/nursery
school
1 space per
classroom plus 1
space per 10
students based on
1 space per
classroom plus 1
space per 15
students based on
1 space per
classroom plus 1
space per 10
students based on
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 6 Development Standards
Use N, B, and I
Districts
MU Districts
Minimum Standard Minimum Standard Maximum Standard
facility maximum
capacity.
facility maximum
capacity.
facility maximum
capacity.
Community center Parking
requirement shall
be based upon uses
within the building.
Educational facility Elementary and
Junior High: 2
spaces per each
classroom.
High school and
post-secondary: 1
space per each 4
students based on
building capacity,
plus 1 space for
each 2 classrooms.
Elementary and
Junior High: 2 spaces
per each classroom.
High school and post-
secondary: 1 space
per each 4 students
based on building
capacity, plus 1 space
for each 2
classrooms.
Elementary and
Junior High: 5 spaces
per each classroom.
High school and
post-secondary: 1
space per each 3
students based on
building capacity,
plus 1 space for each
2 classrooms.
Hospital 1 space per each
400 square feet of
gross floor area
1 space per each 450
square feet floor
area.
1 space per each 350
square feet floor
area.
Medical/dental clinic or
office
3 spaces per
treatment room
2 spaces per
treatment room
4 spaces per
treatment room
Municipal, county, state,
or federal administrative
or service facility
1 space per 400 SF
of gross floor area
plus 1 space for
each fleet vehicle
1 space per 500 SF of
gross floor area plus
1 space for each fleet
vehicle
1 space per 300 SF of
gross floor area plus
1 space for each fleet
vehicle
Place of assembly, and
Religious institutions
1 space per 4
persons of the
maximum
occupancy of main
assembly area.
1 space per 6
persons of the
maximum occupancy
of main assembly
area.
1 space per 4
persons of the
maximum occupancy
of main assembly
area.
Commercial
Personal Services and Businesses
Animal handling
1 space per each
400 square feet of
gross floor area,
but not fewer than
five spaces
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area, but not
fewer than five
spaces
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area, but not
fewer than five
spaces
Appliance, small engine
and bicycle repair
1 space per each
500 square feet of
gross floor area
1 space per each 500
square feet of gross
floor area plus 1
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area plus 1
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 7 Development Standards
Use N, B, and I
Districts
MU Districts
Minimum Standard Minimum Standard Maximum Standard
space for each
company-owned
vehicle stored on-site
space for each
company-owned
vehicle stored on-site
Bank
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
Maximum: One
space per each 200
square feet floor
area.
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Cannabis retailer
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
Maximum: One
space per each 200
square feet floor
area.
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Catering
1 space per each
500 square feet of
gross floor area
plus 1 space for
each company-
owned vehicle
stored on-site
1 space per each 500
square feet of gross
floor area plus 1
space for each
company-owned
vehicle stored on-site
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area plus 1
space for each
company-owned
vehicle stored on-site
Coffee shop
1 space per each
200 square feet of
gross floor area
1 space per each 200
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 100
square feet of gross
floor area
Dry cleaning or laundering
facility
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
Maximum: One
space per each 200
square feet floor
area.
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Firearms sales
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
Maximum: One
space per each 200
square feet floor
area.
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 8 Development Standards
Use N, B, and I
Districts
MU Districts
Minimum Standard Minimum Standard Maximum Standard
Funeral home
1 space per 4
persons of the
maximum
occupancy
1 space per 4
persons of the
maximum occupancy
1 space per 6
persons of the
maximum occupancy
Grocery store
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
Maximum: One
space per each 200
square feet floor
area.
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Liquor store
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
Maximum: One
space per each 200
square feet floor
area.
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Lower potency hemp
edible retailer
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
Maximum: One
space per each 200
square feet floor
area.
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Motor fuel station
1 space per 2 fuel
pumps. Space
adjacent to fuel
pumps does not
count towards this
requirement
1 space per 3 fuel
pumps. Space
adjacent to fuel
pumps does not
count towards this
requirement
1 space per 2 fuel
pumps. Space
adjacent to fuel
pumps does not
count towards this
requirement
Motor vehicle sales
1 space per 400
square feet of gross
floor area
Motor vehicle service and
repair
4 spaces per service
bay
Autobody/painting 4 spaces per service
bay
Parcel delivery service
1 space per 400
square feet of floor
area devoted to
office, processing,
or service, plus 1
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 9 Development Standards
Use N, B, and I
Districts
MU Districts
Minimum Standard Minimum Standard Maximum Standard
space for each
vehicle kept on the
premises
Pawnshop
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Payday loan agency and
currency exchange
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Retail or service
establishment
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
Maximum: One
space per each 200
square feet floor
area.
1 space per each
500 square feet
floor area. (large
merchandise)
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Restaurant 1 space per 4
persons of the
maximum
occupancy
1 space per 4
persons of the
maximum occupancy
1 space per 6
persons of the
maximum occupancy
Self-storage facility
1 space per 50
storage
compartments
Sexually-oriented business,
high impact
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
Maximum: One
space per each 200
square feet floor
area.
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Sexually-oriented business,
limited impact
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
Maximum: One
space per each 200
square feet floor
area.
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 10 Development Standards
Use N, B, and I
Districts
MU Districts
Minimum Standard Minimum Standard Maximum Standard
Shopping center
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
Maximum: One
space per each 200
square feet floor
area.
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Showroom
1 space per each
500 square feet of
gross floor area
1 space per each 600
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
Studio
1 space per each
400 square feet of
gross floor area
1 space per each 500
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Vendor market 3 spaces per
market vendor
Recreation
Commercial
entertainment, indoors
1 space per 4
persons of the
maximum
occupancy
1 space per 4
persons of the
maximum occupancy
1 space per 6
persons of the
maximum occupancy
Commercial
entertainment, outdoors
50 spaces per field,
sports court, or
activity area plus 1
space per 4 fixed
seats for spectator
area
Country club Parking requirement shall be based upon uses on the site
Golf course 2 spaces per hole
Professional
Office
1 space per each
300 square feet of
gross floor area
1 space per each 400
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
Medical, optical, and
dental laboratory; research
and development
Less than 50,000
square feet floor
area: 1 space per
each 300 square
feet of gross floor
area
Between 50,000
square feet floor
area and 200,000
1 space per each 500
square feet floor
area in excess of
4,000 square feet
1 space per each 300
square feet of gross
floor area
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 11 Development Standards
Use N, B, and I
Districts
MU Districts
Minimum Standard Minimum Standard Maximum Standard
square feet floor
area: 1 space per
each 325 square
feet of gross floor
area
Between 200,000
square feet floor
area and 400,000
square feet floor
area: 1 space per
each 350 square
feet of gross floor
area
Greater than
400,000 square feet
floor area: 1 space
per each 375
square feet of gross
floor area
Industrial
Cannabis operation/hemp
processor
1 space per 750
square feet of gross
floor area
Manufacturing/processing,
light
1 space per 750
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per 1,000
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per 750
square feet of gross
floor area
Manufacturing/processing 1 space per 1,000
square feet of gross
floor area
Microbrewery 1 space per 4
persons of the
maximum
occupancy
1 space per 4
persons of the
maximum occupancy
1 space per 6
persons of the
maximum occupancy
Microdistillery 1 space per 4
persons of the
maximum
occupancy
1 space per 4
persons of the
maximum occupancy
1 space per 6
persons of the
maximum occupancy
Outdoor storage 1 space per each
20,000 square feet
of area devoted to
outdoor storage
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 12 Development Standards
Use N, B, and I
Districts
MU Districts
Minimum Standard Minimum Standard Maximum Standard
Printing facility 1 space per 750
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per 1,000
square feet of gross
floor area
1 space per 750
square feet of gross
floor area
Printing facility, industrial 1 space per 1,000
square feet of gross
floor area
Warehouse/storage 1 space per each
2,000 square feet
of gross floor area
Transportation and Utilities
Freight terminal 1 space per 300
square feet of
office space plus 1
space per 20,000
square feet of
outdoor yard
space
Sec. 36-359. Reductions to parking space requirements.
(a) The following off-street parking space reductions may be utilized jointly or separately
except as indicated otherwise:
(1) Transit reductions. Only one of the following deductions may apply to any
property:
a. Parking requirements may be reduced based on the proximity to a light rail
transit (LRT) station. Distance shall be measured from the station platform to
the property line by walking distance via sidewalk, trail, and/or city
centerlines.
1. 30% reduction when the use is located up to ¼ mile from the LRT station.
2. 20% reduction when the use is located up to ½ mile from the LRT station.
b. High frequency bus service. Parking may be reduced by up to 15% for any
parcel located within one-quarter mile of high-bus transit with service at least
every 15 minutes. The service must operate between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on
weekdays and 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
c. Regular bus service. Parking may be reduced by up to 10% for any parcel
located within one-quarter mile of regular bus transit service on all days of the
week and adequate pedestrian access must be available between the transit
stop and the parcel. Regular transit service shall operate at least twice hourly
between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and once hourly after 6:30
p.m. Regular transit service shall operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
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(2) On-street parking. Parking may be reduced on a one-for-one basis through the use
of on-street parking adjacent to the parcel. To qualify, adequate pedestrian access
must be available between the principal structure and all on-street parking spaces.
On-street parking reductions may be approved by the zoning administrator,
subject to a determination by the city engineer that adequate off-street parking
will be available to accommodate vehicles during snow removal and other periods
of parking restrictions.
(3) Travel demand management. In those instances where no transit or on-street
parking reductions are available, parking may be reduced by 5% through the
implementation of a travel demand management plan. Such a plan shall be filed
with and approved by the zoning administrator and may be subject to yearly
review.
(4) Bicycle parking conversion. In addition to the reductions listed above, any property
may choose to convert a minimum of one required vehicle parking space, and a
maximum of 5% of required vehicle parking spaces, to bicycle parking. The bicycle
parking must be permanently anchored to the ground and meet all bicycle parking
requirements of this article. Bicycle parking provided via conversion may count
towards minimum bicycle parking requirements. Conversion of a required vehicle
parking space shall require a permit approved by the city before construction.
(b) Proof of parking. If it is demonstrated that the required parking is in excess of the
actual demand, all of the required parking need not be constructed initially. Any spaces
not constructed, as shown on the site plan, shall be constructed when determined
necessary by the zoning administrator or at such a time as the property owner
determines necessary. The area of future parking shall be landscaped, but that
landscaping shall not be used to satisfy landscaping requirements. To ensure
construction of the future spaces, a financial or other guarantee may be required by
the city.
(c) Shared on-site parking. Shared off-street parking facilities can collectively provide
parking in any district for more than one structure or use, subject to the following
conditions:
(1) The uses shall have their highest peak demand for parking at substantially different
times of the day or week, or an adequate amount of parking shall be available for
both uses during shared hours of peak demand.
(2) The minimum spaces required under a shared parking agreement shall be based
on the number of spaces required for the use that requires the most parking.
(3) A shared parking agreement shall be filed with the city. The terms of the shared
parking agreement shall include, at a minimum:
a. The hours, size, and a description of the operation of each of the tenants.
b. A dimensioned site plan showing the location and number of parking spaces.
c. A plan for remediating conflicts between tenants. The plan shall identify the
property owner or designee as being responsible for administering and
enforcing the agreement.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 14 Development Standards
d. A statement acknowledging that the city may deny a proposed use or
expansion of an existing use if it deems the site does not have sufficient
parking.
e. The plan shall be signed by the property owner.
(d) Off-site parking. Off-site parking shall require a conditional use permit, subject to the
following conditions:
(1) Paved pedestrian access shall be provided and maintained between the off-site
parking facility and the principal structure.
(2) The off-site parking facility shall be located no further than 300 feet from a
residential structure and no further than 500 feet from a non-residential structure.
Shuttle service may be provided as an alternative means of access for non-
residential uses.
(3) Off-site parking facilities shall be protected by an irrevocable covenant recorded by
the county. A certified copy of the recorded document shall be provided to the
zoning administrator within 60 days after approval of the agreement by the city
council.
Sec. 36-360. Parking area use.
(a) Required parking spaces and the driveways providing access to them shall not be
utilized for the following:
(1) Storage of unlicensed or inoperable motor vehicles, other goods, or snow.
(2) Display, sales, rental or repair of motor vehicles or other goods.
(3) Loading and unloading of vehicles.
(4) Living space, unless required parking spaces are provided elsewhere.
(5) Aisles and driveways shall not be used for any purpose that would for any period
of time prevent vehicle access to parking spaces or inhibit circulation or
emergency service response.
Sec. 36-361. Design requirements for parking areas.
(a) Parking spaces.
(1) Required parking spaces shall be 8.5 feet wide and 18 feet long.
(2) However, where modifications are determined appropriate by the zoning
administrator as a result of a need for compact or oversize parking spaces, up to
20% of the spaces may be designated as a different size.
(3) Unless alternative requirements are designated by the zoning administrator,
parking spaces shall be served by access drives with minimum dimensions
provided as follows:
Table XX. Parking Lot Dimensions
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 15 Development Standards
Stall Angle
(degrees)
Stall Type Curb Length
(feet)
Vehicle
Projection
(feet)
Aisle Width
(feet)
Total Width
(feet)
45 Standard
Compact
12.0
11.5
18.5
17.0
13.0* 50.0
60 Standard
Compact
10.0
9.5
20.0
18.0
15.0* 55.0
75 Standard
Compact
9.0
8.5
20.5
17.5
18.0* 59.0
90*** Standard
Compact
8.5
8.0
18.0
16.0
24.0 60.0**
Parallel Standard
Compact
23.0
21.0
8.5
8.0
22.0 38.0
* One-way aisles only
** When parking is provided within a parking ramp, the total bay width may be
reduced to 58 feet.
*** In a MU-1 district the minimum aisle width may be reduced to 22.0 feet and a
minimum total width of 58.0 feet, with the condition that aisles less than
24.0 feet wide shall provide a minimum curb length of 9.0 feet.
(b) Handicapped parking spaces. The size, number and location of stalls reserved for
handicapped parking shall be provided and identified as required by applicable
regulations.
(c) Turnaround. All parking areas, except those serving one- through three-unit dwellings
on local streets, shall be designed so that cars do not have to back into the public
street.
(d) Surfacing. All driveways and all areas intended to be utilized for parking spaces shall be
constructed of bituminous asphalt, concrete, or pavers. Such surfacing shall be
approved by the city engineer and maintained in good repair.
(e) Walkways. Required parking areas for six or more vehicles shall have walkways
separated from the parking area and surfaced with bituminous asphalt, pavers, or
concrete to provide access from parking areas to the entrances of buildings.
(f) Drainage. All parking or paved areas shall be adequately served by storm sewer or
other approved stormwater facilities. Such facilities shall be approved by the city
engineer.
(g) Lighting. Required parking areas for six or more vehicles shall meet the lighting
standards found in Section XX.
(h) Curbs. A six-inch-high, poured-in-place concrete curb shall be provided around the
periphery of all parking lots and internal access roads, except where the city engineer
determines that a curb would impede the drainage plan.
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(1) Access roads to developments of single-unit, two-unit, or three-unit dwellings are
exempt from this requirement.
(i) Yards. Required parking areas shall be subject to the following requirements:
(1) In the N-3 and N-4 districts, parking areas shall be subject to the requirements for
front yards and side yards abutting a street.
(2) In the I districts, parking areas shall be permitted in the front yard and side yards
abutting a street, provided that the yard shall not be reduced to less than five feet.
(3) In the MU districts:
a. Parking spaces and drive aisles shall not be located between a building and a
street, except that a through lot may have parking between the building and
less prominent street, as determined by the zoning administrator. In the case
of a through lot, the minimum yard requirement for parking spaces shall be
five feet when adjacent to a street.
b. The minimum yard requirement for parking spaces and drive aisles shall be
zero when located adjacent to a non-neighborhood district.
c. Rear parking yard. Parking may be permitted in the rear of the lot, but shall
not be closer than eight (8) feet to property zoned N-1 or N-2 in the rear or
side yard and shall be screened from the front by the building. Refer to the
Street and Parking Yards illustration. Note that accessory parking structures
within each district have separate side and rear yard standards.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 17 Development Standards
d. Limited side parking yard. Parking may be permitted with the following:
1. Location. The parking is permitted only in the side parking yard of the
building (refer to the Street and Parking Yards illustration) but shall not be
closer than five (5) feet to property zoned N-1 or N-2 in the rear or side
yard.
2. Limited Width. Up to one double-loaded bay of surface parking is
permitted with a maximum width of 65 feet.
3. Perpendicular to the Street. The parking lot shall be located
perpendicular to the street with the centerline of the drive aisle
perpendicular to the centerline of the street.
4. Accessory Parking Structure. An accessory parking structure is not
permitted in the side yard of a primary street frontage.
e. Garage Entrances. Vehicular entrances to structured parking garages within
the building generally shall be limited to locations on the rear façade that face
the rear parking yard; except such entrances may be located on the side
façade, facing the limited side parking yard, so long as the location is not
closer to the street than the maximum of the build-to zone.
(j) Residential parking location. Required parking spaces in the N-1 and N-2 districts shall
be subject to the following requirements:
(1) Required parking shall be located in an enclosed structure or behind the front of
the principal structure.
(2) Required parking shall not be permitted in a front yard, except where no other
location for parking is possible.
(3) Required parking shall be located on the same lot as the structure housing the
principal use, except for religious institutions and condominiums.
(k) Each parking space shall open directly to an aisle or driveway. Tandem parking spaces,
however, may be established for:
(1) Single-unit dwellings, two-unit dwellings, twin-homes, three- and four-unit
dwellings, townhouse, and courtyard cottages.
(2) Commercial and apartment and apartment-mixed use dwellings if approved with a
parking management plan and as part of the site plan of a conditional use permit
or planned unit development.
Sec. 36-362. Maintenance.
(a) All off-street parking areas shall be maintained in good repair.
(b) All parking areas shall have the parking spaces clearly marked on the pavement, using
minimum four-inch-wide painted lines or other marking devices approved by the city
engineer. Such markings shall conform to the approved parking plan and shall be
maintained in a clearly legible condition. No parking facilities shall be marked in a
manner that reduces the number of parking stalls to less than the number required by
this zoning ordinance.
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Sec. 36-363. Neighborhood parking and driveways
(a) Parking and storage of vehicles in N districts. The parking or storing of any motor
vehicle, recreation vehicle, or commercial vehicle in the N districts is subject to all
restrictions in this subsection and under section 36-361.
(1) Findings. The city council finds that certain standards are desirable in order to
preserve neighborhood character, public health and safety, property values, and
allow all residents a reasonable use and enjoyment of property. While the city
council finds that the use and possession of commercial and recreational vehicles
are an important factor in the lives of a substantial number of residents of the city,
the council also finds that certain types and sizes of commercial and recreational
vehicles, the improper storage of commercial and recreational vehicles, and the
parking of and storage of excessive numbers of vehicles can affect the
neighborhood character as well as public health and safety, property values, and
the reasonable use and enjoyment of neighboring properties. While the ability of
recreational vehicle owners to provide for the security of and access to their
vehicles is a reasonable expectation, they have a responsibility to respect the
rights of residents, owners, and users of neighboring properties and to avoid
interference with the purposes of the zoning district in which they are located. The
city council further finds that the establishment of these standards furthers the
goals in the city's comprehensive plan relative to enhancement of residential
neighborhoods and similar goals expressed in Vision St. Louis Park. The city council
establishes these standards as a means to balance the interests of the owners of
commercial and recreational vehicles, adjacent residents and the public.
(2) Except as provided in subsections (e)(3) and (e)(9) of this section, no motor
vehicle, recreational vehicle, commercial vehicle, or trailer shall be permitted to
stand or park in the N districts which exceeds any of the following:
a. Nine feet in height, measured from the ground to the highest point on the
vehicle at recommended tire pressure. For the purpose of measuring height,
all accessories, attachments, and materials carried upon a vehicle shall be
considered part of the vehicle;
b. Twenty-two feet in length, measured at the longest point of the vehicle or, if a
trailer, the horizontal distance between the front and rear edges of the trailer
bed. For the purpose of measuring length, all accessories, attachments, and
materials carried upon a vehicle shall be considered part of the vehicle or
trailer bed; or
c. Six thousand five hundred pounds, empty weight including the box.
(3) One recreational vehicle which exceeds any of the limits set forth in subsection
(e)(2) of this section and is owned by the occupant of the premises can be parked
behind the rear face of the principal building if:
a. The vehicle is parked no closer than five feet from any property line.
b. If the property has more than a three-unit dwelling, the vehicle must be
stored on a concrete or bituminous surface and the parking space must be in
excess of the minimum number of parking spaces required by this chapter.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 19 Development Standards
c. The vehicle shall be screened using a 90 percent opaque fence which is six
feet high and plant materials which at maturity have the ability to screen 100
percent of the height and 100 percent of the length of the vehicle with a
minimum of 50 percent opacity from view from:
1. Any park.
2. Any abutting residentially developed property.
3. Any street which abuts the back yard.
d. The fence and plant materials shall be located in such a manner that visibility
is maintained as required in section 36-76. A six-foot-high gate may be placed
in the fence to allow for ingress and egress. Plant materials may be omitted at
points of ingress and egress but the gap in landscaping may not exceed the
width of the vehicle plus two feet.
(4) The following provisions shall apply to the parking and storage of vehicles on
residential parcels in the N-1 and N-2 districts:
a. No more than four vehicles can be parked or stored outside an enclosed
building on a lot that contains a single-unit dwelling. For a two-unit dwelling
(duplex), each dwelling may have up to four vehicles parked or stored outside.
This regulation shall not apply during snow emergencies.
b. No more than two non-passenger vehicles can be parked on a residential lot
outside of an enclosed building. Except as permitted in subsection (e)(3) of
this section, vehicles shall be stored on a designated parking space. Non-
passenger vehicles cannot be parked or stored in front of the front face of the
principal building or between the front and rear face of the principal building
when abutting a street except as allowed under subsection (e)(3) of this
section.
c. Only commercial vehicles which do not exceed any of the size requirements
under subsection (e)(2) of this section and are designed exclusively for on-
street use can be parked on residential lots outside an enclosed building.
Commercial vehicles shall be parked only within a garage or on a designated
parking space and cannot be parked or stored in front of the front face of the
principal building or between the front and rear face of the principal building
when abutting a street except as permitted under subsection (e)(4) of this
section.
d. Except as permitted in subsection (e)(3) of this section, all vehicles must be
stored on a surface improved for driveway purposes with an approved paving
surface.
e. No more than one recreational vehicle which exceeds the size requirements in
subsection (e)(3) of this section can be parked on a residential lot outside an
enclosed building.
f. No non-passenger vehicle can be parked within five feet of an interior side lot
line or rear lot line.
g. No non-passenger vehicle can be parked in front of the front face of the
principal building or between the front and rear face of the principal building
when abutting a street except where designated parking space is permitted
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 20 Development Standards
under subsection 36-361(m)(11). Under no circumstances can a non-
passenger vehicle which exceeds the size limitations in subsection (e)(2) of
this section be parked in a front yard.
h. No non-passenger vehicle can be parked on a residential lot if the vehicle is
not owned or leased by the occupant of the premises where it is parked or is a
commercial vehicle owned by the employer of an occupant who is using the
vehicle for business purposes.
i. Only one tow truck can be parked on a residential property.
j. Parking is not permitted on a driveway within five feet of the curb of a public
street. In the absence of a curb, parking shall not be permitted within five feet
of the traveled public roadway, in no event can a vehicle be parked in such a
manner as to block a public sidewalk.
k. Recreational vehicles six feet in height or less at their highest points may be
parked in one non-driveway area between the front and rear face of the
principal building on a neighborhood zoned lot provided that they are ten feet
or more from the adjacent residence, do not extend beyond the front face of
the principal building, and are screened from the street and from the adjacent
neighbor with a 90 percent opaque fence with a height at least equal to the
height of the highest point of the vehicle to be screened. A fence-height gate
may be placed in the fence to allow for ingress and egress.
(5) One vehicle with an attached snowplow can be parked outside of an enclosed
building between November 1 or the first two-inch snowfall, whichever occurs
first, and April 30. This vehicle will be considered to be a commercial vehicle when
applying this chapter.
(6) Snowplows and other commercial equipment must be stored within an enclosed
structure when not attached to a vehicle.
(7) Outdoor storage of fish houses is not permitted on a residential lot.
(8) On-street parking of non-passenger vehicles is not permitted in the N districts.
(9) The following are exempt from the provisions in this subsection:
a. Any vehicle being used in conjunction with a temporary service benefiting the
property.
b. Vehicles used in conjunction with authorized construction sites between 7:00
a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00
p.m. on weekends and holidays.
c. Vehicles used in conjunction with authorized public works construction.
d. Recreational vehicles can be parked temporarily while being loaded or
unloaded or during routine maintenance and servicing not exceeding 48
consecutive hours.
(b) Single-unit, two-unit, and three-unit dwelling driveway and parking areas. The
following provisions shall apply:
(1) Permit required. A driveway permit shall be issued prior to the installation,
replacement, or expansion of any driveway or parking area.
(2) Width.
a. The maximum width for the driveway apron shall not exceed 22 feet.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 21 Development Standards
b. The maximum cumulative width for driveways, parking areas, and
turnarounds shall not exceed 36 feet for single-unit, and 44 feet for two- and
three-unit dwellings.
c. Horseshoe driveways are permitted when additional driveway accesses are
allowed. The secondary driveway width shall be deducted from the maximum
driveway width allowed and shall not exceed 12 feet in width.
(3) Setbacks.
a. No side setbacks are required for driveways, parking areas, and turnarounds.
b. The start of the transition to a driveway or parking area that is wider than the
driveway apron may start immediately after the driveway apron and cannot
exceed 45 degrees.
c. Turnarounds must be located on private property.
(4) Driveway access.
a. One access to a street and/or alley is allowed for single-unit dwellings on lots
less than 80 feet wide.
b. Two accesses to a street and/or alley is allowed for two- and three-unit
dwellings, or single-unit dwellings on lots greater than or equal to 80 feet
wide.
c. Two street accesses are allowed for corner lots with the condition that one
access is allowed per street frontage for lots less than 80 feet in width.
(5) Miscellaneous.
a. The maximum slope on the driveway shall not exceed 10%.
b. The surface of the driveway shall be paved with asphalt, concrete, or pavers.
Permeable pavers and ribbon driveways may be used on private property if
vegetation is maintained between the ribbons of the driveway and the open
areas of the permeable pavers.
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Sec. 36-364. Electric vehicle supply equipment.
(a) The intent of this section is to facilitate and encourage the use of electric vehicles, to
expedite the establishment of a convenient, cost-effective electric vehicle
infrastructure, and establish minimum requirements for such infrastructure to serve
both short and long-term parking needs.
(b) Number of required electric vehicle charging stations.
(1) All new, reconstructed or expanded parking lots with 14 or fewer parking spaces
shall be allowed, but not required, to install EVSE.
(2) All new, reconstructed or expanded parking lots with at least 15 but no more than
49 spaces shall install EVSE as required below.
a. Multiple-unit residential. At least 10% of the surface parking spaces shall be
served by level 2 stations. At least one handicapped accessible parking space
shall have access to an EVCS.
b. Non-residential land uses. At least two level 2 stations shall be provided. At
least one handicapped accessible parking space shall have access to an EVCS.
(3) All new, reconstructed or expanded parking lots with at least 50 parking spaces
shall install EVSE as required below.
a. Multiple-unit residential. At least 10% of surface parking spaces shall be
served by level 2 stations. At least one handicapped accessible parking space
shall have access to an EVCS.
b. Non-residential land uses. At least 5% of the surface parking spaces shall be
served by level 2 stations, with at least one station adjacent to an accessible
parking space. In non-residential zoned districts, DC charging stations may be
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 23 Development Standards
installed to satisfy the EVCS requirements described above on a one-for-one
basis.
(4) All new or reconstructed motor fuel stations as defined in Section 36-142(d)(20)
shall be required to install at least one additional Level 2 charging station.
(5) In addition to the number of required EVCSs, the following accommodations shall
be required for the anticipated future growth in market demand for electric
vehicles:
a. Multiple-unit residential land uses: all new, expanded, and reconstructed
parking lots shall provide the electrical capacity necessary to accommodate
the future hardwire installation of Level 2 EVCSs for a minimum of 50% of the
surface parking spaces.
b. Non-residential land uses: all new, expanded, and reconstructed parking lots
shall provide the electrical capacity necessary to accommodate the future
hardwire installation of Level 2 or DC EVCSs for a minimum of 50% of the
surface parking spaces.
(6) These requirements may be revised upward or downward by the city council as
part of an application for a conditional use permit or planned unit development
based on verifiable information pertaining to parking.
(c) Reductions to EVSE requirements. When the cost of installing EVSE required by this
chapter would exceed 5% of the total project cost, the property owner or applicant
may request a reduction in the EVSE requirements and submit cost estimates for city
consideration. When city council approval of the project is not required, the zoning
administrator may administratively approve a reduction the required amount of EVSE
in order to limit the EVSE installation costs to not more than 5% of the total project
cost.
(d) Permitted locations.
(1) Level 1 and Level 2 EVCSs are permitted in every zoning district, when accessory to
the primary permitted use. Such stations located at single-unit, two-unit, and
multiple-unit shall be designated as private restricted use only.
(2) DC EVCSs are permitted in the non-neighborhood districts, when accessory to the
primary permitted use.
(3) If the primary use of the parcel is the retail electric charging of vehicles, then the
use shall be considered a motor fuel station for zoning purposes. Installation shall
be located in zoning districts which permit motor fuel stations.
(e) General requirements for single-unit dwellings.
(1) EVSE shall be located in a garage, or on the exterior wall of the home or garage
adjacent to a parking space.
(2) EVSE shall comply with all relevant design criteria as outlined in section (5)d,
unless specifically exempted.
(f) General requirements for multi-unit residential and non-residential development
parking.
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(1) Accessible spaces. A charging station will be considered accessible if it is located
adjacent to and can serve an accessible parking space as defined and required by
the ADA. It is not necessary to designate the EVSE exclusively for the use of
vehicles parked in the accessible space.
(2) EVSE – public use shall be subject to the following requirements:
f. The EVCSs shall be located in a manner that will be easily seen by the public
for informational and security purposes.
g. The EVCS must be operational during the normal business hours of the use(s)
that it serves. EVCS may be de-energized or otherwise restricted after normal
business hours of the use(s) it serves.
(3) Lighting. Site lighting shall be provided where EVSE is installed unless charging is
for daytime purposes only.
(4) Equipment design standards.
a. Battery charging station outlets and connector devices shall be mounted to
comply with state code and must comply with all relevant Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Equipment mounted on pedestals,
lighting posts, bollards, or other devices shall be designed and located as to
not impede pedestrian travel or create trip hazards on sidewalks.
b. Electric vehicle charging devices may be located adjacent to designated
parking spaces in a garage or parking lot provided the devices do not encroach
into the required dimensions of the parking space (length, width, and height
clearances).
c. The design should be appropriate to the location and use. Facilities should be
able to be readily identified by electric vehicle users and blend into the
surrounding landscape/architecture for compatibility with the character and
use of the site.
d. EVCS pedestals shall be designed to minimize potential damage by accidents,
vandalism and to be safe for use in inclement weather.
(5) Usage Fees. The property owner may collect a service fee for the use of EVSE.
(6) Maintenance. EVSE shall be maintained in all respects, including the functioning of
the equipment. A phone number or other contact information shall be provided
on the equipment for reporting problems with the equipment or access to it.
Sec. 36-365. Bicycle parking.
(a) Bicycle parking is required to provide adequate and safe facilities for the storage of
bicycles, to encourage the use of bicycles as an alternative to motor vehicles, and to
provide bicycle access to employment, commercial and other destinations. All new,
expanded, or reconstructed parking structures or lots shall install bicycle parking as
required below.
(b) General requirements.
(1) Bicycle parking may be provided using the following approaches:
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a. Bicycle racks: open-air devices to which a bike is locked, suitable for short-
term visitor and customer parking.
b. Bicycle lockers: stand-alone enclosures designed to hold one bicycle per unit,
preferred for sites that require all-day bicycle parking.
c. Bicycle lockups: site-built secure enclosures that hold one or more bicycles,
best for residents’ and employees’ all-day or long-term bicycle storage.
(2) The city encourages the use of the “inverted U” type bike rack. Other bike rack
designs must provide for:
a. Supporting the bicycle frame at two locations, not including either wheel.
b. Allowing both the frame and at least one wheel to be locked to the rack.
c. Allowing the use of either a cable or U-type lock.
d. Bicycles which are equipped with water bottle cages.
e. Bicycles which are not equipped with kickstands.
f. All types and sizes of bicycles, including various types and sizes of frames,
wheel sizes and tire widths.
(3) All bicycle racks or lockers must be securely anchored to the ground or building
structure.
(4) Bicycle racks or lockers shall be placed on a level, pavement, or concrete surface.
(c) Location criteria for bicycle racks.
(1) Bicycle racks shall be placed near building entrances, generally within 50 feet.
(2) Bicycle rack placement should allow for visual monitoring by people within the
building and/or people entering the building.
(3) Bicycle racks shall be located to avoid conflicts with pedestrians.
(4) Bicycle racks shall be at least 24 inches from a wall to which they are parallel and
30 inches from a wall to which they are perpendicular.
(d) Number of required bicycle parking spaces.
(1) Where the minimum number of required bicycle parking spaces is not specifically
listed for an individual use, the zoning administrator shall determine the minimum
number of required spaces. The zoning administrator shall consider functional
similarities between uses where a parking requirement is listed in the chapter and
the proposed use in determining the requirement.
(2) Residential uses.
a. Single through four-unit dwellings, courtyard cottages, and townhomes. No
bicycle parking spaces are required.
b. Apartments and apartments mixed-use dwelling. One bicycle parking space
per dwelling unit, plus one bicycle parking space per ten automobile parking
spaces.
(3) Commercial, office and industrial uses. Bicycle parking spaces equal to ten percent
of the automobile parking space requirement, but not less than four bicycle
parking spaces.
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(4) Institutional uses. One bicycle parking space per ten automobile parking spaces,
except that schools must provide one bicycle parking space per ten students.
Sec. 36-366. Delivery service entrances and off-street loading facilities.
(a) All delivery service entrances to a building shall be from a public alley, service-alley, off-
street parking lot; deliveries not able to be made from a public alley, service-alley or
off-street parking lot shall be made from the curb in a manner that does not obstruct
drive lanes or on-street parking spaces.
(b) Loading zones. The off-street loading requirement for non-residential buildings with
less than 20,000 square feet may be satisfied by the designation of a loading zone area
on the site. This loading zone area shall be separate from any required off-street
parking area and access to the loading zone area shall be provided which does not
conflict with automobile circulation to, from or within the site.
(c) Loading docks, berths, and facilities.
(1) Loading dock. A minimum of one loading dock shall be provided for non-
residential buildings with 20,000 square feet or more in floor area.
(2) Loading facility. A loading facility includes the dock, the berth for the vehicle,
maneuvering areas, and the necessary screening walls.
(3) Location.
a. All loading berth curb cuts shall be located 25 feet or more from the
intersection of two street rights-of-way.
b. No loading berth shall be located less than 50 feet from any parcel that is
zoned neighborhood and used or subdivided for residential use unless it is
entirely within a building.
(4) Loading facilities shall not occupy the required front yard. Size. A loading dock shall
have a berth area at least 12 feet wide and 55 feet long.
(5) Access. Each loading berth location shall permit vehicular access to a street or
public alley in a manner which will least interfere with traffic.
(6) Surfacing. All loading facilities and accessways shall be paved with bituminous or
concrete paving to control the dust and drainage.
(7) Screening. All berths shall be screened from view from the adjoining streets and
any property in a N district. The screening shall consist of a minimum 10-foot-high
wall and landscaping. Walls shall be designed to be harmonious with the principal
structure. In situations where access to the loading berth is directly from the street
and no other practicable means of access exist, this screening requirement shall
not apply.
(8) Accessory use. No required loading berth or access drive shall be used for the
storage of goods or inoperable vehicles. It may not be included as a part of the
space necessary to meet the off-street parking requirements.
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DIVISION 4. LANDSCAPING.
Sec. 36-367. Purpose.
(a) The city recognizes the aesthetic, ecological, and economic value of landscaping in
both the natural and built environments and requires its use to serve the following
objectives:
(1) Protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the community.
(2) To deter crime through the use of good environmental design practices.
(3) Promote the reestablishment of vegetation in the community for aesthetic, health,
and wildlife reasons.
(4) Improve ground water quality.
(5) Reduce storm water runoff.
(6) Promote compatibility between land uses by reducing the visual, noise, dust, and
lighting impacts of specific development on users of the site and abutting uses.
