2019.03.05 Work Session Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: March 1, 2019
City Council
Work Session Agenda
March 5, 2019
Following the City Council meeting
Conference Room A
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the work session of the Crystal City Council was held at ______ p.m. on March 5, 2019 in Conference
Room A, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota.
I. Attendance
Council Members Staff
____ Deshler ____ Norris
____ Kiser ____ Therres
____ LaRoche ____ Gilchrist
____ Parsons ____ Revering
____ Adams ____ Ray
____ Banks ____ Serres
____ Budziszewski
II. Agenda
1. Corrective City Code Amendments, Chapters 1 – 9.
2. Constituent issues update.
3. New business.*
4. Announcements.*
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the City Clerk at (763) 531-
1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
557622v2 TJG CR225-423
Kennedy Troy J. Gilchrist
470 US Bank Plaza
200 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis MN 55402
(612) 337-9214 telephone
(612) 337-9310 fax
tgilchrist@kennedy-graven.com
http://www.kennedy-graven.com
&
Graven
C H A R T E R E D Also: St. Cloud Office
501 W. Germain Street, Suite 304
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 240-8200 telephone
MEMORANDUM
To: Crystal City Council
From: Troy Gilchrist, City Attorney
Date: February 27, 2019 (March 5, 2018 Worksession)
Re: Draft Corrective Amendments to Chapters 1 through 9
As previously discussed, staff is working through the revised Code to identify any remaining
corrective amendments needed before my office takes the final steps of reformatting the entire
Code. The proposed ordinance addresses the corrections identified in Chapters 1 through 9. To
help keep these corrective ordinances manageable, the corrections for the remaining chapters
will be presented later as part of a separate ordinance. Some of these amendments could have
arguably been made as part of the final reformatting since they are not substantive, but since staff
specifically identified them I wanted to make sure they were made so they did not get lost in the
process.
You will see I used labels to identify the chapters to which the amendments relate. The unique
part of this ordinance is how I handled the amendments to Chapter 5. Staff prepared a number of
amendments to Chapter 5 using the track changes feature in Word. Rather than spending the
large amount of time it would take to convert that document into a section by section strike out
and double underline as I have traditionally done, I have just attached the track change
document. Each of the proposed changes are identified in the document, they are just in a
slightly different format than the Council has seen in the past. I have also attached a short
PowerPoint presentation that further discusses the amendments to Chapter 5. I do not plan on
giving this presentation during the worksession, but we certainly can discuss any questions the
Council may have. As noted in the presentation, the Planning Commission has already
conducted a public hearing on these amendments and have recommended their adoption.
Again, with the exception of the amendments to Chapter 1, these amendments came from staff,
but I would be happy to attempt to address any questions the Council may have during the
worksession. Additional changes can be made after the worksession if the Council directs or if,
frankly, I missed any of the changes previously sent to me. If the Council is comfortable with
these corrective amendments, the goal would be to bring a finalized version of this ordinance
forward to a Council Meeting in the near future for a first reading.
2
557622v2 TJG CR225-423
City Council Meeting
March 5, 2019
Agenda Item: _________
3
557622v2 TJG CR225-423
•Staff is proposing miscellaneous changes to the UDC:
Some merely correct or clarify existing requirements
Others would make minor policy changes
•These miscellaneous UDC changes are being presented to
City Council along with other chapter amendments to
complete the city code update project prior to recodification
of the entire code
Background
4
557622v2 TJG CR225-423
•Zoning certificate applications:
Zoning certificates occupy the middle ground between a
building permit and Planning Commission/City Council review
Amendment clarifies the purpose of a zoning certificate and
when one is required
•Amusement centers (i.e. video arcades):
These are no longer specifically regulated in Chapter 11 and
don’t need to be listed in the UDC
•Food trucks:
Now regulated in Chapter 13 of city code as “mobile food
units” so don’t need to be regulated in the UDC
•Parking lots/ramps:
Clarifies the difference between parking lots
(accessory use) and parking ramps (principal use)
UDC amendments
5
557622v2 TJG CR225-423
•Outdoor storage (cannot exceed any of the three limits below):
Commercial district limits would be loosened as follows:
30%50%of the gross floor area of the principal building
20%25%of the area of the property
2,000 5,000 square feet
Industrial districts would have new, looser limits instead of
having to follow the commercial limits:
100% of the gross floor area of the principal building
50% of the area of the property
10,000 square feet
There are built-in protections, such as screening and setbacks,
that will protect the city’s aesthetic standards
Zoning certificate would be required (currently requires a CUP)
•Landscaping:
Amendment clarifies landscaping requirements,
including for parking lots
UDC Amendments (continued)
6
557622v2 TJG CR225-423
Signs:
Amendment allows sandwich board signs
Amendment allows off-premise signs for adjacent properties
to share (previously a variance was required)
For multicolor electronic signs, amendment reduces the
minimum time between sign changes from 2 minutes to 60
seconds (current comparison with other cities below)
UDC Amendments (continued)
7
557622v2 TJG CR225-423
Planning Commission Action (Feb. 11):
•No one testified at the public hearing or provided written
comments
•Planning Commission recommended approval of the
amendment
City Council Action Requested:
•Approve first reading of the amendment
DRAFT
2-27-19
1
557087v1 TJG CR225-423
CITY OF CRYSTAL
ORDINANCE #2019-____
AN ORDINANCE REVISING CHAPTERS I
THROUGH IX OF THE CRYSTAL CITY CODE
The City of Crystal ordains:
CHAPTER I AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE I. Chapter I, Section 100.07 of the Crystal city code is hereby amended by deleting the
stricken material and adding the double-underlined material as follows:
100.07. Official statutes; codes; regulations; and ordinances. References in this code to Minnesota
Statutes or Minnesota Rules are to the most current enacting enactment of the Minnesota Statutes or
Minnesota Rules and include any amendments made thereto and any successor provisions, unless
otherwise provided in this code. References in this code to rules and regulations of state agencies,
codes, and ordinances of other municipalities are to the most current enactment of those documents,
unless otherwise provided.
ARTICLE II. Chapter I, Section 105.01, subdivisions 11 and 14 are hereby amended by deleting
the stricken material and adding the double-underlined material as follows, including renumbering
the subdivisions as needed:
Subd. 11. A reference to an elected or appointed city officer includes the duly authorized
representative of that officer.
Subd. 14. “Official” means a person elected or appointed to the council, or appointed to a
committee or other group created by the city council to serve the city on its behalf. A reference to
an elected or appointed city officer or official includes the duly authorized representative of that
officer.
ARTICLE III. Chapter I, Sections 105.09 and 105.11 are deleted in their entirety.
ARTICLE IV. Chapter I, Section 110.07, subdivision 4 of the Crystal city code is hereby
amended by deleting the stricken material and adding the double-underlined material as follows:
Subd. 4. Source notes. When an ordinance is integrated into this code, a source note must
be added at the end of each new chapter, section, subsection or subdivision indicating the
ordinance number and section from which the changed language was derived. Alternatively, the
source notes may be compiled into an index placed at the end of each chapter or at the end of this
code.
DRAFT
2-27-19
2
557087v1 TJG CR225-423
CHAPTER II AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE V. Chapter II, Section 215.01 of the Crystal city code is hereby amended by deleting
the stricken material and adding the double-underlined material as follows:
215.01. General. Elections in the city are conducted in accordance with the general laws of the
state of Minnesota, and chapter 4 of the city charter, and Laws 1971, chapter 213, as amended by
Laws 1975, chapter 79.
ARTICLE VI. Chapter II, Section 215.07 of the Crystal city code is hereby amended by deleting
the stricken material and adding the double-underlined material as follows:
215.07. Absentee bBallot counting board. Subdivision 1. Board established. As authorized by
Minnesota Statutes, section 203B.13 203B.121, an absentee ballot counting board is established.
The board is appointed in the manner provided by law.
Subd. 2. Examination of ballots. The absentee ballot counting board is authorized to
examine absentee ballot envelopes and receive or reject absentee ballots in the manner provided
by Minnesota Statutes, section 203B.12 undertake the duties of such board as prescribed by
Minnesota Statues, section 203B.121 and such other law as may apply.
Subd. 3. All elections. An absentee ballot counting board must be appointed for each
general and special election in the city.
CHAPTER III AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE VII. Chapter III, Section 311.01, subdivision 3 of the Crystal city code is hereby
amended by deleting the stricken material and adding the double-underlined material as follows:
Subd. 3. CCH investigation for approval or denial of a license or permit. The police
department is authorized to conduct a CCH Investigation to assist in determining the factual
basis for the approval or denial of a city license or permit where the health, safety or welfare of
the public is a concern based on the activity regulated and subject to the license or permit. A
CCH Investigation is required for the applicant for a license or permit under the following
ordinance sections: 1160.11; 1175.17; 1177.07; 1185.03; 1190.11; 1195.15; 1200.09; 1215.11
1110.09; 1120.11; 1125.07; 1130.03; 1135.09; 1140.13; and 1200.13.
CHAPTER V AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE VIII. Chapter V of the Crystal city code is hereby amended by deleting the stricken
material and adding the underlined material as shown on the attached. Sections, subsections,
subdivisions, and paragraphs shall be renumbered as needed to accommodate the deletions and
additions. Any other non-substantive corrections that may be needed to incorporate these changes
into the Crystal city code shall be made.
DRAFT
2-27-19
3
557087v1 TJG CR225-423
CHAPTER VI AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE IX. Chapter VI, Section 600.01, subdivision 1 of the Crystal city code is hereby
amended by deleting the stricken material and adding the double-underlined material as follows:
600.01. Public nuisance prohibition.
Subdivision. 1. Prohibition. A person must not act, or fail to act, shall not, either through an
action or a failure to act, in any manner that is or create, causes, or maintain a public nuisance.
For purpose of this section, a person that does any of the following is guilty of creating, causing,
or maintaining a public nuisance:
(a) Maintains or permits a condition which unreasonably annoys, injures, or endangers the
safety, health, morals, comfort or repose of any considerable number of members of the
public;
(b) Interferes with, obstructs, or renders dangerous for passage, any public highway or right-
of-way, or waters used by the public; or
(c) Does any other act or omission declared by law or city ordinance to be a public nuisance.
