Planning, Zoning & Development Review

As CPED works to grow a sustainable city, we provide planning and zoning tools and assistance, support the Minneapolis Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment, and review proposed development activity, in cooperation with other City departments.

Planning Tools & Assistance
Zoning Tools & Assistance
Development Review

Planning Tools & Assistance

CPED is responsible for the creation, modification and implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the policy document that describes the City’s vision for growth and development.

• The Minneapolis Plan for Sustainable Growth is the City’s current Comprehensive Plan.

CPED also works with community stakeholders to develop Small Area Plans that provide specific guidance for particular areas. Each sector of the city has a Community Planner to assist with local planning.

• Map of Plans (PDF)
• Approved Plans
• Current Projects
• Community Planner Sector Map (PDF)
• 2009 Community Planning Work Plan (PDF)

CPED provides the following tools to assist designers, developers, builders and community stakeholders to understand and prepare plans and proposals that are consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

• Neighborhood Guide for Developing Planning Documents (PDF)
• What Does Density Look Like? Examples from Minneapolis (PDF)

CPED staffs the Minneapolis Planning Commission, which is charged with long-range planning for the City and is responsible for advising the City Council on matters of development, zoning, and capital improvements.

CPED also administers a Citizen Participation Program to engage neighborhoods in planning and development decisions.

CPED is also responsible for the preparation of documents related to environmental review, including federal Environmental Assessments and state-mandated Environmental Assessment Worksheets, Environmental Impact Statements and Alternative Urban Areawide Reviews.

Zoning Tools & Assistance

CPED is responsible for the creation, modification and enforcement of the Minneapolis Zoning Code. The Zoning Code provides a regulatory framework for the implementation of the city’s Comprehensive Plan in a manner that protects the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Minneapolis.

• The Minneapolis Zoning Code consists of zoning regulations and a zoning map. It specifies the uses allowed and development standards for each zoning district within the city.

CPED provides the following tools to assist designers, developers, builders and community stakeholders to understand and prepare plans and proposals that are consistent with the city’s Zoning Code.

• Zoning Code Overview
• Land Use and Zoning Overview (PDF)
• Zoning Handouts and Applications
• Current Minneapolis Zoning Maps
• Zoning Code Text Amendments (PDF)
• Infill Housing Text Amendment
• staffs the Zoning Board of Adjustment, which makes decisions regarding zoning variances, nonconforming uses, and appeals of zoning and planning decisions.

Development Review

• CPED collaborates with other City departments to facilitate the review of proposed development activity through the coordinated process called Minneapolis Development Review. CPED’s role is to ensure that proposed development is consistent with the City’s vision for growth and development, as described in its Comprehensive Plan, and with the regulatory framework provided by the Minneapolis Zoning Code.

Online information from the City of Minneapolis at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped Updated November 18, 2009