(7) Aid in energy conservation by providing shade from the sun and shelter from the
wind.
(8) Safeguard and enhance property values.
(9) Break up expanses of paved areas and provide surface shade.
(10) To promote development which will minimize the loss of trees; ensure
maintenance of vegetation; encourage a resourceful and prudent approach to
urban development; provide an objective method to replace trees; provide
incentives for creative land use and good site design which preserves existing
trees. The landscape standards in this section are established to promote these
objectives and encourage innovative and creative landscape design for the benefit
of the city. This section consists of the minimum landscaping and screening
requirements for use throughout the city.
Sec. 36-368. Applicability.
(a) The zoning administrator may require additional landscaping or alter the placement of
the landscaping as deemed appropriate.
Sec. 36-369. Required landscape plan.
(a) With the exception of single-unit and two-unit dwellings, a detailed landscape plan
shall be submitted for review and approval by the zoning administrator for all new
developments, additions or modifications to existing developments or when changes
are made to existing landscape plans.
(b) Landscape plans shall be prepared by a registered landscape architect or other
qualified individual as determined by the zoning administrator.
(c) The landscape plan shall be drawn to a scale of not less than one inch equals 50 feet.
(d) The locations and materials which are to be used in existing landscaping and proposed
developments shall be clearly drawn and labeled on a landscape plan.
(e) The plan shall, at a minimum, show the following:
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(1) The boundary lines of the property with accurate dimensions.
(2) The locations of existing and proposed buildings, parking lots, roads, and other
improvements.
(3) A plan showing existing topography and proposed grading with contour intervals
no greater than two feet.
(4) The location, diameter of trees and common name of existing trees and shrubs.
(5) A planting schedule containing symbols, quantities, common and botanical names,
size of plant materials, root condition, and special planting instructions.
(6) The planting details illustrating proposed locations of all new plant materials.
(7) The locations and details of other landscape features including berms, retaining
walls, fences, walls, sculptures, fountains, street furniture, lights, courtyards and
planter boxes.
(8) The details of restoration of disturbed areas including areas to be sodded or
seeded.
(9) The location and details of irrigation systems.
(10) The details and cross sections of all required screening.
(11) A description of a method to be employed for the protection of all existing
landscape materials to be saved.
(12) Planting and installation details as necessary to ensure conformance with all
required standards.
Sec. 36-370. Minimum landscaping requirements.
(a) All open areas of a lot that are not used for buildings, required parking or circulation
areas, patios, or storage shall be landscaped with a combination of canopy trees,
ornamental trees, evergreen trees, shrubs, flowers, sod, ground cover materials, and
other site design features to ensure soil stabilization. This shall not apply to
undisturbed areas retained in a natural state.
(b) Landscape plans shall be developed with an emphasis upon the boundary or perimeter
of the proposed site, to the immediate perimeter of the structure, parking areas, and
along areas to be screened.
(c) The following minimum number of plant materials shall be provided:
(1) For purposes of calculations, structure parking used as an accessory use shall not
be counted as gross building floor area.
(2) Single-unit and two-unit dwellings constructed after May 7, 2007 shall plant one
tree per lot in the boulevard. The boulevard tree shall be of a species identified in
the City of St. Louis Park’s Landscape Tree List for streets and boulevards and shall
be planted according to city requirements.
(3) Multi-unit residential dwellings shall require one canopy or evergreen tree per
dwelling unit.
(4) Non-residential uses shall require at a minimum the greater of:
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a. One canopy or evergreen tree per 1,000 square feet of gross building floor
area, or
b. One canopy or evergreen tree per 50 lineal feet of site perimeter.
(5) Up to 25% of the required number of canopy or evergreen trees may be
substituted with ornamental trees at a ratio of two ornamental trees to one
canopy or evergreen tree.
(6) Shrubs shall be required at a minimum of the greater of the following:
a. Six shrubs per 1,000 square feet of gross building floor area, or
b. Six shrubs per 50 lineal feet of site perimeter.
c. This requirement shall not apply to single-unit and two-unit residential
dwellings.
(7) Where there is more than one use per building or development, each use shall be
calculated separately to determine minimum landscape requirements.
(8) Landscaping with native species. At least 50% of the plantings used in the
landscape plan must be native plants.
(9) Xeriscaping is encouraged and shall be required in areas that are not irrigated.
Xeriscaping is landscaping which uses plants that have low water requirements,
making them able to withstand extended periods of drought. Xeriscaping
landscapes are a conscious attempt to develop plantings which are compatible
with the environment and make a conscious effort to minimize use of water.
(10) Rain gardens/bioretention systems are encouraged. Bioretention systems can be
described as shallow, landscaped depressions commonly located in parking lot
islands or within areas that receive stormwater runoff. For credit under this
section, the rain garden/bioretention system shall be above ground and a visible
part of the green or landscaped area. Stormwater flows into the bioretention area,
ponds on the surface, and gradually infiltrates into the soil bed. Pollutants are
removed by a number of processes including absorption, filtration, volatilization,
ion exchange, and decomposition. Filtered runoff can either be allowed to
infiltrate into the surrounding soil (functioning as an infiltration basin or rainwater
garden), or discharged to the storm sewer or directly to receiving waters
(functioning like a surface filter). The use of under drain systems are discouraged
unless where infiltration is prohibited by the water resources management plan.
Runoff from larger storms is generally diverted past the area to the storm drain
system.
Sec. 36-371. Screening.
(a) Screening shall consist of landscaping/vegetation, fences, walls, berms, hedges,
landscape materials, or a combination thereof. The height and depth of the screening
shall be consistent with the height and size of the area for which screening is required.
(1) All walls and fences shall be architecturally harmonious with the principal
structure.
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(b) Principal buildings, accessory structures and drive through facilities including stacking
areas within the MU-1, MU-2, MU-3, B-1, I-1, I-2 and P-1 districts shall be screened
from any parcel that is zoned neighborhood and used or subdivided for residential or
has an occupied institutional building including but not limited to a school, religious
institution or community center.
(1) If the parcel zoned neighborhood is not separated by a public right of way and is
less than 50 feet away from the building, structure or drive through facility, the
screening shall include a six-foot privacy fence along the side and/or rear property
line abutting the residential property; the fence height may be increased to eight
feet at the discretion of the zoning administrator. The fence will not be required
when a multi-unit building is adjacent to an existing multiple-unit building of four
or more dwelling units.
(c) Off-street loading and service areas: must be screened from contiguous properties and
adjacent streets, except at access points. Screening shall consist of plant material and
any combination of berms, fences, or walls that provide 100% opacity, year-round, to a
height of at least ten feet.
(d) Outside storage areas; utility service structures; mechanical equipment;
refuse/recycling; maintenance structures and other ancillary equipment shall be
screened 100% from all off-site views year-round. In addition to landscaping, exterior
refuse handling and outside storage areas shall be screened with a six-foot wall or
privacy fence. The fence may be required to be taller at the discretion of the zoning
administrator.
(1) In mixed-use and business districts, screening shall be constructed of
complementary materials to the principal building.
(e) Parking lots:
(1) All off street parking areas and drive lanes located within 30 feet of any parcel that
is zoned neighborhood and used or subdivided for residential or has an occupied
institutional building such as a school, religious institution or community center
shall be screened with landscaping and a solid fence or wall a minimum of eight
feet high in the side and rear yard and 48 inches when adjacent to a front yard.
(2) Regardless of (4)(a) above, off street parking areas located within 30 feet of a
public right of way shall provide screening between the parking lot and right of
way, except at access points. Such screening may consist of a solid hedge, an
architectural compatible opaque wall, fence, berm or combination thereof. The
screening shall be at least 36 inches and no more than 42 inches in height. Transit
shelters, benches, bike racks, or similar features may be integrated as part of the
screen as approved by the zoning administrator.
(f) Utilities and mechanical equipment:
(1) The visual impact of rooftop equipment shall be minimized using one of the
following methods. Where rooftop equipment is located on buildings and is visible
from the ground within 400 feet from property in a N district, only the items listed
in subsections 1 and 2 shall be used.
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a. A parapet wall.
b. A fence the height of which extends at least one foot above the top of the
rooftop equipment and incorporates the architectural features of the building.
c. The rooftop equipment shall be painted to match the roof or the sky,
whichever is most effective.
d. Solar collector surface and its frame shall be exempt from rooftop screening
requirements.
(2) Utility service structures (such as utility meters, utility lines, transformers,
aboveground tanks); refuse and recycling handling; loading docks; maintenance
structures; and other ancillary equipment must be inside a building or be entirely
screened from off-site views utilizing a privacy fence or wall that is at least six feet
in height. A chain link fence with slats shall not be accepted as screening.
(3) All utility services shall be underground except as provided elsewhere in this
chapter.
(g) Properties used as single- through three-unit dwellings are exempt from the screening
requirements.
Sec. 36-372. Off street parking areas.
(a) Off street parking areas with more than 25 parking stalls shall contain interior
landscaped islands. Such islands shall be bounded by a raised concrete curb or
approved equivalent and shall contain mulch to retain soil moisture. Turf grass is
permitted within landscaped areas located around the periphery of a parking lot. This
provision shall not apply to parking structures.
(1) Landscape islands are required at the end of each row of cars, or every 15 stalls
whichever is less. All landscape islands shall contain a minimum of 180 square feet
and a minimum dimension shall be 5 feet.
(2) A minimum of two canopy trees of the same species must be provided per island.
(3) Shrubs, perennials or ornamental grass must be incorporated in each landscaped
island.
(4) Islands shall be prepared with clean soil to a depth of five feet and improved to
ensure adequate drainage, nutrient and moisture-retention levels for the
establishment of plantings.
(5) All perimeter and interior landscaped areas in parking lots shall be equipped with
a permanent irrigation system, unless drought-tolerant plant materials are used
exclusively. Where drought-tolerant plant materials are used, irrigation shall be
required only for the two-year period following plant installation and may be
accomplished using hoses, water trucks, or other nonpermanent means.
(b) Raised islands shall be provided at the end of any parking row where it abuts vehicle
circulation lanes or driveways. Raised islands shall also be provided to separate
pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
(c) Rock mulch shall not be used in landscaped islands.
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Sec. 36-373. Alternative landscape options.
(a) The city encourages the use of special design features such as green rooftops,
integrated pedestrian facilities and public art. To encourage the use of these special
design features, the city acknowledges a degree of flexibility may be necessary to
adjust to unique situations. Landscaping required in this section may be reduced if at
least one of the following alternative landscaping options are utilized:
(1) Green rooftops. Green rooftops are veneers of living vegetation installed atop
buildings, from small garages to large industrial structures. Green rooftops help
manage stormwater by mimicking a variety of hydrologic processes normally
associated with open space. Plants capture rainwater on their foliage and absorb it
in their root zone, encouraging evapotranspiration and preventing much
stormwater from ever entering runoff streams. What water does leave the roof is
slowed and kept cooler, a benefit for downstream water bodies. Green roofs are
especially effective in controlling intense, short duration storms and have been
shown to reduce cumulative annual runoff by 50% in temperate climates.
(2) Aesthetic design. Sites designed to include at least one of the following: public art,
public seating, fountains, plazas, perennial beds, entrance landscaping, integrated
pedestrian facilities, or other amenities reviewed and approved by the zoning
administrator.
(3) Recreational or transportation benefit. The site includes amenities that provide
recreational or transportation benefits over and above what is required by the city,
such as integrated pedestrian facilities or a transit shelter.
Sec. 36-374. Plant material standards.
(a) The complement of trees required shall be at least 25% deciduous and at least 25%
coniferous. Not more than 30% of the required number of trees shall be composed of
one species. Single through four-unit dwellings are exempt from this requirement.
(b) Minimum size of plantings. Caliper inches to be measured six inches off the ground.
(1) Deciduous tree (canopy) – 2.5 inch caliper
(2) Ornamental tree – 1.5 inch caliper
(3) Evergreen tree – 3 inch caliper
(4) Deciduous shrub – 5 gallon pot
(5) Evergreen shrub - 5 gallon pot
(6) Ornamental grass – 1 gallon pot
(c) Species of plant material which satisfy the requirements of this section shall be
consistent with the City of St. Louis Park’s Landscape Tree List, as provided by the city.
(d) Existing healthy significant and heritage trees, may be counted toward the landscaping
requirements, if they are not identified as prohibited.
(e) The vegetation required for screening and off-street parking areas may be counted
toward the minimum landscaping requirements provided the plan continues to meet
the purpose and objectives of this section.
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(1) The diversity of landscape tree species shall meet the following requirements:
a. Each of the first three trees planted on a site must be of a different genus.
b. When 20 or more trees are required on a site or within a development, no
more than 20% of all trees shall be of the same genus.
Sec. 36-375. Method of installation.
(a) The spacing of trees shall be appropriate to the type of plant species provided.
Evergreen shrubs shall be planted in clusters in order to maximize survival.
(b) Traffic visibility shall be maintained by selecting and locating landscaping and design
features that do not result in a safety or visibility hazard as required in section 36-76
(traffic visibility regulations).
(c) All deciduous shrubs and spreading or globe evergreen shrubs shall be moved onto the
site in pots. All other plant materials shall be balled and burlapped (B&B) or moved
onto the site with a tree spade.
(d) Minor plan substitutions to any approved planting plan may be accepted as approved
by the zoning administrator.
(e) Landscaping for one- and two-unit homes shall be installed within one year of the
issuance of the building permit for a new home, addition or garage.
(f) In calculating the required plant material under the provisions of this section, all areas
and distances on which required calculations are based shall be rounded up to the
nearest whole number.
Sec. 36-376. Restrictions for tree removal; standards for replacement.
(a) Public land. Only those persons authorized by the city may remove any tree from
public land. Trees removed from any public land including city, county or state right of
way shall be replaced by the person or entity who removed it. Replacement shall be in
the following manner:
(1) Replacement of any live tree which is removed from any public land shall be
required on a caliper inch for caliper inch basis. The city may also elect to receive
cash in lieu of trees based on a fee per caliper inch determined by the city council.
(2) Replacement trees shall be replaced in locations as follows:
a. On public boulevards where the boulevard width is four feet or more, trees
should be planted at 30-foot intervals, according to a landscape plan, or as
approved by the city; however, no tree shall be planted within 15 feet of a
utility pole, seven feet of a shutoff valve or underground utility, two feet of a
concrete curb, or within 25 feet of an intersection as regulated by section 36-
76; or
b. In a public park or open space.
(3) Replacement trees shall be of a species approved by the city forester.
(b) Private land. This subsection shall not apply to trees removed from existing lots
developed with single-unit or two-unit dwellings. If any existing lot of record is
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subsequently subdivided, tree replacement shall be required for all of the new
resulting lots or parcels.
(1) Any person proposing a land disturbing activity shall apply to the city for, and
receive approval of, a tree protection permit. No land shall be disturbed until the
plan is approved by the city and conforms to the standards set forth herein.
(2) The application for a tree protection permit shall include the following:
a. The name, address, and phone number of the person applying for the permit.
b. The name and address of the property owner.
c. A tree inventory of the site certified by a registered land surveyor, landscape
architect, or forester which identifies the size, species, condition, and
locations on the land of all existing significant and heritage trees on the
property. In addition, this inventory shall identify all significant and heritage
trees which will be cut down, removed, or lost due to grading or other
damage. The tree inventory shall be verified by the city forester.
d. Where the proposed changes include land alteration, a grading plan which
identifies the following:
1. A minimum scale of one inch equals 50 feet.
2. All existing and proposed contours at two (2) foot intervals.
3. Location of all existing and proposed structures.
4. Any grade change or land alteration, whether temporary or permanent,
of greater than one foot measured vertically, affecting 30 percent (as
measured on a horizontal plane) or more of a tree's root zone.
5. Utility construction which may result in the cutting of 30 percent or more
of a tree's roots within the root zone.
6. Any areas where soil compaction is planned to a depth of six inches or
more, or of 30 percent or more of the surface of the soil within a root
zone.
e. A plan for the protection of trees intended to be saved shall adhere to tree
protection methods and locations as outlined in the tree replacement section
of this article.
f. A statement of the proposed use of the land including a description of the
type of building or structure existing or proposed to be constructed on the
site.
g. The number, type and size of trees required to be replaced by this section.
h. The proposed locations of the replacement trees.
(3) Allowable tree removal.
a. Up to 20% of the diameter inches of significant trees on any parcel may be
removed without replacement requirements. Replacement according to the
tree replacement schedule is required when removal exceeds more than 20%
of the total significant tree diameter inches.
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b. Replacement according to the tree replacement schedule is required for
removal of all heritage tree diameter inches.
c. Diseased, dead, or structurally unsound trees are exempt from the provision
of this section. The city forester will make the final determination of whether
a tree is diseased, dead or structurally unsound.
(4) Tree replacement schedule. Tree removals over the allowable tree removal limit on
the parcel shall be replaced according to the following schedule:
a. Significant trees shall be replaced with new trees at a rate of one and one half
caliper inch replaced for every one diameter inch removed.
b. Heritage trees shall be replaced with new trees at a rate of two caliper inches
replaced for every one diameter inch removed.
(5) Heritage tree preservation credits. A credit may be applied to the required
significant or heritage tree replacement if a healthy, heritage tree is preserved on a
site. The tree must be approved by the city as a quality tree worth saving. The
credit will be applied at a rate of one caliper inch for every one heritage tree
diameter inch preserved, up to 50% of the total required replacement. If a
heritage tree for which credit is provided does not survive one year after
construction, the developer will be required to pay the fee-in-lieu.
(6) Removal of any significant or heritage tree or approval of a permit for land
alteration which results in tree destruction shall be subject to and conditioned
upon the owner or developer replacing the loss or reasonably anticipated loss of
all live significant and heritage trees. The number of caliper inches to be provided
in replacement shall be determined by the following formula:
a. Significant trees
[B - (A x 0.2)] x 1.5 = C
A = Total diameter inches of significant trees situated on the
land.
B = Total diameter inches of significant trees lost as a result of
land alteration or removal.
C = Replacement trees (number of caliper inches).
b. Heritage trees
(A x 2) – (B - A) = C
A = Total diameter inches of heritage trees lost as a result of land
alteration or removal.
B = Total diameter inches of heritage trees situated on the land.
c = Replacement trees (number of caliper inches).
(7) Protected tree replacement fee. If a significant or heritage tree that was identified
for preservation and received replacement credit or zoning ordinance
consideration is removed or damaged during construction, the developer will be
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required to pay to the city a cash mitigation. The fee is based on the diameter
inches of the tree(s) damaged or removed. The fee per diameter inch is set forth in
the city’s fee schedule as the cash in lieu of replacement trees fee.
(8) Location of replacement trees.
a. Priority shall be given to locate replacement trees on any part of the parcel
where screening is required.
b. If there is insufficient area within the project to plant the required
replacement trees, they may be planted within any park, open space, or
boulevard within the city as determined by the city provided the city consents
in writing. The city may also elect to receive cash in lieu of trees based on a
fee per caliper inch determined by the city council.
(9) Replacement trees shall be of a species similar to the trees which are lost or
removed but shall be limited to one of those species shown on the City of St. Louis
Park’s Landscape Tree List, as provided by the city. No more than 50 percent of the
caliper inches of the replacement trees shall be understory trees.
(c) All trees required to be replaced by this section shall be replaced in the following
manner.
(1) Replacement trees shall be planted within 18 months from the date the permit
authorizing the removal of trees is issued.
(2) Diseased, dead, or structurally unsound trees are exempt from the provision of
this section. The city forester is responsible for determining a tree is diseased,
dead or structurally unsound.
(3) Any replacement tree which is not alive and healthy one year following the date
that it was planted shall be replaced with a new healthy tree of the same size and
species as the removed tree.
(4) Sources of trees. Replacement trees shall consist of Minnesota certified nursery
stock.
Sec. 36-377. Tree protection.
(a) All trees which are to be retained on any site shall be marked and physically protected
from harm or destruction caused by soil compaction, equipment and material storage
within the drip line, bark abrasions, changes in soil chemistry, out-of-season pruning
and root cutting during construction.
(b) Before any construction or grading of any development project occurs, orange “safety
fence” at least four feet in height and staked with steel posts no less than every five
feet shall be placed around the drip line borders of woodlots and or the drip lines of
significant trees to be preserved. Signs shall be placed along this fence line identifying
the area as a tree protection area and prohibiting grading beyond the fence line. This
fence must remain in place until all grading and construction activity is terminated.
(c) No equipment, construction materials, or soil may be stored within the drip lines of
any significant trees to be preserved.
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(d) Care must be taken to prevent the change in soil chemistry due to concrete washout
and leakage or spillage of toxic materials such as fuels or paints.
(e) Drainage patterns on the site shall not change considerably causing drastic
environmental changes in the soil moisture content where trees are intended to be
preserved.
(f) Pruning of oak and elm tree branches and roots must not take place from May 1
through July 31. (As per Ordinance 2257-03) If wounding of oak or elm trees occurs, a
nontoxic tree wound dressing must be applied immediately. Excavators must have a
nontoxic tree wound dressing with them on the development site.
(g) Any tree determined by the city forester to be destroyed or damaged shall be replaced
in accordance with the tree replacement section above.
Sec. 36-378. Maintenance of landscaping.
(a) All landscaping and site improvements shall be completed within one year after the
certificate of occupancy has been issued.
(b) The continued maintenance of all required landscaping materials in a live and healthy
state is a requirement of this section and is the responsibility of the owner and tenant
of the property on which the materials are required. This requirement shall run with
the land and be binding upon all future property owners. Failure to comply with this
requirement shall be a violation of this section.
(c) An underground sprinkler system shall be installed in all landscaped areas except areas
to be preserved in a natural state or where all proposed plant materials are drought
tolerant. Where drought-tolerant plant materials are used, irrigation shall be required
only for the two-year period following the installation and may be accomplished using
hoses, water trucks or other nonpermanent means.
Sec. 36-379. Security.
(a) Before approval of a permit, the owner or developer shall:
(1) Enter into a written agreement with the city on a form approved by the city
attorney in which the developer undertakes to comply with the provisions and
conditions imposed by this section and the owner or developer shall indemnify the
city against any loss, cost or expense, including an amount payable for reasonable
attorneys' fees incurred in enforcing the terms of the agreement.
(2) Provide a surety in a form approved by the city attorney to ensure the obligations
of that agreement will be performed. The amount of surety shall be 125% of the
estimated cost necessary to furnish and plant the required landscaping. The
estimated cost shall be subject to approval by the city. If the estimated cost
submitted by the developer to the city is not approved by the city, the city shall
have the exclusive right to determine the estimated cost.
(b) The property owner shall request an inspection after the required landscaping has
been installed. The security will be released one year following the inspection when all
landscaping is found to comply with the approved landscape or replacement plan. That
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part of the security which has not been released at the end of that year shall be
retained and shall secure the developer's obligation to remove and replant
replacement trees which are not alive or are unhealthy at the end of the year and to
replant missing trees. The entire security may be released one year after the replanting
of such trees has been satisfactorily completed if the city has certified that those
replacement trees are alive and healthy. To be certified as alive and healthy, the
following conditions must exist:
(1) No tree shall have sustained mechanical injury to the trunk of a tree causing loss of
more than 30% of the bark circumference of the tree at any location along the
tree's trunk.
(2) No tree shall have had soil compacted to six inches deep over more than 30
percent of its root zone.
(3) No tree shall have had more than 30% of its roots cut for the installation of any
utility or for any other purpose.
(4) No tree shall possess more than 25% of its crown in dead branches.
(5) None of the security shall be released until the developer's obligations to
indemnify the city for any expenses incurred in enforcing the terms of the
agreement are satisfied.
Sec. 36-380. Penalties for violation.
(a) Any tree not exempted by section (j)(2)a of this section that is visibly damaged or has a
root system that has been driven on causing soil compaction or the soil within the root
zone has been compacted in any way, shall be replaced in accordance to the tree
replacement formula found in section (j(2)d. of this section, or as per section (j)(1) of
this section for public trees. Also, any person who is not authorized by the city who
removes any tree from any public property without first obtaining a permit and any
person who fails to replace trees in the manner provided in this subsection shall, in
addition to the criminal penalties prescribed by law, be required to pay to the city the
estimated cost of tree replacement in the amount determined by the city. Upon
determination that this has occurred, the city shall submit a bill for the amount of tree
replacement. If that amount is not received by the city within 90 days, such amount
shall be assessed as a special assessment on any land owned by the person violating
this chapter which is located in the city.
DIVISION 5. FENCES.
Sec. 36-381. General provisions.
(a) Permit required. A permit shall be required prior to the installation of any fence.
(b) Submission requirements. The following information shall be submitted prior to a fence
permit being issued:
(1) Application form and fee.
(2) Site plan indicating location of fence.
(3) Fence design indicating height and style of fence.
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(c) Yards definition. The definition of yards found in section 36-162(b) shall be used for this
section.
Sec. 36-382. Fence location.
(a) All fences shall be located entirely upon the private property of the party requiring or
requesting the construction of the fence. It shall be the responsibility of the party
installing the fence to ensure that it is constructed on their property.
(b) No fence shall be constructed or permitted on any public property, right of way or
easement without the express authorization from the public agency having jurisdiction
over the property or right of way.
(c) In the MU-1 district, fences in the street yards are prohibited, unless they meet the
following standards:
(1) Maximum height: three feet
(2) Maximum opacity: 50%
Sec. 36-383. Fence design.
(a) Fences shall be constructed so the finished side of the fence is facing towards the
neighboring properties, exposing the structural side to the party requesting the fence.
Alternating board fences which have the structural elements equally visible on both
sides shall be considered as complying with this section.
(b) Permitted materials. Fences must be constructed of materials designed for permanent
outdoor fencing, including, but not limited to, wood, metal, bricks, masonry, and rigid
plastic or vinyl. Wood fences must be constructed of naturally decay resistant wood
such as cedar or redwood, or wood treated by the manufacturer to be decay resistant.
(c) Prohibited materials. Fences must not be constructed from razor wire, wood not
manufactured for exterior use, or materials originally intended for other purposes.
Above ground electric fence is not permitted. Barbed wire is permitted only on top of
fences in nonresidential districts, a minimum of six feet above the natural grade. Chain
link or metal wire fencing finer than 11-gauge in diameter is prohibited.
(d) Exceptions. The following fences are exempt from the design requirements:
(1) Snow fences when used by institutional and public land uses exclusively for control
of snow between November 1 and April 15.
(2) Chicken wire fencing when used to enclose a garden.
(3) Fences used to secure a construction site.
(4) Fences used to protect vegetation during construction.
(5) Fences used to control erosion.
(6) Fences used to provide screening of a patio or placed in landscaping for decorative
purposes subject to the following conditions:
a. The fence shall be located in the side or rear yard.
b. The fence shall be located at least three feet from the property line.
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(7) Chain link and metal wire fences utilizing wood for the support structure shall
install the chain link and metal wire on the fence owner’s side of support
structure.
Sec. 36-384. Height.
(a) The height shall be measured from the side of the fence with the lower ground level to
the top of the fence or wall section. When there is a grade change between posts, then
the height of the fence shall be the average of the height measurements taken where
the fence panel meets each post, but in no case shall the height of any one point
exceed six inches above the maximum allowed by this section. Fence posts may exceed
eight inches above the maximum allowed by this section.
(b) A fence or wall shall not exceed six feet in height if it is located in any side or rear yard.
(c) A fence, wall or hedge shall not exceed four feet in height if located in a front yard.
(d) Exceptions.
(1) A fence or wall may be up to eight feet in height if placed in any side or rear yard
which abuts Interstate 394, State Highway 100, State Highway 7, State Highway
169, or their adjacent frontage road.
(2) A fence or wall may be up to eight feet in height if placed in any side or rear yard in
a N district which abuts property in the B, MU or I districts, or abuts a railroad right
of way, school, religious institution, or other public building.
(3) A fence or wall may be up to eight feet in height if placed in any side or rear yard
when it is required for screening.
(4) A fence or wall in one front yard of any through lot may be at the height permitted
in a rear yard if it complies with all of the provisions of section 36-76, is used as a
rear yard, and the fenced yard used as the rear yard does not adjoin a yard used as
a front yard.
(5) Barbed wire may be used by certain industrial and public service users for health
and safety purposes. However, the barbed wire cannot be used at a height lower
than six feet six inches, and the overall height of the fence including the barbed
wire cannot exceed eight feet.
Sec. 36-385. Construction and maintenance.
(a) Both sides of the fence shall be maintained in a condition of good repair.
(b) Any fence that is potentially dangerous to the public safety or health by reason of
construction or sharp projections or protrusions shall be removed or repaired.
DIVISION 5. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN.
Sec. 36-386. Purpose.
(a) The purpose of this section is to serve the public interest by promoting a high standard
of development in the city. Through a comprehensive review of both functional and
aesthetic aspects of new or intensified developments, the city seeks to accomplish the
following:
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(1) Implement the comprehensive plan;
(2) Preserve the character of neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas;
(3) Reasonably maintain and improve the city tax base;
(4) Reduce the adverse impacts of dissimilar land uses;
(5) Promote orderly and safe flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic;
(6) Discourage the development of identical and similar building facades which
detract from the character and appearance of the neighborhood;
(7) Preserve the natural and built environment; and
(8) Minimize adverse impacts on adjacent properties from buildings which are or may
become unsightly.
Sec. 36-387. Applicability.
(a) Architectural design standards shall be applicable to all apartment, mixed use, and
non-residential buildings.
Sec. 36-388. Building design.
(a) Buildings shall be designed to enhance the attractiveness of the city’s streetscape by
minimizing monotonous structures and long, blank walls. Additionally, buildings shall,
through use of architectural details and scale, have architectural features and patterns
that provide visual interest from the perspective of the pedestrian. The following
techniques shall be incorporated into building design in order to accomplish such
requirements.
Table XX. Architectural Design Standards
District Upper stories
stepback
Primary street
frontage non-
residential use
minimum
Building
entrances
Transparency
minimum,
ground story
(%)
Transparency
minimum,
upper stories
(%)
Mixed Use
MU-1 None 75%; first 30 ft.
behind
building facade
A primary
entrance is
required on
the building's
primary street
frontage
Primary
frontage:
50%
Secondary
frontage:
20%
Primary
frontage:
20%
Secondary
frontage:
20%
MU-2 For side and rear
property lines
adjacent to N-1 or N-
2 districts, the
portion of the
building above 40
MU-3
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District Upper stories
stepback
Primary street
frontage non-
residential use
minimum
Building
entrances
Transparency
minimum,
ground story
(%)
Transparency
minimum,
upper stories
(%)
Business
B-1 feet shall be stepped
back from the side
and rear property
lines a minimum of
10 feet
None Each business
shall have a
direct and
primary access
facing the
street
frontage or an
interior
arcade.
Neighborhood
N-1 None None None None None
N-2 None None A primary
entrance is
required on
the building's
primary street
frontage
Primary
frontage:
50%
Secondary
frontage:
20%
Primary
frontage:
20%
Secondary
frontage:
20%
N-3 For side and rear
property lines
adjacent to N-1 or N-
2 districts, the
portion of the
building above 40
feet shall be stepped
back from the side
and rear property
lines a minimum of
10 feet
None
N-4 None
Industrial I-1 None None None None None
I-2 None None None None None
Park and
Open Space P-1 Each standard shall match the requirement for the adjacent properties. If the adjacent
properties are in two or more zoning districts, then the more restrictive requirement
applies.
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(1) Additional ground floor transparency standards. The following transparency
criteria shall be required along street frontages for buildings in the PUD, MU, and B
districts.
a. Window paintings and signage shall cover no more than 10% of the total
window and door area
b. Visibility into the space shall be maintained for a minimum depth of three
feet. Display of merchandise is allowed within this three feet.
c. Interior storage areas, utility closets and trash areas shall not be visible from
the exterior of the building.
d. No more than 10% of total window and door area shall be glass block,
mirrored, spandrel, frosted or other opaque glass, finishes or material
including window painting and signs. The remaining 90% of window and door
area shall be highly transparent, low reflectance windows with a minimum
60% transmittance factor and a reflectance factor of not greater than 0.25.
e. Buildings which expand the gross square footage of the building by more than
50% shall bring the entire building into compliance with these transparency
requirements.
f. The city acknowledges a degree of flexibility may be necessary to adjust to
unique situations. Alternatives that provide an increase in pedestrian vibrancy
and street safety including but not limited to public art and pedestrian scale
amenities may be considered and may be approved by the zoning
administrator, unless the development application requires approval by city
council, in which case the city council shall approve the alternate transparency
plan.
(2) Interior and exterior bars, grills, mesh or similar obstructions shall not cover any
exterior door or more than ten percent of any individual window or contiguous
window area.
(3) Temporary security screens may cover all windows and doors, and be located
within three feet of the windows and doors with the following conditions:
a. The security screen does not obscure more than 50% of the visibility into the
building at any window or door.
b. The security screen is retracted and stored in a location so as not to be visible
during business hours.
c. The security screen is located inside the building. Exterior security screens are
not permitted.
(4) For side and rear property lines adjacent to N-1 or N-2 districts, building shadows
shall not cover more than 50 percent of a principal building wall in the N-1 or N-2
districts for a period greater than two hours between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for
more than 60 days of the year.
(5) Architectural design elements that will be considered in the review of building and
site plans include building materials, color and texture, building bulk, general
massing, roof treatment, proportion of openings, facade design elements and
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variation, window and openings. Site plan design elements that will be considered
in the determination as to whether site plan design is superior include quantity,
quality, variation, compatibility and size of plant materials, landscape berms and
screening walls. Also considered will be the overall order, symmetry and
proportion of the various elements within the site and within the larger context of
the area or corridor.
(6) The height, bulk, general massing, roof treatment, materials, colors, textures,
major divisions, and proportions of a new or remodeled building shall be
compatible with that of other buildings on the site and on adjacent sites.
Sec. 36-389. Building materials.
(a) Exterior surface materials of buildings shall be installed and maintained in accordance
with the adopted building code and the manufacturer ’s specifications and shall be
subject to the regulations listed below. Products listed as “integral colored” shall
continue its surface color consistently through the depth of the product as opposed to
being colored, painted, or stained on the surface only.
(1) Classes of materials. Materials shall be divided into class I, class II and class III
categories as follows:
a. Class I. The following materials are considered class 1 materials as specified:
1. Brick
2. Marble, granite, or other natural stone
3. Integral colored cast stone (the stone is colored consistently through)
4. Textured cement stucco
5. Architectural wall cladding (Nichiha, Equitone and similar brands)
Material must be through colored and at least 5/8 inches thick.
6. Copper
7. Porcelain
8. Glass
9. Wall mounted solar energy system
10. Residential buildings containing four or fewer dwelling units may utilize
the following additional materials:
i. Wood
ii. Vinyl siding
iii. Fiber-reinforced cement board
iv. Prefinished metal
11. Residential buildings containing five or more dwelling units may utilize
the following additional materials:
i. Up to 10% of the required class 1 materials may be finished with
clapboard and/or shake-style fiber-reinforced cement board with a
minimum thickness of ¼ inch.
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12. Park buildings under 3,000 square feet may utilize the following
additional materials.
i. Wood
b. Class II. The following materials are considered class II materials as specified:
1. Exposed aggregate concrete panels
2. Burnished concrete block
3. Integral colored split face (rock face) and exposed aggregate concrete
block
4. Cast-in-place concrete
5. Insulated exterior wall panels (E.I.F.S., Drivit and similar brands)
6. Fiber-reinforced cement board siding with a minimum thickness of ¼ inch
7. Prefinished metal
8. Integral colored concrete panels other than smooth finished
c. Class III. The following materials are considered class III materials as specified:
1. Unpainted or surface painted concrete block (scored or unscored)
2. Unpainted or surface painted plain or ribbed concrete panels
3. Unfinished or surface painted metal
4. Smooth finished concrete panels
5. Brick, stone, or integral colored material which has been painted
(2) New construction minimum class I materials. At least 60% of each building face
visible from off the site must be of class I materials except as permitted by
subsection (d)(4)c. of this section. Not more than 10% of each building face visible
from off the site may be of class III materials. Portions of buildings not visible from
off the site may be constructed of greater percentages of class II or class III
materials if the structure otherwise conforms to all city ordinances. The mixture of
building materials must be compatible and integrated.