CHAPTER VII AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE X. Chapter VII, Section 705.09, subdivision 1 of the Crystal city code is hereby
amended by deleting the stricken material and adding the double-underlined material as follows:
705.09. Storm water discharge. Subdivision 1. Designation of storm sewers. Storm water and
other unpolluted drainage must be discharged to such sewers as are specifically designed as storm
sewers, or to a natural outlet approved by the city council. Industrial cooling waters or unpolluted
process waters may be discharged upon approval of the city council to a storm sewer, or natural
outlet. Discharge of sump pump, footing drain and other runoff-related water into storm sewers is
strictly prohibited and any such existing connection shall immediately be disconnected pursuant to
Section 730 of this Code.
CHAPTER VIII AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE XI. Chapter III, Section 311.01, subdivision 3 of the Crystal city code is hereby
amended by deleting the stricken material and adding the double-underlined material as follows:
800.45. Curb cut standards.
Subd. 1. Compliance. All curb cuts located within a right-of-way shall meet the standards
specified in this subsection.
DRAFT
2-27-19
4
557087v1 TJG CR225-423
Subd. 2. One-family and two-family dwellings. One-family dwellings and two-family
dwellings shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) A parcel may have no more than one curb cut regardless of the amount of street
frontage. The city manager, upon the recommendation of the director, may find that
one additional curb cut may be permitted if the additional curb cut provides access to
an existing conforming or lawfully nonconforming structure, such as a garage or
paved surface lawfully used for vehicular parking, and that the parcel cannot be put to
reasonable use without the additional curb cut. A parcel that has a curb cut on a
public street and also abuts a public alley may have one access opening to the alley
for use only to access a garage;
(b) A two-family dwelling may have a second curb cut, subject to the following
requirements and the additional requirements of this section:
(1) The curb cuts and driveway approaches shall be at least 10 feet apart; and
(2) The total width of the curb cuts shall not exceed 50% of the lot’s street frontage.
(bc) The curb cut width shall match the width of the driveway approach at the curb
opening, but Iin no circumstance shall a curb cut or any part of a driveway
approach exceed 22 feet in width at the curb opening. In the event that a driveway
approach is installed or reconstructed to be narrower than the curb cut, then the
curb cut shall be narrowed to match the width of the driveway approach. If the
curb cut is narrower than the driveway at the property line, then there may be an
angled transition in the width of the driveway approach provided that the angle is
no more than 45 degrees. If the director determines that, due to setback or
topographic constraints, greater width in the boulevard is required for an angled
transition to a wider, conforming driveway or lawful auxiliary space on private
property, noncompliance with this paragraph may be authorized;
(cd) When a property is permitted more than one auxiliary parking space in
accordance with this code, the director may approve an additional angled
transition in the width of the driveway approach to provide access to such
auxiliary space. The additional area must only be on one side of the curb cut, be
no more than three feet wider than the curb cut at the edge of the street pavement,
and shall have an angle of no more than 45 degrees. The combined width of the
driveway approach plus this additional area shall not exceed 22 feet anywhere in
the street right-of-way, unless there are setback or topographic constraints that
require greater width to provide reasonable access to a conforming driveway or
lawful auxiliary space;
(de) Two adjacent one-family dwellings or a two family dwelling with two separate
driveways may share a single curb cut. In no circumstances shall a shared curb cut
exceed 32 feet in width at the curb opening;
DRAFT
2-27-19
5
557087v1 TJG CR225-423
(ef) Curb cut openings and driveway approaches may be directly adjacent to the lot
line extended to the street curb;
(fg) A shared curb cut and driveway approach may straddle the common lot line
between the properties sharing the curb cut and driveway approach; and
(gh) No curb cut or driveway approach access on a collector or arterial street shall be
located less than 30 feet from the comer. No curb cut access on a local street shall
be located less than 20 feet from the comer. Distances shall be measured from the
end of the adjacent intersection curb radius.
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER IX
ARTICLE XII. Chapter IX, Section 905.27, subdivision 1, paragraphs (c) and (e) of the Crystal
city code is hereby amended by deleting the stricken material and adding the double-underlined
material as follows:
(c) Recreational fires shall be kept a minimum of 15 25 feet from any structure or
combustible materials.
(e) Recreational fires shall be constantly attended by the property owner or
designated adult until fire is completely extinguished. A garden hose or other
adequate means of extinguishment shall be available within 25 15 feet of the fire
for emergency purposes.
ARTICLE XIII. Chapter IX, Section 910.01, subdivision 6 of the Crystal city code is hereby
amended by deleting the stricken material and adding the double-underlined material as follows:
Subd. 6. Commercial kennel. “Commercial kennel” means any place where dogs or other
animals are kept as part of a business involving the raising, selling, boarding, breeding, showing,
treating, or grooming of dogs or other animals. The term includes pet shops, animal hospitals,
kennels and other similar types of operations.
ARTICLE XIV. Chapter IX, Section 910.19, subdivision 2, paragraph (f) of the Crystal city code
is hereby amended by deleting the stricken material and adding the double-underlined material as
follows:
(f) Is required to be quarantined pursuant to Crystal city code, section, 910.25, but is at
large.
ARTICLE XV. This ordinance is effective upon adoption and 30 days after publication.
DRAFT
2-27-19
6
557087v1 TJG CR225-423
First Reading: ____________, 2019
Second Reading: __________, 2019
Council Adoption:_________, 2019
Publication:
Effective Date:
BY THE CITY COUNCIL
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Christina Serres, City Clerk
2
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
515.17 Permitted principal uses
515.19 Use-specific standards for principal uses
515.21 Permitted accessory uses and structures
515.23 Use-specific Standards standards for specific accessory uses and structures
515.25 Permitted temporary uses and structures
515.27 Use-specific Standards standards for specific temporary uses and structures
515.29 Nonconformities
Section 520 Development standards
520.01 Measurements, computations, and encroachments
520.03 Site development standards
520.05 Architectural design standards for principal buildings
520.07 Exterior lighting
520.09 Fences and retaining walls
520.11 Landscaping
520.13 Screening
520.15 Off-street parking and loading
520.17 Surface water, drainage and erosion control
Section 525 Subdivision of land
525.01 Basic subdivision of land
525.03 Development agreement required
525.05 Subdivision design standards
Section 530 Signage
530.01 Findings, purpose and effect
530.03 General sign requirements
530.05 Sign design standards
530.07 Maintenance and repair
530.09 Allowed sign types
530.09 Sign specific standards
6
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Section 505
Definitions
Subd. 1. Abutting or adjacent. “Abutting” or “Adjacent” means the land, lot, or property
adjoining the property in question along a lot line or separated only by an alley, easement or street.
Subd. 2. Accessibility ramps. “Accessibility ramps” means ramps that provide access to
buildings for the disabled.
Subd. 3. Accessory dwelling unit. “Accessory dwelling unit” means a dwelling unit that is
located on the same lot as a one-family detached dwelling to which it is accessory to and
subordinate in size. An accessory dwelling unit may be within or attached to the one-family
dwelling, or in a detached accessory building on the same lot.
Subd. 4. Accessory structure. “Accessory structure” means a subordinate building or other
subordinate structure, including but not limited to detached garages, sheds, gazebos, or swimming
pools, the use of which is clearly subordinate or accessory to the principal use of the building or
property.
Subd. 5. Adult uses. “Adult uses” has the meaning given it from the Crystal city code,
section 1190chapter 11.
Subd. 6. Airport facilities. “Airport facilities” means the buildings and grounds of the
Crystal Airport, including those areas used for the storage, fueling, and repair of aircraft.
Subd. 7. Alley. “Alley” means a public right-of-way other than a street that affords a
secondary means of access to abutting property.
Subd. 8. Amusement center. “Amusement center” has the meaning given it from the
Crystal city code, section 1180.
Subd. 9. Animal hospital or veterinary clinic. “Animal hospital or veterinary clinic” means
any building or portion of a building where animals or pets are given medical or surgical treatment
and are cared for at the time of such treatment, including facilities with offices and/or laboratories
for operation and/or functioning of a research and development facility. Use as a kennel shall be
limited to short time boarding and shall be incidental to such animal hospital use.
Subd. 10. Antenna support structure. “Antenna support structure” means any building,
athletic field lighting, water tower, or other structure other than a tower, which can be used for
location of telecommunications facilities as an accessory, subordinate use. New structures built for
the purpose of attaching telecommunications facilities are “towers” not “antenna support
structures” for the purposes of this UDC. For example, if an athletic field light pole would be
replaced by a taller pole to facilitate installation of an antenna, then the new pole would be
classified as a “tower” not an “antenna support structure” even if lights would be mounted to it in
a manner similar to the way they were mounted to the previous light pole. This term does not
include wireless support structures, which are separately defined under this UDC.
7
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Subd. 11. Applicant. “Applicant” means, unless otherwise specified, an owner or agent for
the owner, including a subdivider, developer, attorney, or similar representative who has filed an
application for development or sign approval with the city.
Subd. 12. Application. “Application” means the process by which the owner, or their agent,
of a parcel of land within the city submits a written request for any type of development or sign
approval.
Subd. 13. Awning. “Awning” means a roof-like cover, often of fabric, plastic, metal, or
glass designed and intended for protection from the weather or as a decorative embellishment, and
which projects from a wall or roof of a structure primarily over a window, walk, or the like. Any
part of an awning which also projects over a door shall be counted as an awning.
Subd. 14. Banks or financial institutions. “Banks or financial institutions” means
establishments engaged in deposit banking, which may include, but are not limited to, commercial
banks, loan or mortgage companies, stockbrokers, or credit unions.
Subd. 15. Banquet halls or event centers. “Banquet halls or event centers” means a facility
or building available for lease by private parties that may include kitchen facilities for the
preparation or catering of food or the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption
during scheduled events which are not open to the public. The facility space may be used by
various groups for social gatherings, meetings, parties, weddings, receptions, or dances.
Subd. 16. Base flood elevation. “Base flood elevation” means the elevation of the “regional
flood.” The term “base flood elevation” is used in the flood insurance survey.
Subd. 17. Basement. “Basement” means an area of a building, including crawl spaces,
having its floor or base subgrade below ground level, regardless of the depth of excavation below
ground level.
Subd. 18. Bed and breakfast establishment. “Bed and breakfast establishment” means an
owner-occupied dwelling that offers short-term lodging, with or without meals, for compensation.
Subd. 19. Block. “Block” means an area of land within a subdivision that is entirely
bounded by streets, railroads, waterways, other natural barriers, the exterior boundary of the
subdivision or any combination of the preceding.
Subd. 20. Brewer taproom, or brewpub or microdistillery. “Brewer taproom, or brewpub
or microdistillery” has the meaning given it in the Crystal city code, section 1200chapter 12.
