Zoning Handouts and Applications

Land Use/Subdivision
Zoning
Site Plan Review
Garages and Parking
Signs
Heritage Preservation Commission
Licensing
Conversion of Uses
Additional Informational Handouts

Land Use/Subdivision

Please note: All land use applications require a preliminary meeting with planning staff

Application to allow for a temporary use of a property until a particular date, until the occurrence of a particular event, or until the zoning regulations no longer allow it.

Provides a detailed overview of the Land Use application process. Applications are required for land uses that require approval from the City Planning Commission or Board of Adjustment. Examples include variances and conditional use permits.

This application packet is used to file any land use application(s) that requires approval by the Minneapolis City Planning Commission or the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The packet is used for gathering property-related information relevant to a land use application. It contains a checklist of materials required for a land use application, and a worksheet to be completed by the applicant.

(Note: All land use applications require a preliminary meeting with planning staff.)

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application

This application packet is used to file an amendment to the City’s comprehensive plan that requires approval by the Minneapolis City Council. The packet is a tool for gathering property-related information relevant to the application. It contains a checklist of materials required for an application, and a worksheet to be completed by the applicant.

(Note: All land use applications require a preliminary meeting with planning staff.)

Planned Unit Development (PUD) Application

This packet is used in guiding applicants through the Planned Unit Development (PUD) application process. In this packet you will find the City’s PUD regulations, along with a checklist of materials required for an application, and a worksheet to be completed by the applicant.

(Note: All land use applications require a preliminary meeting with planning staff.)

Provides the application and instructions for subdivision of any land or property within the City of Minneapolis.

(Note: All land use applications require a preliminary meeting with planning staff.)

Application to allow for certain uses and structures which have only a seasonal or temporary duration such as community festivals, fresh produce stands, and temporary promotions by permanent businesses.

Wind Energy Conversion System Application

Application, checklist, and overview of procedures for both building-mounted and freestanding wind energy conversion systems.

Zoning

Application to appeal determinations of Zoning Administrator, Actions of the City Planning Commission or Board of Adjustment.

Application to be exempted from restrictions of Interim Ordinances based on substantial hardships caused by the ordinance.

Application for requesting a letter from Planning Department that verifies the Zoning status of a property. This includes current and proposed zoning and FEMA designation.

Application and overview of the processes that allow property owners can seek rezoning of their property.

Site Plan Review

Application, checklist, and overview of procedures for administrative site plan review. Administrative site plan review do not trigger a public hearing as outlined in table 530-1.

Application, checklist, and overview of procedures for administrative review of site plans for single and two family dwellings, as well as multi-family dwellings with 3 or 4 residential units.

Informational handout that provides an example of what a commercial site plan should look like, (e.g. off-street parking, curb cuts, drive aisles, landscaping).

Informational handout that provides an example of what a residential site plan should look like, (e.g. location of structures, property lines, setbacks, etc.).

Provides a list of regulations and requirements that pertain to Site Plan Review from Chapter 530 in the Minneapolis Zoning Code. These requirements apply to the establishment or expansion of any building, principal use or freestanding accessory parking garage listed in Table 535-1, except as otherwise provided in chapter 530.

Garages and Parking

An overview of Standards governing accessory uses and structures. This includes a list of zoning and building code regulations that pertain to the type, size, location and operational characteristics of accessory uses and structures.

An overview to design and maintenance regulations for parking or loading areas. This includes requirements regarding the surfacing, location, size, spacing, landscaping, etc. of parking and loading areas.

Application for administrative review required to allow an increase in height or floor area of accessory structures. This includes a checklist of all materials required before submitting an application.

Application for the reduction of minimum parking requirements based on shared parking agreements, transit incentives, valet parking, or bicycle parking.

Signs

Application for the installation of any sign subject to review by CPED Planning Staff.

(Note: Application must be submitted by a licensed sign contractor.)

A current list of sign contractors that are licensed to do business in the City of Minneapolis.

List of required fees for sign permits, based on size and type.

Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC)

Provides additional links to HPC forms. (e.g. Application Procedures, Certificate of No Change, Certificate of Appropriateness, Historic Variance, Meeting schedule, etc.)

Licensing

A map of off-sale liquor establishments in Minneapolis, includes 2000’ buffer.

Informational handout that provides an example of detail needed for floor plans when submitting an application for food/liquor establishments.

Conversion of Uses

Overview of process for acquiring Zoning and Plan Review approvals for a conversion of multi-unit rental property to condominiums.

Zoning and Plan Review approvals are required to obtain a building permit to change the use of the building. Once your plans are prepared you may bring them into the Minneapolis Development Review office and the staff will guide you through the zoning and plan review process.

Zoning and Plan Review approvals are required to obtain a building permit to change the use of the building. Once your plans are prepared you may bring them into the Minneapolis Development Review office and the staff will guide you through the zoning and plan review process.

Additional Informational Handouts

A list of zoning applications and applicable fees.

An informational handout that details changes made in January of 2007 to the Walk-In Plan review service.

An informational handout that includes a list of terminology, regulations, and review processes for the approval of communications towers, antennas and base units.

This information would be useful to someone who is considering using a property for a congregate living arrangement or facility in the City. The handout provides definitions of the various uses, establishes the zoning districts where they are permitted, and describes the various development standards applicable to them.

An overview of fence regulations, including height, maintenance, and design requirements.

An overview of home occupation regulations intended to ensure that home occupations do not adversely affect the character and livability of the surrounding neighborhood and that a home occupation remains accessory and subordinate to the principal residential use of the dwelling. The regulations recognize that many types of home occupations can be conducted with little or no adverse effect on the surrounding neighborhood.

An informational handout regarding the policy regarding survey requirements and property line location. This policy is created to protect the property rights of the owner of a property where work is being done as well as the owners of adjacent properties by ensuring that setback requirements are being enforced.

Swimming pools are considered an accessory structure and must conform to the setback requirements in the Zoning Code. Side yard setback for residential zoning districts are listed below:

R1 – 6 ft. from side property line

R1A through R6 – 5 ft. from side property line

An above-ground swimming pool does count in the total maximum square footage allowed for all accessory structures on a lot. An in-ground swimming pool does not count in the total maximum square footage allowed for all accessory structures; however, they must still comply with the setback requirements required by the Zoning Code. Swimming pools must also comply with Building Code regulations linked above.

Explanation of new Zoning Code Amendments passed in June 2007. This amendment limits the height, floor area ratio (F.A.R.), footprint, and groundcover of homes in the City of Minneapolis.

Last updated October 1, 2009