(3) New construction buildings in I-1 and I-2 districts.
a. Not on major streets and not near residential. For buildings in the I-G and I-P
districts which are not located on a principal arterial, minor arterial, major
collector, or adjacent to or across from any neighborhood zoned property,
class I materials may be reduced to a minimum of 25% provided that the
remaining materials are functionally and durably equal to a class I material as
certified by the architect or manufacturer.
b. On major streets or near residential. For building walls in the I-1 and I-2
districts facing on a principal arterial, minor arterial or major collector, or
adjacent to or across from any neighborhood zoned property, class I materials
may be reduced to a minimum of 25% provided that the remaining materials
are functionally and durably equal to a class I material as certified by the
architect or manufacturer and that the architectural design and site plan are
superior quality as determined by the zoning administrator. The architecture
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and site plan shall meet the following minimum criteria to be considered
superior quality:
1. The exposed height of the building wall shall not exceed 15 feet.
2. The number of required plant units shall be increased by 20% or the size
of 20% of the overstory trees installed shall be increased to 3 1/2 caliper
inches.
3. A minimum of 10% of the building facade must be windows or glass
spandrels.
(4) Existing buildings. Existing buildings may paint or stain their exterior utilizing
product specifically formulated for its intended use. All painted or stained surfaces
shall be maintained so it is free of chipping and peeling.
(5) Temporary materials. On non-residential properties, covered patios with a
permanent solid roof may enclose the wall openings with transparent non-glass
materials for up to six months per calendar year provided the permanent exterior
wall materials are not covered.
Sec. 36-390. Awnings and canopies.
(a) Design parameters. Awnings and canopies shall be designed, installed, and maintained
to meet the following criteria:
(1) Awnings and canopies shall have noncombustible frames. If an awning can be
collapsed, retracted or folded, the design shall be such that the awning does not
block any required exit.
(2) Canopies no more than 12 feet wide are permitted in the N-3, N-4, MU and B-1
districts if they are open at the sides, comply with the provisions of section 36-76
and provide 14 feet of clearance if located over any access roadway or fire lane.
(3) Awnings and canopies less than 25 feet in width may extend into the public right
of way up to two feet from the face of the nearest curb line measured horizontally.
(4) All portions of any awning and canopy shall provide at least eight feet of clearance
or any walkway and twelve feet of clearance over a driveway or private roadway.
(5) Canopy posts or other supports located within a public right of way or easement
shall be placed in a location approved by the city engineer.
(6) Awnings shall be constructed of heavy canvas fabric, metal, and/or glass.
(7) Plastic, vinyl, and backlit awnings are prohibited.
(b) Permit required. A building permit shall be issued prior to the installation of any
awning or canopy. In addition to the building permit, an encroachment agreement
shall be issued by the city engineer prior to the installation of any awning or canopy
that extends into, upon or over any street or alley right of way, park or other public
property. The encroachment agreement shall include provisions that hold the owner of
the awning or canopy liable to the city for any damage which may result to any person
or property by reason of such encroachment or the removal of such encroachment.
Additional conditions may be imposed on encroachment permits to protect the health,
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safety or welfare of the public or to protect nearby property owners from hardship or
damage or to protect other public interests as determined by the city engineer.
(c) Submission requirements. The following information shall be submitted prior to the
installation of an awning or canopy.
(1) Application form and fee. A separate fee shall be required for the building permit
and encroachment agreement.
(2) Dimensioned and scaled site plan and building elevations.
(3) Four sets of drawings for each awning or canopy proposed.
(d) Projections to be safe.
(1) All such projections over public property shall be structurally safe, shall be kept in
a safe condition and state of repair consistent with the design thereof and repaired
when necessary in the opinion of the city engineer or building official by and at the
expense of the person having ownership or control of the building from which
they project.
(2) Faded or torn canopies, awnings and banners shall be removed or replaced. If
faded or torn canopies, awnings and banners are not removed or replaced by the
owner within 30 days of notification by the city, the city may remove them and
assess the cost of removal to the property.
(e) Removal upon order. The owner of an awning or canopy, any part of which projects
into, upon, over or under any public property shall, upon being ordered to do so by the
city engineer, remove at once any part or all of such encroachment and shall restore
the right of way to a safe condition. Such removal and restoration of the right of way
will be at the sole expense of the property owner. The city may, upon failure of the
property owner to remove the encroachment as ordered, remove the encroachment,
and the reasonable costs of removing such encroachment incurred by the city shall be
billed and levied against the property as a special assessment.
Sec. 36-391. Banners
(a) Decorative banners are allowed in the N-4, C-2, and O districts and are regulated as
follows:
(1) All banners shall be an integral part of the overall design scheme of a project. A
banner shall be deemed to be a part of the integral design scheme if the following
conditions exist:
a. The banner is compatible with the architectural character of the building in
terms of rhythm of openings, horizontal or vertical emphasis, and stylistic
features of the building in color, pattern and shape.
b. The banner is considered to be in harmony and unity with various elements
within the site and also within the larger context of the area or corridor.
c. The location and placement of the banner provides a harmonious rhythm to
the building and site elements.
d. The zoning administrator shall determine whether any banner meets the
design criteria set forth by this subsection (h)(4).
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(2) No single banner may exceed eight square feet in area.
(3) Banners shall be securely fastened on the full length of at least two sides of the
banner to a structure which was erected for another principal purpose, such as a
light standard.
(4) Faded or torn banners shall be removed or replaced. If faded or torn banners are
not removed or replaced by the owner within 30 days of notification by the city,
the city may remove them and assess the cost of removal to the property.
(5) No banner may display a commercial message.
(6) Banners shall be exempt from the total allowable sign area for a parcel.
(7) The maximum aggregate area for banners shall not exceed 40 square feet, except
for properties improved with one- to three-unit dwellings located in the N-1 and
N-2 districts which shall not exceed 9 square feet.
(8) The top of a banner may not exceed 15 feet in height from the ground.
(9) No banner may be displayed within any required yard.
Sec. 36-392. Murals.
(a) Permit required. A permit is required and shall be issued prior to the installation of any
mural.
(1) The following information shall be submitted prior to a permit being issued
demonstrating compliance with this section:
a. A dimensioned drawing of the proposed mural.
b. A picture of the building or wall indicating the precise location of the mural.
c. Details of the material used and manner of installation.
(2) Repairing or repainting the mural in the manner it was approved does not require
additional permits.
(b) Dimensional Standards. Murals shall abide by the following standards.
(1) Area. Murals on buildings may cover up to 50% of the entire building wall area in
elevation view totaled across all building sides.
(2) Height. No portion of a mural may extend above the surface on which it is
installed.
(3) Projection. No part or element of a mural may project more than two feet beyond
the plane of the surface upon which it is installed.
a. The projection cannot encroach into a public easement of record without the
written approval of the Director of Engineering.
b. A projection over a sidewalk must maintain at least eight feet of clearance
from the sidewalk surface to the lowest portion of the projection.
(c) Placement Standards. Murals shall abide by the following placement standards:
(1) Murals shall not directly face adjacent residential structures.
(d) Design standards. Murals shall abide by the following design standards:
(1) Any portion of the mural determined by the zoning administrator to be a sign will
be calculated as a wall sign.
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(2) Murals shall not include any of the following:
a. Mechanically produced or computer-generated printed images
b. Electric or mechanical components that cause changing images
c. Representations which imitate or appear to imitate any official traffic sign or
device which appears to regulate or direct the movement of traffic, or which
interferes with the proper operation of any traffic sign or signal.
(3) Materials and maintenance.
a. The mural must be securely attached to the building or structure to which it is
applied.
b. Materials must be durable and weather resistant to prevent premature
deterioration or other unintended changes in appearance. They must be able
to be cleaned of dirt, graffiti, and other natural or unintended damage.
c. Materials must be appropriate for outdoor location and climate.
d. Damaged, peeling, or deteriorating murals shall be repaired or removed. If
removed, then repairs to the building or structure shall be made as
determined by the Community Development Director.
Sec. 36-393. General provisions.
(a) All exterior finishes for one and two-unit dwellings and accessory structures shall be
installed within one year from the issuance of the building permit.
(b) Additions and accessory structures. The exterior wall surface materials, roof treatment,
colors, textures, major divisions, proportion, rhythm of openings, and general
architectural character, including horizontal or vertical emphasis, scale, stylistic
features of additions, exterior alterations, and new accessory buildings shall address
and respect the original architectural design and general appearance of the principal
buildings on the site and shall comply with the requirements of this section. Clear
acrylic that is high impact, double-skinned, non-yellowing, and a minimum eight
millimeters thick may be classified as a Class I material for accessory greenhouses.
DIVISION 6. OUTDOOR LIGHTING.
Sec. 36-394. Purpose.
(a) The purpose of this section is to minimize the adverse effect of light and glare on
operators of motor vehicles, pedestrians, and on residential and other land uses in the
vicinity of a light source in order to promote traffic safety and to prevent the nuisances
associated with the intrusion of spill light and glare.
Sec. 36-395. Applicability.
(b) The requirements of this section apply to all outdoor lighting, except lighting for signs
which are covered under section 36-362, and for street lighting within public rights-of-
way.
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Sec. 36-396. General provisions.
(a) Lighting plan. Submittal of a lighting plan shall be required to ensure compliance with
this section for all new development, redevelopment, and additions other than single-
unit and two-unit dwelling units. The city may also require a lighting plan for any
proposed new light source. This lighting plan shall include the following:
(1) A site plan showing location of buildings, parking areas, landscaping, and all
proposed outdoor lighting fixtures.
(2) Proposed mounting height of each outdoor lighting fixture.
(3) Descriptions of each proposed outdoor lighting fixture including but not limited to
manufacturers catalog specifications sheets, photometric data, IESNA “cutoff ”
fixture designation, glare control package, type of lamp (e.g., high pressure
sodium, metal halide, mercury vapor, fluorescent induction), lamp color
temperature, and on/off control devices.
(4) An illuminance grid (point-by-point) plot of footcandles overlaid on the site plan,
plotted out to 0.0 footcandles, indicating the location and aiming of outdoor
lighting fixtures in compliance with the regulations of this section.
(b) Maximum illuminance levels. Outdoor lighting shall not exceed the maximum
maintained illuminance levels as recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society
of North America (IESNA).
(c) Measurement. Post-installation lighting levels shall be measured after dark at the
property line of the adjacent property by facing a light meter directly at the light
source at 3 feet above grade.
(d) Spill light and glare. Outdoor lighting shall be designed and arranged to limit spill light
and glare on adjacent properties. Reflected glare or spill light shall not exceed five-
tenths (0.5) footcandle when the source of light abuts any property used for residential
or one (1.0) footcandles when the source of light abuts any commercial or industrial
property, as measured at the property line of the adjoining use.
(e) Hours of operation. The city may limit the hours of operation of outdoor lighting
equipment if the city believes it necessary to reduce the impact of light on the
surrounding neighborhood.
(f) Prohibited lighting. No flickering or flashing lights shall be permitted.
(g) Luminaire design.
(1) For the lighting of predominantly horizontal surfaces, luminaires shall be aimed
straight down and shall meet full cutoff criteria unless ornamental light fixtures are
installed in the manner provided in a site and building plan approved by the city.
Ornamental fixtures may be approved when the developer can demonstrate that
undesirable off-site impacts stemming from direct or reflected views of the light
source are eliminated by the fixture design or location of the lighting fixture.
(2) For the lighting of predominantly non-horizontal surfaces, such as building
facades, landscaping, fountains, displays and statuary, luminaires shall be located,
aimed and shielded so as to not project their beam onto abutting properties, past
the object being illuminated, skyward or onto a public roadway. The lighting shall
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be fitted with such devices as shields, barn doors, baffles, louvers, skirts or visors
to minimize spill light and glare impacts.
(h) Maximum mounting height. Light poles or standards for exterior lighting shall not
exceed a height of 45 feet, except that poles or standards on the top level of parking
structures shall not exceed 25 feet.
Sec. 36-397. Parking lot lighting.
(a) Parking lots:
(1) Parking lots shall provide an average horizontal illumination not to exceed 3.0
footcandles.
(2) The average illumination shall not exceed 1.0 footcandle between 10 p.m. to 6
a.m., or 30 minutes past business hours, whichever is later.
(b) Parking structures:
(1) The average horizontal illumination in fully enclosed parking ramps shall be at least
5.0 footcandles.
(2) The average horizontal illumination in partially enclosed parking structures shall
not exceed 3.0 footcandles.
(3) The top level of parking structures shall comply with the same lighting
requirements as parking lots when uncovered and open to the sky.
(4) When the parking structure uses motion-activated lighting, the maximum average
horizontal illumination level shall not exceed 1.0 footcandle when no motion is
detected.
Sec. 36-398. Recreational lighting provisions.
(a) Because of its unique requirements for nighttime visibility of recreational activities and
limited days/hours of operation, outdoor recreational facility lighting is exempt from
the outdoor lighting standards of section (d) (2) through (8) above.
(b) An outdoor recreational facility that has illuminated playing fields, courts or
performance spaces shall be subject to the following standards:
(1) Luminaire design. All outdoor recreational lighting fixtures shall be directionally
shielded. Lighting fixtures shall also be aimed to ensure that their beams fall within
the primary playing area of the fields/courts/tracks or primary performance space
and immediate surroundings so that spill light and glare on adjacent properties are
minimized.
(2) Glare control. All outdoor recreational lighting fixtures shall be from a
manufacturer that offers a glare control package, and it shall be fitted with the
manufacturer’s strongest glare reducing package.
(3) Maximum illuminance levels. All outdoor recreational lighting installations shall be
designed to achieve no greater than the maximum illuminance levels for the
proposed recreational activity as recommended by the Illuminating Engineering
Society of North America (IESNA).
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(4) Maximum spill light levels. Spill light shall be minimized to the greatest extent
possible given the unique illumination constraints of the outdoor recreational
facility. Since outdoor recreational facilities require much higher lighting levels
than other outdoor lighting uses and are in operation for limited periods of time,
the maximum spill light level allowed is also higher. When an outdoor recreational
facility abuts a residential dwelling unit, it shall be designed so that the
illumination at the residential property boundary line that is attributable to the
recreational lighting does not exceed 1.5 maximum vertical footcandles.
(5) Maximum mounting height. The mounting height of outdoor recreational lighting
fixtures shall not exceed a maximum height of 80 feet. The city council may
approve additional height if it is shown as necessary to reduce spill and glare and
has no additional adverse impacts.
(6) Hours of operation. The use of outdoor recreational lighting shall not be permitted
between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The main lighting shall be turned
off no later than one hour after an event ends. Where technically feasible, a low-
level lighting system shall be installed to be used for patrons leaving the facility,
cleanup, nighttime maintenance and other closing activities.
(7) Visual impact plan. To assist the city in determining whether the potential impacts
of proposed outdoor recreational lighting have been suitably managed,
applications for illuminating outdoor recreational facilities shall be accompanied
not only with the information required under section (d) (1) above but also by a
visual impact plan that contains the following:
a. Plan views containing a layout of the outdoor recreational facility, showing
light pole locations the location of abutting residential properties and
structures, and proposed landscape measures that will screen lighting from
adjacent properties.
b. Elevations containing pole and luminaire mounting heights, and luminaire
arrays for each pole location.
c. Light scans in the maximum vertical plane containing illuminance plots at the
boundary of the adjacent property, taken at a height of three feet.
d. Proposed frequency of use of the outdoor recreational facility during hours of
darkness on a month-by-month basis and proposed time when the
recreational lighting will be switched off.
e. A narrative describing the measures proposed to achieve minimum off-site
disturbance, including landscape screening.
(8) Subsections (e)(5) and (6) shall apply to all outdoor recreational facilities existing
as of the effective date of this ordinance. Subsection (e) shall apply in its entirety
to any new outdoor recreational facility, the expansion of an existing facility, upon
replacement of the luminaires or fixtures or upon any reconfiguration of existing
lighting installations. Outdoor recreational lighting installations existing as of the
effective date of this ordinance may continue to be operated in their existing
configuration, including repair and maintenance, so long as there is no increase in
maximum illuminance levels, light spill, or glare.
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DIVISION 7. SIGN REGULATIONS.
Sec. 36-399. Purpose.
(a) The purpose of this section is to establish minimum requirements for the size,
placement and maintenance of signs by adoption of regulations governing all signs in
the city.
(b) The sign regulations are intended to permit a safe, efficient, effective and aesthetic
means of communication using signage which recognizes the need to maintain an
attractive and appealing appearance of property in the community, including that
property used for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, public development
use, and the air space above and between those uses. These regulations are intended
to permit signage which is adequate for effective communication but minimizes
distractions to traffic and prevents visual clutter and visual pollution which can be
caused by the unregulated use of signage.
Sec. 36-400. Findings.
(a) The city finds that:
(1) The manner of installation, location and maintenance of signs affects the public
health, safety, and general welfare of the community.
(2) The safety of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and other users of the public streets
and property are affected by the number, size, location, and appearance of signs
that divert the attention of drivers.
(3) Installation of signs on the tops of buildings constitutes a hazard during periods of
high winds and is an obstacle to effective firefighting and other emergency
services.
(4) Uncontrolled and unlimited construction and placement of permanent and
temporary signs adversely affects the image and aesthetic attractiveness of the
community and undermines economic value and growth.
(5) Uncontrolled, abandoned and unlimited signs, particularly temporary signs, which
are commonly located in or near public rights-of-way or at driveway and street
intersections, result in roadside clutter, obstruction of views of oncoming traffic,
and a visual distraction to drivers and pedestrians.
(6) Electronic signs, including video display signs, are highly visible from long distances
and at very wide viewing angles both day and night and are designed to catch the
eye of persons in their vicinity and hold it for extended periods of time. If left
uncontrolled, electronic signs, including video display signs, are highly distracting
to drivers and driver distraction continues to be a significant underlying cause of
traffic accidents.
Sec. 36-401. Permit required.
(a) An approved permit shall be required prior to the installation of any sign.
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(1) Submission requirements. The following information shall be submitted prior to a
permit being issued:
a. Application form and fee. A fee shall be charged per sign, except that
decorative banners and internal site directional information less than four
square feet in area shall be charged one fee per proposal submitted for review
and approval.
b. Site plan and building elevations, if applicable.
c. A pictorial depiction of each proposed sign (see sign permit application).
(b) A separate permit is required for each proposed sign.
(1) Exceptions:
a. A sign plan for all directional signs located on the property or PUD can be
submitted as one permit request. The sign plan must indicating the location,
size, and text of each directional sign.
(c) Sign permits shall be null and void if the sign is not installed 180 days after the issuance
of a permit.
Sec. 36-402. Prohibited signs.
(a) The following signs shall not be permitted, erected or maintained on any property
within the city:
(1) Signs which by reason of position, movement, shape, illumination or color could
constitute a hazard to oncoming traffic.
(2) Private signs that resemble any official marker, governmental agency or display
such words as “stop,” “look” or “danger” which may interfere with, mislead or
confuse persons using public streets unless so specified by this section.
(3) Signs containing “obscene” content as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section
617.241.
(4) Signs on or over the public rights-of-way unless the city council grants permission
for a temporary sign on or over the public rights-of-way for a period of time not to
exceed 10 days.
(5) Searchlights, beacons, strobe lights or other illuminated signs emitting a beam
consisting of a collection or concentration of rays of light.
(6) Rooftop signs except as specified in this division.
(7) Billboards.
(8) Off-premises signs
(9) Inflatable signs and tethered balloons.
(10) Signs mounted on chimneys, rooftop equipment, observation towers, flagpoles,
cooling towers, elevator penthouses, commercial antennas, communication
towers, belfries, church spires and cupolas.
(11) Signs, including the sign structure or any other component of the sign, that rotate,
revolve, scroll, move, flash, blink, fade, or are animated.
(12) Illuminated signs at residential properties with four or fewer dwelling units.
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(13) Signs located on private property without the consent of the owner thereof.
(14) Signs which are structurally unsafe, dilapidated or abandoned.
Sec. 36-403. Exempt signs.
(a) The following signs shall not require a permit and are allowed in addition to those signs
allowed by sections XX and XX of this division. The exemptions shall apply only to the
requirement of a permit and shall not be construed as excusing the installer of the sign,
or the owner of the property upon which the sign is located, from complying with the
other provisions of this article.
(1) Public signs.
(2) The United States flag, other national flags, the flags of all the states of the United
States and the city flag.
(3) Property address information which does not exceed 12 inches in height and
which is visible from the street or road fronting the property for public safety
reasons.
(4) Signs on courtesy benches if they comply with the requirements of chapter 8 of
this code.
(5) Signs on vehicles when the vehicle is being used in the normal day-to-day
operation of a business.
(6) Internal wayfinding.
a. Internal wayfinding that does not exceed four square feet in sign face area and
42 inches in height, shall be exempt from the required yard restrictions, and
shall not be included in the maximum total area for permanent signs
identified in table 36-362A.
b. Internal wayfinding that exceeds four square feet in sign face area, and/or 42
inches in height shall be subject to all permanent sign regulations.
c. Internal wayfinding shall be located on the property, or within an approved
planned unit development, on which the business receiving the benefit of the
private directional sign is located.
Sec. 36-404. Permanent signs.
(a) Permanent signage shall include:
(1) Freestanding signs.
a. No more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted on an individual street
frontage of a lot.
b. All faces of a freestanding sign are included when calculating total sign area
allowed for the property.
(2) Wall signs.
(3) Blade signs.
a. All faces of a blade sign are included when calculating total sign area allowed
for the property.
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(4) Signs on canopies and awnings.
a. Signs on canopies and awnings shall be regulated in the same manner as wall
signs except as otherwise exempted.
(5) Signs applied to the interior or exterior surface of a window.
(c) Permanent signage shall follow the size requirements found in table XX below.
Table XX. Sign Area and Height.
Zoning
district
Lot size (square
feet)
Maximum sign
height (feet)
Maximum total
area (square
feet)
Maximum size
of sign face
(square feet)
N-1 Any lot size –
residential use
6 3 3
Any lot size – non-
residential use
15 100 75
N-2 Any lot size –
residential use
except low-rise
apartment
dwelling.
6 2 2
Any lot size – low-
rise apartment
dwelling, or non-
residential use
15 100 75
N-3 0-30,000 10 40 40
Over 30,000 10 60 60
N-4 0-30,000 15 60 60
Over 30,000 15 100 60
MU-1,
MU-2,
MU-3
0-10,000 25 100 75
10,000-20,000 25 200 100
20,000-50,000 25 250 150
50,000-200,000 25 300 150
Over 200,000 25 400 300
B-1 0-10,000 25 100 75
10,000-20,000 25 150 100
Over 20,000 25 200 150
I-1, I-2 0-20,000 25 100 75
20,000-50,000 25 200 100
50,000-100,000 25 250 150
100,000-200,000 25 300 300
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Zoning
district
Lot size (square
feet)
Maximum sign
height (feet)
Maximum total
area (square
feet)
Maximum size
of sign face
(square feet)
Over 200,000 25 400 300
P-1 0-30 acres 15 80 60
Over 30 acres 25 450 150
(d) Adjustments to table 36-362A. Signs which qualify for any adjustment permitted under
this section shall conform to all other sections of this chapter.
(1) For any building not located in a N district which is eight or more stories or 85 or
more feet in height, the maximum size for any one sign face may be increased up
to 400 square feet, if the sign is located on the wall of the building more than 75
feet above the ground. This provision does not increase the maximum total area
allowed for the property.
(2) The total area of all wall signs on a building which meets the following outlined
conditions shall not be included in calculating the aggregate sign area on a lot:
a. The building shall be a shopping center, a building containing multiple tenants,
or a single-tenant building located on a single lot with other principal
buildings and is part of an approved CUP or planned unit development.
b. The tenants are located on the ground floor of the building and have a direct
and primary access to the outside of the building.
c. The sign area of all walls, blade, canopy, or awning signs permitted by this
section shall not exceed seven percent of the exterior wall area of the space
occupied by the tenant.
d. The sign is located on the exterior wall of the space occupied by the tenant
from which the seven percent sign area was derived.
e. No individual wall sign shall exceed 150 square feet in area, except in the MU
districts where the maximum area of any individual sign shall not exceed 100
square feet.
(3) The maximum size of the sign face may be increased by 20% for a property which
is not located in a N district if the sign is located at least 100 feet from any public
right of way.
(4) Additional signs permitted in the P-1 district. The following signs are permitted in
the P-1 district and shall not be included in the maximum total area for permanent
and temporary signs.
a. Scoreboards. One scoreboard per athletic field with a maximum height of 15
feet and a maximum sign face of 80 square feet.
b. Athletic field signs are considered to be temporary signs and are permitted
with the following conditions:
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1. The sign must be inside of, and face the interior of, an athletic field that is
fully enclosed by a fence.
2. The sign shall not be displayed before May 1 and/or after October 31.
3. The maximum sign height is 4 feet.
4. The maximum sign face is 4 feet by 8 feet.
5. The maximum height of text (letters and numerals) is 7 inches.
6. The maximum height of logos is 15 inches.
7. Pictures and illustrations are permitted at any size within the 4 x 8 sign
face.
8. The back side of the sign must be blank and painted a dark shade of
green.
9. The sign cannot be illuminated or made of reflective materials.
10. There shall be no more than 15 signs per field.
Sec. 36-405. Electronic signs.
(a) Electronic signs are allowed subject to the following conditions:
(1) Electronic signage is not permitted on residential properties in the neighborhood
districts.
(2) The sign face shall not exceed:
a. 20 square feet for properties less than 20 acres in area in a neighborhood
district or the park and open space district.
b. 40 square feet for properties 20 acres or greater in area in a neighborhood
district or the park and open space district.
c. 40 square feet in all other districts.
(3) The maximum sign face established above shall not be in excess of the maximum
sign area allowed in table 36-362A.
(4) No more than one sign face may be visible from any same location off-site unless
the signs are more than 500 feet apart.
(5) Messages and/or images must be displayed for at least three seconds.
(6) Electronic signs existing on May 28, 2010 must comply with this section, except
that electronic signs that exceed the maximum size limit above may continue as a
non-conforming sign as to size.
(7) Messages or displays must change instantaneously. Using any type of special effect
to change from one message or display to another is prohibited.
(8) Electronic signs installed after May 28, 2010 shall meet the following standards:
a. A mechanism that immediately turns off the sign if it malfunctions.
b. A mechanism that automatically adjusts the illuminative brightness of the
display according to existing ambient light conditions.
c. The sign shall not exceed a brightness level of 0.3-foot candles above ambient
light as measured from 100 feet from the sign. All measurements shall be
taken with the meter pointing at the sign and perpendicular to the sign face.
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The ambient light level shall be taken with the sign off. The sign brightness
level shall be taken with the sign displaying a full white screen.
d. The electronic sign must be certified as complying with the brightness
standards and the malfunction provision. The Certification must come from
the sign manufacturer or other qualified individual and must be submitted
with the sign permit application and at any time thereafter as requested by
the city.
Sec. 36-406. Rooftop screen signs.
(a) Notwithstanding Section 36-362(e)(4) wall signs are permitted on rooftop screening
structures subject to the following conditions:
(1) The rooftop screen structure is located on a building that is at least eight stories
tall.
(2) The rooftop screen structure upon which the sign is mounted must enclose an
area equal to at least 40% of the total rooftop area of the building.
(3) For rooftop screen structures with multiple or varying heights, the signs cannot
extend above the height of the shortest section of the rooftop screening structure.
(4) The rooftop screen structure shall be included in the building height.
(5) The rooftop screen structure must be included in the building elevation when
calculating compliance to the architectural design and materials of each building
elevation.
(6) Prior to installing any wall sign on the rooftop screen structure, the rooftop screen
structure must be inspected and certified by an engineer to verify that the
structure can support the proposed sign.
Sec. 36-407. Temporary signs.
(a) Temporary signs shall conform to the requirements of this section, including the
following:
(1) With the exception of portable signs as defined below, temporary signs may be
permitted on a lot for a total of 30 days in any calendar year.
(2) The total sign area of all temporary signs on a lot shall not exceed the following:
a. In the N-1 and N-2 districts: six square feet.
b. In the N-3 and N-4 districts: 25 square feet.
c. In all other districts: 80 square feet.
(3) Off-premises temporary signs are prohibited except as specified below.
(4) Temporary signs, other than pedestrian signs, may be constructed of paper, cloth,
canvas, wood or any other light and non-durable material.
(b) Temporary signs are permitted as follows:
(1) Beginning 46 days before the state primary in a state general election year until 10
days following the state general election, noncommercial signs are allowed as
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specified in Minnesota Statutes chapter 211B.045 Noncommercial Signs
Exemption.
a. Signs shall not be placed on the public right of way or any publicly owned
property, including boulevard trees and utility poles.
b. Signs shall not obstruct the vision at an intersection or otherwise constitute a
hazard to public safety.
(2) One temporary sign is permitted per street frontage of any property for sale, rent
or lease.
a. Each sign shall be less than 80 square feet in area and less than 10 feet in
height unless attached to a wall. The following exceptions apply:
1. Signs shall not exceed six square feet for dwellings in the N-1 and N-2
districts.
2. The maximum size for any one sign may be increased to 200 square feet
for any building not located in a N district which is six or more stories or
65 or more feet in height, if the sign is located on the wall of the building
more than 55 feet above the ground.
b. The sign is exempt from the required yard restrictions specified in subsection
XX.
c. This sign shall be removed when the property is sold, rented or leased.
(3) Signs may be placed on any property with an open building permit as follows:
a. A sign displayed on public property must conform to the Highway Traffic
Regulation Act, M.S.A. § 169.97 et seq., for informational signs and if
displayed on private property, may not exceed the area and height
requirements of this section for signs on that parcel.
b. Duration. Signs shall be removed once the building permit is closed.
(4) Pedestrian signs are temporary signs further regulated as follows:
a. No portion of the sign shall project beyond a cuboid measuring three feet
wide by three feet deep by four feet in height.
b. Pedestrian signs may be placed up to the property line, subject to section 36-
76. No portion of the sign shall be placed in, or project into the public right of
way, and any such sign shall be located so that it does not obstruct pedestrian
or vehicular movement or impede pedestrian or vehicular visibility.
c. The sign may be displayed during business hours only. The sign shall be stored
inside a building during non-business hours and during severe weather
conditions.
d. The sign shall not be placed in such a manner that it obstructs the visibility of
another property's permanent signage.
e. No place of business shall display more than one pedestrian sign at any time
and the total of all pedestrian and other temporary signs on the property shall
not exceed the total allowed in table 36-362A.
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f. Pedestrian signs that are maintained in good repair and in accordance with all
ordinance provisions may be permitted for up to one calendar year. The
zoning administrator may revoke a permit and remove any sign that does not
meet the ordinance requirements or is creating a public hazard. After one
year, a new permit may be applied for.
g. Pedestrian signs may be constructed of wood, metal, non-flexible plastic or
any other durable material.
Sec. 36-408. General provisions.
(a) Required yards. Sign shall maintain a 10-foot minimum yard to property line unless
exempted below:
(1) In the B-1, MU-1, MU-2 and MU-3districts any sign less than 200 square feet in
sign area shall be located no closer than five feet to the property line.
(2) In the B-1, MU-1, MU-2 and MU-3districts, a blade sign may project into the
required front yard and side yard abutting a street if the sign meets the following
requirements:
a. The sign is attached to a wall in such a manner that meets the building code;
and
b. The lowest portion of the sign is no closer than eight feet to the ground; and
c. The sign shall not extend higher than the lowest portion of a window of a
residential unit located on the second story of a mixed use building.
d. No portion of the sign shall extend more than five feet into the required yard,
and in no instances shall the sign project into the public right of way.
e. The portion of any sign face extending into the required yard does not exceed
40 square feet.
(3) Except as allowed under (3)b of this section, a wall sign may extend into the
required yard a distance not to exceed 18 inches, and a canopy or awning sign may
extend into the required yard as allowed by section 36-73(a)(5) and section 36-
73(b)(3), except that structures that do not meet the current front or side yard
requirements shall place signs flush against the front or side walls.
(4) Temporary and exempt signs specified in sections 36-403 and 36-407.
(5) In the I-1 district the required front yard for a freestanding sign shall be 20 feet.
The required side yard abutting a street for a freestanding sign shall be 15 feet.
(b) Freestanding signs. Except for private directional, project information, real estate,
political, decorative banners, and temporary signs, no more than one freestanding sign
shall be permitted on an individual street frontage of a lot or PUD site.
(c) Parking areas. Signs shall not be placed in or restrict access to required parking spaces
or loading berths.
(d) Multi-tenant building. The property owner or the property owner's designee shall be
responsible for allocating the allowable sign area among the tenants of a multi-tenant
building. If the property owner does not allocate the sign area, the city may do so
based on the proportion of floor area or tenant frontage occupied by each tenant.
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(e) Lighting. All signs must meet the following standards:
(1) Direct rays or glare of light from an illuminated sign shall not be visible from public
right of way or property other than that on which the illuminated sign is located.
Any external source of illumination must be provided with shields or lenses which
concentrate the light onto the sign.
(2) Brightness Standards:
a. The sign shall not be brighter than is necessary for clear and adequate
visibility.
b. The sign shall not be of such intensity or brilliance as to impair the vision of a
motor vehicle driver or to otherwise interfere with the driver's operation of a
motor vehicle.
c. The sign shall not be of such intensity or brilliance that it interferes with the
effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device, or signal.
d. The sign shall not exceed a maximum illumination of 5000 nits (candelas per
square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of 500 nits
(candelas per square meter) between dusk to dawn as measured from the
sign’s face.
e. The person owning or controlling the sign must adjust the sign to meet the
brightness standards in accordance with the city's instructions. The
adjustment must be made immediately upon notice of non-compliance from
the city.
(f) Electrical wiring. The electrical energy used to illuminate freestanding signs may not be
from an overhead source but must be buried underground. The conduit and wiring to
all signs must be concealed.
(g) Wind load. All signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind loads of at
least 30 pounds per square foot of area and the dead loads required by the building
code and other ordinances of the city.
(h) Anchoring. All signs shall be safely and securely anchored to their supporting structure.
All attachments and movable parts shall be securely fastened. No sign shall be
anchored to another sign.
(i) Bracing. All signs shall be constructed with internal or hidden bracing. External bracing
shall be eliminated whenever practicable. Exposed wire, cable and chain braces are
prohibited.
(j) Glass. All glass must be safety or tempered glass and designed and installed to
withstand a wind load of 30 pounds per square foot.
(k) Durable Materials.
(1) All permanent sign faces and supports shall be made of durable materials.
(2) Canvas, cloth, and similar materials such as flexible vinyl, are not allowed except
for canopies and temporary signs other than pedestrian signs.
(3) All permanent wood signs must be constructed of durable hardwood products.
The wood must be treated against rot and decay, and cannot be constructed of
plywood, chipped wood, hardboard, fiber board or similar materials.
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(l) Maintenance.
(1) All signs shall be kept in good repair and free from peeling paint, rust, damaged or
rotted supports or framework, broken or missing faces, facing, or missing letters.
(m) Maintenance grounds. The premises surrounding all ground signs shall be maintained
by the property owner or tenant of the property on which they are located in a safe,
clean, and sanitary condition free and clear of all rubbish and weeds.
(n) Removal and repair. Any structure from which a sign has been moved or removed shall
be repaired with a material which matches the existing background.
(o) Removal of painted signs. Any structure from which a painted sign is removed shall be
repainted, sandblasted, or treated in a manner which makes the former sign not
visible. The surface from which the sign was removed, shall be refinished in a manner
to match the surrounding surface.
(p) Signs not to be traffic hazard. No sign shall be installed in a way that obstructs clear
vision of persons using the streets or at any location that, because of its position,
shape, or color, interferes with, obstructs the view of, or may be confused with any
authorized traffic sign, signal, or device. No sign, other than public or project
informational signs, shall be visible from a public street which makes use of the words
"Stop," "Look," "Danger," or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character which may
interfere with, mislead or confuse persons using the public streets.
(q) Pedestrian clearance. Any sign which projects over a sidewalk or other pedestrian way
must be not less than eight feet above ground level.
(r) Sign area and height. The allowable sign area and height are established by table 36-
362A in this subsection (f)(20) and adjustments to table 36-362A in subsection (g) of
this section.
(s) Noncommercial speech. Any non-commercial message may be substituted for any
commercial message on any sign allowed under the code, subject to the same
regulations applicable to such signs.
Sec. 36-409. Special provisions.
(a) In addition to the general provisions contained in subsection (f) of this section, these
special provisions apply to on-premises signs which face freeways and highways.
(b) Application may be made to the city for an increase in maximum sign height on a lot
having all of the following characteristics:
(1) The lot abuts the right of way of an interstate freeway or state highway or abuts a
frontage road immediately adjacent to an interstate freeway or state highway.
(2) The lot does not have and is not permitted to have directional signage on the
interstate freeway or state highway directing the public to the subject lot.
(3) The lot has no other option permitted by this chapter to provide the requested
square footage of signage visible from 50% of, at a plane 3.5 feet above, the
portion of the interstate freeway or highway adjacent to the lot.