Subd. 21. Building. “Building means any roofed structure used or intended for supporting
or sheltering any use or occupancy. An accessory building shall be considered an integral part of
the principal building if it is connected to the principal building by a covered passageway.
Subd. 22. Building height. “Building height” means the vertical distance of a building
measured in feet from average grade around the perimeter of a structure to (see Figure 1):
(a) The deck line of a mansard roof; or
(b) The highest point of a flat roof; or
9
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
those which are primarily for profit or which render a service that is customarily carried on as a
business.
Subd. 32. Commercial truck storage or parking. “Commercial truck storage or parking”
means a parking lot used for the storage or temporary parking of commercial vehicles in excess of
three quarter (3/4) ton capacity.
Subd. 33. Commercial storage building. “Commercial storage building” means a detached
accessory building that is over 200 square feet in size and used primarily for storage for a
commercial business. For the purposes of this UDC, commercial storage buildings are not
synonymous with self-storage facilities.
Subd. 34. Comprehensive plan. “Comprehensive plan” means the formally adopted
comprehensive development plan of the city, composed of maps, charts, diagrams, and text
describing the recommended policies and programs to guide the city’s future development and
redevelopment.
Subd. 35. Control measure. “Control measure” means a practice or combination of
practices to control erosion and attendant pollution.
Subd. 36. Critical facilities. “Critical facilities” means facilities necessary to a
community’s public health and safety, those that store or produce highly volatile, toxic or water-
reactive materials, and those that house occupants that may be insufficiently mobile to avoid loss
of life or injury. Examples of critical facilities include schools, daycare facilities, nursing homes,
fire and police stations, wastewater treatment facilities, public electric utilities, water plants, fuel
storage facilities, and waste handling and storage facilities.
Subd. 37. Curb cut. “Curb cut” has the meaning given it in the Crystal city code, chapter 8
Subd. 38. Day care facilities, Adult. “Day care facilities, Adult” means a facility providing
care for the elderly or functionally-impaired adults in a protective setting for a portion of the day.
For day care facilities for children, see “Day care facilities, in-home”, Day care, group family
facilities” and “Schools, nursery or preschool”.
Subd. 39. Day care facilities, in-home. “Day care facilities, in-home” means a day care
facility under rules and statutes of the State of Minnesota serving and providing care to 12 or fewer
children.
Subd. 40. Day care, group family facilities. “Day care, group family facilities” means a
facility licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9502.0315 to 9502.0445 and which serves 14 or
fewer children.
Subd. 41. Deck, detached. “Deck, detached” means a freestanding deck which does not
utilize the exterior wall of the principal structure for support.
Subd. 42. Detention facility. “Detention facility” means a permanent natural or man-made
structure, including wetlands, for the temporary storage of runoff which contains a permanent pool
of stormwater.
12
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Subd. 67. Floor area, gross. “Floor area, gross” means the sum of the gross horizontal areas
of the several floors of such building or buildings measured from the exterior faces of exterior
walls or from the centerline of party walls separating two buildings.
Subd. 68 Floor area, finished. “Floor area, finished” means the gross floor area that is
finished as fully habitable space, including the finished portion of a basement. Where a sloped
ceiling is present, only that portion which has at least six feet of vertical clearance from floor to
ceiling shall be considered finished floor area.
Subd. 69 Food trucks. “Food trucks” means a food and beverage establishment that is a
vehicle-mounted unit within which food is stored, cooked, prepared, and or offered for direct sale
to the consumer.
Subd. 70. Frontage. “Frontage” means the line of contact of a property with a public right-
of-way.
Subd. 71. Funeral home. “Funeral home” means a building used for human funeral services
and which may include space for embalming and other services used in the preparation of the dead
for burial, the indoor storage of caskets, funeral urns, and other related supplies. Funeral homes do
not include facilities for cremation, but cremation services may be offered.
Subd. 72. Garage, attached. “Garage, attached” means the storage of motor vehicles by the
owner or occupant of the principal use in a garage that is attached to the principal structure by a
common wall or by a roof. An attached garage has no facilities for mechanical service or repair.
Subd. 73. Garage, detached. “Garage, detached” means an accessory building for the
private use of the owner or occupant of a principal building situated on the same lot of the principal
building for the storage of motor vehicles with no facilities for mechanical service or repair.
Subd. 74. Garage or yard sales. “Garage or yard sales” means the infrequent temporary
display and sale of general household goods, used clothing, appliances, and other personal
property.
Subd. 75. Grade. “Grade” means the average finished ground level of the land around the
perimeter of a lot, structure, or building.
Subd. 76. Half street. “Half street” means a right-of-way dedicated for a street by a
developer along such developer’s perimeter property line equal to only one-half of the total right-
of-way width required by this UDC.
Subd. 77. Home business. “Home business” means a business, profession, activity, or use
that is clearly a customary, incidental, and accessory use of a residential dwelling and except for
allowable signage does not alter the exterior of the property or affect the residential character of
the neighborhood.
Subd. 78. Hospital. “Hospital” means an institution licensed by the state providing health
care services and medical or surgical care to persons, primarily inpatient, suffering illness, disease,
injury, and other physical and mental conditions. Hospitals may include as an integral part of the
facility laboratories, outpatient facilities, or training facilities.
13
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Subd. 79. Hotel, motel, or extended stay. “Hotel, motel, or extended stay” means a facility
containing four or more guest rooms and offering transient lodging accommodations on a daily
rate to the general public, plus no more than two dwelling units as accessory uses to the hotel and
occupied only by the property owners or on-site managers.
Subd. 80. Hydric soils. “Hydric soils” means soils that are saturated, flooded, or ponded
long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part.
Subd. 81. Hydrophytic vegetation. “Hydrophytic vegetation” means macrophytic plant life
growing in water, soil, or on a substrate that is at least periodically deficient in oxygen as a result
of excessive water content.
Subd. 82. Impervious surface. “Impervious surface” means any surface that does not
readily absorb or retain water, including but not limited to buildings, roofs, parking areas and
driveways, sidewalks, and pavement.
Subd. 83. Industrial uses (indoors). “Industrial uses (indoors)” means a facility used
primarily for manufacturing, processing, or assembly of products that is a fully enclosed structure
where noise, odor, light, or vibrations are not noticeable from the adjacent properties.
Subd. 84. Industrial or commercial uses with outdoor storage of parts, products, or fuel.
“Industrial or commercial uses with outdoor storage of parts, products, or fuel” means those:
(a) industrial or commercial Uses uses, such as recycling establishments, truck terminals,
public works yards, building or landscaping contractor yards, or other commercial
businesses that find it necessary to have outdoor/open storage of parts, products, or
fuels to support the principal use of the property. This includes commercial truck
storage or parking as defined in this UDC, but not those temporary outdoor storage uses
which are regulated in the Crystal city code section 515.25. engaged in the basic
processing and manufacturing of materials or products predominately from extracted
or raw materials and also uses engaged in the operation, parking, and maintenance of
vehicles, cleaning of equipment or work processes involving solvents, recycling
establishments, truck terminals, public works yards, and container storage.
(b) Outdoor/open storage of parts, products, or fuels (exterior storage) means any land used
or occupied for the purpose of the storing of the goods and materials used for the
principal industrial use.
Subd. 85. Infiltration. “Infiltration” means the passage of water into the ground through the
soil.
Subd. 86. Kennels, commercial. “Kennels, commercial” has the meaning given it in the
Crystal city code, section 910chapter 9.
Subd. 87. Kennels, private multiple animal. “Kennels, private multiple animal” has the
meaning given it in the Crystal city code, section 910chapter 9.
Subd. 88. Lot. “Lot” means land occupied or proposed to be occupied by a building and its
accessory buildings, together with such open space as is required under the provisions of this UDC,
14
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
having not less than the minimum area required by this UDC for a building site in the district in
which such lot is situated and having its principal frontage on a street or a proposed street approved
by the city council.
Subd. 89. Lot coverage. “Lot coverage” means that portion of a lot that is covered by
impervious surfaces.
Figure 2: Illustration of lot configuration
Subd. 90. Lot, corner. “Lot, corner” means a lot abutting on more than one street and
situated at an intersection of streets (see figure 2).
Subd. 91. Lot, interior. “Lot, interior” means a lot abutting on only one street (see figure
2).
Subd. 92. Lot, through. “Lot, through” means a lot abutting on more than one street but not
situated at an intersection of streets (see figure 2).
Subd. 93. Lot, through corner. “Lot, through corner” means a lot abutting on more than
one street and situated at more than one intersection of streets (see figure 2).
Subd. 94. Lot area. “Lot area” means the area of a horizontal plane within the lot lines.
Subd. 95. Lot depth. “Lot depth” means the shortest horizontal distance between the front
lot line and the rear lot line measured from a 90-degree angle from the street right-of-way within
the lot boundaries.
Subd. 96. Lot line, front. “Lot line, front” means the boundary of a lot that abuts a public
street. On a corner lot, it shall be the street-abutting lot line with the shortest dimension. If the
property lines on both street frontages are of the same length, the property line to be used for front
setback measurement shall be determined by the zoning administrator. On a through lot or through
corner lot, the lot line for which the home is facing shall be the front lot line (see figure 3).
16
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Subd. 104. Marquee. “Marquee” means any permanent roof-like structure extending along
or projecting beyond the wall of a building, generally designed and constructed to provide
protection from the weather.
Subd. 105. Medical clinics. “Medical clinics” means a building, or part of a building, where
persons are cared for on an outpatient basis.
Subd. _____Mobile food unit. “Mobile food unit” has the meaning given it from the
Crystal city code, chapter 13.
Subd. 106. Multiple tenant building. “Multiple tenant building” means any building which
has more than one (1) tenant, and where each tenant has a separate ground-level exterior public
entrance.
Subd. 107. New construction. “New construction” means structures, including additions
and improvements, and placement of manufactured homes, for which the start of construction
commenced on or after the effective date of the floodplain overlay district provisions.
Subd. 108. Non-commercial speech. “Non-commercial speech” means dissemination of
messages not classified as commercial speech which include, but are not limited to, messages
concerning political, religious, social, ideological, public service and informational topics.
Subd. 109. Non-conforming lot. “Non-conforming lot” means a lot of record or other parcel
of land that does not comply with the lot requirements for any allowed use in the zoning district in
which it is located.
Subd. 110. Non-conforming structure. “Non-conforming structure” means any structure
permitted prior to the effective date of this UDC, which would not conform to the applicable
regulations if the structure were to be erected under the provisions of this UDC.
