Deciphering the [Zoning] Code

You have received a notice of public hearing for a zoning issue in your city. Now what? Do you feel like it is code for something about something? Wondering how it affects you?

SCA is here to educate residents about the “how” and “why” of land use zoning.

• Hennepin County has an interactive GIS map to identify the location of the affected property. Access it here.
• Minnesota cities have zoning districts to regulate land use and ensure organized, sustainable development to:

1. Control Land Use: Zoning separates different types of activities—like residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational—so they don’t interfere with each other. For example, you wouldn’t want a factory next to a residential neighborhood due to noise, pollution, or traffic.
   
   
2. Ensure Safety and Health: Zoning can help reduce risks, like placing hazardous industries away from residential areas, or ensuring buildings meet safety codes. “Cancer Alley” is an extreme, but clear example.
   
   
3. Promote Orderly Growth: Zoning helps cities plan for future growth, ensuring that infrastructure like roads, schools, and utilities are in the right places to support new developments. Comprehensive Planning is a tool used to predict growth needs.
   
   
4. Preserve Property Values: By controlling how land is used, zoning helps maintain the character of a neighborhood, which can protect property values.

5. Protect the Environment: Zoning can include restrictions on how land is developed, aiming to preserve green spaces, manage storm water, or limit pollution. PUDs are an example.

• Zoning districts help cities balance the needs of different types of land uses while promoting long-term, sustainable development.
• Your city has a zoning map that shows the zoning districts. As an example, click here to view Shorewood’s map. Find your own property classification and click the corresponding link below to learn the characteristics of your property for zoning purposes.
• How the zoning process works:
  
  • Public Hearing: A public hearing is scheduled to discuss the proposed zoning change. This hearing provides a platform for community members to express their views and gather information.
  • Notification: Notices of the public hearing are disseminated through various channels to reach affected parties and the general public. These channels may include:
    • City’s Official Website: Posting notices on the city’s official website under sections like “Proposed Ordinances & Public Notices.”
    • Local Newspapers: Publishing notices in local newspapers to inform residents.
    • Direct Mail: Sending notices directly to property owners within 500-1000 feet who may be affected by the proposed zoning change.
  • Planning Commission Review: The Planning Commission reviews all proposed ordinances and zoning changes during their meetings, taking public comments into account before making recommendations to the City Council.
  • City Council Decision: Following the Planning Commission’s recommendation, the City Council deliberates and makes the final decision on the proposed zoning change. Approval of a zoning district amendment, especially when changing a property’s classification from residential to commercial, requires a four-fifths vote of the full City Council.

1201.09 Establishment of Zoning Classifications.
(Click on each link for a detailed explanation)

a. Residential Districts.

(1) R-1A, Single-Family Residential.

(2) R-1B, Single-Family Residential.

(3) R-1C, Single-Family Residential.

(4) R-1D, Single-Family Residential.

(5) R-2A, Single and Two-Family Residential.

(6) R-2B, Single and Two-Family Residential.

(7) R-2C, Single and Two-Family Residential.

(8) R-3A, Multiple-Family Residential.

(9) R-3B, Multiple-Family Residential.

(10) R-C, Residential/Commercial.

b. Commercial Districts.

(1) C-1 General Commercial.

(2) C-2, Service Commercial.

c. Special Districts.

(1) L-R, Lakeshore Recreational.

(2) PUD, Planned Unit Development.

(3) S, Shoreland.

In summary, property owners should be attentive to zoning changes that may affect their property or the city generally. Be a participant at public hearings with relevant comments or questions. You can have an influence in the development of your city.