(c) To be eligible for an increase in sign height, the second point of all cross-sectional
drawings, as described in subsection (h)(7)b.2.ii. of this section, must be located such
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that more than 50% of the plane above the traveled surface of the interstate freeway
or state highway is obstructed from the first point, as described in subsection
(h)(7)b.2.i. of this section. An application for increased sign height shall be
accompanied by the following drawings drawn to scale:
(1) A site plan showing the location of the proposed sign, property lines of the subject
property, road alignments of adjacent streets and highways and the locations of
any cross-sectional drawings necessary to analyze the request.
(2) Cross sectional drawings necessary to analyze the request showing the entire
traveled surface of the freeway or state highway, any retaining walls or fences, any
frontage roads, proposed sign location and height and a straight line (referred to
as the "sight line") drawn between two points described as follows:
a. The first point situated on a line perpendicular to the earth's surface at the
location of the proposed sign passing through the center of the sign face and
25 feet above the centerline of the nearest adjacent street or the ground level
of the base of the proposed sign, whichever results in a higher elevation.
b. The second point situated on a plane surface 3.5 feet above and parallel to
the traveled surface of the interstate freeway or state highway, located by
projecting a line from the first point to its intersection with the plane surface
so that the resulting point of intersection of the line with the plane surface
(the second point) is as close as possible to the first point while not passing
through an intervening obstruction that would prevent visibility.
(3) The zoning administrator may approve an application to increase sign height which
meets the criteria set forth in this subsection (h)(7)c where the proposed sign plan
meets each of the following requirements:
a. The sign is no higher than necessary to permit the bottom edge of the sign
face to be visible from at least 50% of the traveled surface of the interstate or
state highway.
b. The top of the sign face is no more than 12 feet above the bottom of the sign
face.
c. The location of the sign is such that the increase in sign height is minimized.
d. The sign face shall not exceed 150 square feet.
e. The sign lighting is either internal or indirect and no light source is visible
beyond the property lines of the lot.
f. Illuminated signs located within 400 feet of the structures used for residential
purposes shall have its illuminated portion shielded from view of such
residential structures.
Sec. 36-410. Nonconforming signs.
(a) General. A nonconforming sign shall not be relocated, altered or modified in size or
height unless it is made fully conforming with this section.
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(b) Removal. Except for changing signs or billboards, if a face or message on a
nonconforming sign is removed, the entire sign and sign structure must be removed or
made to conform with this section.
(c) Temporary sign. Temporary and portable signs in existence at the time of passage of
the ordinance from which this section is derived which do not conform to this section
shall be removed or made to conform within 30 days of the effective date of the
ordinance from which this section is derived.
(d) Real estate signs. Real estate signs in existence as of the date of the ordinance from
which this section is derived was adopted which do not conform with the requirements
of this section shall be removed or made to conform within 120 days of the effective
date of the ordinance from which this section is derived.
(e) Billboards.
(1) Any billboard in existence as of the date of the ordinance from which this section
is derived was adopted may remain in place if it is not increased in sign area or
height and is maintained in conformance with the general provisions of this
chapter. The following are not permitted on billboards:
a. Flashing signs.
b. Changing signs.
c. Rotating signs.
d. Electronic signs.
(2) The maximum height of a billboard shall be 35 feet, including extensions,
measured as required by subsection (c) of this section.
(3) Billboards which have been destroyed or damaged must be removed when the
cost of repair equals more than 50% of the appraised physical value of the
structure.
Sec. 36-411. Forfeiture.
(a) Any sign installed or placed on public property shall be forfeited to the public and
subject to confiscation, unless it conforms to the requirements of this section. In
addition to other remedies granted to it by this section, the city shall have the right to
recover from the owner or person placing the sign the full costs of removal and
disposal of the sign in a civil action.
Sec. 36-412. Severability.
(a) If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Division is for any reason
held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions
of this Division. The city council hereby declares that it would have adopted the
Division in each section, subsection, sentence, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the
fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be
declared invalid.
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DIVISION 8. GRADING; FILLING AND LAND RECLAMATION; EXCAVATION AND MINING.
Sec. 36-413. Filling and land reclamation.
(a) Land excavation is the removal of sand, dirt, gravel, rock, clay or similar earth material
or unsuitable foundation material from the land.
(b) Land filling is the deposit of the earth material so as to raise existing surface grades.
(c) Grading is the movement of the earth material within a given site.
(d) For purposes of this section, it is assumed that a typical dump truck has a carrying
capacity of approximately ten “loose” cubic yards of earth material.
(e) Commercial mining prohibited. Extraction of earth materials for commercial purposes
such as on-going sand and gravel mining operations shall be prohibited within the city.
(f) Permits required.
(1) Land excavation, grading or filling in excess of 200 cubic yards of material shall
require a permit from the Public Works Director, after review and approval of the
exhibits required hereunder.
(2) Land excavation, grading or filling in excess of 3,000 cubic yards of material shall
require a conditional use permit.
(g) Permit exceptions. A permit under this section shall not be required for the following:
(1) Excavations, grading or fills of less than 200 cubic yards of material;
(2) Excavations or fills associated with a development project on platted property
which have commenced within two years after an approved plat has been filed
with the county;
(3) Excavations, grading or fills by state, county or city authorities in connection with
the construction or maintenance of roads, highways, parks or utilities or on slope
or utility easements, provided the activity is conducted within public rights-of-way
or easements;
(4) Curb cuts, utility hook-ups or street openings for which another permit is required
from the city; or
(5) Any development for which a building permit, conditional use permit, or planned
unit development has been approved and granted and a final grading plan
approved as a part thereof.
(h) Permit application/exhibits. Application for excavation and filling permits shall be
made in writing on forms supplied by the city and shall be submitted to the Zoning
Administrator for processing. The following information and exhibits shall be
submitted with the completed application form:
(1) A map or plan of the proposed excavation or fill area and 50 feet around showing
existing and proposed elevations at two-foot contours, and showing any existing
buildings within the area; and
(2) Identification of proposed truck hauling routes, including the following:
a. Hours of operation;
b. Dates of operation;
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c. Method of controlling dust on site and along haul routes;
d. Method of controlling erosion;
e. Assurance that spillage of material on and damage to public streets used as
haul routes shall be cleaned up and repaired to the satisfaction of the
Engineering Director; and
f. Other information as required by the Zoning Administrator to protect the
interests of the city and affected property owners including, but not limited
to, surface water drainage.
(i) Requirements.
(1) The excavation, grading or filling permit shall run for one year unless a lesser or
greater period is specified by the City Council.
(2) At the end of excavation, grading or filling operations, the disturbed area shall be
restored with topsoil or other approved cover material and shall be reseeded to
establish approved vegetation.
(3) The city may require a cash escrow, letter of credit, or surety bond in such form
and sum as the city may determine to cover the cost of corrective measures such
as cleaning and/or repairing streets and highways used as haul roads. In any case,
the applicant shall bear the cost of the corrective measures as may be required.
Secs. 36-413 to 36-434 reserved.
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ARTICLE IX. DEVELOPMENT PROCEDURES
DIVISION 1. COMMON PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS.
Sec. 36-435. Authority to file applications.
(a) Land use applications for an individual property may be initiated by:
(1) The owner of the property that is the subject of the application; or
(2) An agent authorized by the owner of the property that is the subject of the
application, which may include a lessee of the property. Evidence of such
authorization shall be the signature of the property owner.
(3) If the property subject to an application is under more than one ownership, all
owners or their authorized agents shall join in filing the application.
(b) The planning commission and city council may initiate text and map amendments to
this chapter. If the subject of the amendment is a specific site or project, the planning
commission or city council may initiate amendments with or without application from
the owner.
Sec. 36-436. Application submittal.
(a) Each complete land use application shall be filed with the zoning administrator and
shall include the following:
(1) An application on the official application form provided by the city, including an
application fee as established by ordinance.
(2) All those application materials required that are specific to the application and
necessary to complete the review.
(b) An application will not be accepted until it is complete and all required materials have
been submitted.
(c) The city council must approve or deny a land use request within the time allotted
under Minnesota Statutes, Section 15.99.
(d) Any action by the city to extend the time limit to process a zoning application in
accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 15.99, as amended, may be taken
administratively without city council approval.
Sec. 36-437. Technical assistance.
(a) Upon receipt of a complete application, the zoning administrator shall, when deemed
necessary, refer the request to appropriate staff to ensure that informational
requirements are complied with.
(b) When deemed necessary, the zoning administrator shall instruct the appropriate staff
persons to prepare technical reports and/or provide general assistance in preparing a
recommendation on the request to the planning commission and city council.
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Sec. 36-438. Public hearing.
(a) Any public hearing required by this chapter may be continued once. If a hearing is
continued more than once, another notice shall be given in accordance with section
36-34(b)(2).
Sec. 36-439. Development agreement.
(a) The city may, at its sole discretion, require the owner and developer of a proposed
development to execute a development and/or planning agreement which may
include, but not be limited to, all requirements of the final plan as a condition of final
approval.
(b) The development agreement may require the developers to provide an irrevocable
letter of credit in favor of the city, performance guarantee or cash escrow. The letter of
credit shall be provided by a financial institution licensed in the state and acceptable to
the city. The city may require that certain provisions and conditions of the
development agreement be stated in the letter of credit. The letter of credit shall be in
an amount sufficient to ensure the provision or development of improvement called
for by the development agreement.
Sec. 36-440. Recording.
(a) Ordinances, resolutions, and agreements shall be filed with Hennepin County.
Sec. 36-441. Amendments.
Amendments to site plans, CUPs or PUDs are described as follows and shall adhere to the
following procedures:
(a) Administrative amendments.
(1) Administrative amendments include proposed changes to building dimensions
involving 10% or less of such dimension, proposed site modifications involving 10%
or less of the total existing site area, and proposed changes to other previously
approved standards involving 10% or less of such standard, which meet all
ordinance requirements.
(2) These amendments may be approved by the zoning administrator and shall not
require planning commission review or council approval, unless otherwise stated
in the approved development agreement.
(3) Administrative approval may be obtained for modifications specified in the
development agreement as requiring only administrative approval.
(4) The zoning administrator may determine that a proposed amendment is a major
amendment, even if it meets the criteria of an administrative amendment and
shall follow the procedure for major amendments in this subsection.
(5) The zoning administrator may approve amendments to the approved landscaping
plan to accommodate solar energy systems provided the solar energy system
meets the requirements of this chapter, the amendment does not result in a
reduction to the number of approved trees and shrubs, landscaping elements
integral to the overall design of the site are not impacted, landscaping utilized for
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the intent of screening is not impacted, and properties subject to tree replacement
requirements meet the replacement requirements. Alternatively, the zoning
administrator may refer amendments to the city council for approval as either a
minor or major amendment of the site plan, CUP or PUD.
(6) Administrative approval of a PUD amendment shall only be granted if the applicant
has provided written notification to all owners of property within the PUD that
such approval is being sought. The notification shall inform the property owners
that approval of the proposed modification may be granted after 10 days have
elapsed from the mailing date of the notice unless a property owner files an
appeal with the zoning administrator within that time. If any such appeal is filed,
the proposed modification shall be considered in the same manner as a major
amendment to the approved final plan.
(b) Major amendments. A major amendment to the approved final plan of the site plan,
CUP or PUD shall be processed and approved in the same manner as an initial
application, except that submission requirements shall be modified as appropriate by
city staff to reflect the nature of the proposed amendment. Major amendments shall
include:
(1) Any amendment that is not an administrative amendment.
(2) Any amendment determined to be a major amendment by the zoning
administrator.
(3) Any amendment specified as such in the development agreement.
Sec. 36-442. Withdrawal of application.
(a) Any request for withdrawal of an application shall be submitted in writing to the zoning
administrator.
Sec. 36-443. Successive applications.
(a) No permit request that has been denied wholly or in part shall be reconsidered for a
period of 180 days from the date of the order of denial, except on grounds of new
evidence or proof of changed conditions.
Sec. 36-444. Appeal of decision.
(a) Right of appeal. At any time within 20 days after a written order, requirement, permit,
decision, refusal, or determination by the zoning administrator has been made
interpreting or applying this chapter, except for actions taken in connection with
prosecutions for violation hereof, the applicant or any other person, officer, or
department representative of the city affected by it may appeal the decision to the
board of zoning appeals by filing a notice of appeal with the community development
department addressed to the board of zoning appeals stating the action appealed from
and stating the specific grounds upon which the appeal is made.
(b) Setting a public hearing. The city shall set a public hearing for the appeal by the board
of zoning appeals to be held not less than 10 days nor more than 45 days after it
receives a notice of appeal. Notice of the hearing of the appeal before the board of
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zoning appeals shall be given by mail to all applicants. A notice of hearing shall be
published in the official newspaper of the city at least 10 days before the hearing date
if the appeal involves the determination of boundary lines of a use district. Any
interested party may appear at the public hearing in person or by agent or attorney.
The decision of the board of zoning appeals shall be by resolution. A copy of the
resolution of the board of zoning appeals shall be mailed to the applicant by the city
clerk.
(c) Board of zoning appeals to decide. The board of zoning appeals shall determine by
resolution all appeals from any written order, requirement, permit, decision, refusal, or
determination of the zoning administrator; and from any interpretation of the text of
this chapter, the location of the boundary of a use district as shown on the zoning map.
The resolution shall be adopted by a majority vote of all members present and voting
on the issues presented by the appeal. In making the decision, members of the board
shall consider the questions raised in light of the general purpose of this chapter and
the comprehensive plan.
(d) Appeal to city council. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the board of zoning
appeals may appeal the decision in a manner provided in section 36-34.
(e) Fee for appeal. A required fee established by resolution adopted by the city council
shall be charged for all requests for appeal or interpretation of this chapter.
Sec. 36-445. Reimbursement.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to:
(1) Provide a procedure to reimburse the city for its cost of review, analysis, and
evaluation of development proposals, conditional use permits, zoning
amendments and enforcement of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived
in cases where, due to the level of complexity of the application under
consideration, excessive costs beyond those normally incurred by the city as a
result of the administration of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived are
incurred. The excess costs result from problems presented in review, analysis, and
evaluation which necessitate intensive investigation and research. The intent of
this section is to ensure an adequate level of review of these cases and to ensure
that the adverse effects of development on the city are minimized and compliance
with goals and objectives of the comprehensive plan and this chapter are
obtained.
(2) Provide a procedure and criteria to reimburse to applicants a portion of the fees
and costs already paid to the city, but not needed to cover the costs and expenses
incurred by the city in reviewing their application or request.
(b) Reimbursement of city expenses.
(1) Conditions where reimbursement authorized. The city may, in its sole discretion,
require reimbursement of city costs under the following conditions:
a. When the city manager finds multiple planning commission and city council
meetings are required to review a particular item and additional staff time is
expended on that item subsequent to the initial meeting.
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b. When the city manager finds it necessary to retain consultants and experts to
review requests and advise its staff of specific impacts of a proposal, including
but not limited to impacts on traffic, utilities, drainage, and aesthetic or
environmental characteristics of the community.
c. When it is necessary for the city attorney to review a proposal.
d. When the city manager finds that other extraordinary costs are incurred by
the city as a result of the administration of this chapter.
(2) Procedure.
a. The city shall notify the applicant that the city will incur additional costs at the
earliest possible time and, if possible, provide the applicant with an estimate
of the expected additional cost.
b. The applicant shall pay the estimated additional cost to the city by certified
check, bank money order, wire transfer, or ACH payment. If the amount paid
to the city initially is insufficient to cover all city costs, the additional amount
shall be billed to the applicant. Any money which has not been used to pay
additional costs after the applicant's request has been processed shall be
refunded to the applicant.
c. No certificate of occupancy for any project subject to this section shall be
issued until all money owing to the city has been received.
d. All costs billed under this section shall be based on the actual cost to the city
of staff time, overhead, material costs, and actual billings from consultants,
experts and attorneys.
(c) Refund of fees. If any application for a conditional use permit, variance, zoning
amendment, PUD, continued special permit or vacation is withdrawn in writing by the
applicant or is not processed by the city for any other reason so that a final decision is
not made by the city, the applicant is entitled to a refund of the application fees paid to
the city according to the following provisions:
(1) 75% of the application fee and 100% of the recording fee shall be refunded if the
request is withdrawn before the deadline for rescinding the public hearing
publication.
(2) 50% of the application fee and 100% of the recording fee shall be refunded if the
request is withdrawn before the request has been considered by the planning
commission or board of zoning appeals.
(3) 25% of the application fee and 100% of the recording fee shall be refunded if the
request is withdrawn before the request is considered by the city council.
(4) Any portion of additional fees paid to reimburse costs incurred by the city that
exceeds the costs already or expected to be incurred by the city.
DIVISION 2. LAND USE APPLICATIONS
Sec. 36-446. Registration of land use.
(a) Approval required; exceptions.
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(1) No person or business shall use or occupy any land or building within the city
without first obtaining approval of a registration of land use for the proposed use.
(2) Exceptions:
a. When a certificate of occupancy is issued.
b. When a permitted office use replaces an existing office use, provided the total
office area of the building does not change in size.
c. Occupancy of a dwelling for residential purposes.
(b) Responsibility. Both the property owner and the lessee shall be responsible for
securing the registration of land use required by this section.
(c) Application and information. The applicant shall provide the following information to
determine compliance with this section:
(1) Site address.
(2) Present use.
(3) Proposed use.
(4) Floor plan showing proposed and existing size and use of each room.
(5) Site plan - if necessary.
(d) Approval of the registration of land use. The city shall approve the registration of land
use provided that the use is legal per this chapter and complies with the city codes,
comprehensive plan, state codes and licensing requirements. Once the registration of
land use has been approved, the use shall be permitted to occupy the land or building.
(e) Revocation of a registration of land use. Any false statement or factual material
submitted to the city for approval of a registration of land use shall automatically
revoke the registration of land use. After the city has determined that false information
was received, the city shall notify the owner and lessee that the registration has been
revoked. The notification shall also include that they have 10 days to either obtain a
new registration of land use or terminate use of the land or building. If the use
continues without a valid registration of land use, both the landowner and tenant shall
be guilty of violating this section.
Sec. 36-447. Variances.
(a) Purpose. A variance is a modification or variation of the provisions of this zoning code
as applied to a specific piece of property. A variance may be granted when strict
enforcement of the provisions of the zoning code would cause practical difficulties to
the property owner, and when it can be demonstrated that such action will be in
keeping with the spirit and intent of the code.
(b) Standards and provisions. While reviewing a variance application, the city shall
consider the strict application of the provisions of this chapter and the requirements of
all applicable state law.
(1) Variances are not permitted for:
a. Any land use that is not allowed under the zoning ordinance for property in
the zone where the affected person’s land is located.
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b. Floor elevations lower than the flood protection elevation in the floodplain
district.
(2) The city may grant variances upon consideration of the following:
a. The effect of the proposed variance upon the health, safety, and welfare of
the community.
b. The request is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the
ordinance.
c. The request is consistent with the comprehensive plan.
d. The applicant for the variance establishes that there are practical difficulties in
complying with the zoning ordinance. “Practical difficulties,” as used in
connection with the granting of a variance, means that:
1. The property owner proposes to use the property for a land use
permitted in the zoning district in which the land is located. A variance
can be requested for dimensional items required in the zoning ordinance,
including but not limited to setbacks and height limitations.
2. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the
property not created by the landowner.
3. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the
locality.
4. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties.
5. Practical difficulties include inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar
energy systems.
e. There are circumstances unique to the property including the shape,
topography, water conditions, or other physical conditions.
f. The granting of the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment
of a substantial property right of the applicant.
g. The granting of the variance will not impair an adequate supply of light and air
to the adjacent property, unreasonably increase the congestion in the public
streets, increase the danger of fire, or endanger public safety.
h. The granting of the variance will not merely serve as a convenience to the
applicant but is necessary to alleviate a practical difficulty.
(3) The city may impose conditions in the granting of variances. A condition must be
directly related and must bear a rough proportionality to the impact created by
the variance.
(4) Variances shall be granted for earth sheltered construction as defined in section
216C.06, subdivision 14, when in harmony with the ordinance.
(5) Variances involving a floodway, flood fringe and floodplain. If the application for a
variance involves property within a floodway, flood fringe and floodplain district, a
copy of all decisions granting variances shall be forwarded by mail to the
Commissioner of Natural Resources within 10 days of such action. In determining
whether the property owner is proposing to use the property in a reasonable
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manner, the following additional variance criteria of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency must also be satisfied:
a. Variances shall not be issued by a community within any designated
regulatory floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood
discharge would result.
b. Variances shall only be issued by a community upon
1. a showing of good and sufficient cause,
2. a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in
exceptional hardship to the applicant, and
3. a determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased
flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public
expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public,
or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
c. Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the
minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
d. No variance shall allow a lower degree of flood protection than the Regulatory
Flood Protection Elevation.
e. Flood insurance notice and record keeping. The zoning administrator shall
notify the applicant for a variance that:
1. The issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood
level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to
amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage, and
2. Such construction below the 100-year or regional flood level increases
risks to life and property. Such notification shall be maintained with a
record of all variance actions. A community shall maintain a record of all
variance actions, including justification for their issuance, and report such
variances issued in its annual or biennial report submitted to the
Administrator of the National Flood Insurance Program.
(c) Process. A request for a variance shall be considered by the board of zoning appeals.
The city council, however, will act as the board of zoning appeals for variance requests
made in conjunction with a conditional use permit or subdivision. In such cases, the
planning commission shall hold the public hearing on the variance request, review the
variance request along with the conditional use permit or subdivision process, and
report its findings and recommendations to the city council.
(1) Applications. All applications for variances shall be initiated by, or with the written
consent of, the owners of the property. A complete application shall consist of:
a. An application and fee payment.
b. A written explanation of the request addressing the variance criteria in
sections (b), (c) and (d) above.
c. A survey of the property showing all property lines, existing and proposed
structures, and easements.
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d. A dimensioned plan showing the floor plan and elevations for all existing and
proposed structures.
e. A map or plat showing the lands proposed for variance and all lands adjacent
to the subject property and the names and addresses of the owners of the
lands in the area as they appear on the records of the county auditor or other
appropriate records.
f. Any other materials required by the city.
(2) Notice. After receipt of a complete application, the city shall set a date for a public
meeting before the board of zoning appeals for the variance request within 45
days after the application is received by the city. Notices for the public meeting
shall be mailed to the following:
a. Properties directly and diagonally adjacent to the subject site. Adjacent
includes properties that are directly and diagonally across a street and alley
from the subject property. The zoning administrator shall submit by mail to
the Commissioner of Natural Resources a copy of the application for proposed
variances(s) occurring within a floodway, flood fringe or floodplain district
sufficiently in advance so that the commissioner will receive at least 10 days’
notice of the meeting.
(3) Public meeting. The public meeting shall be held after notice has been given. The
board of zoning appeals shall hear arguments for and against the proposed
variance and it may continue the meeting if it is reasonably required.
(4) Appeal to the city council. Residents and property owners within the city may
appeal the decision of the board of zoning appeals to the city council. The appeal
must be in writing and must be filed with the city clerk within 10 days after the
date of the board of zoning appeals’ decision. The required fee shall be paid to the
city treasurer when the appeal request is filed. When an appeal is received by the
city, the applicant will be notified of the date and time the city council will hear the
appeal. No appeal will be heard until the city has notified all properties adjacent to
the subject property of the date scheduled for the appeal hearing. If no appeal is
made within the 10-day period, the decision of the board of zoning appeals shall
be final. If an appeal is taken from the decision of the board of zoning appeals, the
city council shall hear the appeal within 30 days of the filing of the appeal unless
that period is extended with consent of the appellant. The city council may reverse
a decision of the board of zoning appeals by an affirmative vote of the majority of
its full membership. The city council shall render a decision within 30 days
concluding the appeal hearing. A decision of the board of zoning appeals shall not
become effective until the end of the appeal period has expired. If an appeal is
filed before the end of the appeal period, the decision of the board of zoning
appeals shall not become effective until the city council has rendered a decision on
the appeal.
(5) Any person who is denied a variance by the board of zoning appeals or whose
appeal is denied by the city council may not reapply for the same variance within
24 months from the denial date unless the physical conditions of the property or
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land in question have changed. A change in the physical conditions would include,
but is not limited to, a division or combination of the land or a taking of part of the
land for public purpose.
Sec. 36-448. Conditional Use Permits (CUP).
(a) Findings and purpose: The city council may grant conditional use permits by resolution
for uses and purposes authorized by this chapter and may impose such additional
conditions and safeguards in permits as may be necessary to protect the
comprehensive plan and the general purpose and intent of this chapter. Prior to
December 31, 1992, such permits were known as special use permits.
(b) Standards and conditions. A conditional use permit shall be issued when the following
findings are made:
(1) Consistency with plans. It is consistent with and supportive of principles, goals,
objectives, land use designations, redevelopment plans, neighborhood objectives,
and implementation strategies of the comprehensive plan.
(2) Nuisance. It is not detrimental to the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of
the community as a whole. It will not have undue adverse impacts on the use and
enjoyment of properties, existing and anticipated traffic conditions, parking
facilities on adjacent streets, and values of properties in close proximity to the
conditional use.
(3) Compliance with code. It is consistent with the regulations, intent and purpose of
city code and the zoning district in which the conditional use is located.
(4) Consistency with service capacity. It will not have undue adverse impacts on
governmental facilities, services or improvements which are either existing or
proposed.
(5) Site design. It is consistent with the design and other requirements of site and
landscape plans prepared by or under the direction of a professional landscape
architect or civil engineer registered in the state and adopted as part of the
conditions imposed on the use by the city council.
(6) Consistency with utilities. It is consistent with the city’s stormwater, sanitary
sewer, and water plans.
(7) Conditions specific to site. It complies with all conditions imposed by the city
council and listed within the conditional use permit.
(c) General provisions:
(1) Conditional use permit required. No building or land shall be used or occupied for
a use which requires a conditional use permit until the permit has been issued.
(2) Compliance to conditions required. No building or land shall be used or occupied
for which a conditional use permit has been issued unless that use complies with
all of the conditions of that conditional use permit.
(3) Referral to planning commission. The request for a conditional use permit shall be
referred to the planning commission for a public hearing and to study the effect of
the proposed use on the comprehensive plan and on the character and
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development of the neighborhood. The planning commission shall recommend to
the city council whether to grant or deny the conditional use permit request and
the conditions which should be attached to the conditional use permit if the
recommendation is to approve the request.
(4) Action without planning commission recommendation. If the planning commission
does not transmit a recommendation to the city council in a timely manner, then
the city council may take action on the request without a recommendation of the
planning commission.
(5) Reimbursement. The conditional use permit shall become valid after the applicant
has paid to the city all fees due according to section 36-36.
(6) Building permits. Building permits shall not be issued for any property for which
the city council has approved a conditional use permit until the applicant has met
the conditions of the permit, paid to the city all required fees, has signed an assent
form, and has filed with the city clerk any required letter of credit or other
security.
(d) Process:
(1) Application. All applications for conditional use permits shall be initiated by, or
with the written consent of, the owners of the property. A complete application
shall consist of:
a. An application and payment of required application fee.
b. A complete and accurate legal description of the property.
c. A written explanation of the request addressing the development proposal
and the criteria listed in section (b) above.
d. A survey of the property showing all property lines, topography, structures,
and easements. Additional drawings showing site conditions and
improvements as needed to show compliance with city regulations.
e. Dimensioned plans showing the following:
1. Site plan showing landscaping, lighting, parking, and other site design
elements required to show compliance with city code.
2. Drainage, stormwater and utility plans prescribing locations for city water,
sewer, fire hydrants, manholes, power, telephone, and cable lines, natural
gas mains, and other service facilities prepared by a professional civil
engineer registered in the state and adopted.
3. Floor plan and elevations for all existing and proposed structures.
f. A map or plat showing the lands proposed for the conditional use permit and
all lands within 350 feet of the boundaries of the property and two copies of
the names and addresses of the owners of the lands in the area as they
appear on the records of the county auditor or other appropriate records.
g. Any other materials required by the city.
(2) Hearings.
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a. The planning commission shall conduct a public hearing for all conditional use
permit applications and major amendments to existing conditional use
permits.
b. A notice of the time, place and purpose of the hearing shall be published in
the official newspaper of the city at least 10 days prior to the date of the
hearing.
c. A notice of the hearing shall also be mailed at least 10 days before the date of
the hearing to each owner of the affected property and owners of record of
property located wholly or partly within 350 feet of the property for which the
conditional use permit has been requested.
d. The person responsible for mailing the notice shall use the records of the
county auditor's office or other appropriate records to determine the names
and addresses of owners entitled to written notice. A copy of the notice and a
list of the owners and addresses to which the notice was sent shall be attested
to by the person giving the notice and shall be made a part of the record of
the proceedings. The failure to give mailed notice to individual property
owners or defects in the notice shall not invalidate the proceedings provided a
bona fide attempt has been made to comply with this section.
(3) Conditions. The city council may impose reasonable conditions on any conditional
use permit and may, at any time at its election or upon application by the property
owner, modify the conditions of an existing conditional use permit as changing
circumstances warrant.
(4) Modifications. The city council may initiate a modification of an existing
conditional use permit. The modification shall follow the same process as required
for a conditional use permit.
(5) Assent form. A conditional use permit with imposed conditions is not valid until
the applicant has signed an assent form and the approved exhibits which
acknowledge the terms and conditions under which the conditional use permit is
granted, agreeing to observe them.
(6) Filing. The resolution approving a conditional use permit or modification of a
conditional use permit shall include the legal description of the property for which
the permit was issued. A certified copy of the resolution shall be filed with the
appropriate filing officer at the county recorder or county registrar of titles.
(7) Extension of time. The city council may grant an extension of time beyond the
termination date for any conditional use permit. The fee to process an extension
request shall be set by resolution adopted by the city council establishing such
fees. At the time the extension is granted, the city council or the board of zoning
appeals may waive the fee and direct the return of a part or all of it to the
applicant. In considering whether to refund any of the fee charged, the city shall
determine whether it has incurred additional expense in considering the request
for extension. Requests for extension of time must be filed with the city manager
before the termination date of the conditional use permit.
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(8) Denial. Conditional use permits may be denied by resolution of the city council. A
resolution of denial shall constitute a finding by the city council that the conditions
required for approval do not exist.
Sec. 36-449. Planned Unit Developments (PUDs).
(a) Purpose and Intent. The purpose of a PUD District is to benefit the city and its residents
by providing a comprehensive procedure intended to allow greater flexibility in the
development of land than would be possible under a conventional zoning district. The
decision to zone property to PUD is a public policy decision for the city council to make
in its legislative capacity. The intent of this section is to:
(1) Allow for the greater utilization of new technologies in building design,
construction, and land development.
(2) Promote higher standards of site and building design.
(3) Promote a more efficient and effective use of streets, utilities, and public facilities
to support high-quality development at a lesser cost.
(4) Provide for the establishment of recreational, public, and open spaces which may
be made more usable and be more suitably located than would otherwise be
provided under conventional development procedures.
(5) Allow modifications to the strict application of regulations of conventional zoning
districts that are in harmony with the goals, policies and intent of the city's
comprehensive plan and this chapter.
(6) Encourage a more creative and efficient use of land.
(7) Preserve and enhance desirable site characteristics, including flora and fauna,
scenic views, screening, and access.
(8) Promote environmental sustainability in the development of land, building
construction and building operations.
(9) Ensure integrated pedestrian facilities to and within a PUD district.
(10) Provide for improved connections to mass transit facilities.
(11) Encourage an increase in the supply of low-income and moderate-income housing.
(12) Allow for the mixing of land uses within a development when such mixing of land
uses could not otherwise be accomplished under this chapter.
(b) Building and site design. The city council shall find that the quality of building and site
design proposed by the PUD plan will substantially enhance aesthetics of the site and
implement relevant goals and policies of the comprehensive plan before a PUD
ordinance may be approved. In addition, the following criteria shall be satisfied:
(1) The design shall consider the project as a whole and shall create a unified
environment within project boundaries by ensuring architectural compatibility of
all structures, efficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation, aesthetically pleasing
landscape and site features, and design and efficient use of utilities.
(2) The design of a PUD shall achieve compatibility of the project with surrounding
land uses, both existing and proposed, and shall minimize the potential adverse
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impacts of the PUD on surrounding land uses and the potential adverse effects of
the surrounding land uses on the PUD.
(3) A PUD shall comply with the city’s green building policy.
(4) A PUD that includes residential uses shall comply with the city’s inclusionary
housing policy.
(5) The use of green roofs or white roofs and on-site renewable energy is encouraged.
(6) More than one building may be placed on one lot in a PUD.
(c) Application of section provisions. The provisions of this section shall be administered as
follows:
(1) Land use guidance. No PUD shall be approved on property guided by the
Comprehensive Plan for low density residential development.
(2) PUD regulations. A PUD district may incorporate the regulations of one or more
other zoning districts as determined by the zoning administrator and designated in
the ordinance creating the district.
(3) Modifications. A PUD district may modify any provision of this chapter except for
the following:
a. PUDs shall comply with the requirements of the floodplain ordinance.
b. PUDs shall comply with the sign requirements of the most closely related
zoning district as designated in the approving ordinance.
c. PUDs shall comply with the Travel Demand Management District.
(4) Permitted land uses. Any land use that is consistent with the comprehensive plan
may be allowed in a PUD district. Residential and non-residential uses may be
included in a single PUD district. The PUD ordinance shall identify all land uses
allowed in the PUD district. Any change from the uses listed in the PUD ordinance
shall be considered an amendment to the PUD and shall follow the procedures
specified in this section. The following uses are prohibited in a PUD: currency
exchange; firearms sales; pawnshop; payday loan agency; sexually oriented
business.
(5) Minimum area. A PUD district must consist of a parcel or contiguous parcels of
land at least two acres or more in size. Tracts of less than two acres may be
approved only if the applicant can demonstrate that a project of superior design
can be achieved or that greater compliance with comprehensive plan goals and
policies can be attained through use of a PUD.
(6) Additional requirements. PUDs shall be subject to the imposition of additional
requirements when, in the opinion of the city council, such additional
requirements are necessary to protect the general welfare, public safety,
neighborhood character and/or to achieve the objectives contained in section 36-
1.
(d) Submission requirements and procedure. Planned unit developments shall be
proposed and considered according to the requirements of this section.
(1) Pre-application conference. Before filing an application for approval of a PUD, an
applicant may submit a concept plan for review and comment by city staff. Staff
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may schedule a review of the concept plan by the planning commission and/or city
council to obtain nonbinding comments on its merits.
(2) Preliminary PUD plan. A complete application for a preliminary PUD plan shall
include all of the following information:
a. An application and payment of required application fee.
b. A statement describing how the PUD will meet the stated purposes and
objectives of this section.
c. If land encompassed within a proposed PUD is to be platted, replatted or
subdivided, all information required for consideration and approval of a
preliminary plat is also required in accordance with the subdivision ordinance,
and the review may be carried out simultaneously with the review of a PUD.
d. A current certified survey showing existing conditions of properties located
within the proposed PUD, and buildings and topography of properties located
within 150 feet of the proposed PUD.
e. Preliminary general development plans. Plans shall be dimensioned and based
on the survey. Plans shall show compliance to the city code and proposed
modifications.
1. Detailed site plan.
2. Landscape plan, including spaces used for designed outdoor recreation
area (DORA).
3. Tree preservation and replacement plan.
4. Erosion control plan.
5. Utility, drainage, and storm water management plans prepared by a civil
engineer registered in Minnesota.
6. Lighting plan.
7. Building elevations and floor plans.
8. Fire protection plan.
f. Traffic study, which the city may deem necessary. The study shall contain, at a
minimum, the total and peak hour trip generation from the site at full
development, the effect of such traffic on the level of service of nearby and
adjacent streets, intersections, and total parking requirements.
g. If a PUD has been requested that involves two or more phases, the PUD
applicant shall submit a phasing plan. This plan shall demonstrate that each
phase is capable of independently addressing and complying with the city
code, traffic study and storm water requirements and include the
geographical sequence of construction and the number of dwelling units or
square footage of nonresidential property to be constructed in each phase.
h. Environmental data which the city may deem necessary. This data must
include a preliminary analysis of the probability of site contamination.
i. Any other information required by the city.
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(3) Final PUD plan. A complete application for a final PUD plan shall contain all of the
following information:
a. An application and payment of required application fee.
b. A final plat that meets the requirements of the subdivision ordinance.
c. A current certified survey showing existing conditions of properties located
within the proposed PUD, and buildings and topography of properties located
within 150 feet of the proposed PUD.
d. Final general development plans. Plans shall be dimensioned and based on
the survey. Plans shall show compliance to the city code and proposed
modifications.
