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INFORMATION MEMO <br />LEAGUE OF <br />MINNESOTA Zoning Guide for Cities <br />CITIES <br />Learn the framework of municipal zoning and basics of other land use controls available to cities that <br />may complement or be used separately from zoning controls. Find guidance on zoning ordinance <br />drafting, adoption, administration and enforcement. Links to sample zoning provisions and maps from <br />other Minnesota cities. <br />RELEVANT LINKS: <br />Minn. Stat. § 462.351. <br />Town of Oronoco v. City of <br />Rochester, 293 Minn. 468, <br />197 N.W.2d 426 (Minn. <br />1972). <br />Minn. Stat. § 462.357, subd. <br />1. <br />Sample Zoning District <br />Section. <br />Minn. Stat. § 462.357, subd. <br />1. <br />I. Basic zoning concepts <br />A. The purpose of zoning <br />Zoning allows a city to control the development of land within the <br />community — both the type of structures that are built and the uses to which <br />the land is put. Most building in a community is done by private individuals <br />and businesses seeking to develop property for their own private use — <br />whether this is residential, commercial or industrial. Zoning is one important <br />tool for guiding this private development, so that land is used in a way that <br />promotes both the best use of the land and the prosperity, health and welfare <br />of the city's residents. Local zoning control over other governmental entities <br />acting or owning property within a city, such as the State of Minnesota and <br />local school districts may be more limited depending on the circumstances. <br />Zoning is normally accomplished by dividing the land in the city into <br />different districts or zones and regulating the uses of land within each <br />district. Generally, specific districts are set aside for residential, types of <br />commercial and various industrial uses. The city can also use zoning to <br />further agricultural and open space objectives. <br />By creating zoning districts that separate uses, the city assures that adequate <br />space is provided for each use and that a transition area or buffer exists <br />between distinct and incompatible uses. Adequate separation of uses <br />prevents congestion, minimizes fire and other health and safety hazards, and <br />keeps residential areas free of potential commercial and industrial nuisances <br />such as smoke, noise and light. <br />Zoning regulations may also constrain the types and location of structures. <br />The regulations must be the same within each district, but may vary from <br />district to district. These regulations often control: <br />This material is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Consult your attorney for advice concerning specific situations. <br />145 University Ave. West <br />Saint Paul, MN 55103 -2044 <br />www.lmc.org <br />(651) 281 -1200 or (800) 925 -1122 <br />9/10/2012 <br />© 2012 All Rights Reserved <br />