Subd. 111. Non-conforming use. “Non-conforming use” means a lawful use of land that
does not comply with the use regulations for its zoning district but which complied with applicable
regulations at the time the use was established.
Subd. 112. Obstruction. “Obstruction” means any, wall, embankment, pile, abutment,
projection, excavation, channel modification, culvert, building, wire, fence, stockpile, refuse, fill,
structure, or matter in, along, across, or projecting into any channel, watercourse, or regulatory
floodplain which may impede, retard, or change the direction of the flow of water, either in itself
or by catching or collecting debris carried by such water.
Subd. 113. Offices, professional. “Offices, professional” means establishments providing
executive, management, administrative or professional services including, but not limited to, real
estate, medical clinics, architecture, legal, travel, contractor, employment, insurance, and similar
uses.
Subd. 114. One hundred year floodplain. “One hundred year floodplain” means lands
inundated by the “Regional Flood” (see definition).
Subd. 115. Owner or property owner. “Owner or property owner” means the owner or
taxpayer of record according to Hennepin County property tax records.
17
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Subd. 116. Parapet wall. “Parapet wall” means that portion of building wall that rises above
the roof level.
Subd. 117. Parking lots or ramps. “Parking lots or ramps” means land, not within a
building, that is surfaced in accordance to the requirements of this UDC and used for the temporary
parking of motor vehicles as a business enterprise.
Subd. ____. Parking ramp or structure. “Parking ramp or structure” means a structure
designed and used for the storage of motor vehicles at, below, or above grade or a combination
thereof.
Subd. 118. Patio. “Patio” means an open, level-surfaced area that is typically impervious,
has an elevation of no more than 12 inches above grade, is without walls or roofs, and is intended
for outdoor seating or recreation.
Subd. 119. Personal services. “Personal services” means establishments that are primarily
engaged in providing services generally involving the care of the person or the person’s
possessions. Personal services may include, but are not limited to laundry and dry-cleaning
services, tailors, barber or beauty shops, health and fitness studios, nail salons, locksmiths, tattoo
parlors, therapeutic massage, pet grooming, portrait studios, and similar uses.
Subd. 120. Plat, final. “Plat, final” means the final formally approved layout of the
proposed subdivision showing the same information as the preliminary plat, complying with the
requirements of this UDC, and any additional requirements imposed by the city council and
prepared in the form required by the appropriate county office and Minnesota Statutes, section
505.
Subd. 121. Plat, preliminary. “Plat, preliminary” means a tentative layout of the proposed
subdivision prepared for the purpose of formal review by the city. The preliminary plat shows lots,
blocks, streets, and physical features relevant to the development of the property, but not in the
detail or final form of the final plat.
Subd. 122. Porch, open. “Porch, open” means a porch that may have has a roof but is not
enclosed with windows, screens or walls. An open porch that does not have a roof is defined as a
deck.
Subd. 123. Portable storage container. “Portable storage container” means a temporary
portable structure or container that allows for on-site storage of goods or materials, and which is
not permanently affixed to a foundation.
Subd. 124. Private recreational facilities, indoor. “Private recreational facilities, indoor”
means recreational facilities are private recreational facilities located completely within an
enclosed building that includes, but is not limited to bowling alleys, volleyball courts, ice skating
rinks, and driving ranges. The term does not include amusement centers.
Subd. 125. Private recreational facilities, outdoor. “Private recreational facilities, outdoor”
means private recreational facilities providing outdoor activities that includes, but is not limited
to, sand volleyball courts, miniature golf courses, batting cages, and tennis courts.
19
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Subd. 136. Retail establishments. “Retail establishments” means establishments primarily
engaged in the sale of goods to the general public. Retail uses may include, but are not limited to,
bookstores, liquor stores, bakeries, grocery stores, and other similar uses.
Subd. 137. Retention facility. “Retention facility” means a permanent natural or man-made
structure that provides for the storage of stormwater runoff by means of a permanent pool of water.
Subd. 138. Seasonal agricultural sales. “Seasonal agricultural sales” means the outdoor sale
of goods or products obtained primarily through farming or agricultural activities, including, but
not limited to: pumpkins; grain and seed crops; fruits and vegetables; nursery, floral, ornamental,
and greenhouse products; and Christmas trees.
Subd. 139. Schools, elementary or secondary. “Schools, elementary or secondary” means
buildings used to teach students that includes elementary schools, middle schools or high schools.
Subd. 140. Schools, nursery or preschool. “Schools, nursery or preschool” means a school
or facility providing general daytime care and/or instruction for children six years of age or
younger which conducts no instructional programs certified by the state department of education
as meeting the minimum educational requirements for compulsory-age children.
Subd. 141. Schools, trade or business. “Schools, trade or business” means a school operated
for profit, which teaches business, professional, or technical trades or skills, or a school not
otherwise included within the provisions of this UDC.
Subd. 142. Self-storage facilities. “Self-storage facilities” means a building or group of
buildings having compartments, rooms, spaces, containers, or other types of units that are
individually leased, rented, sold or otherwise contracted for by customers for the storage of
personal or business goods or property, and where the facility owner/operator has limited access
to such privately-rented units. For the purposes of this UDC, the term self-storage facilities shall
be considered synonymous with the term mini-storage.
Subd. 143. Senior housing. “Senior housing” means a multiple dwelling building or group
of buildings in which each dwelling is occupied by at least one person age 55 or older. This
includes assisted living but does not include institutions such as specialized care facilities.
Subd. 144. Setback. “Setback” means the minimum required horizontal distance between
a structure and a lot line, as measured
perpendicular to the lot line. Setback standards
provide open areas around structures for visibility
and traffic safety, access to and around structures,
access to natural light, ventilation and direct
sunlight, separation between potentially
conflicting activities, and space for privacy,
landscaping, and recreation.
21
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(b) Awning sign. “Awning sign” means a building sign or graphic printed on or in some
fashion attached directly to the awning material.
(c) Balloon sign. “Balloon sign” mean a temporary sign consisting of a bag made of
lightweight material supported by helium, hot, or pressurized air that is greater than 24
inches in diameter.
(d) Building sign. “Building sign” means any sign attached or supported by any structure
used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
(e) Canopy sign. “Canopy sign” means any sign that is part of or attached to a canopy,
made of fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door or entrance. A canopy
sign is not a marquee sign and is different from service area canopy signs.
(f) Changeable sign. “Changeable sign” means a sign or portion thereof with characters,
letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or
the surface of the sign. Changeable signs do not include signs upon which characters,
letters, or illustrations change or rearrange only once in a 24-hour period.
(g) Electronic or electrically-controlled readerboard. “Electronic or electrically-controlled
readerboard sign” means a sign, or section thereof, which has a constant light
illumination level on which and messages may which are changed by electronic
processes or remote control. and the only movement of which is the periodic changing
of information against a solid, colorless background, having a constant light
illumination level.
(h) Electric sign. “Electric sign” means a sign containing electrical wiring; the term does
not include signs illuminated by an exterior light source.
(i) Flashing sign. “Flashing sign” means a directly or indirectly illuminated sign which
exhibits changing light or color effects by any means, so as to provide intermittent
illumination which includes the illusion of intermittent flashing light by means of
animation. Also any mode of lighting which resembles zooming, twinkling, or
sparkling.
(j) Freestanding sign. “Freestanding sign” means any sign which has supporting
framework that is placed on, or anchored in, the ground and which is independent from
any building or other structure. For the purposes of this UDC, a monument sign is not
a freestanding sign.
(k) Governmental sign. “Governmental sign” means any temporary or permanent sign
erected and maintained by the City, County, State, or federal government, or a public
utility.
(l) Illuminated sign. “Illuminated sign” means any sign which contains an element
designed to emanate artificial light internally or externally.
(m) Marquee sign. “Marquee sign” means any building sign painted, mounted, constructed
or attached in any manner, on a marquee.
22
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(n) Monument sign. “Monument sign” means any sign with its sign face mounted on the
ground or mounted on a base at least as wide as the sign.
(o) Nonconforming sign. “Nonconforming sign” means any sign and its support structure
lawfully erected prior to the effective date of this UDC which fails to conform to the
requirements of this UDC. A sign which was erected in accordance with a variance
granted prior to the adoption of this UDC and which does not comply with this UDC
shall be deemed to be a legal nonconforming sign. A sign which was unlawfully erected
shall be deemed to be an illegal sign.
(p) Off-premise sign. “Off-premise sign” means a commercial speech sign which directs
the attention of the public to a business, activity conducted, or product sold or offered
at a location not located on the same premises where such business sign is located. For
the purposes of this UDC, :
(a) A freestanding, monument, or pylon sign shared by adjacent properties shall not be
considered an off-premise sign.
(b) easements Easements and other appurtenances shall be considered to be outside
such platted parcel of land and any sign located or proposed to be located in an
easement or other appurtenance shall be considered an off-premise sign.
(c) On-premise sign. “On-premise sign” means a sign that pertains to the use of the
premises or the property on which it is located
(d) Pole sign. “Pole sign” means a sign which has the same meaning as pylon sign (see
definition).
(e) Portable sign. “Portable sign” means any sign which is manifestly designed to be
transported, including by trailer or on its own wheels, even though the wheels of such
sign may be removed and the remaining chassis or support is converted to another sign
or attached temporarily or permanently to the ground since this characteristic is based
on the design of such a sign.
(f) Projecting sign. “Projecting sign” means any sign which is affixed to a building or wall
in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than 15 inches beyond the surface
of such building or wall face. A projecting sign is also a sign located above or below a
canopy or marquee.
(g) Pylon sign. “Pylon sign” means any freestanding sign which has its supportive
structure(s) anchored in the ground and which has a sign face elevated above ground
level by pole(s) or beam(s) and with the area below the sign face open.
(h) Roof sign. “Roof sign” means any sign erected and constructed wholly on and above
the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above
the highest portion of the roof.
(i) Rotating sign. “Rotating sign” means a sign or portion of a sign which turns about on
an axis.
23
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(j) Sandwich board sign. “Sandwich board sign” means a moveable sign not attached to
the ground and constructed in such a manner as to form an “A” or a tent-like shape,
hinged or not hinged at the top, each angular face held at an appropriate distance by a
supporting member.
(k) Shimmering sign. “Shimmering sign” means a sign which reflects an oscillating
sometimes distorted visual image.
(l) Small sign. “Small sign” means a single sign six square feet or less in size.
(m) Temporary sign. “Temporary sign” means a sign which is erected or displayed, or both,
for a limited period of time.