1. Detailed site plan.
2. Landscape plan, including spaces used for designed outdoor recreation
area (DORA).
3. Tree preservation and replacement plan.
4. Erosion control plan.
5. Utility, drainage, and storm water management plans prepared by a civil
engineer registered in Minnesota.
6. Lighting plan.
7. Building elevations and floor plans.
8. Fire protection plan.
e. Any deed restrictions, covenants, agreements, and articles of incorporation
and bylaws of any proposed homeowners' association or other documents or
contracts which control the use or maintenance of property covered by the
PUD.
f. A final phasing plan, if phasing is proposed, indicating the geographical
sequence and timing of development of the plan or portions thereof,
including the estimated date of beginning and completion of each phase.
g. Any other information required by the city.
(4) Procedure. Planned unit developments shall be proposed and processed according
to the requirements of this section. No application for a final PUD shall be
processed until the application for a preliminary PUD has been approved by the
city council unless the zoning administrator determines the preliminary PUD and
final PUD may be processed simultaneously.
a. Preliminary PUD.
1. Application. An application for preliminary approval of a PUD district shall
be on a form provided by the city and shall include all required
information comprising a preliminary PUD plan.
2. Referral to planning commission. The completed application shall be
reviewed by city staff and a report concerning the application shall be
submitted to the planning commission.
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3. Public hearing. The planning commission shall hold a public hearing in
accordance with section 36-35(b).
4. Approval. The city council may approve the preliminary PUD plan in
whole or in part, may approve subject to conditions, may deny, or may
continue consideration of the preliminary PUD plan for further
investigation and hearing at a later date.
5. Denial. When a preliminary PUD plan has been denied by the city council,
the owner or applicant may not reapply for the same or similar
development on the same property for the six-month period following
the date of the denial.
b. Final PUD.
1. Application. An application for final approval of a PUD district shall be on
a form provided by the city and shall include all data and plans comprising
a final PUD plan.
2. Timeframe for submission. Application for a final PUD shall be submitted
for approval within 180 days after city council approval of the preliminary
PUD unless a written request for a time extension is submitted by the
applicant and approved by the city council.
3. The city council shall consider the final PUD plan. If the city council deems
it necessary, it may set a public hearing for consideration of the final PUD
plan. The city council may deny the final PUD plan or may approve the
final PUD plan in whole or in part. A final PUD district shall be approved
by ordinance.
4. No development activity may occur on a site for which a PUD has been
applied, until a final PUD district has been approved in whole or in part
for that site.
c. Preliminary and final PUD combined.
1. The application form for a final PUD shall be used.
2. The application shall include all data and plans comprising both a
preliminary PUD plan and final PUD plan.
3. The approval procedure shall be the same as for a preliminary PUD,
except that final approval shall be by ordinance.
(5) Operating and maintenance requirements for common areas. If certain land areas
or structures within the PUD are designated for recreational use, public plazas,
open areas or service facilities, the owner of such land and buildings shall enter
into an agreement with the city that ensures the continued operation and
maintenance of such areas or facilities in a manner suitable to the city.
(6) Zoning map. All approved PUD districts shall be designated on the city's zoning
map as it is revised from time to time.
(7) Building permit. No building permit shall be issued, or development shall occur on
land for which a PUD district has been approved which does not conform to the
approved final plan.
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(8) Amendments. Proposed development of land for which a PUD has been approved
or modifications to existing projects which does not conform to the approved final
plan shall be processed as either an administrative amendment or major
amendment as determined by the zoning administrator.
a. The official exhibits affected by the approved amendment shall be amended
and replaced in their entirety.
(9) Final development plan governs use of land. The subject area shall be
permanently governed by the conditions, provisions and restrictions of the
approving ordinance and final development plan. The ordinance and plan, as
amended from time to time, shall govern the use of the land.
(e) Status of planned unit developments established prior to February 27, 2015. Planned
unit developments approved prior to February 27, 2015 are either permitted,
permitted with standards, conditional uses, or nonconforming uses under the
provisions of this chapter. This section establishes the status of planned unit
developments approved under the previous ordinance based upon the five categories
described in this subsection and sets forth procedures for the termination, and in some
cases conversion, of planned unit developments.
(1) Planned unit developments now permitted or permitted with standards. Planned
unit developments issued for land uses which, under this chapter, are now
permitted or permitted with standards in the zoning district in which the property
is located are hereby continued in full force and effect. The owner of property
subject to a continued planned unit development may request termination of the
planned unit development by providing the city with a letter requesting
termination. Upon receipt of a letter requesting termination, the city shall issue a
written termination to the applicant which shall be recorded on the title to the
property by the city. The owner of the property shall sign an assent form provided
by the city wherein the owner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the city for
any actions or consequences arising from termination of the planned unit
development. Upon termination of the planned unit development, the land use
shall be governed by the regulations of this ordinance, and other applicable
ordinances. Once a planned unit development is declared terminated, it may not
be reinstated.
(2) Planned unit developments now conditional uses. Planned unit developments
issued for land uses which, under this chapter, are now conditional uses in the
zoning district in which the property is located are hereby continued in full force
and effect. The holder of a continued planned unit developments may request the
city to verify compliance of the property with the terms and conditions of the
continued planned unit development. A holder of a planned unit development
requesting such verification shall submit such plans and other documentation
necessary to demonstrate to the zoning administrator that the property complies
with the terms and conditions of the continued planned unit development. Upon a
satisfactory demonstration of compliance with the conditions of the continued
planned unit development, the zoning administrator shall issue a certificate of
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zoning compliance stating that the property complies with the terms and
conditions of the continued planned unit development. The certificate of zoning
compliance shall be recorded on the title of the subject property by the city. The
holder of a continued planned unit development may request the city to convert
the planned unit development to a conditional use permit under the terms of this
chapter, provided the property meets all conditions and requirements of this
ordinance and other applicable city ordinances. The procedure for converting a
continued planned unit development to a conditional use permit shall be the same
as that procedure required for adoption of a conditional use permit as specified in
section 36-33(d).
(3) Planned unit developments now nonconforming uses. A land use which was
permitted by planned unit development and which is now a nonconforming land
use in the district in which it is located, may continue to operate as defined in the
planned unit development. It cannot, however, be expanded or intensified unless
rezoned into a new planned unit development zoning district or the use is
otherwise altered to confirm to current code.
(f) General conditions for continued planned unit development. All land uses subject to a
continued planned unit development are subject to the following general conditions:
(1) Any property covered by a continued planned unit development shall comply with
all provisions of the planned unit development. If it is subsequently determined
that a property is not in compliance with the provisions of the continued planned
unit development, the holder of the continued planned unit development shall
take whatever actions are necessary to bring the property into compliance with
the conditions and provisions set forth in the planned unit development. Failure to
bring the planned unit development into compliance within 12 months of written
notification of noncompliance by the city shall be grounds for termination of the
continued planned unit development. The procedure to be followed in terminating
the planned unit development shall be that specified in subsection 36-38(a)(8).
Upon termination of the continued planned unit development, the use shall be
subject to the provisions of article VI of this chapter pertaining to nonconformities
and all other applicable provisions of this chapter, including the regulations for the
district in which the use is located.
(2) If the property is damaged or destroyed and the cost to repair such damage or
destruction exceeds 60% of the assessor's market value of the structure at the
time of the damage, the property shall be brought into compliance with this
chapter.
(3) Property covered by a continued planned unit development may be expanded,
altered, or modified, subject to all of the following:
a. Any nonconformities existing on the site shall be brought into greater or
complete compliance with other provisions of this chapter to the extent
reasonable and possible, except that greater or complete compliance will not
be required with the following provisions:
1. Lot area.
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2. Lot width.
3. Required yards.
4. Building height.
5. Density.
Sec. 36-450. Amendments to zoning ordinance and map.
(a) Generally. The city council may, by an affirmative vote of a majority of all its members,
adopt amendments to this chapter. Amendments which change all or part of the
existing classification of a zoning district from residential to either commercial or
industrial require a two thirds majority vote of all members of the city council.
(1) Initiation of proceedings. Proceedings for amendment of the ordinance from
which this chapter is derived shall be initiated by:
a. A petition of the owners of the actual property, the zoning of which is
proposed to be changed.
b. A recommendation of the planning commission.
c. Action of the city council.
d. A recommendation of the community development director.
(2) Reference to the planning commission. Except in the case of an initial
recommendation by the planning commission, any proposed change shall be
submitted to the planning commission and its recommendation shall be submitted
to the city council before further proceedings are taken on any zoning request. The
planning commission shall meet, consider the proposed change, and submit its
recommendation to the city council within 60 days after submission of the matter
to it. If no recommendation is given to the city council by the planning commission
within 60 days after the request for a recommendation has been made to the
planning commission, the city council may take action without a planning
commission recommendation.
(b) Additional requirements.
(1) Applications. All applications for changes in the boundaries of any zoning district
initiated by the petition of the owners of the property shall be accompanied by a
map or plat showing the land proposed to be changed and all lands within 350 feet
of the boundaries of that land and the names and addresses of the owners of the
lands shown on the records of the county auditor.
(2) Hearings. After an application is received for a change to the ordinance from which
this chapter is derived, the city shall set a date for a public hearing. At the time set
for the hearing, the planning commission shall hear arguments for and against the
proposed change, and may continue the hearing from time to time not exceeding
45 days from the original date specified in the notice of hearing. If a hearing is
continued more than once, another notice shall be given in accordance with
subsection (b)(3) of this section.
(3) Notice. A notice of the time, place and purpose of the hearing shall be published in
the official newspaper of the city at least ten days prior to the day of the hearing.
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When an amendment involves changes in district boundaries affecting an area of
five acres or less, a similar notice shall be mailed at least 10 days before the day of
the hearing to each owner of affected property and property situated wholly or
partly within 350 feet of the property to which the amendment relates. For the
purpose of giving mailed notice, the person responsible for mailing the notice may
use the records of the county auditor or any appropriate records to determine the
names and addresses of owners. A copy of the notice and a list of the owners and
addresses to which the notice was sent shall be attested to by the responsible
person and shall be made a part of the record of the proceedings. The failure to
give mailed notice to individual property owners, or defects in the notice shall not
invalidate the proceedings, provided a bona fide attempt to comply with this
subsection has been made. Proof of service shall be made by the affidavit of the
persons serving same and shall be filed with the city clerk.
a. The commissioner of the department of natural resources shall be notified at
least 10 days in advance of the public hearing of any request to amend the
boundaries of the FW, FF and FD districts.
b. FW, FF or FD boundaries shall not be amended unless the city provides
adequate information to the commissioner of the department of natural
resources that the map is in error or the lands are adequately protected from
flood.
(4) Fees for rezoning and amendments to the text. No application for change in the
boundaries of any zoning district or for change in the text of the ordinance from
which this chapter is derived shall be filed until the person making the request has
paid to the city treasurer a fee, the amount which has been set by resolution of
the city council. If the city planning commission initiates proceedings for rezoning
and text amendments, the council may require that such payment be made by
owners of property involved before making any change.
(5) Planning commission recommendation. Any proposed change to the ordinance
from which this chapter is derived shall be submitted to the planning commission.
After holding a public hearing and deliberating on the request, the planning
commission shall render a finding that all amendments to the zoning ordinance
map and text are consistent with the comprehensive plan and shall submit its
findings and recommendation to the city council within 45 days after submission
of the matter to the city council. If no recommendation is given to the city council
by the planning commission within 45 days after the request for a
recommendation has been made to the planning commission, the city council may
take action without a planning commission recommendation.
(6) Time limit for action. The city council shall act on the proposed change within 45
days after reviewing a recommendation from the planning commission, or a period
of 45 days has elapsed from the time the planning commission received the
request, if no recommendation was made. This period may be extended if the
applicant agrees to a time extension.
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(c) Special procedure for comprehensive rezoning. Whenever the planning commission, in
its capacity or acting on referral from the city council, recommends a comprehensive
rezoning of a substantial part of the city which consists of not less than 50 lots of
platted area or five acres of unplatted area in order to conform to changing conditions,
the city council may make all or a part of that recommendation effective by
amendment to the ordinance from which this chapter is derived. In such a case, the
provisions of section 36-35(b) shall not be applicable; but the procedure for such
amendment shall be as follows:
(1) Maps. A map shall be prepared and filed in the office of the city clerk, which shows
all streets and lands in the area proposed to be rezoned in sufficient detail to
permit each platted lot and each parcel of ground to be identified by the zoning
ordinance classification assigned and all zoning regulations which will be
applicable to them if the proposed amendment for rezoning is adopted.
(2) Notice. The city clerk shall publish notice in official newspaper of the city at least
10 days prior to the date of the hearing.
(3) Planning commission hearing. The planning commission shall meet and conduct a
public hearing upon the proposed rezoning amendment at the time and place
specified in the notice prior to making a recommendation for a comprehensive
rezoning to the city council. The hearing may be adjourned from time to time by
the planning commission, but it shall not be continued more than 60 days from
the date of the original hearing.
(4) Adoption. The city council shall act upon the proposed rezoning not less than
seven days or more than 60 days after it receives a recommendation from the
planning commission. A two-thirds vote of all members of the council shall be
required to adopt any amendment to the zoning ordinance. The city council may
alter the amendment proposed, but if the alteration results in a modification of
the zoning map filed at the time of the first publication of notice of the hearing, it
shall not be made until 10 days after notice has been given by registered mail to
the owner of the property to be zoned that an amendment is being considered
and may be adopted which is different from that shown on the zoning map filed in
support of the requested zoning change.
(5) Publication. If an ordinance is adopted which provided for comprehensive rezoning
even though less than the entire city is affected, the city council shall require that
new zoning maps be prepared showing the zoning district boundaries after
adoption of the comprehensive amendment. Those maps shall be published as
part of the publication of the ordinance amendment. The zoning ordinance need
not describe the tracts of land included in each zoning district in any way other
than by reference to the zoning maps required by this section.
DIVISION 3. ENFORCEMENT.
Sec. 36-451. Enforcement.
(a) Compliance required. All persons, firms, corporations, and voluntary associations shall
comply with the regulations and conditions contained in this chapter. Any person, firm,
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corporation, or voluntary association who fails to comply with any of the provisions of
this chapter, or violates any detailed statement, condition, or plan imposed in the
manner permitted by this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(1) The city may enforce any provision of this chapter by issuing a citation, or by
mandamus, injunction, or any other appropriate remedy in any court of
competent jurisdiction and may require reimbursement of all legal fees required
for the enforcement of any provision of this chapter from persons found guilty of a
violation.
(2) The city, at its sole discretion, may enter into mediation regarding issues in the
enforcement of this chapter, provided that mediation shall not be pursued where
the issue involves a specific dimensional or performance requirement. Mediation
may be pursued when the issue involves an interpretation of the application of
chapter requirements. Mediation shall not be substituted for a variance
proceeding and the city shall not agree to be bound by the mediation process
when the result would be an action inconsistent with the intent of this chapter.
(3) Each day that a violation occurs shall be considered a separate violation.
(b) Approved land uses. Land shall be used only for the purpose permitted in the district in
which the land is located.
(c) Height limits. No building shall be erected, converted, enlarged, reconstructed, nor
structurally altered to be higher than the height limit established for the district in
which the building is located.
(d) Area regulations. No building shall be erected, converted, enlarged, reconstructed, nor
structurally altered unless it conforms to the area regulations of the use district in
which the building is located.
(e) A lot shall not be divided nor shall any structure be erected or altered that results in
more impervious surface coverage than what is allowed by this chapter for the district
in which the lot is located.
(f) Parking and loading facilities. No building shall be erected or structurally altered unless
the site on which it is located provides the off-street parking and loading facilities
required by this chapter.
(g) Encroachments. The yards, parking spaces and designed outdoor recreation area
required by this chapter shall not be encroached upon or considered as part of the
yard, parking space or designed outdoor recreation area required for any other
building unless joint use of parking or a combination of yards or designed outdoor
recreation area is specifically authorized by this chapter.
(h) Building and lot limitations.
(1) Every building erected or structurally altered after the effective date of the
ordinance from which this chapter is derived shall be located on a lot as defined in
section 36-4
(2) There shall be no more than one principal building on one lot, except for the
following development types:
a. Courtyard cottage dwellings;
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b. Townhomes;
c. Apartments;
d. Planned Unit Developments.
(i) Abandonment, revocation and cancellation of permit or variance. If the zoning
administrator determines that any holder of an existing planned unit development
approved before February 27, 2015, a special permit, variance or conditional use
permit has violated any of the conditions or requirements imposed as a condition to
approval, or has violated any other applicable laws, ordinances, or enforceable
regulation, the planned unit development, special permit, variance or conditional use
permit granted by the city may be revoked and canceled by the following process:
(1) The zoning administrator shall notify the holder in writing of the violation. The
notice shall be given in person or by United States Postal Service addressed to the
address of the applicant stated on the original application. Notice shall also be
served upon the occupant of the premises for which the planned unit
development, special permit, conditional use permit or variance was issued or, if
no occupant can be found, notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place upon
such premises. Notice shall be effective on the date of mailing, personal service or
posting.
(2) The notice shall state that after the expiration of 10 days from the date of the
notice, the planned unit development, special permit, conditional use permit or
variance is terminated without further action or proceeding.
(j) New construction required within two years. All variances and conditional use permits
shall be revoked and canceled after two years has elapsed from the date of the
adoption of the resolution granting the variance or conditional use permit if a new
structure or alteration or substantial repair of an existing building is required by the
conditional use permit or variance and the holder has failed to complete the work
within that year, unless a valid building permit authorizing such work has been issued
and work is progressing in an orderly way.
(k) Occurrence of certain events. If the holder of a conditional use permit or variance fails
to make actual use of vacant lands or lands and structures which were existing when
the permit or variance was issued and no new structure, alteration, or substantial
repair to existing buildings was required; or if a new structure was required by the
conditional use permit or variance and no building permit has been obtained, the
conditional use permit or variance shall be revoked and canceled upon the occurrence
of any of the following events:
(1) A change in the zoning use district for such lands is made by amendment to the
ordinance from which this chapter is derived by the city council.
(2) Eminent domain proceedings have been initiated to take all or any part of the
premises described in the conditional use permit or variance.
(3) The use described in the conditional use permit or variance becomes an illegal
activity under the laws of the United States of America or this state.
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(4) Title to all or part of land described in such conditional use permit or variance is
forfeited to the state for nonpayment of taxes.
(5) The person to whom the conditional use permit or variance was issued files a
written statement in which that person states that the conditional use permit or
variance has been abandoned. The statement shall describe the land involved or
state the resolution number under which the conditional use permit or variance
was granted.
(6) The premises for which the conditional use permit or variance was issued are used
by the person to whom the permit or variance was issued in a manner inconsistent
with the provisions of such conditional use permit or variance.
(7) The building or structure for which a variance or conditional use permit was
granted is removed.
(l) Abandonment if conditions not met or use discontinued.
(1) Any conditional use permit granted by the city is revoked and canceled if all
conditions imposed in the conditional use permit are not satisfied within a time
specified by the city council or if the approved use is discontinued for a period of
more than two years.
(2) Any variance granted by the board of zoning appeals is revoked and canceled if all
conditions imposed in the variance are not satisfied within the time specified by
the board of zoning appeals or if the approved use is discontinued for a period of
more than two years.
(3) If an extension is requested by the owner of the property on which a conditional
use permit has been discontinued prior to the end of two years, the city council
may consider or approve, by resolution, such requested extension if the city
council finds the use to be acceptable and a satisfactory reason exists to grant an
extension; however, such extension shall not be granted if it would allow the
discontinued use to extend more than an additional three years beyond the
original two years.
(m) Plan change not required. In the event the city adopts an amendment to this chapter
that results in a building, land use or conditional use permit becoming non-conforming
prior to the commencement of construction of the building, then changes to the plan
will not be required if construction begins within 90 days after the effective date of the
ordinance amending this chapter. If, however, building construction is voluntarily
discontinued by the permit holder for a period of 90 days, then any further
construction shall conform to the provisions of the amendment.
(n) Uses superseding ordinance. A use which violates the provisions of the ordinance
which this chapter supersedes shall not be validated by the adoption of the ordinance
from which this chapter is derived unless it is permitted by this chapter's provisions,
nor shall this chapter extend any temporary use beyond the expiration date of a
temporary permit granted prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which this
chapter is derived.
Secs. 36-453 to 36-473 reserved.
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ARTICLE X. DEFINITIONS AND LAND USE DESCRIPTIONS
DIVISION 1. LAND USE DESCRIPTIONS.
Sec. 36-474. Residential uses.
The following are typical of the residential uses referred to in this chapter.
Bed and breakfast establishment means a private, owner-occupied residence with
guestrooms where temporary lodging facilities and some meals are provided to paying
lodgers within single-family or two-family dwellings. The lodging is subordinate and
incidental to the main residential use of the building. Indoor recreational facilities for
the use of the residents and paying lodgers may be included.
Dwelling, existing single-unit detached means a fully detached unit located on an
individual lot and intended for occupancy by a single-household that was in existence
prior to the (Date this amendment is adopted). This includes a manufactured home.
Dwelling, single-unit means a fully detached residence located on an individual lot and
intended for occupancy by a single household. This includes a manufactured home.
Dwelling, two-unit (duplex) means attached residences designed for or occupied by
two households living independently of one another, with both attached units located
on one parcel.
Dwelling, attached two-unit (twinhome) means attached residences designed for or
occupied by two households, where the attached units share at least one common
wall, and each unit is on its own individual parcel.
Dwelling, detached courtyard cottages/bungalows means a cluster of multiple,
individual detached dwelling units arranged around a shared courtyard or open space
that is typically perpendicular to the street and where the shared courtyard takes the
place of individual rear yards.
Dwelling, three unit means a single residential structure on a single lot which is
designed with attached residences for the occupancy of three households living
independently of one another; the attached units may share a common entrance or
have individual entrances.
Dwelling, four unit means a single residential structure on a single lot which is
designed with attached residences for the occupancy of four households living
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independently of one another; the attached units may share a common entrance or
have individual entrances.
Dwelling, townhouse means a single residential unit which is located within a larger
residential structure containing multiple attached units and which is separated from
the adjoining dwelling unit(s) by at least one common wall. Each dwelling unit may be
located on its own individual lot or on a common lot containing all of the attached
units. Each dwelling unit shall have separate and individual entrances. A small
townhouse dwelling is in a structure with three or four units, while a large townhouse
dwelling is in a building with between five and eight units.
Dwelling, apartment means a multiunit residential building that consists of side-by-
side or stacked dwelling units on one lot and typically with a shared common entrance.
A low-rise apartment has no more than three stories, a mid-rise apartment has
between four and six stories, and a high-rise apartment has seven or more stories.
Dwelling, apartment mixed use means a mixed use building, primarily with non-
residential uses on the ground floor and residential uses on upper floors. The
residential uses consist of side-by-side or stacked dwelling units on one lot and
typically with a shared common entrance. A low-rise building has no more than three
stories, a mid-rise building has between four and six stories, and a high-rise building
has seven or more stories. This description includes the term “mixed use apartment
dwelling.”
Group home/non-statutory means occupancy of a residential structure by persons in
need of specialized treatment or protection and resident staff who usually live together
as a housekeeping unit for a limited period of time. This use may include outpatient
group counseling, some supervision, forced detention, treatment for mental illness and
drug addiction, protective shelter, half-way house, and release programs. The facility
may be licensed by the state but is not mandated.
Hostel means a lodging facility operated under the auspices of a national or
international hostel organization which has dormitory rooms available for rent by
members. The facility has common cooking and eating facilities and may have common
restroom facilities. The duration of stay is typically short and the facility has a resident
manager.
Hotel/motel means facilities which provide overnight lodging in individual rooms or
suites of rooms, each having a private bathroom, which are rented by day or week.
These facilities may include in-room or in-suite kitchens and recreational facilities for
use by lodgers. Restaurants, banquet rooms, arcades, fitness centers and other
facilities available to non-lodgers are not considered accessory uses.
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Live-work unit means a dwelling unit that includes a shop, office, studio, or other work
space for the gainful employment of a resident of the dwelling unit.
Manufactured home park means a parcel of land under single control or ownership
which has been developed for the placement of manufactured homes for residential
use.
Nursing home means a licensed health care facility providing lodging and 24-hour care
for medically or physically impaired persons usually on a long-term basis. Residents of
the facility do not have private apartments or kitchens. This use includes a food service
and may include supporting medical and retail services for the residents.
Roominghouse means a building where lodging is provided for between three and
eight persons and is the primary residence of the owner. Lodging is available on an
extended basis rather than daily or weekly. No provision for cooking is provided in any
of the rooms occupied by lodgers.
State-licensed residential facility means a state-licensed and state-mandated
residential facility occupied by persons in need of specialized treatment or protection
and resident staff who live together as a single housekeeping unit, usually for a limited
period of time. The use includes outpatient group counseling, some supervision and
treatment programs. The maximum number of clients served is specified by state law
which may be amended from time to time. Persons served may include persons with
an intellectual disability and/or those that are severely physically handicapped.
Sec. 36-475. Public, social, and institutional uses.
The following are typical of the institutional uses referred to in this chapter.
Business/trade school/college means a training establishment or institution serving
adults and sometimes high school age persons which provides training and/or
education toward a skill, license or degree.
Community center means a place, structure, area or other facility which is open to the
public and designed to accommodate and serve significant segments of the community
and which is used for educational, religious, fraternal, social and recreational programs.
This use may include accessory food service and accessory retail shops.
Educational facility means neighborhood, community, district or regional based
education services normally provided to children through young adult age. The use
may include evening or off-hour services to adults in the community. This use may be
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public or private, and generally includes an accessory food service and some retail
facilities to serve students and faculty.
Hospital means a facility which provides health services primarily for human inpatient
medical or surgical care, including related facilities, such as laboratories, outpatient
departments, training facilities, central service facilities and staff offices.
Characteristics include large institutionally designed buildings, large volumes of traffic,
large parking lots or ramps, 24-hour activity, service vehicles, large quantities of waste,
and emergency vehicles.
Indoor entertainment means entertainment services provided entirely within an
enclosed building. It includes libraries, museums, art galleries, theaters, health or
fitness centers, bowling alleys, arcades, roller rinks, and pool halls. Characteristics may
include late operating hours, outdoor lighting, noise, and traffic.
Library means a facility where collections of books and other materials are housed in a
building which is open to the public during regularly scheduled hours which may
include weekend days and evenings. Books and other materials may be available for
loan. Characteristics may include high parking demand and high traffic generation.
Medical/dental office means a facility which provides direct delivery of health-related
examination and services or treatment to customers on an appointment or walk-in
basis; and includes counseling, consultation, chiropractic, and podiatry. The use may
include a supporting retail component for medicine, health-related food, or other
product.
Municipal, county, state, or federal administrative or service facility means a room,
group of rooms, or portion of a building that is used for conducting government affairs
including post office, police, and fire stations. It may include various services and
programs conducted by the city.
Place of assembly means facilities designed to accommodate large groups of people
having shared goals, desires or interests that are not customarily business related.
Characteristics may include large group meetings or activities with peak parking
demands and noise. This use may include the sale of food and beverages, but if the
floor area devoted to food or beverage sales exceeds 50% of the total gross floor area
of the facility, then the facility will be classified as a restaurant.
Police/fire station means facilities designed to serve the public health and safety. They
may include an office component, the storage of fire trucks, police cars and equipment,
and the boarding of personnel within an enclosed building. It may also include various
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services and programs conducted by the city. Characteristics may include sporadic
periods of loud noise, sirens, and activity.
Religious institution means a facility where people gather to relate or manifest faithful
devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity. This use is characterized by
meeting rooms, education and training about the religion, worship practice, indoor
activities, intermittent parking needs, group singing or chanting, and music. The
assembly typically meets on weekends or evenings. Accessory uses which may
accompany the principal use include day care, park and ride, and dwelling units for
clergy, employees, or persons similarly associated with the religious institution.
Sec. 36-476. Commercial uses.
The following are typical of the institutional uses referred to in this chapter.
Adult day care means a nonresidential facility that provides care to functionally
impaired adults on a regular basis for periods of less than 24 hours in a structure which
is not the residence of the person being served or the facility operator. Some
characteristics of this use are similar to family day care and nursing homes. This use is
appropriate in commercial areas provided there is accessibility to outdoor areas for
sitting and exercise. Persons being served are most like nursing home residents.
Animal handling means the sale, boarding, treatment and care of privately-owned small
animal pets which may include dogs, cats, other mammals, fish and reptiles but excludes
large animals such as horses, farm animals or animals raised for slaughter.
Characteristics may include special refuse, storage, noise, odor and other nuisance
characteristics.
Animal handling, limited means any animal handling use such as veterinary clinics, pet
stores, and pet grooming that do not include boarding, daycare, or outdoor off leash
recreation space for animals. The use may require an animal to be kept overnight on-site
for treatment but does not include boarding or animal daycares.
Appliance, small engine and bicycle repair means maintenance and repair of
appliances, small engines, bicycles and similar items. Characteristics include some
outdoor activity and noise.
Autobody/painting means a facility for painting, straightening, replacing and repairing
the frame and body parts of motor vehicles usually damaged as result of an accident. It
includes the outdoor storage of damaged and dismantled vehicles and may generate
odor and noise. This use excludes junkyards and automobile wrecking yards.
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Bank means a facility for the deposit, management and lending of money, frequently
with accessory drive-up facility. This use includes banks and savings and loans but not
insurance companies and stock brokerage firms. Characteristics may include high peak
hour traffic on certain days.
Cannabis retailer means a retailer that can purchase immature cannabis plants and
seedlings, cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, hemp-
derived consumer products and other products allowed by the State of Minnesota from
other cannabis businesses and sell or otherwise convey them to customers.
Car wash means a facility designed to wash automobiles and light trucks with little or no
human intervention. The facility utilizes automated equipment and wash cycles are
relatively short. These facilities are typically accessory to other automotive related land
uses and may sporadically cause congestion on its site.
Catering means an operation where food is either fully or partially prepared on site and
delivered to the customer off site for final preparation and consumption. Characteristics
include truck traffic, refuse storage issues, limited on-site public contact, and possible
odors from materials and processing.
Coffee shop means an establishment that primarily sells coffee and coffee-related
accessories. They may also sell other refreshment items such as donuts, bagels, muffins,
cakes, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and other hot and cold beverages. Limited indoor
seating is generally provided for patrons, but table service is not provided.
Dry cleaning or laundering facility means a facility where clothing, diapers, or other
fabrics are cleaned by dry cleaning or laundering processes. Materials to be cleaned may
be brought to the site either by pickup and delivery trucks operated as part of the
business or by customers who drop off and pick up their own materials to be cleaned.
The use may include the storage of delivery vehicles on the site.
Food service means the on-site sale of food and beverages which are prepared and
served in individual portions in a ready-to-consume state for consumption either on-site
or off-site, including seating for not more than 10 persons. Characteristics may include
truck and vehicle traffic, cooking odors and refuse. As an accessory use, this use is often
found in conjunction with motor fuel stations and grocery stores.
Funeral home means a facility where funeral services are held and where embalming
and other processes occur in preparation of the dead for burial. It may include the
storage of caskets, funeral urns and other related funeral supplies, and it usually
provides vehicles to transport the dead to the place of burial. This use does not include a
crematorium.
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Grocery store means a retail sales and services establishment where a majority of the
sales area is dedicated to the sale of food products such as staple foods and accessory
food items.
Group day care/nursery school means a nonresidential facility where childcare,
protection and supervision services are provided for a fee on a regular basis for periods
of less than 24 hours.
Liquor store means a facility principally for the retail sale of pre-packaged alcoholic
beverages for off-premises consumption.
Lower-potency hemp edible retailer means a retailer that sells lower-potency hemp
edibles to consumers.
Medical and dental laboratories mean facilities in which individually produced and
made-to-order medical and dental prosthetics are crafted for the specific needs of
specific individuals. Characteristics may include hours of operation of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m., daily deliveries to and from the facilities by car, van or light truck, minimal heavy
truck traffic, no use of outside storage and occasional visitation of facilities by customers
needing specialized attention as to the make-up and fit of their specific prosthesis.
Motor fuel station means a facility which supplies and dispenses at retail motor fuels,
including electrical charging, directly into a motor vehicle; it also includes the sale of
lubricants, batteries, tires and motor vehicle accessories. Motor fuels may be self-serve
or dispensed by an attendant. Light maintenance activities to vehicles including engine
tune-ups, lubrication, repairs, and carburetor cleaning may also be conducted. Motor
fuel stations may also include facilities for the retail electric charging of vehicles.
Characteristics include outdoor activity, high traffic generation and extended hours of
operation. This use excludes heavy automobile repair including, but not limited to,
engine overhauls, automobile painting, and bodywork.
Motor vehicle sales means display, sale, and rental of automobiles, trucks and
recreational vehicles from an indoor showroom facility and may include an outdoor sales
lot; motor vehicle and repair and autobody/painting often occur in conjunction with this
use. Characteristics may include outdoor activity, banners and lights for promotion and
advertising, outdoor sound systems, truck deliveries, night and weekend operating
hours, and test driving on nearby streets.
Motor vehicles service and repair means repair, lubrication, washing, detailing,
equipment installation, engine overhauls, and other similar uses involving automobiles,
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trucks and recreational vehicles. Characteristics may include the storage of vehicles,
truck traffic, night and weekend operating hours; motor fuel stations and
autobody/painting are excluded.
Office means a facility in which the handling of information or the performance of
administrative services is conducted. It includes services provided to persons both on-
site and off-site on a walk in or appointment basis such as counseling or indirect or
nonpersonal service such as real estate, travel agencies, financial agencies, insurance
offices and professional offices. This description excludes hospitals or other medical
facilities; except it may include up to a maximum of 10% of the gross floor area in
medical or dental offices. Characteristics include high peak period traffic generation and
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. hours of operation.
Parcel delivery service/post office means a facility for the transshipment of letters and
packages generally less than 100 pounds in weight. Customers may purchase stamps,
money orders, insurance, and other mail services. Hours of operation are similar to
those of offices but may include Saturdays. Characteristics include high volumes of truck
and automobile traffic, and vehicles stored on premises overnight.
Pawnshop means a facility where money is loaned based on the value of goods
deposited at the facility by the borrower of the money, which goods are held by the
lender of the money occupying the facility as collateral for the loan. Items held by the
lender which are not redeemed by a borrower may be put up for sale at the facility to
the general public. The term pawnshop includes a facility where all or any part of the
pawnshop activities are conducted.
Payday loan agency means any business that has as its primary activity the providing of
short-term loans for the borrower’s own personal, family, or household purpose which
are usually for a period of 45 days or less. Payday loan agencies do not include banks.
Research and development mean a facility for basic and applied research or product
development. It may include the testing of agricultural, biological, chemical, magnetic,
mechanical, optical or other components in advance of product manufacturing. The
work completed may result in the creation of new goods or new intellectual property.
Research and development do not result in noxious or offensive odors, sounds,
vibrations, emissions, or any external nuisances upon adjacent properties. This use does
not involve the fabrication, mass manufacture, or processing of products. This use may
include medical, optical, or dental laboratories.
Restaurant means an establishment whose principal business is the sale of food and
beverages which are prepared and served in individual portions in a ready-to-consume
state for consumption on site. This use is often found in conjunction with bars, hotels,
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and food service. It is preferably located on major thoroughfares with no access to
residential streets. Characteristics include late hours of operation, refuse, high car and
truck traffic generation, and cooking odors. Outdoor seating is considered an accessory
use. A food service or deli is not considered to be a restaurant if seating is provided for
10 or fewer persons. Restaurant uses are divided into the following subcategories:
(1) Restaurant, sit-down: Sit-down eating establishments that may allow or require
reservations. Patrons commonly wait to be seated, are served by wait staff, order
from a menu, and pay after the meal. Lounge or bar facilities may be accessory
uses. Sale of lower potency hemp edibles and cannabis edibles for consumption
on-site, with the appropriate licenses or registrations, may be an accessory use.
(2) Restaurant, fast-food with or without drive-through window: This restaurant type
features large carry-out clientele, long hours of service, and high turnover rate for
dine-in customers (around 30 minutes). There is no or limited table service, and
customers typically order from a menu board and pay before receiving the meal.
Sale of lower potency hemp edibles and cannabis edibles for consumption on-site,
with the appropriate licenses or registrations, may be an accessory use.
Retail means a facility where merchandise or equipment is displayed and rented or sold
and where delivery of merchandise or equipment to the ultimate consumer is made.
