Planning & Zoning

Zoning Ordinance
The Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 36 of City Code, establishes regulations and minimum requirements controlling the location, construction, alteration and use of structures and land within the city.

The ordinance creates use districts, which regulates what activities are permitted in different parts of the city. For example, the city Council may determine that a heavy industrial zone is not appropriate in a certain location because of its proximity to sensitive environmental features or residential districts. Zoning also creates minimum and maximum standards for yard area (setbacks), architectural materials, height, and parking. The purpose of the ordinance is the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the community.

Associated with the Zoning Ordinance is the official zoning map. This map shows the different districts and their boundaries. St. Louis Park has eleven different zoning districts. The zoning district associated with a property can be found on the map; the standards for each district are located in the Zoning Ordinance.

The zoning district of a property may be modified by the City Council; often, zoning districts change when redevelopment occurs. When considering modifications to the Official Zoning Map, the City Council considers the request of the applicant, the recommendations of City Staff and the Planning Commission, and the guidance found in the Comprehensive Plan.

To view the Zoning Ordinance:
View the Zoning Ordinance
Interactive Zoning Map
View the Official Zoning Map
To apply for an amendment to the Official Zoning Map, please use this application.

Subdivisions
A subdivision occurs when an owner of a large property divides that property into smaller lots. To legally complete a subdivision, a 'plat' must be filed. A plat is a legal document that maps out the location of property boundaries; it is the primary legal tool for officially recording lot divisions and major property line changes with Hennepin County. Because St. Louis Park is a fully developed city, there is very little land available for subdivision. For this reason, subdivisions most often occur as a result of redevelopment. Major redevelopment projects often require a plat because they result in the combination of numerous smaller parcels which are then often subdivided into new parcels of varying shapes.

In St. Louis Park, the subdivision process can take several forms. Applicants may apply for preliminary plat approval and subsequently for final plat approval, or applicants may apply for combined approval of both at the same time. Either application process requires review by the Planning Commission and City Council. In some cases, however, applicants may apply for an exempt subdivision. Exempt subdivisions occur only when a large single lot is split into two lots; in order to prove exempt, property owners must meet several criteria in the Subdivision Ordinance.

Approval of a plat involves a determination that the subdivision conforms to the regulations of the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. New lots must meet the minimum requirements provided in each individual zoning district; additionally, other requirements that affect lot size, access, and design are found in the Subdivision Ordinance. All plats are required to either dedicate land for new parks or to pay park dedication fees. There is also a trail dedication fee associated with the creation of new lots.

click here for the application

Variance Procedure
Only certain items qualify for consideration of a variance under State Statutes and City Ordinance. The Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) may grant variances from the strict application of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance provided that the shape or topography of the lot creates an undue hardship in developing the lot and is not merely serving as a convenience. The variance would also be necessary for the preservation of a property right as well as showing that it will not impair light and air to the surrounding properties. In addition, it would have to be demonstrated that the variance will not unreasonably impact the character of the neighborhood and proof given that the variance will not be contrary to the intent of the Zoning Ordinance.

An undue hardship as used in connection with the granting of the variance means the property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under the conditions allowed by the official controls. As well, the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances which are unique to the property, and were not or are not being created by the landowner. Economic consideration alone cannot an undue hardship if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the ordinance.

Variance application/Meeting dates