(n) Vehicle sign. “Vehicle sign” means any sign exceeding 10 square feet in sign area that
is mounted, painted, placed, affixed or attached to a trailer, watercraft, truck,
automobile or other form of motor vehicle that is parked so that the sign is discernable
from a public street or right-of-way as a means of communication. The vehicle upon
which the sign is affixed must function primarily as a means to display the sign rather
than as a transportation device, as determined by consideration of any combination of
the following factors: a) the absence of a current, lawful license plate affixed to the
vehicle on which the sign is displayed; b) the vehicle on which the sign is displayed is
inoperable; c) the vehicle on which the sign is displayed is not parked in a lawful or
authorized location or is on blocks or other supports or is parked in a manner that is not
in conformity with the identified parking space on the lot; d) the vehicle displaying the
sign remains parked on the premises after normal business hours when customers and
employees are not normally present on the premises; or e) the vehicle remains parked
in the same vicinity on the property in a location which maximizes its visibility from
the public street or right-of-way on a regular basis.
(o) Wall sign. “Wall sign” means any building sign attached parallel to, but within two feet
of a wall, painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined within the limits of an
outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building,
and which displays only one sign surface. A wall sign is also a sign installed on the
face of a canopy or marquee, but not extending beyond the face.
Subd. 153. Small wireless facility. “Small wireless facility” has the meaning given in
Minnesota Statutes, section 237.162, subdivision 11.
Subd. 154. Special flood hazard area. “Special flood hazard area” means a term used for
flood insurance purposes synonymous with “One hundred year floodplain.”
Subd. 155. Specialized care facilities. “Specialized care facilities” means any facility where
the primary function is the provision, on a continuing basis, of nursing services and health-related
services for treatment and in-patient care, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, memory
care facilities, and hospices. This does not include senior housing or the residence of any individual
who cares for another family member.
Subd. 156. Start of construction. “Start of construction” means in relation to the floodplain
overlay district, start of construction includes substantial improvement, and means the actual start
38
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
510.13. Specific development review procedure requirements. Each type of development review
request under this UDC requires an application and is subject to its own review procedure as
referenced below:
(a) Zoning certificate. A request for a zoning certificate shall be submitted and processed
in accordance with the Crystal city code, subsection 510.15;
(b) Site plan review. A request for a site plan review shall be submitted and processed in
accordance with the Crystal city code, subsection 510.17;
(c) Conditional use permit. A request for a conditional use permit shall be submitted and
processed in accordance with the Crystal city code, subsection 510.19;
(d) Adjacent parcel conveyance. A request for an adjacent parcel conveyance shall be
submitted and processed in accordance with the Crystal city code, subsection 510.21;
(e) Lot consolidation. A request for a lot consolidation shall be submitted and processed
in accordance with the Crystal city code, subsection 510.23;
(f) Subdivision. A request for a subdivision shall be submitted and processed in
accordance with the Crystal city code, subsection 510.25;
(g) Comprehensive plan amendment. A request for a comprehensive plan amendment shall
be submitted and processed in accordance with the Crystal city code, subsection
510.27;
(h) Rezoning or text amendment. A request for a rezoning or text amendment shall be
submitted and processed in accordance with the Crystal city code, subsection 510.29;
(i) Rezoning to planned development overlay district. A request for a rezoning to planned
development overlay district shall be submitted and processed in accordance with the
Crystal city code, subsection 510.31;
(j) Variance. A request for a variance shall be submitted and processed in accordance with
the Crystal city code, subsection 510.33;
(k) Appeal. A request for an appeal shall be submitted and processed in accordance with
the Crystal city code, subsection 510.35;
510.15. Zoning certificate.
Subd. 1. Applicability. No building or other structure shall be erected, constructed, re-
constructed, enlarged, or structurally altered, nor shall any land be used, excavated, or improved
until a zoning certificate is issued.
Subd. 2. Approval procedure. The zoning certificate application shall be submitted to the
zoning administrator in accordance with the application guidelines of this UDC and is subject to a
Type 1 review procedure. Although any land use or construction shall be in compliance to the
requirements of this UDC, The the following application types involve a more detailed zoning
review and are subject to approval of a zoning certificate. review:
39
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(a) Accessory uses regulated as provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 515.21 and
noted as requiring a zoning certificate approval in Table 4;
(b) Temporary uses regulated as provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 515.25 and
noted as requiring a zoning certificate approval in Table 5. If the temporary use does
not change from year to year as determined by the zoning administrator, zoning
certificate approval is only required when the use is first proposed. However the
applicant may be required to submit additional information for the use, such as dates
of operation; and
(c) Changes of use within an existing structure where the use is substantially similar to the
existing use or another permitted use under the existing zoning district classification as
indicated on the official zoning map and where no expansion of the building is included
in the application;
(d) New one-family and two-family dwellings or additions and modifications of such uses;
and
(e)(c) Site plans that meet the requirements of the Crystal city code, subsection 510.17,
subdivision 2 for a Type 1 review.
Subd. 3. Approval criteria. The application shall demonstrate full compliance with the
applicable requirements of this UDC.
Subd. 4. Effect of zoning certificate approval.
(1) The zoning certificate must be issued prior to or concurrent with the city’s issuance
of a building permit.
(2) If landscaping is required as part of the zoning certificate approval, and the
applicant is not able to install the landscaping prior to or concurrent with the
issuance of the certificate of occupancy, the applicant shall submit a cash escrow
to secure the completion of the landscaping.
Subd. 5. Expiration.
(1) A zoning certificate shall become void after one year from the date of issuance if a
building permit has not been issued.
(2) The zoning administrator may approve one extension of not more than one year.
510.17. Site plan review.
Subd. 1. Applicability. No building or other structure shall be erected, constructed, re-
constructed, enlarged, or structurally altered, nor shall any land be used, excavated or improved
until a site plan is approved.
Subd. 2. Approval procedure. A site plan review application shall be submitted to the
zoning administrator in accordance with the application criteria of this UDC. If an applicant is
submitting a conditional use permit application as provided in the Crystal city code, subsection
40
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
510.19, the conditional use permit and site plan review application shall be reviewed concurrently
without the need for an additional application fee.
(a) Site plans for the following construction requires approval of a zoning certificate
review subject to a Type 1 review procedure as established in this UDC:
(1) Expansion of an existing parking lot footprint of less than 25 percent;
(2)(1) Additions to multiple-family dwellings or nonresidential buildings of less
than 50 percent of the building footprint.
(2) Industrial or commercial uses with outdoor storage of parts, products, or fuels.
(3) Telecommunication towers in the industrial district.
(b) Site plans for the following construction requires approval through a Type 2 review
procedure as established in this UDC:
(1) New multiple-family dwellings, or additions thereto, of three units or more;
(2) New nonresidential structures;
(3) Additions to multiple-family dwellings or nonresidential structures of greater than
50 % percent of the building footprint; and
(4) Expansion of an existing parking lot footprint by more than 25 percent; and
(5)(4) New parking ramps or structures.
(c) Approval criteria. No site plan review application shall be approved unless it meets the
following criteria:
(1) It fully complies with all applicable requirements of this UDC;
(2) It adequately protects residential uses from the potential adverse effects of a non-
residential use;
(3) It is consistent with the use and character of surrounding properties; and
(4) It provides safe conditions for pedestrians or motorists and prevents the dangerous
arrangement of pedestrian and vehicular ways.
(d) Amendments to approved site plans approved through a Type 2 procedure.
56
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
high water level as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.005, subdivision
14.
(2) Flood fringe district. The Flood Fringe District includes areas within Zones AE that
have a floodway delineated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map as adopted by
reference in the Crystal city code, subsection 515.03, but are located outside of the
floodway. For lakes, wetlands and other basins within Zones AE that do not have a
floodway delineated, the Flood Fringe District also includes those areas below the
1% annual chance (100-year) flood elevation but above the ordinary high water
level as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.005, subdivision 14.
(3) General Floodplain District. The General Floodplain District includes those areas
within Zones A or AE that do not have a delineated floodway as shown on the Flood
Insurance Rate Map as adopted by reference in the Crystal city code, subsection
515.03.
(b) Applicability. Within the Flood Districts established in this subsection, the use, size,
type and location of development must comply with the terms of this subsection and
other applicable regulations. In no cases shall floodplain development adversely affect
the efficiency or unduly restrict the capacity of the channels or floodways of any
tributaries to the main stream, drainage ditches, or any other drainage facilities or
systems. All uses not listed as permitted uses or conditional uses as provided in the
Crystal city code, section 515 are prohibited. In addition, critical facilities, as defined
in the Crystal city code, section 505, subdivision 36 are prohibited in all Flood Districts.
Subd. 5. Floodway district (FW).
(a) Permitted uses. The following uses, subject to the standards set forth herein, are
permitted uses if otherwise allowed in the underlying zoning district or any applicable
overlay district:
(1) General farming, pasture, grazing, outdoor plant nurseries, horticulture, truck
farming, forestry, sod farming, and wild crop harvesting.
(2) Industrial-commercial loading areas, parking areas, and airport landing strips.
(3) Open space uses, including but not limited to private and public golf courses, tennis
courts, driving ranges, archery ranges, picnic grounds, boat launching ramps,
swimming areas, parks, wildlife and nature preserves, game farms, fish hatcheries,
shooting preserves, hunting and fishing areas, and single or multiple purpose
recreational trails.
(4) Residential lawns, gardens, parking areas, and play areas.
(5) Railroads, streets, bridges, utility transmission lines and pipelines, provided that the
Department of Natural Resources’ Area Hydrologist is notified at least ten days
prior to issuance of any permit.
(b) Standards for floodway permitted uses.
61
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(d) Standards for flood fringe conditional uses. The standards listed in Subdivision 6(b)
(4) through 6(b)(10) apply to all conditional uses.
(1) Basements, as defined by the Crystal city code, section 505, subdivision 17, are
subject to the following:
(i) Residential basement construction is not allowed below the regulatory flood
protection elevation.
(ii) Non-residential basements may be allowed below the regulatory flood
protection elevation provided the basement is structurally dry floodproofed in
accordance with Subdivision 6(d)(2) of this subsection.
(2) All areas of nonresidential buildings, including basements, to be placed below the
regulatory flood protection elevation must be floodproofed in accordance with the
structurally dry floodproofing classifications in the State Building Code.
Structurally dry floodproofing must meet the FP1 or FP2 floodproofing
classification in the State Building Code, which requires making the building
watertight with the walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and
with structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic
loads and the effects of buoyancy.