This use includes limited production, repair or processing as an accessory use. Hours of
operation generally begin after the a.m. peak traffic period and extend to time ranges
from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; although some convenience stores and grocery stores are
open 24 hours per day. Characteristics generally include high parking demand and high
off-peak traffic generation; generally prefers high visibility and access to major
thoroughfares. This use includes but is not limited to camera shops, clothing stores,
department stores, grocery stores, discount stores, jewelry stores, delicatessens, retail
bakeries, parcel drop-off locations, toy stores and large item retail; but excludes
restaurants, bars, pawn shops, motor vehicle sales, motor fuel stations, cannabis
retailers and lower-potency hemp edible retailers.
(1) Retail, large item means a facility where large item merchandise or equipment is
displayed and rented or sold and where delivery of merchandise or equipment to
the ultimate customer is made. Characteristics generally include hours of
operation between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. weekdays and weekends. The parking
demand per square foot of building area is normally less than the demand for
general retail. This use includes but is not limited to, furniture stores, carpet
stores, large appliance stores; but excludes motor vehicle sales and pawnshops.
Service means on-site service provided directly to an individual. This use includes
barbershops, beauty shops, therapeutic massage, nail salon, laundromats, shoe repair
shops, and dry cleaners where articles to be cleaned are picked up and delivered by the
patron. This use excludes pawnshops.
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Self-storage facility means any real property designed and used for the purpose of
renting or leasing individual storage space to individuals, organizations, or businesses
who are to have access to such facility for the purpose of storing and removing personal
property; a self-storage facility is not a warehouse/storage facility.
Sexually oriented business means any limited impact sexually oriented business or any
high impact sexually oriented business.
(1) Limited impact sexually-oriented business means a business where sexually-
oriented materials are sold, bartered, distributed, leased, furnished, or otherwise
provided, and which meets the following restrictions:
a. All sexually oriented materials must be provided for use or entertainment off
the business premises only.
b. All sexually oriented materials must be provided from a separate area to
which persons under the age of 18 years are prohibited access.
c. The separate area may not exceed a maximum of 20 percent of the retail floor
area of the establishment, or 300 square feet, whichever is less.
d. No person outside the separate area shall be able to perceive or observe any
sexually oriented materials at any time, including when someone is entering
or exiting the separate area, shopping, or purchasing sexually oriented
materials.
e. A sign must be displayed on the entrance to the separate area, which shall
read: "No person under the age of 18 years is allowed in this area." The sign
letter shall be a minimum of two inches high; and
f. The entry into the separate area shall be visible to an employee of the
business at all times.
(2) High impact sexually oriented business means any business with materials or
entertainment which are principally related to sexual stimulation or gratification
other than a limited impact sexually oriented business. Examples of a high impact
sexually oriented business include the following:
a. A business where sexually oriented materials are sold, bartered, distributed,
leased, furnished, exhibited, or otherwise provided for use or entertainment
on the business premises.
b. A business where specified sexual activities (as defined herein) are explicitly
verbally described or shown.
c. A business where specified anatomical areas (as defined herein) are explicitly
verbally described or shown.
d. A business providing sexually oriented materials for off-site use or
entertainment, which has a separate area but does not meet the size or other
restrictions to qualify as a limited impact sexually oriented business; and
e. A business providing sexually oriented materials for off-site use or
entertainment, where the sexually oriented materials are dispersed within the
business rather than isolated in a separate area.
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(3) Definitions. For the purpose of this subsection, the following definitions shall
apply:
a. Sexually oriented materials means visual, printed, or aural materials, and
other objects or devices, which:
1. Contain, depict, or describe specified sexual activities or specified
anatomical areas; and
2. Are marketed for use in conjunction with, or are primarily used only with
or during, the specified sexual activities described in subsections
(a)(28)c.3.ii., (a)(28)c.3.iii. and (a)(28)c.3.vi. of this section, or as part of
the binding, fettering, or other physical restraint described in subsection
(a)(28)c.3.v. of this section.
b. Specified anatomical areas means:
1. Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic area,
buttock, anus, or female breast below a point immediately above the top
of the areola; and
2. Human male genitals in a state of sexual arousal, whether or not
completely and opaquely covered.
c. Specified sexual activities means:
1. Actual or simulated sexual intercourse of any kind involving two humans,
or one human and an animal or object.
2. Actual or simulated masturbation.
3. Actual or simulated sadism or masochism.
4. Actual or simulated sexual stimulation of any kind.
5. Situations involving a person who is nude, clad in undergarments, or in a
revealing costume, and who is engaged in activities involving binding,
fettering, or other physical restraint of that or another person; and
6. Sexually oriented touching of an animal by a human.
(4) Sexually oriented businesses. Sexually oriented businesses exclude the following:
a. Any material with significant literary content or social commentary.
b. A business where sexually oriented materials are sold, bartered, distributed,
leased, furnished, or otherwise provided for off-site use or entertainment, if:
the material harmful to minors on each item is blocked from view by an
opaque cover as required under M.S.A. § 617.293, and each item is behind
the counter and accessible only by an employee of the business.
c. Displays of sexually oriented materials may occur up to six times per year
without rendering a business a high impact sexually oriented business, if the
displays are limited to an area which has been leased to a person or business
for their exclusive occupancy for a private party, and the only people in
attendance have received advance invitation from that person or company.
d. Any person or organization exempted under M.S.A. § 617.295.
e. Any activity regulated under M.S.A. § 617.251.
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f. Any business may display works of art showing specified anatomical areas, so
long as no sexually oriented materials are for sale, and the business does not
have a liquor license.
g. Movies rated G, PG, PG-13, or R.
Shopping center, community means a cluster of commercial uses planned, owned, and
managed as a unit that has common vehicular site access and parking facilities. A
community shopping center generally contains one or more anchor stores along with
other stores, personal services, and restaurants that draw customers from a city- or
regional-market area. Community shopping centers may include more than one building
and more than one contiguous property and owner if approved under a single
conditional use permit or planned unit development. A community shopping center may
include vendor markets.
Shopping center, neighborhood means a smaller cluster of commercial uses planned,
owned, and managed as a unit that has common vehicular site access and parking
facilities as well as a pedestrian-friendly physical design. A neighborhood shopping
center generally contains stores, personal services, and restaurants that serve the day-
to-day needs of customers in the adjacent neighborhoods and may include a grocery
store. Neighborhood shopping centers may include more than one building and more
than one contiguous property and owner if approved under a single conditional use
permit or planned unit development.
Showroom means the display only of samples of merchandise and equipment where a
sales agreement with a consumer is conducted and delivery of purchased merchandise
is made from a warehouse that is not accessible to the consumer. Merchandise or
equipment which is displayed is typically large bulky items and includes, but is not
limited to, furniture, appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and carpeting.
Studio means a facility where the practice or study of the visual and audio arts or health
and physical fitness occurs. This use may include painting, sculpturing, photography,
recording, radio and television studios. This use also includes dance studios and studios
for martial arts and group fitness classes. This use does not include large industrial
photography or printing processes.
Vendor market means an area, open, partially enclosed, or indoor, at which vendors
gather or where an operator leases spaces/stalls for the sales of items including personal
property, foods products, or plants and flowers.
Sec. 36-477. Recreation uses.
The following are typical of the recreation uses referred to in this chapter.
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Commercial entertainment (outdoor) means outdoor facilities operated as a business
and which are open to the public for a fee that shall include, but are not limited to, golf
courses, outdoor swimming pools, amusement parks, and other similar businesses. Such
facility may also provide a snack bar, restaurant, retail sales of related items, and other
support facilities.
Country club means a golf course and associated clubhouse which may contain locker
and shower rooms, dining and bar facilities, meeting rooms and other spaces for large
social functions. Country clubs are typically open only to members.
Golf course means a facility for playing golf outdoors which consists of golf holes,
clubhouse facilities which may contain lockers, shower rooms and incidental sale of golf
related items, and off-street parking facilities.
Parks/open space means passive recreation including hiking trails, natural areas, wild
life areas, arboretums, open grass areas and tot lot. This includes accessory buildings
that are related to the park and open space use. It also includes various services and
programs conducted by the city.
Parks/recreation means areas for active outdoor recreation activities such as baseball
diamonds, tennis courts, basketball courts, playfields, playgrounds, outdoor swimming
pools, fitness courses and driving ranges. This includes accessory buildings that are
related to the park and recreation use. It also includes various services and programs
conducted by the city.
Sec. 36-478. Industrial uses.
The following are typical of the industrial uses referred to in this chapter.
Anaerobic digester means an enclosed system in which controlled anaerobic digestion
occurs, converting organic material into end-products such as biogas, fertilizer, water,
or other solids. Characteristics may include truck traffic, odor or noises.
Cannabis operation means a facility where cannabis is grown, processed or
manufactured into various products such as edibles, concentrates, wax, oils, and
tinctures.
Composting operation means the collection, storage, processing, disposal, and
distribution of vegetation. Recycling of nonorganic materials is excluded.
Hemp processor means a facility that converts raw hemp into a product for
commercial purposes. Hemp plants or hemp plant parts are refined from their natural
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or original state after harvest by refinement such as, but not limited to, decortication,
devitalization, extraction, crushing, or packaging.
Manufacturing/processing means a facility for the production of a physical commodity
or changing the form of a raw ingredient. It may include administrative offices,
warehousing, and limited distribution and sale of a commodity. Concrete plants,
junkyards, slaughterhouses, rendering plants, salvage yards, and auto reduction plants
are excluded.
(1) Manufacturing/processing, light means any operation which assembles,
improves, treats, processes, compounds and/or packages goods or materials in a
manner which does not create a noticeable amount of noise, dust, odor, smoke,
glare or vibration outside of the building in which the activity takes place. This use
may include small offices, warehousing or distribution. This use does not include
outdoor storage or overnight outdoor storage of commercial vehicles. This use
includes lower-potency hemp edible manufacturers.
Microbrewery means a facility that produces not more than 3,500 barrels of malt
liquor in a calendar year as regulated by Minnesota statutes, as may be amended, and
may or may not include a brewer taproom.
Microdistillery means a distillery producing premium, distilled spirits in total quantity
not to exceed 40,000 proof gallons in a calendar year.
Outdoor storage means the receiving, keeping and/or shipping of goods and materials
outside of an enclosed building where outdoor activity includes only the unloading,
loading, and keeping of materials. This use may include storage yards for fleet vehicles,
contractors, equipment, lumber, landscaping materials, construction materials and
shipping materials. Storage of unlicensed or inoperable vehicles or other materials
typically associated with a junkyard, salvage yard or auto reduction plant are excluded.
Printing facility means a facility in which retail-oriented graphic and photographic
reproductive services are conducted. This does not include industrial operations where
printing is of a commercial nature.
Printing facility, industrial means a commercial printing operation involving a process
that is considered printing, imprinting, reproducing, or duplicating images and using
printing methods including but not limited to offset printing, lithography, web offset,
flexographic, and screen process printing.
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Recycling operation means a facility located within an enclosed building for the
collection, sorting, temporary storage, and shipment of recoverable resources
including, but not limited to, newspapers, cardboard, glassware, metal cans and plastic.
Warehouse/storage means a facility for receiving, holding, shipping and occasional
packaging of commodities. With the exception of loading and unloading of
commodities, and parking and storage of trailers, all functions shall be within an
enclosed building. Characteristics may include high truck traffic generation and low
parking demand. This use may include, but is not limited to, conventional warehouse
facilities, mini warehouse, and joint warehouse and storage facilities.
Sec. 36-479. Transportation and utility uses.
Communication tower means a free-standing structure the primary purpose of which is
to support one or more antennae and includes accessory uses directly related to the
tower, such as utility buildings. Communication tower includes wireless support
structure.
Freight terminal means short term storage and transshipment of materials and the
outdoor storage of trucks and related equipment. Characteristics include high volumes
of large truck traffic.
Parking ramp means a structure built for the storage of licensed, operable motor
vehicles for periods of less than 24 hours. Characteristics may include noise, exhaust
fume odor, heavy traffic and large structure mass and footprint.
Public service structure means facilities which include water towers, utility and public
service-related distribution facilities, and wastewater and storm drainage structures, but
exclude utility substations.
Transit station means on-site loading, unloading and transferring of passengers on, off
or between public transportation ground vehicles. Parking lots and parking ramps
frequently are located in conjunction with the station.
Utility substation means a structure of electrical components to transform high voltage
electricity into lesser voltages to make it suitable for distribution to end users. The use
consists of a large structure and numerous power lines which are difficult to screen and
are classified as land use intensity 10. This use has minimal outdoor activity and traffic
generation.
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Wireless telecommunication facility. Equipment used to provide wireless
telecommunication or data services, including all antennas, radios, support devices,
equipment including ground equipment, associated cables, and attachments.
(1) Micro wireless facility means a small wireless facility that is no larger than 24
inches long, 15 inches wide, and 12 inches high, and whose exterior antenna, if
any, is no longer than 11 inches.
(2) Small wireless facility. A wireless facility that meets both of the following
qualifications:
a. Each antenna is located inside an enclosure of no more than six cubic feet in
volume, or in the case of an antenna that has exposed elements, the antenna
and all its exposed elements could fit within an enclosure of no more than six
cubic feet; and
b. All other wireless equipment associated with the small wireless facility,
excluding electric meters, concealment elements, telecommunications
demarcation boxes, battery backup power systems, grounding equipment,
power transfers switches, cutoff switches, cable, conduit, vertical cable runs
for connection of power and other services, and any equipment concealed
from public view within or behind an existing structure or concealment, is in
aggregate no more than 28 cubic feet in volume; or
1. A micro wireless facility
(3) Wireless facility. Equipment at a fixed location that enables the provision of
wireless services between user and equipment and a wireless service network,
including: (1) equipment associated with wireless service; (2) a radio transceiver,
antenna, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, regular and backup power supplies, and
comparable equipment, regardless of technological configuration; and (3) a small
wireless facility. Wireless facility does not include: (1) wireless support structures,
(2) wireline backhaul facilities, or (3) coaxial or fiber-optic cables between utility
poles or wireless support structures, or that are not otherwise immediately
adjacent to or directly associated with a specific antenna.
(4) Wireless service. Any service using licensed or unlicensed wireless spectrum,
including the use of Wi-Fi whether at a fixed location or by means of a mobile
device that is provided using wireless facilities. Wireless service does not include
services regulated under Title VI of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended,
including a cable service under United States Code, title 47, section 522 clause (6).
(5) Wireless support structure. A new or existing structure designed to support or
capable of supporting small wireless facilities, as reasonably determined by the
city.
Sec. 36-480. Accessory uses.
The following are typical of the accessory uses referred to in this chapter.
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Accessory dwelling unit means a dwelling unit complying with the Minnesota State
Building Code, which is located within a principal single-unit dwelling or in an accessory
building to a single-unit dwelling. The types of accessory dwelling units include the
following:
(1) An attached accessory dwelling unit is located within a principal dwelling.
(2) A detached accessory dwelling unit is located as a freestanding building on the
same lot as the principal dwelling.
Bar means a facility where the primary use is the sale of alcoholic beverages for
consumption on the premises.
Communication antenna means any free-standing structure or device attached to a
building, pole, tower, utility structure, or similar structure used for the purpose of
collecting or transmitting electromagnetic waves through the air, including but not
limited to small wireless facilities, wireless facilities, wireless telecommunication
facilities, directional antennas, such as panels, microwaves dishes, and satellite dishes,
and omni-directional antennas, such as whip antennas, except for Building-Mounted
antennas for private use on the premises where it is located, such as amateur radio
antennas, and antennas receiving television or radio signals.
Community garden means a piece of land gardened or cultivated by a group of people
individually or collectively.
Family day care means a facility that provides care, protection, and supervision of
children in a private residence for periods of less than 24 hours for a fee. The size of
the outdoor play area, the maximum number of children who may be served, and the
number and qualifications of required outside teachers or helpers are set forth in state
law which may be amended from time to time. This use may be licensed by other
agencies.
Gardening and other horticultural uses means the use of land for the growing or
production of fruits, vegetables or flowers for personal use.
Helistop means a facility for the landing and taking off of helicopters used for
transportation purposes but with no facilities for the service of helicopters.
Home occupation means an occupation, profession, or activity conducted in a dwelling
unit, which is clearly an incidental and subordinate use to the residential use and which
does not alter the exterior of the property or affect the residential character of the
neighborhood.
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In-vehicle sale or service means sales or service to persons in vehicles. It may include
drive-in, drive-up, drive-through facilities, and car washes. It does not include motor
fuel stations, curbside pick-up or automated tell machines (ATMs).
Mikvah pool means a ceremonial pool that is constructed to meet certain traditional
requirements to serve primarily Jewish women.
Off-street parking area means private off-street parking spaces that are not accessible
to the public.
Outdoor seating and service of food and beverages means a specific area for dining
which is accessory to a principal restaurant or food service establishment use.
Parks service facility means public service facilities in open space or small structures
operated by the parks department, that host recreation activities including grilling
areas. It also includes various service and programs conducted by the city.
Public transit stop/shelter means a small, roofed structure located near a street and
designed primarily for the protection and convenience of public transit passengers.
Solar energy system. A device or structural design feature intended to provide for
collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for heating or cooling, electricity
generating, or water heating.
(1) Solar energy system - building-integrated means a solar energy system that is an
integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate
mechanical device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural
component of the building. Building-integrated systems include but are not limited
to active photovoltaic or hot water systems that are contained within roofing
materials, windows, walls, skylights, and awnings, or passive systems that are
designed to capture direct solar heat.
(2) Solar energy system - building-mounted means a solar energy system affixed to a
principal or accessory building.
(3) Solar energy system – freestanding means a solar energy system with a
supporting framework that is placed on or anchored in the ground and that is
independent of any building or other structure. Garages, carports, or similar
structures that incorporate building-integrated or building-mounted solar energy
systems shall not be classified as freestanding solar energy systems and shall
instead be subject to regulations governing accessory structures.
(4) Solar collector surface means any part of a solar energy system that absorbs solar
energy for use in the system's transformation process. The collector surface does
not include frames, supports, and mounting hardware.
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(5) Solar energy is radiant energy received from the sun that can be collected in the
form of heat or light by a solar collector.
Student housing means specialized residential accommodations designed for students,
typically in close proximity to the school.
Wind energy conversion system (WECS) means all necessary devices that together
convert wind energy into electricity, including the rotor, nacelle, generator, tower,
electrical components, foundation, transformer, and electrical cabling from the tower
to building or substation(s) and their support facilities.
(1) Wind energy conversion system, building mounted means a wind energy
conversion system that is attached to a building for structural support.
(2) Wind energy conversion system height means the distance measured from the
lowest exterior grade at the base of the WECS to the highest point of any
component of a WECS.
(3) Wind energy conversion system tower means a support structure to which the
nacelle and rotor are attached.
Sec. 36-481. Temporary uses.
The following are typical of the temporary uses referred to in this chapter.
Agricultural commodities sales means the temporary display and sale of Christmas
trees and other greens which are associated with Christmas, flowers and produce.
Building construction structure means a structure used by a contractor or leasing
agent as an office or for storage purposes for a construction project for which a
building permit has been secured and is in effect. This use includes construction
trailers, sales and leasing.
Carnival and festivals mean carnivals, festivals, community art fairs, and other
activities that include uses such as entertainment, amusement rides, and/or the sale of
food and merchandise. This use shall not include sales or promotional events offered
by businesses with the intent of selling product or services identical or similar to those
typically sold or conducted on the lot.
Garage sale means the temporary sale of home-crafted items and used household
goods by the owner, resident and/or neighbors of a property. Garage sales include
estate, rummage, basement, yard, porch or similar sales conducted at a residentially
zoned and/or used property.
Mobile use means a commercial activity conducted as a temporary use within a
vehicle.
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Mobile use, food means a vehicle or cart used to sell food and/or beverages to the
consumer. It may or may not involve preparation of the food or beverage inside the
vehicle.
Mobile use, medical means a vehicle used for the following: blood mobiles,
immunization, medical evaluation, imaging, diagnostic or testing procedure. Mobile
use, medical also includes pet care when limited to immunizations and exams. Mobile
use, medical does not include massage or any type of treatment or surgery.
On-site equipment storage means any structure or outdoor storage area designed for
the on-site storage of construction equipment and materials for an active construction
project.
Outdoor sales, temporary, means the display and sale of merchandise other than
agricultural commodities outside of an enclosed building where it is offered in
conjunction with an established use that legally sells the same or similar merchandise
within a building on the same site.
Pollution abatement equipment means equipment and structures that are erected or
installed on a property for the purpose of eliminating or abating ground or water
pollution.
Temporary structure means a building other than a construction structure used for a
period not exceeding six months.
DIVISION 2. GENERAL DEFINITIONS.
Sec. 36-482. General definitions.
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Abandonment means to cease or discontinue a use or activity for any reason but
excluding temporary interruptions to the use during periods of building or remodeling
where a valid building permit has been issued or during periods of routine seasonal
closure.
Abutting means having a common border or boundary with or being separated from
such a common border by an alley. This term is used interchangeably with adjacent and
adjoining.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 21 Definitions and Land Use Descriptions
Access aisle and aisle mean the traveled way by which vehicles enter and depart parking
spaces.
Accessory use means a use subordinate to the principal use on the same land and
customarily incidental thereto.
Accessory building means a detached building subordinate to the principal building, the
use of which is incidental to that of the principal building or to the use of the premises.
Examples include, but are not limited to, detached garages, storage sheds and gazebos.
Accessory structure means a structure subordinate to the principal building, the use of
which is incidental to that of the principal building or to the principal use of the
premises. Examples include, but are not limited to, decks, fencing, cisterns or rainwater
collection systems, grills or ovens, play equipment, and landscape features such as a
pergola.
Adjacent means having a common border or boundary with or being separated from
such a common border by an alley. This term is used interchangeably with abutting and
adjoining.
Adjoining means having a common border or boundary with or being separated from
such a common border by an alley. This term is used interchangeably with abutting and
adjacent.
Alley means a public right of way, with a width not exceeding 24 feet nor less than 12
feet which affords a secondary means of access to property abutting the alley.
Alteration means any change, addition, or modification in construction or occupancy of
an existing structure or modification to the surface of the ground.
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Awning means a structure made of cloth, metal, or other material affixed to a building in
such a manner that the structure may be raised or retracted against the building.
Basement means that portion of the building having more than half the ground floor-to-
ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining ground.
Berm means a land alteration where fill is added to the surface of the ground in order to
create an earthen mound or hill generally used in conjunction with walls, fences or plant
materials to screen one parcel of land from another or from a street.
Block front means the distance between intersections along one side of a street.
Boarder or roomer means a person who occupies a bedroom or room as a lodging unit
within a dwelling unit or roominghouse for a fixed time, usually through a lease
arrangement with the property owner.
Boulevard means that portion of a street right of way between the curbline and
property line.
Building means any structure having a roof which may provide shelter or enclosure of
persons, animals or personal property.
Building face means that portion of the exterior wall of a structure which shall lie in a
vertical plane. One face shall be terminated by an exterior angle of at least 210 degrees
formed by two exterior walls each being at least 18 feet in length or a curved portion of
such exterior wall which shall have a central angle of 30 degrees or more.
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Building face, front, means the elevation of a principal building that is oriented toward
the front lot line of an interior lot. On a corner lot, the front building face may be
oriented toward the front lot line or a side lot line adjacent to a street. The front face of
the principal building contains an entry to the building and that entrance is more
architecturally prominent when viewed from public streets. Said entrance does not
include an overhead garage door. When it is ambiguous, the zoning administrator
determines which is the front face of the building.
Building face, rear, means the elevation of a principal building that is opposite the front
face of the same principal building.
Caliper inch means a unit of measurement describing the diameter of a tree measured
one foot above the finished grade level.
Cannabis edible means any product that is intended to be eaten or consumed as a
beverage by humans; contains a cannabinoid in combination with food ingredients; is
not a drug; and is a type of product approved for sale by the state of Minnesota, or is
substantially similar to a product approved by the state of Minnesota including but not
limited to products that resemble nonalcoholic beverages, candy, and baked goods. This
does not include lower-potency hemp edibles.
Cannabis product means cannabis concentrate, a product infused with cannabinoids
including but not limited to tetrahydrocannabinol extracted or derived from cannabis
plants or cannabis flower, or any other product that contains cannabis concentrate. It
includes all adult-use cannabis products, including but not limited to cannabis edibles
and medical cannabinoid products. It does not include cannabis flower, artificially
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derived cannabinoid, lower-potency hemp edibles, hemp-derived consumer products, or
hemp-derived topical products.
Canopy means a structure, other than an awning, made of cloth, metal, or other
material affixed to a building that is often built to serve the same purpose as an awning
but cannot be raised or retracted against a building. In addition, a canopy can also be
defined as a structure which is free standing, or nearly free standing, and designed to
provide shelter.
Canopy tree means a deciduous tree planted primarily for its high crown of foliage or
overhead canopy.
Carport means a space for the housing or storage of motor vehicles and enclosed on not
more than two sides.
Channel means the natural or artificial depression of perceptible extent along
Minnehaha Creek with a definite bed and bank to confine and conduct flowing water,
either continuously or periodically.
Cisterns and rainwater collection systems means a container or series of containers for
the collection and reuse of rainwater. A cistern may be exempted from inclusion in the
Site Impervious Area calculation.
City means the City of St. Louis Park, a municipal corporation, along with its duly
authorized boards, commissions and representatives.
Commercial vehicle means a motor vehicle is a commercial vehicle if:
(1) The vehicle is a dump truck, a step van, a tow truck, a semi-tractor or trailer, a tank
truck, a tractor, a bus, a cargo truck, a construction vehicle or equipment, an earth-
moving vehicle or equipment, a van or pickup with a manufacturer's nominal rated
carrying capacity of more than one ton, or any other vehicle which is used in
connection with commercial activities.
(2) Commercial equipment has been added to the vehicle such as winches or
snowplows.
(3) Commercial racks have been added to the vehicle for the purpose of holding
equipment or materials.
(4) The vehicle is a pickup with a nonstandard pickup box; or
(5) The vehicle is a trailer loaded with another commercial vehicle or commercial
equipment.
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Commuter bicycle facility means bike lockers or bike storage room(s), on-site showers,
and a bicycle repair station.
Conditional use means a specific type of structure or land use which is permitted by this
chapter only after an in-depth review procedure set forth in section 36-33 and with
appropriate conditions or restrictions as provided in this chapter and upon finding that:
(1) Certain conditions as detailed in this chapter exist; and
(2) The structure and land use conform to the comprehensive plan and are compatible
with the existing neighborhood.
Condominium means an estate of real property consisting of an undivided interest in
common with other purchasers in a portion of a parcel of real property, together with a
separate interest in space in a building. A condominium may include, in addition, a
separate interest in other portions of such real property, such as garage space or in the
case of cluster development, a townhouse or cluster development lot.
Courtyard means an outdoor area enclosed by a building facade on at least 3 sides and
open to the sky.
Curb level means the grade elevation, as established by the city, at the curb in front of
the center of the building. Where no curb level has been established, the director of
public works shall determine a curb level or its equivalent for the purpose of this
chapter.
Customer floor area means that part of the gross floor area of a commercial
establishment used by and accessible to the public, except public restrooms.
Deciduous means a plant with foliage that is shed annually.
Density means the number of dwelling units per acre of net lot area.
Designed Outdoor Recreational Area (DORA) means designed outdoor space intended
for passive or active recreation accessible and suited to the needs of residents and/or
employees. The area shall be functional and aesthetic, designed with clear edges, relate
to the principal building or buildings, include sidewalk connections, seating, landscaping,
and other amenities. The area should be compatible with or enlarge upon existing
pedestrian links and public parks or open space and may include swimming pools, tot
lots, courtyards, plazas, picnic areas, and trails within natural areas. Outdoor
recreational areas shall not include driveways, parking areas, steep slopes, or ponds
designed solely for stormwater retention.
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Development means all structures, land uses, and other modifications of the existing
landscape above and below ground or water, on a single parcel, or on more than one
parcel if covered by a single planned unit development or conditional use permit.
Diameter at standard height (dsh) means the diameter of a tree measured at a height of
4 1/2 feet from the ground level.
District. See the definition, "Use district."
Dog kennel means any premises where four or more dogs, over four months of age, are
owned, boarded, bred, or offered for sale.
Door hood means a rigid, roof-like structure affording shelter attached to the exterior
walls of a building or structure in an approved manner and erected only over an
entrance to a building or structure.
Drip line means a vertical line extending from the outermost branches of a tree to the
ground.
Driveway means an improved access which connects an off-street parking space to the
public right of way.
Dwelling means a building, or one or more parts of a building occupied or intended to
be occupied exclusively for residence purposes, but not including rooms in motels,
hotels, nursing homes, boardinghouses, trailers, tents, cabins or trailer coaches.
Dwelling unit means one or more rooms physically arranged to create an independent
housekeeping establishment for occupancy by one family with separate toilets and
facilities for cooking and sleeping.
Easement means the grant of one or more of the property rights by the owner to, or for
the use by, the public, public utility, corporation, or another person or entity.
Effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived means December 31,
1992, the effective date of Ordinance No. 92-1902.
Electric vehicle.
(1) Accessible electric vehicle charging station means an electric vehicle charging
station where the battery charging station is located within accessible reach of a
barrier-free access aisle and the electric vehicle.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 27 Definitions and Land Use Descriptions
(2) Battery charging station means an electrical component, assembly or cluster of
component assemblies designed specifically to charge batteries within electric
vehicles.
(3) Battery electric vehicle means any vehicle that operates exclusively on electrical
energy from an off-board source that is stored in the vehicle’s batteries and
produces zero tailpipe emissions or pollution when stationary or operating.
(4) Charging levels means the standardized indicators of electrical force, or voltage,
at which an electric vehicle’s battery is recharged. The terms 1, 2, and DC are the
most common charging levels, and include the following specifications:
(a) Level 1 is considered slow charging with 120v outlets.
(b) Level 2 is considered medium charging with 240v outlets, charging head and
cord hard-wired to the circuit.
(c) DC is considered fast or rapid charging. Voltage is greater than 240.
(5) Electric vehicle means a vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively, on
electrical energy from the electrical grid, or an off-grid source, that is stored on
board for motive purposes. “Electric vehicle” includes:
(a) Battery electric vehicle.
(b) Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
(6) Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) means a public or private parking space
that is served by battery charging station equipment that has as its primary
purpose the transfer of electric energy (by conductive or inductive means) to a
battery or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle.
(7) Electric vehicle charging station – private restricted use means an electric
vehicle charging station that is:
(a) Privately owned and restricted access (e.g., single-unit dwelling, executive
parking, designated employee parking, assigned parking at multiunit
residential buildings); or
(b) Publicly owned and restricted (e.g., fleet parking with no access to the
general public).
(8) Electric vehicle charging station – public use means an electric vehicle charging
station that is:
(a) Publicly owned and publicly available (e.g., Park & Ride parking, public library
parking lot, on-street parking); or
(b) Privately owned and available to visitors of the use (e.g., shopping center
parking).
(9) Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) means any equipment or electrical
component used in charging electric vehicles at a specific location. EVSE does not
include equipment located on the electric vehicles themselves.
(10) Electric vehicle infrastructure means conduit/wiring, structures,
machinery, and equipment necessary and integral to support an electric vehicle,
including battery charging stations and rapid charging stations.
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(11) Electric vehicle parking space means any marked parking space that
identifies the use to be exclusively for the parking of an electric vehicle.
(12) ’Electrical capacity’ shall mean, at minimum:
(a) Panel capacity to accommodate a dedicated branch circuit and service
capacity to install a 208/240V outlet per charger.
(b) Conduit from an electric panel to future EVCS location(s).
(13) Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle means an electric vehicle that:
(a) Contains an internal combustion engine and also allows power to be
delivered to drive wheels by an electric motor.
(b) Charges its battery primarily by connecting to the grid or other off-board
electrical source.
(c) May additionally be able to sustain battery charge using an on-board internal-
combustion-driven generator; and
(d) Has the ability to travel powered by electricity.
Enclosed pedestrian walkway means an enclosed link between two buildings on the
same or separate lots designed solely for the purpose of transporting pedestrians.
Equal degree of encroachment means a method of determining the location of
encroachment lines so that the hydraulic capacity of floodplain lands on each side of a
stream are reduced by an equal amount when calculating the increases in flood stages
due to floodplain encroachments.
Essential services include, but are not limited to, underground or overhead gas,
electrical, steam or water transmission or distribution systems; collection,
communication, supply, or disposal systems including poles, wires, mains, drains,
sewers, pipes, conduits, fire alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, hydrants, or
other equipment and accessories in conjunction therewith, bridges, roads, and
railroads.
Evergreen means a plant with foliage that persists and remains green year-round.
Excavation means the removal of soil, rock, minerals, debris, or organic substances
other than vegetation from a parcel of land.
Expansion means an increase in the floor area or volume of an existing building.
Facade means the exterior wall of a building exposed to public view.
Family means one of the following:
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(1) Any group of people living together as a single housekeeping unit, all of whom are
related by blood, marriage, or adoption plus children who are under foster care.
(2) Up to four people not so related, living together as a single housekeeping unit.
(3) Any group of people living together as a single housekeeping unit, if no more than
two adult members function as the heads of the household group and the
remaining members are dependent upon them for care and direction due to age,
physical disability, a mental incompetency or for other reasons.
(4) Any individual, who is the owner, living and maintaining a common household and
using a common cooking and kitchen facility.
Fence means any artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination of
materials erected to enclose, divide, or screen areas of land.
Filling means the placement of sand, gravel, earth, or other materials of any
composition on a parcel of land. Also see the definition, "Land reclamation."
Floor area means the sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of a
building including interior balconies, mezzanines, basements, attics, penthouses, and
attached accessory buildings. Measurements shall be made from the inside of exterior
walls and to the center of interior walls. For the purposes of determining off-street
parking requirements, inside off-street parking or loading space is excluded from floor
area.
Floor area ratio (FAR) means the numerical value obtained by dividing the total floor
area of buildings excluding the basement by the lot area on which such buildings are
located.
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St. Louis Park Zoning Code 30 Definitions and Land Use Descriptions
Food waste means all food, including meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, bread, fruits and
vegetables, cheese, eggshells, rice, beans, pasta, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags,
bones and other plate scrapings, and garden food waste (e.g., tomatoes, pumpkins).
Foster family home means a family home where children out of their own homes are
cared for 24 hours a day for a period of 30 days or more.
Garage, private, means a detached accessory building or portion of the principal
building, including a carport, which is situated on the same lot as the principal building
used primarily for storing motor vehicles with no facilities for mechanical service or
repair of a commercial nature.
Grade means the average elevation of the finished ground level at the midpoint of all
walls of a building, or in the case of signs, the average elevation of the finished ground
level at the base of a sign. This definition includes the terms finished grade and mean
ground level.
Grading means excavating, filling or other changes in the earth's natural topography,
including stockpiling of earth or land.
Ground cover means plants, other than turf grass, normally reaching an average
maximum height of not more than 18 inches at maturity.
Ground floor area means the lot area covered by a principal building measured from
the exterior faces of exterior walls but excluding decks and terraces.
Ground floor transparency means the measurement of the percentage of a facade that
has highly transparent, low reflectance windows at the pedestrian level, measured
between 2’ and 8’ above grade.
Hedge means a landscape barrier consisting of a continuous, dense planting of shrubs.
Height, accessory building means a distance to be measured from the first story
elevation, as defined by building code, to the highest point of the structure.
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Height, accessory structure. A distance to be measured from the lowest exterior grade
at the base of the structure to the highest point of the structure.
Height, communication towers and antennas means the height of a communication
tower or antenna which is not attached to a building shall be determined by measuring
the vertical distance from the point of contact with the ground of the communication
tower or antenna to the highest point of the communication tower, or antenna,
including, in the case of a communication tower, all antennas and other attachments.
Height, principal building means the distance to be measured from either the mean
curb level along the front lot line, or from the finished grade level for all that portion of
the structure facing the front lot line, whichever is higher, to the top of the parapet of a
flat roof; to the deck line of a mansard roof; to a point on the roof directly above the
highest wall of a shed roof; to the upper most point on a round or other arch type roof;
or to the mean distance of the highest gable on a pitched or hip roof.
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Hemp-derived consumer product means a product intended for human or animal
consumption, does not contain cannabis flower or cannabis concentrate, and either
contains or consists of hemp plant parts, or contains hemp concentrate or artificially
derived cannabinoids in combination with other ingredients. It does not include
artificially derived cannabinoids, lower-potency hemp edibles, hemp-derived topical
products, hemp fiber products, or hemp grain.
Heritage tree means a significant deciduous tree measuring 30 inches or greater in
diameter at standard height (dsh) or a significant coniferous tree measuring 25 inches
or greater in dsh.