(3) The placement of more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill or other similar material on a
parcel (other than for the purpose of elevating a building to the regulatory flood
protection elevation) must comply with an approved erosion/sedimentation control
plan.
(i) The plan must clearly specify methods to be used to stabilize the fill on site
for a flood event at a minimum of the regional (1% chance) flood event.
(ii) The plan must be prepared and certified by a registered professional engineer
or other qualified individual acceptable to the City.
(iii) The plan may incorporate alternative procedures for removal of the material
from the floodplain if adequate flood warning time exists.
(4) Storage of materials and equipment below the regulatory flood protection elevation
must comply with an approved emergency plan providing for removal of such
materials within the time available after a flood warning.
Subd. 7. General floodplain district (GF).
(a) Permitted uses.
(1) The uses listed in Subdivision 5(a) of this subsection, Floodway District Permitted
Uses, are permitted uses.
(2) All other uses are subject to the floodway/flood fringe evaluation criteria specified
in Subdivision 7(b) below. Subdivision 5 applies if the proposed use is determined
69
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(a) Continuance of nonconformities. A use, structure, or occupancy of land which was
lawful before the passage or amendment of this subsection but which is not in
conformity with the provisions of this subsection may be continued subject to the
following conditions, except that historic structures, as defined in the Crystal city code,
subsection, 505.05, subdivision 163.
(1) No expansion. A nonconforming use, structure, or occupancy must not be
expanded, changed, enlarged, or altered in a way that increases its flood damage
potential or degree of obstruction to flood flows except as provided in Subdivision
14(a)(2) below. Expansion or enlargement of uses, structures or occupancies within
the Floodway District is prohibited.
(2) Additions. Any addition or structural alteration to a nonconforming structure or
nonconforming use that would result in increasing its flood damage potential must
be protected to the regulatory flood protection elevation in accordance with any of
the elevation on fill or floodproofing techniques (i.e., FP1 thru FP4 floodproofing
classifications) allowable in the State Building Code, except as further restricted in
Subdivision 14(a)(3) and Subdivision 14(a)(7) below.
(3) Substantial improvements. If the cost of all previous and proposed alterations and
additions exceeds 50 percent of the market value of any nonconforming structure,
that shall be considered substantial improvement, and the entire structure must meet
the standards of Subdivision 5 and 6 of this subsection for new structures,
depending upon whether the structure is in the Floodway or Flood Fringe District,
respectively. The cost of all structural alterations and additions must include all
costs such as construction materials and a reasonable cost placed on all manpower
or labor.
(4) Discontinuance. If any nonconforming use, or any use of a nonconforming
structure, is discontinued for more than one year, any future use of the premises
must conform to this subsection. If the county assessor becomes aware of
nonconformities that have been discontinued for a period of more than one year,
they will let the city know of these instances in writing.
(5) Substantial damage. If any nonconformity is substantially damaged, as defined in
the Crystal city code, subsection 505.03, subdivision 162, it may not be
reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this subsection. The
applicable provisions for establishing new uses or new structures in Subdivisions 5
or 6 will apply depending upon whether the use or structure is in the Floodway or
Flood Fringe, respectively.
(6) Repetitive loss. If any nonconforming use or structure experiences a repetitive loss,
as defined in the Crystal city code, subsection 505.03 subdivision 133, it must not
be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this subsection.
(7) Substantial improvement. Any substantial improvement, as defined in the Crystal
city code, subsection 505.03, subdivision 163, to a nonconforming structure
requires that the existing structure and any additions must meet the requirements of
71
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Subd. 2. Uses. Within the PD district all permitted, uses and accessory and temporary uses
of the underlying zoning district are allowed. As part of the flexibility allowed in the PD district,
the city council may, but is not obligated to, allow uses with the PD site that are only allowed in
other zoning districts. Uses allowed by conditional use permit must be reviewed for compliance
with the PD site plan and with the applicable conditional use permit standards in this UDC.
Subd. 3. Development standards. Within the PD district all development must be in
compliance with the following:
(a) Each PD must have a minimum area of two acres, excluding areas within a public right-
of-way, designated wetland or floodplain overlay district, unless the applicant can
demonstrate the existence of one or more of the following:
i) Unusual physical features of the property itself or of the surrounding neighborhood
such that development as a PD will conserve a physical or topographic feature of
importance to the neighborhood or community.
ii) The property is directly adjacent to or across a right-of-way from property which
has been developed previously as a PD and will be perceived as and will function
as an extension of that previously approved development.
iii) The property is located in a transitional area between different land use categories
or it is located on an arterial street as defined in the comprehensive plan.
(b) If a particular PD would provide an extraordinary benefit to the community, or if a PD
site has extraordinary characteristics that make development difficult, the city council
may approve a density of up to 10% more than the maximum identified in the
comprehensive plan.
(c) A PD site may have more than one principal building or multiple land uses in
accordance with subdivision 2 of this subsection.
(d) A residential PD or residential area of a mixed use PD must provide a minimum of 10%
of the gross project area in private recreational uses for project residents. Such area
must be developed and used for active or passive recreational uses suited to the needs
of the residents of the project, including swimming pools, trails, nature areas, picnic
areas, tot lots and saunas. This requirement may be waived if the city council finds that
adequate recreational opportunities are available sufficiently near the PD to make this
requirement duplicative, or if the PD is too small for this requirement to be feasible.
(e) The development standards as provided in the Crystal city code, section 520 and the
signage requirements as provided in the Crystal city code, section 530, apply to a PD
as deemed appropriate by the city.
Subd. 4. Amendments to the PD overlay district. An approved site plan for a PD overlay
district may only be amended upon the classification and review of the proposed amendment as
provided in this subsection.
(a) Minor Amendments.
74
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Table 3: Permitted Principal Uses
Use Category and Use
Type
P = Permitted Use
C = Conditional Use
- = Not Permitted
Base Zoning
Districts
Use-Specific
Standards in
Section: R-1 R-2 R-3 C I AP Dwelling, One-Family,
Attached
- P P - - - 515.19, subdivision 2 (c)
Dwelling, One-Family,
Detached
P P - - - - 515.19, subdivision 2 (d)
Dwellings, Two-Family P P P - - -
Group Living Use Category
Specialized Care Facilities C C P P - - 515.19, subdivision 3 (a)
State Licensed Residential
Facility
P P P - - -
Commercial Use Category
Airport Facilities - - - - - P 515.19, subdivision 4 (a)
Amusement Centers - - - P - - 1180
Animal
Hospital/Veterinary
Clinics [1]
- - - P P - 515.19, subdivision 4 (b)
Banks or Financial
Institutions
- - - P - -
Banquet Halls or Event
Centers
- - - C C -
Brewer Taprooms, or
Brewpubs, or
Microdistillery
- - - P P - 1200
Clubs or Lodges - - - P P -
Commercial Truck
Storage or Parking
- - - P P - 515.19, subdivision 4 (c)
Convenience Stores - - - P - -
Day Care Facilities, Adult C C C P P - 515.19, subdivision 4 (d)
Day Care Facilities,
Group Family
P P P - - -
Funeral Homes - - - P - -
Greenhouses, Garden and
Landscaping Sales and
Service
- - - P P -
Hotel, Motel, Extended
Stay Establishments
- - - P P - 515.19, subdivision 4 (e)
Kennels, Commercial [1] - - - P P - 515.19, subdivision 4 (f)
75
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Table 3: Permitted Principal Uses
Use Category and Use
Type
P = Permitted Use
C = Conditional Use
- = Not Permitted
Base Zoning
Districts
Use-Specific
Standards in
Section: R-1 R-2 R-3 C I AP Offices, Professional - C C P P P 515.19, subdivision 4 (g)
Parking Ramps or
LotsStructures
- - - P P P 520.15 515.19, subdivision
(h). _____
Personal Services [2] - C C P P
Restaurants or Eating
Establishments [3]
- C C P P - 515.19, subdivision 4 (hi)
Retail Establishments [4] - C C P P - 515.19, subdivision 4 (ij)
Theater, Indoor - - - P - -
Vehicle Repair - - - C P - 515.19, subdivision 4 (jk)
Vehicle, Boat or
Recreational Sales or
Rental
- - - P P - 515.19, subdivision 4 (kl)
Vehicle Fuel Sales - - - P - - 515.19, subdivision 4 (lm)
Vehicle Wash or
Detailing
- - - P P - 515.19, subdivision 4 (mn)
Industrial, Manufacturing, Research and Wholesale Use Category
Building Materials Sales - - - - P -
Bulk Storage of Liquids - - - P P P 515.19, subdivision 5 (a)
Industrial Uses (Indoors) - - - P P -
Industrial or Commercial
Uses with Outdoor
Storage of Parts, Products,
or Fuels
- - - C
P
P - 515.19, subdivision 5 (b)
Self Storage Facilities - - - P P -
Warehouse - - - P P P
Vehicle Impound Lot - - - - C - 515.19, subdivision 5 (bc)
Public Facilities, Telecommunication and Utilities Use Category
Essential Services P P P P P P
Public utility buildings C C C C C P 515.19, subdivision 6 (a)
Telecommunications
Towers
C C C C P P 515.19, subdivision 6 (b)
Wireless support
structures
C P P P P P 515.19, subdivision 6 (c)
Public, Institutional and Recreational Use Category
Cemeteries C C C - - -
78
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(2) Buildings and uses shall be subordinate to the operation of the Crystal Airport; and
(3) Buildings or structures shall comply with all federal and state statutes, regulations,
rules, laws, restrictions, guidance and directives and Metropolitan Airports
Commission rules and regulations concerning aeronautical safety and operation
within the Crystal Airport and runway protection zones.
(b) Animal hospitals/veterinary clinics. Outdoor facilities, such as dog kennels or runs, are
allowed with a conditional use permit and are subject to the following standards:
(1) Such use shall be incidental to the animal hospital use and used for the short-term
boarding of animals; and
(2) The applicant has demonstrated that the outdoor facility will not negatively impact
neighboring properties through the use of screening or buffering.
(c) Commercial truck storage or parking. Commercial truck storage or parking is subject
to the following standards:
(1) The storage or parking area is hard surfaced, clearly designated on the site as being
limited to the specifically approved area, and meets the requirements of the Crystal
city code, subsection 520.15, subdivisions 15 through 18 for parking lot design; and
(2) The storage or parking area does not exceed 30% of the gross floor area of the
principal use, 20% of the area of the property, or 2,000 square feet, whichever is
less.
(d)(c) Day care facilities, Adult. Picking up and dropping off of clients shall not create
unsafe conditions. Loading and unloading of clients from vehicles shall only be allowed
in the driveway or in an approved parking area.
(e)(d) Hotels, motels, or extended stay establishments. The property abuts at least one of
the following street segments:
(1) Lakeland Avenue between the Canadian Pacific Railroad and 58th Avenue North;
or
(2) West Broadway between Corvallis Avenue and 56th Avenue North.
(f)(e) Kennels, commercial. Outdoor facilities, such as dog kennels or runs, are allowed
with a conditional use permit and are subject to the following standards:
(1) Such use shall be for the short-term boarding of animals;
(2) The applicant has demonstrated that the outdoor facility will not negatively impact
neighboring properties through the use of screening or buffering.
(g)(f) Offices, professional. Professional offices are subject to the following standard:
(1) Within the Industrial district, professional offices are limited to 50% of the gross
floor area of the principal use.
79
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(h)(g) Parking ramps or structures. Parking ramps or structures are subject to the
following standards:
(1) Structure entrances shall minimize conflict with pedestrian movement.
(2) The appearance of the structure entrances shall be minimized so that they do not
dominate the street frontage of the building. Possible techniques to achieve this design
include recessing the entry, extending portions of the building over the entry, using
screening and landscaping to soften the appearance of the entry, using the smallest curb
cut and driveway possible, and subordinating the parking entrance (compared to the
pedestrian entrance) in terms of size, prominence, location and design emphasis.
(i)(h) Restaurants or eating establishments. On-sale liquor, wine or beer is allowed, but
shall occupy no more than 30% of the total floor area of the establishment. This limit
may be exceeded with a conditional use permit provided that:
(1) The facility is served by arterial, collector or municipal state aid streets and such
pedestrian facilities as are necessary to accommodate the traffic generated by the
facility.
(j)(i) Retail establishments. Retail establishments are subject to the following standards:
(1) Repair is allowed for a retail establishment, but a conditional use permit is required
if the repair is done outdoors. The applicant shall demonstrate that such outdoor
repair will not negatively impact neighboring properties.
(2) Within the Industrial district, retail establishments are limited to 50% of the gross
floor area of the principal use.
(k)(j) Vehicle repair. Vehicle repair is subject to the following standards:
(1) The property abuts at least 1 of the following street segments:
(i) Lakeland Avenue/Bottineau Boulevard between the Canadian Pacific Railroad
and 56th Avenue North;
(ii) West Broadway between Corvallis Avenue and 56th Avenue North; or
(iii) Winnetka Avenue between 36th Avenue North and a point 660 feet north of
36th Avenue North; and
(2) There is no outdoor parking or storage of vehicles that are to be worked on, are
being worked on, or have been worked on.
(l)(k) Vehicle, boat, or recreational sales or rental. Vehicle, boat, or recreational sales or
rental is subject to the following standards:
(1) The property abuts at least one of the following street segments:
(i) Lakeland Avenue/Bottineau Boulevard between the Canadian Pacific Railroad
and 56th Avenue North;
80
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(ii) West Broadway between Corvallis Avenue and 56th Avenue North; or
(iii)Winnetka Avenue between 36th Avenue North and a point 660 feet north of
36th Avenue North;
(2) There is no outdoor parking or storage of inoperable, unlicensed, abandoned or junk
vehicles; and
(3) No vehicle or equipment shall exceed 32 feet in length.
(m)(l) Vehicle fuel sales. Vehicle fuel sales are subject to the following standards:
(1) The property abuts at least 1 of the following street segments:
(i) Douglas Drive between 27th Avenue North and a point 660 feet north of 27th
Avenue North;
(ii) Lakeland Avenue/Bottineau Boulevard between the Canadian Pacific Railroad
and 56th Avenue North;
(iii) West Broadway between Corvallis Avenue and 56th Avenue North; or
(iv) Winnetka Avenue between 36th Avenue North and a point 660 feet north of
36th Avenue North;
(v) 36th Avenue North between Highway 100 and a point 357 feet west of the
centerline of Regent Avenue North;
(2) Sufficient vehicular stacking space is provided on-site to minimize the blocking of
traffic in the public right-of-way; and
(3) If the property is adjacent to one or two residential family dwellings, the vehicle
fuel sales businesses shall be closed between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.
(n)(m) Vehicle wash or detailing. Vehicle wash or detailing establishments are subject to
the following standards:
(1) The property abuts at least one of the following street segments:
(i) Douglas Drive between 27th Avenue North and a point 660 feet north of 27th
Avenue North;
(ii) Lakeland Avenue/Bottineau Boulevard between the Canadian Pacific Railroad
and 56th Avenue North;
(iii)West Broadway between Corvallis Avenue and 56th Avenue North;
(iv) Winnetka Avenue between 36th Avenue North and a point 660 feet north of
36th Avenue North; or
(v) 36th Avenue North between Highway 100 and a point 357 feet west of the
centerline of Regent Avenue North; and
81
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(2) Sufficient vehicular stacking space is provided on-site to minimize the blocking of
traffic in the public right-of-way.
Subd. 5. Industrial, manufacturing, research and wholesale use category.
(a) Bulk storage of liquids. If the storage is within 300 feet of p roperties used for residential
purposes, such storage shall not exceed 25,000 gallons.
(b) Industrial or commercial uses with outdoor storage of parts, products, or fuels.
Industrial uses with outdoor storage of parts, products or fuels are subject to the
following standards:
(1) The storage or parking area is hard surfaced, clearly designated on the site as being
limited to the specific, approved area, and meets the relevant requirements as
provided in the Crystal city code section 520.15 for hard surface design; and
(2) The storage or parking area does not exceed the following size requirements:
i. In the commercial district, 30% 50% of the gross floor area of the principal
use building, 20%25% of the area of the property, or 2,000 5,000 square
feet, whichever is less.
ii. In the industrial district, 100% of the gross floor area of the principal
building, 50% of the area of the property, or 10,000 square feet, whichever
is less.
(3) The storage or parking area is prohibited in the front or corner side yard.
(4) The storage or parking area is subject to the screening requirements of the Crystal
city code section 520.13.
(5) The applicant shall receive zoning certificate approval for the storage or parking
area.
(c) Vehicle impound lot. Vehicle impound lots are subject to the following standards:
(1) The use does not include non-impound purposes, such as seasonal storage;
(2) The impound lot is located on a property that abuts the right of way of an active
freight railroad;
(3) The impound lot is located on a property that does not abut the right-of-way of any
collector or arterial street or any frontage road adjacent to a collector or arterial
street;
(4) The impound lot is located on a property that does not abut any property used for
residential purposes;
(5) The portion of the property occupied by the impound lot does not exceed one acre;
and
83
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(vii) To facilitate the provision of wireless telecommunications services to the
residents and businesses of the city in an orderly fashion.
(3) Development of towers.
(i) Permitted use at certain locations in the I district. A tower is a permitted use in
the I district, with approval of a zoning certificate, provided that the site also
meets one of the following additional location criteria:
(A) It abuts the Canadian Pacific railroad property and also abuts Pennsylvania
Avenue, 32nd Avenue or Nevada Avenue; or
(B) It is located within the area bounded by Corvallis Avenue, West Broadway,
Douglas Drive, 56th Avenue, and Lakeland Avenue/Bottineau Boulevard.
(ii) Conditional use at certain locations in the C district. A tower is a conditional
use in the C general commercial district, provided that the site is located within
the area bounded by Corvallis Avenue, West Broadway, Douglas Drive, 56th
Avenue, and Lakeland Avenue/Bottineau Boulevard.
(iii) Towers prohibited elsewhere; relief provision. Towers are prohibited in the
city except as expressly authorized herein. Notwithstanding this prohibition,
the city council may approve a tower as a conditional use in any other zoning
district which reasonably addresses an identified significant gap subject to the
following requirements:
(A) The provider has submitted the information required by this subsection.
(B) The city council makes a finding that the provider has demonstrated by
clear and convincing evidence that there is a significant gap in the
provider’s service, and:
(I) There is no co-location option that would reasonably address the
demonstrated significant gap in the provider’s service; or
(II) There is no other alternative tower site that would reasonably address
the demonstrated significant gap in the provider’s service.
(III)
(C) In approving a tower on the site which reasonably addresses the identified
significant gap, the city council shall consider the purposes of tower
regulation stated in this subsection and the requirements of the Act.
(4) An application to develop a tower shall include:
(i) The names, addresses and telephone numbers of all owners of other towers or
antenna support structures within a half mile radius of the proposed new tower
site.
(ii) Written documentation that the applicant has made diligent but unsuccessful
efforts for permission to install or co-locate the applicant's telecommunications
93
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Table 4: Permitted Accessory Uses and Structures
Use Category and Use
Type
P = Permitted Use
C = Conditional Use
- = Not Permitted
Base Zoning
Districts
Zoning
Certificate
Required
Use-Specific Standards
in Subsection: R-1 R-2 R-3 C I AP
Accessory Uses
Assembly or gathering
space - - - P P - YesNo 515.23, subdivision 2 (a)
Commercial truck storage or
parking - - - P P - Yes 515.23, subdivision 2 (b)
Day Care Facilities, In home P P P - - - No
Drive-through facilities - - - C - - Not Applicable 515.23, subdivision 2 (c)
Home Businesses P P P - - - No 515.23, subdivision 2 (d)
Keeping of Chickens P P - - - - No 910
Kennels, Commercial [1] P - - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 2 (e)
Kennels, PrivateMultiple
Animal P P P - - - No 515.23, subdivision 2 (f)
Accessory Structures
Accessibility ramps P P P P P P No 515.23, subdivision 3 (a)
Accessory dwelling units P P - - - - Yes 515.23, subdivision 3(ab)
Amateur radio towers P P P - - P YesNo 515.23, subdivision 3(bc)
Carports P P - - - - YesNo 515.23, subdivision 3(ed)
Clothesline poles P P - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(c)
Commercial storage
buildings - - - C P P See Note
[41] 515.23, subdivision 3(d)
Fences and walls P P P P P P See Note [5]
No 520.09
Flagpoles P P P P P P No
Fuel pumps, private use [2] - - - P P P No 515.23, subd. 3 (e)
Garages, attached or
detached P P P P P P YesNo 515.23, subdivision 3(ef)
Gazebos P P P - - - YesNo 515.23, subdivision 3(fg)
Noncommercial
greenhouses P P - - - - See Note [6]
No 515.23, subdivision 3(gh)
Off-street parking and
loading [32] P P P P P P Yes 520.15
Patios, decks, and porches P P P P - - YesNo 515.23, subdivision 3 (i)
Sheds P P P P P P See Note [6]
No 515.23, subdivision 3(hj)
94
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
515.23. Use-specific Standards standards for specific accessory uses and structures.
Subd. 1. Purpose and applicability.