Household. See the definition, “Family.”
Impervious surface means a surface that has been built on, compacted or covered
with a layer of material so that it is resistant to infiltration by water. It includes
buildings, decks and surfaces such as compacted sand, lime rock, or clay, as well as
most conventionally surfaced driveways, streets, roofs, sidewalks, parking lots, and
other similar structures. Swimming pools shall not be considered impervious.
Impervious surface coverage means the amount of the net lot area that can be
occupied or encumbered by an impervious surface.
Intensity classification means a measure of the magnitude and impact of a land use on
the environment and neighboring land uses. Variables include, but are not limited to,
the levels of traffic that are generated, degree of lot coverage, building height,
impervious surface, and density of development.
Intoxicating liquor license (on-sale) means an on-sale liquor license issued by the city
council which permits the sale and consumption on the licensed premises of all types
of legal liquor including spirits, wine, and malt liquor.
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Irrigation system means a permanent, artificial watering system designed to transport
and distribute water to plants.
Land reclamation means the reclaiming of land by depositing fill material to elevate
the grade. See the definition, "Filling."
Level of service means the traffic capacity of an intersection or roadway based upon
criteria established by the Institute of Traffic Engineers, as amended periodically.
Lot means a parcel of land created by an existing subdivision or described on a deed
which has been recorded in the office of the register of deeds or registrar of titles of
the county, and which is occupied or used or intended for occupancy or use and has
common ownership in its entirety.
Lot, buildable, means a lot which meets the minimum lot width and area requirements
of the use district in which it is located, and which has frontage on a right of way for
street or alley purposes. If the lot was subdivided as part of a cluster housing
development, access to a public street may be by private street.
Lot, corner, means a lot situated at the junction of, and abutting on two or more
intersecting streets, or a lot at a point of deflection in alignment of a continuous street,
the interior angle of which does not exceed 135 degrees.
Lot, interior, means a lot other than a corner lot.
Lot, substandard means a lot or parcel of land that does not meet the definition of a
buildable lot or does not meet the provisions of section 36-71.
Lot, through means a lot which has a pair of opposite lot lines abutting two
substantially parallel streets, and which is not a corner lot.
Lot area means the area of a lot in a horizontal plane bounded by the lot lines.
Lot area, net, means the total lot area excluding area or easement encumbered by a
wetland, public waters, public parks and trails, public open space, rights-of-way, and
other areas identified or protected by local ordinances such as steep slopes,
floodplains, and bluffs.
Lot depth means the mean horizontal distance between the front lot line and the rear
lot line of a lot.
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Lot line means the property line bounding a lot except that where any portion of a lot
extends into the public right of way, street easement, or proposed public right of way,
the line of such public right of way or street easement shall be the lot line for applying
this chapter.
(1) Lot line, front means that boundary of a lot which abuts a street. In the case of a
corner lot, it shall be the shortest dimension on a public street. If the dimensions
of a corner lot are equal, the front lot line shall be designated by the owner and
filed in the office of the division of inspections. If a parcel has multiple sides on
more than two street frontages, the front lot line shall be determined by the
zoning administrator.
(2) Lot line, rear means a lot line not intersecting a front lot line that is most distant
from and most closely parallel to the front lot line. For a lot bounded by only three
lot lines, the rear lot line shall be a line ten feet in length within the lot, parallel to
and at the maximum distance from the front lot line.
(3) Lot line, side means a lot line which intersects with a front lot line.
Lot of record means any lot which is one parcel of a plat heretofore or hereafter duly
approved and filed, or one unit of an auditor's subdivision or a registered land survey
or a parcel of land not so platted, subdivided or registered, for which a deed, auditor's
subdivision or registered land survey has been recorded in the office of the register of
deeds or registrar of titles for the county prior to the effective date of the ordinance
from which this chapter is derived.
Lot width means the horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at the
required front yard line.
Lower-potency hemp edible means any product that is intended to be eaten or
consumed as a beverage by humans; contains hemp concentrate or an artificially
derived cannabinoid, in combination with food ingredients; is not a drug; is a type of
product approved for sale by the office or is substantially similar to a product approved
by the office, including but not limited to products that resemble nonalcoholic
beverages, candy, and baked goods; and meets other criteria outlined in Minnesota
Statute.
Manufactured home means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which,
in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or 40 body feet or more in
length, or, when erected on site, is 320 square feet or more, and which is built on a
permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent
foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing,
heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein; except that the
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term includes any structure which meets all the requirements and with respect to
which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification required by the secretary and
complies with the standards established under state law.
Micro storefront means a commercial or industrial space a maximum of 1,500 square
feet in size only for a small local business.
Mining means the extraction and removal of sand, gravel, or other earthen material
from a parcel of land for purposes other than excavating for the construction of a
structure or grading a site
Mobile food vehicle means a vehicle or cart used to prepare and serve food and/or
beverages.
Motor vehicle means every vehicle which is self-propelled. This does not include lawn
mowers or snow blowers.
Mulch means nonliving organic, synthetic, and rock materials customarily used in
landscape design to retard erosion and retain moisture.
Mural means any work of art that is professionally applied to the exterior of a building
or structure with the permission of the property owner and approved by city issued
permit.
Non-passenger vehicle means a commercial or recreational vehicle or trailer.
Nonconformity means any use, lot, or structure which was legally constructed or
established prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is
derived, or subsequent amendment to it, which would not be permitted by or is not in
full compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
Nonconforming lot means a lot of record which does not conform to the width, lot
area, or other dimensional requirements of the district in which it is located.
Nonconforming structure is any structure which was legally constructed prior to the
effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, or subsequent
amendment to it, which would not be permitted by or is not in full compliance with
the provisions of this chapter.
Nonconforming use means any use which was legally established prior to the effective
date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, or subsequent amendment to
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it, which would not be permitted by or is not in full compliance with the provisions of
this chapter.
Occupied space means an interior building space regularly occupied by the building
users. It does not include storage areas, utility space, or parking.
Ordinance from which this chapter is derived means Ordinance No. 92-1902 adopted
December 7, 1992 and effective December 31, 1992.
Organic material means food waste, yard waste and items such as, but not limited to:
non-recyclable paper products, and other compostable items such as full vacuum
cleaner bags, dryer lint, tissues and cotton balls, floral trimmings and house plants, and
compostable plastics (certified compostable plastic utensils, cups and containers).
Ornamental tree means any tree planted primarily for its ornamental value or for
screening purposes and tends to be smaller at maturity than canopy trees.
Parcel. See the definition, "Lot."
Parking lot means surfaced and improved ground surface areas used for the parking of
licensed and operable motor vehicles for periods of less than 24 hours.
Outdoor lighting:
(1) Cutoff or shielded means an outdoor light fixture constructed or shielded in such a
manner that no more than 2.5% of its light occurs above the horizontal plane of
the fixture, and no more than 10% of its light occurs above 80 degrees.
(2) Direct light means light emitted directly from the lamp, off of the reflector or
reflector diffuser, or through the refractor or other diffuser lens, of a luminaire.
(3) Footcandle is the basic unit of illuminance or the amount of light falling on a
surface. One footcandle is approximately equal to the illuminance produced by a
light source of one candle in intensity, measured on a surface at a distance of one
foot above grade. Footcandles can be measured both horizontally and vertically by
a footcandle or light meter.
(4) Full cutoff or fully shielded means an outdoor light fixture constructed or shielded
in such a manner that no light occurs above the horizontal plane and no more than
10 percent of its light occurs above 80 degrees.
(5) Glare is the sensation produced directly by a light source or indirectly from
reflective surfaces within the visual field that is sufficiently brighter than the level
to which the eyes are adapted, which can cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in
visual performance and visibility. The magnitude of glare depends on such factors
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as the size, position, brightness of the source, and on the brightness level to which
the eyes are adapted.
(6) Illuminance is the amount of light falling on any point of a surface, typically
measured in footcandles (or lux in the metric system).
(7) Indirect light means direct light that has been reflected or scattered off of other
surfaces.
(8) Lamp means the component of the luminaire that actually produces the light,
more commonly known as a bulb.
(9) Light spill means light that falls beyond the boundaries of the property on which
the lighting installation is located and because of quantitative, directional, or
spectral content causes annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and
visibility.
(10) Lumen is a unit used to measure the actual amount of light that is produced by a
light source. The lumen quantifies the amount of light energy produced by a lamp
at the lamp, not by the energy input, which is indicated by the wattage. For
example, a 75-watt incandescent lamp can produce 1,000 lumens while a 70-watt
high-pressure sodium lamp can produce 6,000 lumens.
(11) Luminaire or fixture means the complete lighting assembly or fixture (including
but not limited to the lamps, housing, ballasts, photocells, reflectors, lenses,
shields, visors, louvers) but not the support assembly (poles or mounting
brackets).
(12) Mounting height means the vertical distance as measured from the ground
directly below the centerline of the luminaire to the lowest light-emitting part of
the luminaire.
(13) Ornamental lighting means lighting that is installed mainly or entirely for its
decorative effect rather than as an aid to visibility.
(14) Semi cutoff or partially shielded means an outdoor light fixture constructed or
shielded in such a manner that no more than 5% of its light occurs above the
horizontal plane of the fixture, and no more than 20% of its light occurs above 80
degrees.
(15) Shielded means a luminaire from which no direct glare is visible at normal viewing
angles by virtue of its being properly located, aimed, oriented, and properly fitted
with spill and glare control devices, such as shields, barn doors, baffles, louvers,
skirts, inserts, visors and reflectors.
Parking space means an improved paved or gravel area on a lot or area within a
building intended for parking of a motor vehicle and which has a means of access to a
public street. This term is used interchangeably with parking stall and parking facility.
Passenger vehicle means an automobile, station wagon, van, sports utility vehicle,
minivan, pickup truck, or motorcycle designed and primarily intended for on-street
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operation. Passenger vehicles do not include commercial vehicles, recreational
vehicles, racing cars or stock cars.
Pedestrianway means an open and available pathway designed for use by pedestrians;
it can be located midblock allowing pedestrian movement from one street to another
without traveling along the block’s perimeter.
Performance standards mean specified criteria and limitations which are placed on
development which are intended to protect the public health, safety, or welfare.
Person means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association,
society, joint stock association, or political subdivision of the state including any
trustee, receiver, assignee or other representative thereof.
Pickup truck means any truck with a manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity of
one ton or less and commonly known as a pickup or pickup truck and which has a
standard manufactured pickup box. A pickup whose standard box is covered with a
topper if the topper does not exceed 1 1/2 times the wall height of the standard box is
a pickup truck.
Playfield means an outdoor facility developed as a baseball diamond, softball
diamond, soccer field, football field, or other surface for conducting outdoor
recreational activities.
Practical difficulty means, when used in connection with the granting of a variance,
that, the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not
permitted by the zoning ordinance, the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances
unique to the property not created by the landowner, and the variance, if granted, will
not alter the essential character of the locality. Economic considerations alone do not
constitute practical difficulties. Practical difficulties include, but are not limited to,
inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems.
Previous zoning ordinance means Ordinance No. 730 adopted December 28, 1959,
and all subsequent amendments thereto which were in effect on December 30, 1992.
Principal building means a building or group of buildings in which the primary use of a
lot is located.
Principal use means the main use and chief purpose of land or structures, as
distinguished from secondary or accessory use.
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Proof of parking means a method by which an area of a lot other than that area
required for yards, landscaping, or any other area required for other purposes by this
chapter, which is allocated for parking, but is not paved or striped.
Racing car means a motor vehicle designed or intended for operation on a speedway,
racetrack, or other facility used or designed for high-speed contests between two or
more vehicles or for timing of speed.
Recreational vehicle means any recreational vehicle further defined below that can be
legally operated on a public road according to the Minnesota Department of Motorized
Vehicles.
(1) Travel trailers include those that telescope or fold down, chassis-mounted
campers, house cars, motor homes, tent trailers, and slip in campers.
(2) Motor home is a vehicle, other than a conversion van, that provides temporary
living quarters. A vehicle provides temporary living quarters if it is:
a. Not used as the residence of the owner or occupant.
b. Used for temporary living quarters by the owner or occupant while engaged in
recreational or vacation activities; and
c. Self-propelled or capable of being towed on public roads.
(3) A nonmotorized trailer intended and generally used for transporting boats.
(4) Snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, boats, and any type of watercraft. Such vehicles
which are placed on a utility trailer shall, together with the trailer, be considered a
single recreational vehicle.
Right of way means an area or strip of land, either public or private, on which a right-
of-passage has been recorded for the use of vehicles, including trains, or pedestrians or
both.
Root zone means the part of the soil that is invaded by a plant's roots.
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Screen means a method of reducing the impact of noise and unsightly visual intrusions
by placing vertical elements, such as plants, berms, fences, walls, or any appropriate
combination thereof between the incompatible land uses.
Service stall means the area within a motor fuel station or auto repair facility of
adequate size to service one motor vehicle. A service stall shall have a maximum floor
area of 400 square feet. This term is synonymous with service bay.
Shrub means a self-supporting woody perennial plant, smaller than a tree, consisting
of several small stems from the ground or small branches near the ground; may be
deciduous or evergreen, and usually not more than ten feet in height at its maturity.
Significant tree means any healthy tree, with the exception of Salix (willow), Siberian
Elm and Black Locust, is considered to be significant under the landscaping section of
the zoning ordinance if it is at least five diameter inches for deciduous trees and six
diameter inches for conifers. Aspen, B Boxelder, Cottonwood, or Silver Maple are
considered significant if they are at least 12 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet from the
ground.
Site plan means a plan, prepared to scale, showing accurately and with complete
dimensioning, the boundaries of a site and the location of all buildings, structures,
uses, and principal site development features proposed for a specific parcel of land.
Small local business means a local, independently owned, non-franchised business.
Local means located in the Twin Cities Metro Area.
Special permit.
(1) Certificate of zoning compliance means a certificate issued by the zoning
administrator to the owner of a property covered by a continued special permit
certifying that the property is in compliance with all provisions of the continued
special permit.
(2) Continued special permit means a special permit continued in effect pursuant to
provisions of this section.
(3) Current zoning ordinance means Ordinance No. 92-1902 adopted December 7,
1992, which became effective on December 31, 1992.
(4) Previous zoning ordinance means Ordinance No. 730 adopted December 28,
1959, and all subsequent amendments thereto which were in effect on December
30, 1992.
(5) Property means the legally described parcel of land, governed by a special permit,
including but not limited to structures, parking lots, landscaping, lighting, signs and
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all other physical elements on the site and the use, operation and functioning of
these elements.
(6) Special permit means a land use approval issued by resolution of the city council
under provision of the previous zoning ordinance.
Sport court means a hard or paved surface accompanied by sporting equipment such
as nets or goals, which is used primarily for the playing of sports such as tennis or
basketball. A patio, porch, pool, or driveway shall not be considered a sport court.
Stand and standing mean any halting, even momentarily, of a vehicle, whether
occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually
engaged in receiving or discharging passengers or property.
Stock car means a motor vehicle of standard design and construction which is
modified, adapted, or altered in any manner to increase its speed or safety, and
designed or intended for operation on a speedway, racetrack, or other facility used or
designed for high-speed contests between two or more vehicles or for timing of speed.
Story means that portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and
the surface of the floor next above; or if there is not a floor above, the space between
the floor and the ceiling next above. A basement shall not be counted as a story.
Story, ground (also referred to as ground floor) means the first story of a building that
is level to or elevated above the finished grade on the front and corner facades,
excluding basements or cellars.
Story, half means a story either in the base of the building, partially below grade and
partially above grade, or a story fully within the roof structure with transparency facing
the street.
Story, upper (also referred to as upper floor) means the stories located above the
ground story of a building.
Street means a public or private thoroughfare which is used, or intended to be used,
for passage or travel by motor vehicles. Streets are further classified in the
comprehensive plan by the functions they perform. See illustration following this
definition.
(1) Local street are roadways typically having lowest traffic volumes, containing one
lane of traffic in each direction whose primary function is to provide access to and
from property.
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(2) Minor collector are roadways containing one lane of traffic in each direction
whose primary function is to provide access to and from neighborhoods and the
local street system.
(3) Major collector are roadways containing one or two lanes of traffic in each
direction with controlled intersections whose function is to serve long trips within
the city and access to and from minor and principal arterials.
(4) Minor arterials are interregional roads containing two lanes in each direction with
limited access and controlled intersections at other arterials and collector streets.
Minor arterials convey traffic between towns, boroughs, or other urban centers
and are used to reduce the number of trips on the regional system. Efficient
movement is the primary function of a minor arterial road.
(5) Principal arterials are limited access interregional arterial routes containing two or
more lanes in each direction. They are designed exclusively for unrestricted
movement, have no private access, and intersect only with selected arterial
highways or major streets by means of interchanges engineered for free-flowing
movement.
Street frontage means the building and yard area facing and directly adjacent to a
street right of way line.
(1) Street frontage, primary means the street frontage that receives priority over
other street frontages, defining a higher level of pedestrian orientation. The
primary street frontage is classified in the Comprehensive Plan as a collector or
arterial. If there are two primary streets, or no primary streets, the Zoning
Administrator shall determine the most appropriate street frontage to serve as the
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primary street frontage. Orientation of other parcels along the street shall be
considered.
(2) Street frontage, secondary means a street frontage that is secondary to the
primary street frontage, requiring lower lot line coverage and transparency levels,
and permitting more interruptions by driveways. Secondary street frontages are all
frontages not identified as a primary street frontage.
Structure means anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires a location
on the ground or attached to something having a location on the ground, including but
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, signs, billboards and fences.
Trailer means any vehicle designed for carrying property on its own structure and for
being drawn by a motor vehicle.
Trailer bed means that portion of a trailer that is designed to make contact with and
bear the weight of the load to be carried.
Tree means a self-supporting woody perennial plant having one or several self-
supporting stems or trunks and numerous branches which normally attains an overall
height of at least 15 feet at maturity. Trees may be classified as deciduous or
evergreen.
Truck means every motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily for the
transportation of property. This definition does not include a pickup truck as defined in
this section or a van with a manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity of one ton
or less.
Understory tree means a self-supporting woody plant or species normally growing to a
mature height of between 15 and 30 feet and a mature spread of at least 15 feet.
Many understory trees are considered to be ornamental trees.
Use means the purpose or activity for which a premises is designed, arranged or
intended for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.
Use district means a mapped area within the city to which a uniform set of regulations
applies for the purpose of regulating development.
Variance means a modification or variation of the provisions of this zoning code as
applied to a specific piece of property.
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Vegetation, native, means any plant species with a geographic distribution indigenous
to all or part of the state. Plant species which have been introduced by man are not
native vegetation.
Vehicle means a device for carrying or conveying persons or property which may be
self-propelled or may be propelled, drawn, or towed by a self-propelled vehicle.
Visible basement means a half story partially below grade and partially exposed above
with required transparency on the street facade.
Wetland means an area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or
groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that, under normal
circumstances, does support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in
saturated soil conditions, commonly known as hydrophytic vegetation.
Yard means a required open space on a lot, which is unoccupied and unobstructed by
a structure from its lowest ground level to the sky except as expressly permitted in this
chapter. For principal buildings, structures, and uses, the yard shall extend along a lot
line and at right angles to the lot line to a depth or width specified in the yard
regulations for the district in which the lot is located. For accessory buildings,
structures, and uses, the yard shall extend from the property line to the principal
building, structure, or use.
(1) Yard, front, means an area which extends along the full width of the front lot line
between side lot lines and toward the rear lot line a depth as specified in the
required yard regulations for the district in which such lot is located.
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(2) Yard, perimeter means an area which extends along the full width of an interior
side or rear yard having a width as specified in the required yard regulations for
the district in which the lot is located. Perimeter yards shall not be applied to lot
lines adjacent to an alley or street.
(3) Yard, rear, means an area which extends along the full width of the rear lot line
between the side lot lines and toward the front lot line a depth as specified in the
required yard regulations for the district in which the lot is located. Where the lot
is a corner lot, the rear yard shall be the area between the interior side lot line and
the side yard abutting a street extending toward the front yard a depth as
specified in the required yard regulations for the district in which the lot is located.
(4) Yard, side, abutting a street, means a yard adjacent to a street which extends
along a side lot line between the front yard and rear property line. The required
width of the side yard abutting a street is specified in the dimensional standards of
the district in which the yard is located.
(5) Yard, side interior, means an area extending along a side lot line between the
front yard and rear yard, having a width as specified in the required yard
regulations for the district in which the lot is located.
Yard waste means all garden wastes, grass clippings, leaves, weeds, holiday trees,
shrub and tree waste and prunings, seasonal greenery, and woodchips that are
normally generated from residential properties.
Zoning ordinance means Ordinance No. 92-1902 and all amendments adopted
subsequent to that date and compiled as Chapter 36 of this code.
DIVISION 3. FLOODPLAIN DEFINITIONS.
Sec. 36-483. Floodplain definitions.
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this ordinance must be interpreted
according to common usage and so as to give this ordinance its most reasonable application. If
any of the words defined are used elsewhere in this chapter, their meaning shall be those
assigned by section 36-4.
Base flood elevation means the elevation of the “regional flood.” The term “base flood
elevation” is used in the flood insurance survey.
Basement means any area of a structure, including crawl spaces, having its floor or base
subgrade (below ground level) on all four sides, regardless of the depth of excavation
below ground level.
Equal degree of encroachment means a method of determining the location of
floodway boundaries so that floodplain lands on both sides of a stream are capable of
conveying a proportionate share of flood flows.
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Flood means a temporary increase in the flow or stage of a stream or in the stage of a
wetland or lake that results in the inundation of normally dry areas.
Flood frequency means the frequency for which it is expected that a specific flood stage
or discharge may be equaled or exceeded.
Flood fringe means the portion of the Special Flood Hazard Area (one percent annual
chance flood) located outside of the floodway. Flood fringe is synonymous with the term
“floodway fringe” used in the Flood Insurance Study for Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) means an official map of a community, on which the
Administrator has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones
applicable to the community.
Flood prone area means any land susceptible to being inundated by water from any
source (see “Flood”).
Floodplain means the beds proper and the areas adjoining a wetland, lake or
watercourse which have been or hereafter may be covered by the regional flood.
Flood proofing means a combination of structural provisions, changes or adjustments to
properties and structures subject to flooding, primarily for the reduction or elimination
of flood damages.
Floodway means the bed of a wetland or lake and the channel of a watercourse and
those portions of the adjoining floodplain which are reasonably required to carry or
store the regional flood discharge.
Lowest floor means the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement).
An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, used solely for parking of vehicles, building
access, or storage in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building’s
lowest floor; provided, that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in
violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of 44 Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 60.3.
New construction means structures, including additions and improvements, and
placement of manufactured homes, for which the start of construction commenced on
or after the effective date of this ordinance.
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Obstruction means any dam, wall, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment,
projection, excavation, channel modification, culvert, building, wire, fence, stockpile,
refuse, fill, structure or matter in, along, across or projecting into any channel,
watercourse or regulatory floodplain which may impede, retard or change the direction
of the flow of water, either in itself or by catching or collecting debris carried by such
water.
One Hundred Year Floodplain means lands inundated by the “Regional Flood” (see
definition).
Reach means a hydraulic engineering term to describe a longitudinal segment of a
stream or river influenced by a natural or man-made obstruction. In an urban area, the
segment of a stream or river between two consecutive bridge crossings would most
typically constitute a reach.
Regional flood means a flood which is representative of large floods known to have
occurred generally in Minnesota and reasonably characteristic of what can be expected
to occur on an average frequency in the magnitude of the 1% chance or 100-year
recurrence interval. Regional flood is synonymous with the term "base flood" used in a
flood insurance study.
Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE) means an elevation not less than two feet
above the elevation of the regional flood plus any increases in flood elevation caused by
encroachments on the floodplain that result from designation of a floodway.
Repetitive loss means flood related damages sustained by a structure on two separate
occasions during a ten year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such
flood event on the average equals or exceeds 25% of the market value of the structure
before the damage occurred.
Special Flood Hazard Area means a term used for flood insurance purposes synonymous
with “One Hundred Year Floodplain.”
Start of construction means includes substantial improvement, and means the actual
start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other
improvement that occurred before the permit’s expiration date. The actual start is either
the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the
pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any
work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a
foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing,
grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor
does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, foundations, or the erection of
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temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory
buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the
main structure. For a substantial improvement, the actual start of construction means
the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building,
whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
Structure means anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the
ground or on-site utilities, including, but not limited to, buildings, factories, sheds,
detached garages, cabins, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles not meeting the
exemption criteria specified in section 36-295(b)(1) of this ordinance and other similar
items.
Substantial damage means damage of any origin sustained by a structure where the
cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50
percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
Substantial improvement means within any consecutive 365-day period, any
reconstruction, rehabilitation (including normal maintenance and repair), repair after
damage, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or
exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the “start of
construction” of the improvement. This term includes structures that have incurred
“substantial damage,” regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does
not, however, include either:
(1) Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or
local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by
the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to
assure safe living conditions.
(2) Any alteration of a “historic structure,” provided that the alteration will not
preclude the structure’s continued designation as a “historic structure.” For the
purposes of this ordinance, “historic structure” is as defined in 44 Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 59.1.
DIVISION 4. TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT (TDM) DISTRICT DEFINITIONS.
Sec. 36-484. TDM district definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
General Mills Boulevard/Boone Avenue interchange means the area in which General
Mills Boulevard/Boone Avenue crosses I-394 and the eastbound and westbound exit ramps
intersect with them and the Boone Avenue intersection with the frontage roads on the
south side of I-394.
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Gross floor area means the sum of the gross horizontal areas of the floors of a building
measured from the exterior faces and exterior walls or from the centerline of party walls
separating two buildings. Basements devoted to storage and space devoted to off-street
parking shall not be included.
Level of service A means traffic moves freely. All waiting vehicles clear on every green
interval. Low percentage of stops on major movements (average delay per vehicle less than
five seconds).
Level of service B means traffic moves fairly freely. All waiting movements can expect a less
than 50 percent probability of stopping (average delay per vehicle less than 15 seconds).
Level of service C means traffic moves smoothly. Some minor movements may not
completely clear on every green interval. Vehicles on the major movements can expect a
greater than 50 percent probability of stopping (average delay per vehicle less than 25
seconds).
Level of service D means an acceptable intersection operation for peak period flow. Many
intersection movements may not clear on every green interval. Some vehicles on the major
movements may still go through the intersection without having to stop (average delay per
vehicle less than 40 seconds).
Level of service E means unstable traffic flows. All intersection movements experience
failure to clear on their green intervals. No vehicles are able to go through the intersection
without stopping (average delay per vehicle less than 60 seconds).
Level of service F means saturation condition. All vehicles must stop and all vehicles will
probably require more than one green interval to travel through the intersection (average
delay per vehicle more than 60 seconds).
Louisiana Avenue interchange means the area in which Louisiana Avenue crosses I-394 and
the westbound and eastbound exit and entrance ramps intersect with it and the Louisiana
Avenue intersection with the frontage roads on the north and south sides of I-394. P.M.
peak hour means the period of time between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on business days of
the week.
Reserve capacity means the amount of additional gross floor office area that may be
constructed before an intersection reaches a maximum acceptable traffic level of service.
The total reserve capacity for the Xenia/Vernon interchange is 2,230,000 square feet of
office development which has been allocated 60 percent or 1,338,000 square feet to the
city and 40 percent or 892,000 square feet to Golden Valley. The total reserve capacity for
the Louisiana Avenue interchange is 1,575,000 square feet of office development which has
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been allocated ten percent or 157,500 square feet to the city and 90 percent or 1,417,500
square feet to Golden Valley. The total reserve capacity for the General Mills
Boulevard/Boone Avenue interchange is 885,000 square feet of office development which
has been allocated 100 percent to Golden Valley.
Xenia/Vernon interchange means the area in which Xenia and Vernon Avenue cross I-394
and the eastbound and westbound exit and entrance ramps intersect with them and the
Xenia/Vernon intersections with the frontage roads on both the north and south sides of I-
394.
Zone A means that part of the land lying in Golden Valley and the city within the following
described area: Following the south line of Circle Downs easterly from the intersection of
Turners Crossroad and Circle Downs to State Highway 100; continue south along the
westerly line of State Highway 100 to the northerly line of Parkdale Drive and continuing in
a westerly direction across Vernon Avenue to the intersection of Cedar Lake Road to the
intersection of Zarthan Avenue; continue along the east of Zarthan Avenue north to the
intersection of 16th Street West; continue west along the north line of 16th Street West to
the east line of the Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern Railway right of way to the east line
of the Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern Railway right of way to the east line of Laurel
Avenue; continue east along the southerly line of Laurel Avenue to the intersection of
Turners Crossroad and continue south on the westerly line of Turners Crossroad to the
intersection of Circle Downs, the point of beginning.
Zone B means that part of the land lying in Golden Valley and the city within the following
described area: Following the south line of Laurel Avenue east from the intersection of
Winnetka Avenue and Laurel Avenue; continue on the southerly line of Laurel Avenue east
to the westerly line of the Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern Railway right of way;
continue in a southwesterly direction along the westerly line of the railway right of way
(except that portion which crosses U.S. Highway 12) to the intersection of 16th Street West;
continue on the northerly line of 16th Street West westerly in a straight line to the east line
of Hampshire Avenue; continue on the northerly line of 14th Street West west to the
intersection with Pennsylvania Avenue; continue on the easterly line of Pennsylvania
Avenue north to the intersection with 13 1/2 Street West; continue on the northerly line of
13 1/2 Street West west to the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue; continue on the
easterly line of Rhode Island Avenue north to the intersection with Texas Avenue; continue
on the easterly line of Texas Avenue North to its intersection with U.S. Highway 12;
continue on the northerly line of U.S. Highway 12 west to the intersection of Winnetka
Avenue South; continue on the easterly line of Winnetka Avenue South north to the
intersection of Laurel Avenue, the point of beginning.
Zone C means that part of the land lying in Golden Valley and the city within the following
described area: Following the south line of Betty Crocker Drive east from the intersection of
County Road 18 and Betty Crocker Drive to the intersection with General Mills Boulevard;
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continue on the west line of General Mills Boulevard south to the northerly line of section
6, township 117, range 21; continue east on the northerly line of section 6, township 117,
range 21 to the intersection with Winnetka Avenue South; continue on the centerline of
Winnetka Avenue South (except that portion which crosses U.S. Highway 12) extended to
the boundary line west to the east line of County Road 18; continue on the east line of
County Road 18 north (except that portion which crosses U.S. Highway 12) to the
intersection with Betty Crocker Drive, the point of beginning.
DIVISION 5. SIGNAGE DEFINITIONS
Sec. 36-485. Signage definitions.
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different
meaning:
Backlighting means an illuminated sign where the light source which illuminates the wall
behind individual sign letters is hidden from view. The sign letters are opaque and
appear as a silhouette against the lighted surface.
Commercial message means any message which identifies a business or product or
promotes the sale of any product or service.
Courtesy bench means any bench licensed by the city and in compliance with chapter 8
of this Code.
Noncommercial banner means a piece of fabric attached to a pole or building wall as a
decorative display of color to enhance the architecture of a building or a site which does
not contain a commercial message.
Direct lighting means an illuminated sign where the source of light is visible.
Height means the distance measured perpendicularly from the highest point of the sign
structure to the grade level of the ground directly below that point or the grade level of
the centerline of the nearest adjacent roadbed, whichever grade level is higher.
Indirect lighting means an illuminated sign where the sign reflects the light from an
external source.
Internal lighting means an illuminated sign having the source of illumination located
inside a translucent panel which is not directly visible.
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Internal wayfinding means information directed at users of a specific site which
facilitates the function, navigation and circulation of the site. This information may be
posted on the perimeter or internal to the site.
Noncommercial message means any message not classified as commercial which
includes, but is not limited to, messages concerning political, religious, social,
ideological, public service and informational topics.
Scoreboard means a sign associated with an athletic field that includes information
and/or statistics pertinent to an on-site game or activity and includes any sponsor or
identification panels.
Sign means any written message, pictorial presentation, number, illustration, decoration,
flag, banner, or other device that is used to announce, direct attention to, identify,
advertise or otherwise make anything known to the general public. The term "sign" shall
not include landscaping, or the architectural embellishment of a building not intended
to communicate information. For purposes of maintenance or removal, the term "sign"
shall also include frames and support structures.
Sign area means the area in square feet of all faces of the sign panel, including the
frame. Each message shall be considered to be a sign. If individual letters are mounted
directly on a wall, canopy or awning without a frame, the sign area shall be the area in
square feet of the smallest rectangle, which encloses the sign message or logo. The sign
area of a freestanding multiple face or volumetric sign shall be determined by totaling
the area of all faces. The maximum aggregate or total sign area on a lot shall include the
sign area of all signs.
Sign, blade means a wall sign that projects away from the wall at an angle sufficient to
provide visibility to at least two sides of the sign.
Sign, canopy/awning means a visual message on an awning or canopy which is
constructed according to the requirements of the building code, is an integral part of the
building, and is consistent with the architecture and design of the building.
Sign, changing means a sign whose message can be readily changed, by manual means.
Sign, electronic - any characteristic of a sign that appears to have movement or that
appears to change, caused by any method other than physically removing and replacing
the sign or its components, whether the apparent movement or change is in the display,
the sign structure, or any other component of the sign. This includes any rotating,
revolving, moving, flashing, blinking, or animated display and any display that
incorporates rotating panels, LED lights manipulated through digital input, digital ink or
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any other method or technology that allows the sign face to present a series of images,
displays or video.
Sign, flashing means any sign, which emits a blinking or flashing light, or creates the
illusion of blinking or flashing light by means of animation.
Sign, freestanding means a sign which is self-supporting, usually by uprights placed on
or in the ground.
Sign, illuminated means any sign, which has characters, letters, figures, designs or
outlines which are either internally or externally illuminated by an artificial light source.
Sign, off-premises (billboard) means a sign which directs the attention of the public to a
business, activity conducted, or product sold or offered at a location not on the same lot
where such sign is located. Off-premises signs do not include multitenant identification
signs that advertise tenants on a different property provided such tenants are within the
same approved PUD and parking is shared between properties.
Sign, on-premises means a sign that directs attention to the name of the building,
premises, or to the name of the building management firm, or to the business, principal
product, service, entertainment, or activity conducted, sold or offered upon the
premises on which such sign is located or to noncommercial speech. For purposes of on-
premises signage, premises shall also include all properties listed in an approved
conditional use permit or planned unit development.
Sign, permanent means any sign that is not a temporary sign, real estate sign, political
sign, project information sign or pedestrian sign.
Sign, pedestrian means a temporary sign, which is constructed of durable materials and
is designed to be readily moved from one location to another (ex. sandwich board sign
or any item containing a message). For purposes of this ordinance, any sign mounted to,
or conveyed by means of, a vehicle shall not be considered a pedestrian sign.
Sign, public means any sign defined as a traffic control sign in the Highway Traffic
Regulation Act M.S.A. § 169.97 et seq., any sign installed in a public park by a public
authority, or any other sign approved by the city council for installation on public land.
Sign, rooftop means a sign attached to any roof or any sign attached to a building in any
other manner that allows more than ten percent of its area to extend above the wall or
parapet wall of the side of the building on which the sign is located.
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Sign, rooftop screen means a sign attached to any rooftop screen structure.
Sign, rotating means a sign or a portion of a sign which moves in a rotating, oscillating or
similar manner.
Sign, temporary means a sign designed to be displayed for a limited period of time that
is not permanently fixed to the land or a structure.
Sign, wall means a sign attached to or erected against an exterior wall surface of a
building or structure.
Secs. 36-486 to 36-506 reserved.
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800 Washington Avenue North, Suite 103
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Community Engagement
Summary - August 2025
ST. LOUIS PARK ZONING CODE UPDATE, PHASE 2
This community engagement summary covers the initial engagement efforts for phase 2 of the
St. Louis Park Zoning Code Update. As of August 24, the community engagement effort has
included an informational StoryMap, as well as a survey asking for people’s input on existing
neighborhood nodes/corridors and community districts/centers in St. Louis Park. The
informational StoryMap contains links that connect viewers to the survey versions in English,
Spanish, and Somali. The survey is now closed; however, the StoryMap remains active,
providing information to the public. Information on the zoning code project is available on the
city website, which links to the StoryMap and survey. The update and engagement opportunities
have been promoted at City events, through email blasts, and were included in the Park
Perspective newsletter.
Business and Mixed-Use Zoning: Informational StoryMap
A StoryMap is an interactive webpage that guides visitors through information in a sequential
manner. The StoryMap provides background information on the project, descriptions of the
current zoning districts, including uses and standards, and maps of the current business and
mixed-use districts overlayed with Place Type Frameworks. The StoryMap also includes
descriptions of the Place Type Framework and 2040 Comprehensive Plan, explaining their
relevance in the zoning code update. Finally, the StoryMap guides users through discussion
topics that are being considered in the code update and provides additional resources.
Business and Mixed-Use Zoning: Survey
A survey on business and mixed-use areas was the primary tool for collecting direct feedback.
The survey was embedded on the first page of the StoryMap and linked on the project page on
the city website. Respondents were able to select their preferred language (English, Spanish, or
Somali) and click a link to navigate to a separate webpage with the survey.
The survey was open from May 22 to August 24, 2025. There were a total of 240 responses,
239 of which were in English and 1 of which was in Spanish.
Survey Results
Neighborhood Commercial Node and Corridor Questions
1. The neighborhood commercial nodes and corridors that were visited by over half of
survey respondents, in order of most to least visited, were:
» Excelsior Boulevard, east of Highway 100 (81%)
» Texas & Minnetonka (80%)
» Louisiana & Cedar Lake Road (74%)
» Excelsior Boulevard, west of Highway 100 (65%)
» Louisiana & Minnetonka (57%)
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Community Engagement Summary 2
» Dakota & Minnetonka (51%)
2. When asked about their experience in these areas on a scale from Excellent to
Neutral to Poor, 61% of respondents rated their experience as between neutral and
excellent.
3. 55% of respondents said that the City should not allow additional neighborhood
commercial node locations.
» In the open-ended question asking where candidate locations for new nodes and
corridors should be, many respondents did not give a location but shared general
support for mixed-use and walkability.
» Locations that were suggested included:
- Existing transit corridors like light rail stops, bike/pedestrian paths, and bus
routes
- Cedar Lake Trail and North Cedar Lake Trail
- Cedar Lake and Virginia intersection
- Along the major east/west streets, including Minnetonka, Cedar Lake, and
Excelsior
- Louisiana & 27th or 28th, Wooddale & 36th
- Excelsior
- Extend the zone from France to Ottawa on Minnetonka
- Brookside, Creekside
- Alabama & 36th, stretching to Hwy 100
- Texas and Cedar Lake Road, 169 and Cedar Lake Road
- Beltline and 35th
- Minnetonka & Dakota
- Lake and Minnetonka
- Wooddale, south of Excelsior
- Walker Lake
- Around the St. Louis Park branch of the Hennepin County Library
- Texas and Hwy 7
- Excelsior/Brookview
- Texas and Wayzata, Louisiana and Wayzata
- Along 26th or 28th, Cedar Lake Road, or on Wooddale and Morningside
1%4%
35%
51%
10%
0%
20%
40%
60%
Poor Poor/Neutral Neutral Neutral/Excellent Excellent
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Community Engagement Summary 3
4. When asked if the City should allow taller buildings in business and mixed-use
nodes/ corridors, 68% responded that maximums on building heights should be kept
the same, while 28% said to allow 4-6 stories.
» Comments regarding why respondents were not interested in changing building
height maximums focused on:
- The approachability of areas with shorter buildings
- Maintaining a quaint/small-town vibe, sense of community, historic feel
- Concerns about taller buildings causing higher traffic, parking issues, aesthetic
decline, privacy, crime, and reduced sunlight, visibility, and green space
- Interest in smaller-scale multi-family housing and commercial that blends into
the neighborhood
- Concern about fire safety in taller buildings above 4 stories
- Concern that higher buildings tend to have non-local landlords
» Comments regarding why respondents were interested in allowing some degree
of increased building height options focus on:
- Responds to rising housing needs and affordability
- Greater use and walkability of the area
- Increasing the tax base
- Maximize the remaining space for development
- Creating more retail opportunities
- Interest in matching building height to surrounding uses more directly
5. When asked if zoning for commercial uses nodes and corridors should be more
restrictive or more flexible, the average response skewed slightly towards more
flexible.
6. When asked about the types of commercial uses they would like to see more or
fewer of, many respondents stated they like the mix of uses in these areas as is; they
also mentioned matching parking and traffic flow with uses allowed.
» The types of commercial uses respondents stated they would like to see include:
- Restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream
- Grocery stores, health and wellness, specialty shops
- Alcohol/ places serving alcohol (breweries, wine shops)
- More outdoor seating areas
- Local businesses/ mom and pop shops
- Arts: galleries and performance spaces
- Hobby stores (books, crafts etc.)
- Services (salons, chiropractor)
- Small office-type uses (yoga studio, insurance, tutoring, medical, dental)
- Dispensaries/smoke shops
- Convenience and hardware stores
- Co-working spaces
- Day care
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Community Engagement Summary 4
» The types of commercial uses respondents stated they would like to see fewer of
were:
- National chains
- Bars and liquor stores
- Dispensaries/smoke shops
- Auto-related uses (gas stations, tire stores, repair shops)
7. When asked if the zoning for commercial nodes and corridors should be more
restrictive or more flexible regarding residential uses, responses on average
skewed slightly towards more flexible.
8. When asked what type of residential uses they would like to see in these areas,
responses included:
» 3-story apartment buildings
» Row homes, townhomes, condos (many added owner occupied)
» Housing co-ops
» Mid- to high-density
» Flexible housing for multigenerational living, “mother-in-law” units, ADUs, tiny
houses,
» Duplexs, triplexes, fourplexes
» Affordable mixed with full-priced housing units
» Single family homes
» Senior housing, single-level living options
» Vertical mixed use (commercial on the bottom, residential on top)
» Concerns about affordable and low-income housing
» Concerns about large-scale/high-rise apartments
» General interest in a diversity of housing types
9. When asked if neighborhood commercial node and corridor areas are sufficiently
balanced for pedestrian, bike, and auto access, responses skewed slightly towards
needing to be more oriented for pedestrians and bike.
10. When asked to elaborate on the balance of pedestrian, bike, and auto access in
these areas, responses included:
» A need for parking so visitors can drive to nodes, but a desire for walkability in
and around nodes
» Desire for improved pedestrian and bicycle crossings of major roadways and
intersections
» Mixed experiences: some find areas comfortable to explore as pedestrians or
cyclists once they are at their destination, others feel areas remain too car-centric
» Recognition that pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure has improved
» Concerns over accessibility of sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure in the winter
due to ice and snow
» Preference for bicycle infrastructure that is separate from vehicle traffic over
traditional on-street bike lanes and shared lanes
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» Discomfort biking on Minnetonka
» Concerns that focusing on bicycle infrastructure creates additional traffic
congestion and reduces car lanes
» Concern that there is too much emphasis on bicycle infrastructure, given
Minnesota’s long winters
11. When asked about parking availability, 66% of respondents felt that there was
enough parking in commercial nodes and corridors; the next most common response
at 16% was that there is too much parking.
12. Regarding support for lower parking minimum requirements and more use of on-
street parking, 53% of people stated either that they would support a change that
reduced parking requirements or a change that eliminated parking requirements.
35% of respondents said that they would not support a change in parking
requirements.
13. The majority of respondents (58%) selected the response “No there is not enough
green space” when asked if there is enough green space integrated into commercial
development in commercial nodes and corridors.
14. The average response to the question regarding whether there was enough signage
to identify a business's location was that there was “just the right amount.”
42.67%
10.67%
12.00%
34.67%
I would support a change that reduced some parking
requirements
I would support a change that eliminated parking
requirements
I would support a change that added a parking maximum
requirement
I would not support a change to parking requirements
15.93%
66.37%
12.83%
4.87%
Yes, I think there is too much parking, and I never have a
problem finding parking
Yes, I think there is enough parking, and I can almost always
find parking when I need it
No, I do not think there is enough parking, and I sometimes
struggle to find parking when I need it
No, I do not think there is enough parking, and I often
struggle to find parking when I need it
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15. Concerns identified regarding requirements for signage in commercial nodes and
corridors included:
» Signs that are too large can be distracting for drivers
» Don’t want billboards
» Lights on signs can be distracting and/or disruptive for residential neighbors
» If signs are too small, businesses are hard to find, especially for drivers
16. Additional comments regarding zoning changes in commercial nodes and corridors
focused on the following themes:
» Like mixed-use areas that are easy to walk/bike to and around
» Want neighborhood scale to remain and to build on the existing character of
older SLP neighborhoods
» Preference for small-scale, local businesses over box stores and larger
developments
» Adjust parking requirements to make areas more pedestrian-friendly, including
moving parking behind commercial uses, and reducing parking requirements
for commercial uses
» Balancing pedestrian and bicycle improvements with easy access to
businesses and sufficient parking
» Concerns that changes will allow too much multi-family housing
17. When given the choice to finish the survey or continue the survey, 77% of
respondents chose to continue the survey.
Community District and Center Questions
18. The Community Districts and Centers that over half of respondents stated they
visited, in order of most to least, were:
» Knollwood (92%)
» The West End (90%)
» Parks Commons West (84%)
» Park Commons (52%)
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Community Engagement Summary 7
19. When asked about their experience in these areas on a scale from Excellent to
Neutral to Poor, 49% of respondents rated their experience between neutral and
excellent, and 42% rated their experience as neutral.
20. When asked if the City should allow taller buildings in community districts and
centers, 61% responded that restrictions on building height should be kept the same,
20% support allowing 7-9 stories, and 13% support allowing 10+ stories. 10% said to
reduce the maximum height to less than 6 stories.
» Comments regarding why respondents were not interested in changing building
height maximums focused on:
- Smaller buildings feel more walkable and approachable, so the height shouldn’t
be changed
- Want to preserve feel of St. Louis Park, increasing building heights will change
that
- Provide good mix of uses and density as it is
- Don’t want to lose sunlight, views, sight lines
- Don’t want increased density in the area
» Comments regarding why respondents were interested in allowing some degree
of increased building height maximumx focus on:
- Allowing increased density
- Recognizing that these existing areas are the best place for density and taller
buildings
- Small building height increase to allow for additional housing and more housing
affordability In some areas, it makes sense to increase it, e.g. near highways
and the West End, where there is more separation from lower density
residential areas
- Flexibility, not everywhere should allow more than 6 stories, but some areas
can accommodate it
3.8%5.7%
41.5%40.3%
8.8%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
35.0%
40.0%
45.0%
Poor Poor/Neutral Neutral Neutral/Excellent Excellent
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Community Engagement Summary 8
21. When asked if zoning for commercial uses in community districts and centers
should be more restrictive or more flexible, the average response skewed slightly
towards more flexible.
22. When asked about the types of commercial uses they would like to see more or
fewer of in community districts and centers, many respondents identified specific
uses.
» The types of commercial uses respondents would like to see more of include:
- Locally run businesses/ mom and pop shops
- Restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream, health food and specialty shops
- Leisure locations open later (coffee shops, breweries, wine shops)
- Arts and entertainment (performance spaces, movie theaters)
- Hobby stores (books, crafts etc.)
- Neighborhood services, (small groceries, convenience stores, hardware stores)
- Retail, clothing, specialty shops
- Green spaces
» The types of commercial uses respondents would like to see fewer of include:
- National chains
- Bars and liquor stores
- Dispensaries/smoke shops
- Fast food
- Amazon warehouses
- Fewer auto-oriented uses
- Businesses that produce noise or odors outside of regulation hours
23. When asked if the zoning for community districts and centers should be more
restrictive or more flexible regarding residential uses, responses on average
skewed towards more flexibility.
24. When asked what type of residential uses they would like to see in these areas,
responses included:
» More condos, opportunities for first-time homeowners
» Row homes, townhomes, condos (many added owner occupied)
» Apartments are well-suited to community districts
» Medium density rentals over high density apartments buildings
» Duplexs, triplexes, fourplexes
» Affordable mixed with full-priced housing units
» More options for affordable housing
» Single family homes
» Senior housing, single-level living options, care facilities
» Vertical mixed use (commercial on the bottom, residential on top)
» Concerns about affordable and low-income housing
» Concerns about large-scale/high-rise apartments
» General interest in a diversity of housing types
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Community Engagement Summary 9
25. When asked if community district and center areas are sufficiently balanced for
pedestrian, bike, and auto access, responses skewed slightly towards needing to be
more oriented for pedestrians and bikes.
26. When asked to elaborate on the balance of pedestrian, bike, and auto access in
these areas, responses included:
» Large parking lot areas in the West End (Costco parking lot), and other areas are
very unfriendly for pedestrians and bicyclists
» Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is important, but car travel is essential and
will always be needed (accessibility, winters, seniors, parents with kids), so need
a balance in these areas
» Within these areas, often walkable, but not easy to get to them by walking or
biking
» Will not see an increase in bicyclists or pedestrians without further infrastructure
improvements, people will not walk if they do not feel safe the entire journey they
go on – last mile access is an issue
» Parking is available but unevenly distributed across these sites, especially the
West End
» Does not feel safe to bike to West End or Knollwood
» Not enough bike storage at final destinations
» Adding more bike lanes will make things worse for drivers
27. When asked about parking availability, 66% of respondents felt that there was
enough parking in community districts and centers; the next most common response
at 20% was I think there is too much parking.
3.0%
11.4%
65.7%
19.9%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%
No, I do not think there is enough parking, and I often
struggle to find parking when I need it
No, I do not think there is enough parking, and I
sometimes struggle to find parking when I need it
Yes, I think there is enough parking, and I can almost
always find parking when I need it
Yes, I think there is too much parking, and I never have a
problem finding parking
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Community Engagement Summary 10
28. Regarding support for lower marking minimum requirements and more use of on-
street parking in community districts and centers, 45% of people stated that they
would not support a change in parking requirements. 44% of people said they would
support a change that reduced parking requirements or a change that eliminated
parking requirements.
29. The majority of respondents (60%) selected the response “No there is not enough
green space” when asked if there is enough green space integrated into commercial
development in community districts and centers.
30. The average response to the question regarding whether there was enough signage
to identify a business's location in community districts and centers was that there is
“just the right amount.”
31. Concerns identified regarding requirements for signage in community districts and
centers included:
» Dislike for billboards
» If requirements are too stringent, there can be adverse consequences, signs
should be large enough that drivers can see them from the road
» Signs should be visible enough for drivers to see them
32. Additional comments regarding zoning changes in community districts and centers
focused on the following themes:
» Requests for more pedestrian-friendly design, slower traffic, and safer
crossings.
» Interest in increasing density to support vibrant communities.
» Desire for small-scale community destinations that are walkable, such as
coffee shops and restaurants
» Accessibility and mobility need to be considered
» Car charging infrastructure, dark sky requirements for lighting
» Street parking doesn’t seem like a viable option in these areas, need to ensure
there is adequate off-street parking
44.8%
11.0%
12.3%
31.9%
0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%
I would not support a change to parking
requirements
I would support a change that added a parking
maximum requirement
I would support a change that eliminated parking
requirements
I would support a change that reduced some
parking requirements
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Community Engagement Summary 11
Demographic Questions
Questions 33-38 asked about the demographics of respondents.
Race: 92% of respondents identified as White, 3% African American or Black, 3% as Asian, 3%
as Other, and 1.5% as Hispanic or Latinx.
Gender: Gender skewed more female (60%) than male (37%), 2% of respondents identified as
non-binary
Age: The largest groups of respondents (61%) were between 35-64.
Housing Type: 88% of respondents live in single-unit detached houses, 8% live in an apartment
or condo, 3% live in a townhouse or rowhouse, and 1% live in a duplex or twin-home.
Rent or Own: Respondents were majority homeowners (94%).
White Hispanic or Latino
African American or Black Asian
American Indian/Alaska Native Other (please specify)
17 and under, 0.0%
18 –34, 12.6%
35 –49, 31.2%
50 –64, 30.2%
65 and over, 26.1%
0.0%5.0%10.0%15.0%20.0%25.0%30.0%35.0%
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Community Engagement Summary 12
Household Size: Most respondents (56% have a household size of 2-3 individuals.
1
individual,
20%
2-3 individuals,
56%
4-6
individuals,
25%
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1 / 40
Q1 Which neighborhood commercial nodes and corridors do you own a
business or business property in? (Select all that apply)
Answered: 9 Sk ipped: 3
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Texas &
Minnetonka
Lake &
Minnetonka
Ottaw a &
Minnetonka
Louisiana &
Minnetonka
France &
Minnetonka
Dakot a &
Minnetonka
Louisiana &
Cedar Lake Road
Excel sior
Boulevar d, west
of Highw ay 1 00
Excelsior
Boulevar d, east
of Highway 100
Walker Lake
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
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3 27 9
Q2 Thinking about your response to the question above, how do you rate
the business environment of these areas in general?
Answered: 9 Sk ipped: 3
Total Respondents : 9
#DATE
1 2 11/10/2025 2:54 PM
2 1 11/10/2025 7:09 AM
3 2 11/7/2025 4:49 PM
4 2 11/7/2025 8:39 AM
5 5 11/6/2025 8:23 PM
6 5 11/1/2025 4:15 PM
7 3 10/28/2025 7:36 PM
8 2 10/22/2025 12:52 PM
9 5 10/22/2025 12:18 PM
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
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37.50%3
62.50%5
Q3 Should the City allow more neighborhood commercial nodes?
Answered: 8 Sk ipped: 4
Total Respondents : 8
#IF YOU ANSWERED YES PLEASE TELL US WHAT LOCATION OR LOCATIONS
(INTERSECTI ONS, AREAS OR NEIGHBORHOODS) YOU THINK WOULD BE A GOOD FIT.
DATE
1 The neighborhoods that have indus trial and c ommercial properties s hould st ay as the city
needs variety of businesses . These businesses are there already and should be able to
expand and grow. They are an asset to the c ommunity and provide better, higher pay jobs ,
11/10/2025 2:54 PM
2 Not s ure 11/7/2025 4:49 PM
3 Walker and Louis iana Republic and Gorham 10/22/2025 12:52 PM
4 Dev elop city owned land at walker lake intersect ion into commerical t o ex tend original
downtown area.
10/22/2025 12:18 PM
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
No
Yes
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
No
Yes
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77.78%7
22.22%2
0.00%0
0.00%0
Q4 Currently the City allows a building height range of 1-3 stories in
neighborhood nodes and corridors. Should the city allow taller buildings as
bonuses if they meet certain goals (affordability, energy, design)?
Answered: 9 Sk ipped: 3
Total Respondents : 9
#PLEASE TELL US WHY:DATE
1 The city will bec ome t oo urban.11/10/2025 2:54 PM
2 When in a neighborhood it seems like a bett er way to fit in 11/7/2025 4:49 PM
3 We are not downt own 11/6/2025 8:23 PM
4 Dens ity and urban developments 11/1/2025 4:15 PM
5 More dens ity allows for greater flex ibility and ef ficient use of spac e; inc luding adding more
housing as a component.
10/22/2025 12:52 PM
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
K eep height
restr ictions
the same (1-...
Allow up to
4-6 stories
Allow up to
7-9 stories
All ow 10+
stories
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Keep height restrictions the s ame (1-3 Stories )
Allow up to 4-6 stories
Allow up to 7-9 stories
Allow 10+ s tories
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4 26 7
Q5 Commercial Uses: Should the zoning for neighborhood commercial
nodes and corridors be more restrictive and allow fewer types of
commercial uses, or should the zoning be more flexible/expansive and
allow a wider range of commercial uses?
Answered: 7 Sk ipped: 5
Total Respondents : 7
#DATE
1 5 11/10/2025 2:54 PM
2 4 11/10/2025 7:09 AM
3 4 11/7/2025 4:49 PM
4 5 11/1/2025 4:15 PM
5 3 10/28/2025 7:36 PM
6 4 10/22/2025 12:52 PM
7 1 10/22/2025 12:18 PM
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
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Q6 What types of commercial uses would you like to see fewer or more of
in the neighborhood commercial nodes and corridors?
Answered: 5 Sk ipped: 7
#RESPONSES DATE
1 The city should not dic tate. Development will happen out of need and wants for the area.11/10/2025 2:54 PM
2 More small busines s es 11/6/2025 8:23 PM
3 Car s ales and repair. Res taurants.11/1/2025 4:15 PM
4 More flexibility allows for more organic dev elopment. Most nodes and c orridors should allow for
full pos s ibilities of live entert ainment, food and bev, shopping, and light industrial.
10/22/2025 12:52 PM
5 Fewer condos and les s low income housing 10/22/2025 12:18 PM
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3 17 6
Q7 Residential Uses: Should the zoning for neighborhood commercial
nodes and corridors be more restrictive and allow fewer types of residential
uses, or should the zoning be more flexible/expansive and allow a wider
range of residential uses?
Answered: 6 Sk ipped: 6
Total Respondents : 6
#DATE
1 3 11/10/2025 2:54 PM
2 4 11/10/2025 7:09 AM
3 4 11/6/2025 8:23 PM
4 1 11/1/2025 4:15 PM
5 4 10/22/2025 12:52 PM
6 1 10/22/2025 12:18 PM
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
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Q8 What types of housing would you like to see less or more of in the
neighborhood commercial nodes and corridors?
Answered: 5 Sk ipped: 7
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Hous ing should not be in the c ommercial areas .11/10/2025 2:54 PM
2 Fewer apartment c omplex es 11/6/2025 8:23 PM
3 Single homes 11/1/2025 4:15 PM
4 More mixed-use hous ing that is pedes trian and t rans it oriented. Units for a spec trum of family
siz es and incomes.
10/22/2025 12:52 PM
5 Less low income and less rental condos and homes.10/22/2025 12:18 PM
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3 10 4
Q9 Do you think neighborhood commercial nodes and corridors are
sufficiently balanced for pedestrian, bike, and auto access?
Answered: 4 Sk ipped: 8
Total Respondents : 4
#DATE
1 2 11/10/2025 7:09 AM
2 4 11/6/2025 8:23 PM
3 3 11/1/2025 4:15 PM
4 1 10/22/2025 12:52 PM
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
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Q10 Thinking about your response to the question above, please tell us
why.
Answered: 5 Sk ipped: 7
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Some businesses need auto traffic . Don't limit that ac cessiblity.11/10/2025 2:54 PM
2 Bik ing is only available 3 months a year. My small bus iness was hurt by reduced parking and I
have only seen bikers on the new path twice in t he 5 y ears I’ve been there.
11/6/2025 8:23 PM
3 It's working fine 11/1/2025 4:15 PM
4 Everyt hing currently is maximiz ed for auto. People need better biking, walking, and trans it
access in most areas .
10/22/2025 12:52 PM
5 No one act ually us es the bik e lanes in this area, we need more on s treet parking.10/22/2025 12:18 PM
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12.50%1
25.00%2
37.50%3
25.00%2
Q11 In general, do you feel that St Louis Park has enough parking in
neighborhood commercial nodes and corridors and that your customers
and employees can find parking when they need it?
Answered: 8 Sk ipped: 4
TOTAL 8
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Yes, I think
there is too
much par king...
Yes, I think
ther e is enough
parking, and...
No, I do not
think ther e is
enough parki...
No, I do not
think ther e is
enough parki...
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes, I think there is t oo muc h parking, and t hey never hav e a problem finding park ing
Yes, I think there is enough parking, and they can almost alway s find parking when they need it
No, I do not think t here is enough park ing, and they somet imes struggle to f ind parking when they need it
No, I do not think t here is enough park ing, and they often s truggle to find park ing when t hey need it
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
13 / 40
12.50%1
62.50%5
0.00%0
25.00%2
Q12 Would you support a lower parking minimum requirement and
potentially more use of on-street parking in neighborhood commercial
nodes and corridors if it meant the area could attract a wider variety of
businesses such as restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores?
Answered: 8 Sk ipped: 4
TOTAL 8
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
I would
support a
change that ...
I would
support a
change that ...
I would
support a
change that ...
I would not
support a
change to...
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
I would support a change that reduced some park ing requirement s
I would support a change that eliminated parking requirements
I would support a change that added a parking maximum requirement
I would not support a c hange to parking requirements
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
14 / 40
55.56%5
44.44%4
Q13 Do you feel there is enough green space integrated into commercial
developments in neighborhood commercial nodes and corridors?
Answered: 9 Sk ipped: 3
TOTAL 9
#PLEASE SHARE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS YOU HAVE REGARDING GREEN SPACE
REQUIREMENTS IN COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
DATE
1 It is challenging to add green space in t hese built up areas. But when pos sible, it would be
benefic ial t o add a little more green s pace.
10/22/2025 12:52 PM
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Yes, there is
enough gr een
space
No, there is
not enough
gr een space
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes, there is enough green space
No, there is not enough green s pac e
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
15 / 40
2 14 7
Q14 Do you feel that requirements around signs are too restrictive, just
right, or not restrictive enough?
Answered: 7 Sk ipped: 5
Total Respondents : 7
#DATE
1 2 11/10/2025 2:54 PM
2 2 11/10/2025 7:09 AM
3 3 11/6/2025 8:23 PM
4 3 11/1/2025 4:15 PM
5 2 10/28/2025 7:36 PM
6 1 10/22/2025 12:52 PM
7 1 10/22/2025 12:18 PM
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1 .2 1 .4 1.6 1.8 2
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
16 / 40
Q15 Do you have any specific concerns about existing requirements for
signage in neighborhood commercial nodes and corridors?
Answered: 4 Sk ipped: 8
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Hav e way finder signs to businesses 11/7/2025 4:49 PM
2 No 11/6/2025 8:23 PM
3 Signage rules are way too limiting f or bus inesses . The only real restriction on s ignage s hould
be height and limited lighting on signs at night.
10/22/2025 12:52 PM
4 City should not limit promotional signage on land they do not own.10/22/2025 12:18 PM
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
17 / 40
Q16 Do you have any other thoughts about zoning changes in
neighborhood commercial nodes and corridors?
Answered: 3 Sk ipped: 9
#RESPONSES DATE
1 There s hould not be any c hanges.11/10/2025 2:54 PM
2 There s hould be some eye to limiting t he amount and time of out door lighting in c ommercial
nodes and corridors .
10/22/2025 12:52 PM
3 Wit h the light rail s tations s o c lose, this gives the c ity the opportunity to redevelop walk er lak e
into a entertainment and dining focal point in the city. The foc us s hould be to add more
res turants and entertainment in the neighborhood and les s industrial and manuf acturing whic h
mak es up a majority of the area.
10/22/2025 12:18 PM
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
18 / 40
58.33%7
0.00%0
41.67%5
Q17 The next section of questions is on community districts and centers, if
you would like to continue the survey press continue and then next, if not
press finish and then next to be directed to a brief list of demographic
questions to complete the survey.
Answered: 12 Sk ipped: 0
TOTAL 12
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Cont inue
Cont inue
F inish
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Continue
Continue
Finish
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
19 / 40
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
Q18 Which community districts and centers do you own a business or
business property in? (Select all that apply)
Answered: 0 Sk ipped: 12
Total Respondents : 0
! No matching responses.
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Knollwood
Shelard Park
The West End
Park Plac e Plaz a at The West End
Park Commons
Parks Commons Wes t (Target, Lunds/Byerly ’s/Park Village)
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
20 / 40
0 0 0
Q19 Thinking about your response to the question above, how do you rate
the business environment of these areas in general?
Answered: 0 Sk ipped: 12
Total Respondents : 0
#DATE
There are no res ponses.
! No matching responses.
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
21 / 40
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
100.00%1
Q20 Currently the City allows a building heights of up to 6 stories in
community districts and centers. Should the city allow taller buildings as
bonuses if they meet certain goals (affordability, energy, design)?
Answered: 1 Sk ipped: 11
Total Respondents : 1
#PLEASE TELL US WHY:DATE
There are no res ponses.
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Keep height
r estrictions
the same (up...
Reduce the
maximum height
all owed to l ...
Allow up to
7-9 stories
All ow 10+
stories
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Keep height restrictions the s ame (up to 6 s tories )
Reduc e the max imum height allowed to less than 6 st ories
Allow up to 7-9 stories
Allow 10+ s tories
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
22 / 40
4 4 1
Q21 Commercial Uses: Should the zoning for community districts and
centers be more restrictive and allow fewer types of commercial uses, or
should the zoning be more flexible/expansive and allow a wider range of
commercial uses?
Answered: 1 Sk ipped: 11
Total Respondents : 1
#DATE
1 4 10/22/2025 12:53 PM
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
23 / 40
Q22 What types of commercial uses would you like to see fewer or more
of in the community districts and centers?
Answered: 0 Sk ipped: 12
#RESPONSES DATE
There are no res ponses.
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
24 / 40
5 5 1
Q23 Residential Uses: Should the zoning for community districts and
centers be more restrictive and allow fewer types of residential uses, or
should the zoning be more flexible/expansive and allow a wider range of
residential uses?
Answered: 1 Sk ipped: 11
Total Respondents : 1
#DATE
1 5 10/22/2025 12:53 PM
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
25 / 40
Q24 What types of housing would you like to see less or more of in the
community districts and centers?
Answered: 0 Sk ipped: 12
#RESPONSES DATE
There are no res ponses.
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
26 / 40
2 2 1
Q25 Do you think community districts and centers are sufficiently balanced
for pedestrian, bike, and auto access?
Answered: 1 Sk ipped: 11
Total Respondents : 1
#DATE
1 2 10/22/2025 12:53 PM
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1 .2 1 .4 1.6 1.8 2
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
27 / 40
Q26 Thinking about your response to the question above, please tell us
why.
Answered: 0 Sk ipped: 12
#RESPONSES DATE
There are no res ponses.
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
28 / 40
0.00%0
100.00%1
0.00%0
0.00%0
Q27 In general, do you feel that St Louis Park has enough parking in
community districts and centers and that your customers and employees
can find parking when they need it?
Answered: 1 Sk ipped: 11
TOTAL 1
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Yes, I think
there is too
much par king...
Yes, I think
ther e is enough
parking, and...
No, I do not
think ther e is
enough parki...
No, I do not
think ther e is
enough parki...
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes, I think there is t oo muc h parking, and t hey never hav e a problem finding park ing
Yes, I think there is enough parking, and they can almost alway s find parking when they need it
No, I do not think t here is enough park ing, and they somet imes struggle to f ind parking when they need it
No, I do not think t here is enough park ing, and they often s truggle to find park ing when t hey need it
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
29 / 40
100.00%1
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
Q28 Would you support a lower parking minimum requirement and
potentially more use of on-street parking in community districts and
centers if if it meant the area could attract a wider variety of businesses
such as restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores?
Answered: 1 Sk ipped: 11
TOTAL 1
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
I would
support a
change that ...
I would
support a
change that ...
I would
support a
change that ...
I would not
support a
change to...
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
I would support a change that reduced some park ing requirement s
I would support a change that eliminated parking requirements
I would support a change that added a parking maximum requirement
I would not support a c hange to parking requirements
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
30 / 40
0.00%0
100.00%2
Q29 Do you feel there is enough green space integrated into commercial
developments in community districts and centers?
Answered: 2 Sk ipped: 10
TOTAL 2
#PLEASE SHARE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS YOU HAVE REGARDING GREEN SPACE
REQUIREMENTS IN COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
DATE
There are no res ponses.
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Yes, there is
enough gr een
space
No, there is
not enough
gr een space
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes, there is enough green space
No, there is not enough green s pac e
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
31 / 40
1 1 1
Q30 Do you feel that requirements around signs are too restrictive, just
right, or not restrictive enough?
Answered: 1 Sk ipped: 11
Total Respondents : 1
#DATE
1 1 10/22/2025 12:53 PM
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
32 / 40
Q31 Do you have any specific concerns about existing requirements for
signage in community districts and centers?
Answered: 0 Sk ipped: 12
#RESPONSES DATE
There are no res ponses.
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
33 / 40
Q32 Do you have any other thoughts about zoning changes in community
districts and centers?
Answered: 0 Sk ipped: 12
#RESPONSES DATE
There are no res ponses.
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
34 / 40
66.67%6
22.22%2
11.11%1
0.00%0
11.11%1
0.00%0
33.33%3
11.11%1
Q33 What type of business or business property do you own?
Answered: 9 Sk ipped: 3
Total Respondents : 9
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)DATE
1 Health and fitness 11/7/2025 4:50 PM
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Retail
Office
F oo d Service
Sal on
Medical
Manufacturing
War ehouse
Other (please
specify)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Retail
Office
Food Servic e
Salon
Medical
Manufac turing
Warehouse
Other (please s pecify)
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
35 / 40
44.44%4
44.44%4
11.11%1
Q34 Do you own or lease your business property? (Select one)
Answered: 9 Sk ipped: 3
TOTAL 9
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)DATE
1 Sublease 11/10/2025 7:11 AM
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Own
Lease
Other (please
specify)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Own
Lease
Other (please s pecify)
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
36 / 40
Q35 How many people do you employ?
Answered: 9 Sk ipped: 3
#RESPONSES DATE
1 10 11/10/2025 2:56 PM
2 3 11/10/2025 7:11 AM
3 4 11/7/2025 4:50 PM
4 20 11/7/2025 8:41 AM
5 4 11/6/2025 8:25 PM
6 20 11/1/2025 4:16 PM
7 9 10/28/2025 7:45 PM
8 13 10/22/2025 12:54 PM
9 5 10/22/2025 12:18 PM
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
37 / 40
Q36 On average, how many customers do you have per day?
Answered: 9 Sk ipped: 3
#RESPONSES DATE
1 60 11/10/2025 2:56 PM
2 30 11/10/2025 7:11 AM
3 30 11/7/2025 4:50 PM
4 We are not a walk in ty pe of business 11/7/2025 8:41 AM
5 16-20 11/6/2025 8:25 PM
6 20 11/1/2025 4:16 PM
7 100 10/28/2025 7:45 PM
8 60 10/22/2025 12:54 PM
9 20 10/22/2025 12:18 PM
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
38 / 40
85.71%6
28.57%2
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
0.00%0
Q37 What is your race or ethnicity? (Select all that apply)
Answered: 7 Sk ipped: 5
Total Respondents : 7
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)DATE
There are no res ponses.
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Hispanic or
Latino
African
Amer ican or
Bl ack
Asian
American
Indian/Al aska
Native
Native
Hawaiian/Pacifi
c Isl ander
Other (please
specify)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
White
His panic or Latino
Af rican American or Blac k
Asian
American Indian/Alaska Native
Nativ e Hawaiian/Pac if ic Is lander
Other (please s pecify)
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
39 / 40
42.86%3
42.86%3
14.29%1
0.00%0
Q38 What is your gender? (Select one)
Answered: 7 Sk ipped: 5
TOTAL 7
#PREFER TO SELF-DESCRIBE: DATE
There are no res ponses.
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Mal e
Female
Non-binary
Prefer to
self-describe:
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Male
Female
Non-binary
Prefer to self-des c ribe:
St. L ouis Park Business and Mixed-Use Areas Survey f or Owners of Businesses and Business
Properties
40 / 40
0.00%0
0.00%0
28.57%2
71.43%5
0.00%0
Q39 What is your age range?
Answered: 7 Sk ipped: 5
TOTAL 7
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
17 and under
18 – 34
35 – 49
50 – 64
65 and over
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
17 and under
18 – 34
35 – 49
50 – 64
65 and ov er
PLEASE SHARE ANY THOUGHTS YOU HAVE ABOUT THE PROPOSALS:
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440
Date: March 4, 2026
To: Planning Commission
Attn: Gary Morrison, Zoning Administrator
From: Environment and Sustainability Commission (ESC)
Subject: Zoning Code Update Phase 2 and Parking Reductions
Strategic Priority: Environmental Stewardship
The Environment and Sustainability commission recommends approving the draft zoning code
amendments that reduce minimum parking requirements across zoning districts and
eliminates parking requirements in the Walker-Lake Historical District.
The long-term goal of parking reductions should remain to increase multimodal transportation
options, including transit, biking and walking, consistent with St. Louis Park’s Climate Action Plan
and Connect the Park goals.
The proposed amendments are designed to use the existing parking supply in dense commercial
areas (e.g., Walker-Lake, Excelsior & Grand) to promote efficient use of shared-parking while
balancing supply and demand and meeting the needs of existing retail, commercial, and
residential uses. As demonstrated through parking reductions in the Walker-Lake Historical
District, reducing parking minimums and creating shared access to street and off-street parking
in walkable, dense commercial areas allows existing businesses to continue to serve their
customers while also removing the requirements for new parking facilities.
As future redevelopment occurs in existing and future commercial nodes, reduced parking
minimums will limit the amount of land used for parking, which in turn can be used for
greenspaces, natural areas, other landscaping, or multimodal transportation.
This action is a positive step forward for St. Louis Park, who can continue to lead for other first
ring suburban cities where existing transit access and development patterns do not support
eliminating parking. Further reductions can be achieved through the 2050 Comprehensive Plan
process, where the city will update its land use plan and implementation actions.
441