(a) This subsection provides site planning and/or operating standards for certain land uses
or structures that are permitted or conditionally permitted in Table 4.
Sidewalks P P P P P P No 515.23, subdivision 3(ik)
Signs, Permanent P P P P P P Not Applicable 530
Table 4: Permitted Accessory Uses and Structures
Use Category and Use
Type
P = Permitted Use
C = Conditional Use
- = Not Permitted
Base Zoning
Districts
Zoning
Certificate
Required
Use-Specific Standards
in Subsection: R-1 R-2 R-3 C I AP
Solar energy systems P P P P P P YesNo 515.23, subdivision 3(j)
Swimming pools, hot tubs,
and spas P P P P - - YesNo 515.23, subdivision 3(k)
Television and radio
antennae P P P P P P YesNo 515.23, subdivision 3(l)
Tennis and other
recreational courts P P P - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(m)
Treehouses P P - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(n)
Workshops P P - - - - No See
Note [6] 515.23, subdivision 3(o)
Notes:
1. A zoning certificate is only required for commercial storage buildings in the Industrial and Airport zoning
districts. In the R-1 district, commercial kennels are only allowed at one-family dwellings, and this use is
limited to raising, selling, boarding, breeding, or grooming of dogs or other animals.
2. Private fuel pumps for use by commercial businesses are allowed, provided that the current business, or
its successor business, only uses the fuel pumps for its vehicles and equipment, and does not allow them to
be used by the general public. For the purposes of this UDC, private fuel pumps do not include those fuel
pumps in use by a vehicle fuel sales business as allowed in Table 3.
32. Parking lots are not allowed for one or two family dwellings. Loading spaces are not allowed in residential
districts.
4. A zoning certificate is required for this structure in the Industrial and Airport zoning districts.
5. A zoning certificate is only required for retaining walls over 4 feet in height.
6. A zoning certificate is only required for buildings in excess of 200 square feet in size.
95
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(b) The land uses and structures covered by this subsection shall comply with the
applicable standards for the specific use in all districts unless otherwise specified, in
addition to all other applicable provisions of this UDC.
Subd. 2. Accessory uses.
(a) Assembly or gathering space. Adequate parking shall be provided for both the assembly
or gathering space and the principal use on the property.
(b) Commercial truck storage or parking. Commercial truck storage or parking is subject
to the following standards:
(1) The storage or parking area is hard-surfaced, clearly designated on the site as being
limited to the specific, approved area, and meets the relevant requirements as provided in
the Crystal city code, subsection 520.15 for hard surface design; and
(2) The storage or parking area does not exceed 30% of the gross floor area of the principal
use, 20% of the area of the property, or 2,000 square feet, whichever is less.
(c) Drive-through facilities. Drive-through facilities are subject to the following standards:
(1) The establishment is served by arterial, collector, or municipal state aid streets and
such pedestrian facilities as are necessary to accommodate the traffic generated by
the facility. The city council may require the applicant to provide a traffic study
prepared by a professional engineer for the proposed use, and may base its findings
of fact on said study or other information related to potential traffic impacts on the
street system and adjacent land uses;
(2) Audible electronic devices such as loudspeakers, automobile service order devices,
and similar instruments shall not be located within 100 feet of any residential
dwelling unit, and shall not be audible at levels greater than those established as
provided in the Crystal city code, section 625chapter 6;
(3) All drive-through elements including, but not limited to, menu boards, stacking
lanes, trash receptacles, loudspeakers, drive up windows, and other objects
associated with the drive-through area shall be located in the side or rear yard of a
property to the maximum extent feasible, and shall not cross, interfere with, or
impede any public right-of-way; and
(4) A fence or vegetative screen of six feet in height shall be installed and maintained
along any property line abutting a property used for residential purposes. Such
screen shall also lessen the negative impact of vehicle headlights on adjacent
properties.
(d) Home businesses. Home businesses are subject to the following standards:
(1) No home business shall be permitted which results in or generates more traffic than
two customer cars at any one given point in time;
Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0.5", Space After: 0 pt,
No bullets or numbering, Tab stops: 0.75", Left + Not at 1"
96
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(2) The home business may employ up to two employees who do not reside on the
premises;
(3) Home businesses shall not create nuisances as provided in the Crystal city code,
section 625 or 2010 chapters 6 and 20. Activities conducted and equipment or
material used shall not change the fire safety or occupancy classifications of the
premises. The use shall not employ the storage of explosive, flammable, or
hazardous materials beyond those normally associated with a residential use;
(4) Home businesses shall not operate between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;
(5) A home business may be located within the dwelling, an accessory building, or
both, provided that the total area of the home business is not greater than 50% of
the finished floor area of the dwelling;
(6) Such home business shall not require internal or external alterations or involve
construction features not customarily found in dwellings;
(7) There shall be no exterior storage or display of equipment, goods or materials used
in the home business; and
(8) One sign, as allowed in Table 14, not to exceed six square feet in area, may be
placed on the premises. The sign may identify the home business, resident name,
address, website, and email address or phone number, but may contain no other
information. The sign may not be illuminated and must be set back a minimum of
ten feet from a property line abutting a public street. If the sign is freestanding, the
total height may not exceed five feet.
(e) Kennels, commercial. Commercial kennels are subject to the following standards:
(1) In the R-1 zoning district, commercial kennels shall only be allowed at one-family
dwellings, and the use of the commercial kennel is limited to raising, selling,
boarding, breeding, and grooming of dogs or other animals; and
(2) Commercial kennels shall adhere to the requirements for home businesses in this
subsection.
(f) Kennels, private multiple animal. If a private multiple animal kennel is operated as a
home business, it shall adhere to the requirements for home businesses in this
subsection.
Subd. 3. Accessory structures.
(a) Accessory dwelling units. Accessory dwelling units are subject to the following
standards:
(1) The following requirements are for all forms of accessory dwelling units (within or
attached to the principal dwelling, or in a detached accessory building):
97
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(i) No more than one accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed on a property
containing a one-family detached dwelling;
(ii) The creation of the accessory dwelling unit shall not create a separate
property identification number with the county;
(iii) The floor area of an accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 50 percent of
the finished floor area of the one-family detached dwelling. Notwithstanding
this limitation, an accessory dwelling unit located in the basement may occupy
the entire basement.
(iv) The accessory dwelling unit may be rented if it complies with the
requirements of the Crystal city code, section 425.
(v) The accessory dwelling unit shall have a water and sewer connection to the
respective utility main, or to the existing water and sewer connection at a point
on the private property; and
(vi) The accessory dwelling unit shall adhere to the curb cut and driveway
requirements for one-family attached dwellings in the Crystal city code, chapter
8, and the driveway requirements in the Crystal city code section 520.15.
(2) Detached accessory dwelling units shall also comply with the following additional
requirements:
(i) For construction of a new detached building, The the accessory dwelling unit
shall be separated from the principal building by a minimum of ten feet;
(ii) The accessory dwelling unit shall be constructed as to be compatible with the
exterior materials of the existing principal building; and
(iii) The accessory dwelling unit shall be located on a frost-protected foundation.
(b) Amateur radio towers. Amateur radio towers shall only be allowed in the rear yard and
made of unpainted metal or other visually unobtrusive material.
(c) Clothesline poles. Clothesline poles shall only be permitted in the rear yard.
(d) Commercial storage buildings. Commercial storage buildings are subject to the
following standards:
(1) The storage building is located on the same lot as the principal use;
(2) No detached accessory building shall be located closer to the street adjacent to the
front yard than the principal structure;
(3) The storage building does not exceed 30% of the gross floor area of the principal
use;
98
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(4) Occupancy and use of the storage building is directly related to a permitted or
conditionally approved principal use and the same party has full control and use of
both the storage building and the principal use;
(5) The architectural style is compatible with the principal building and surrounding
land uses. Exterior building design and materials shall comply with the provisions
as provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 520.05; and
(6) The use will not conflict with the character of development intended for the zoning
district.
(e) Fuel pumps, private use. Private fuel pumps for use by commercial businesses are
allowed, provided that the current business, or its successor business, only uses the fuel
pumps for its vehicles and equipment and does not allow them to be used by the general
public. For the purposes of this UDC, private fuel pumps do not include those fuel
pumps in use by a vehicle fuel sales business as allowed in Table 3.
(e) Garages and carports, detached. Detached garages and carports are subject to the
following standards:
(1) For one and two family dwellings, the cumulative area of all detached accessory
buildings on the property shall not exceed the finished floor area of the residential
portion of the principal building;
(2) For multiple family dwellings, detached garages shall be designed to meet the
minimum number of required parking spaces and required setbacks. To the extent
practicable, garages shall be located to the side or rear of the building; and
(3) Garages shall not be constructed of the following materials: fabric, canvas, concrete
block, cloth, plastic sheets, tarps, unfinished or corrugated metal, exposed plywood,
particle board, or similar materials.
(f) Gazebos. Gazebos are subject to the following standards:
(1) The cumulative area of all detached accessory buildings on the property shall
not exceed the finished floor area of the residential portion of the principal
building; and
(2) Gazebos shall not be constructed of the following materials: fabric, canvas,
concrete block, cloth, plastic sheets, tarps, unfinished or corrugated metal,
exposed plywood, particle board, or similar materials.
(g) Noncommercial greenhouses. Noncommercial greenhouses are subject to the following
standards:
(1) Shall be located in the rear yard;
(2) Shall be limited to one per property; and
99
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(3) The cumulative area of all detached accessory buildings on the property shall not
exceed the finished floor area of the residential portion of the principal building.
(o)(n) Sheds. Sheds are subject to the following standards:
(1) The cumulative area of all detached accessory buildings on the property shall not
exceed the finished floor area of the residential portion of the principal building;
and
(2) Sheds shall not be constructed of the following materials: fabric, canvas, concrete
block, cloth, plastic sheets, tarps, unfinished or corrugated metal, exposed plywood,
particle board, or similar materials.
(p)(o) Sidewalks. Sidewalks are subject to the following standards:
(1) Sidewalks on private property for one and two family dwellings shall be no more
than four feet in width; and
(2) Sidewalks open for use by the general public, such as for multiple family dwellings,
institutional, or commercial uses, shall comply with the width requirements of the
Americans with Disabilities Act and with the requirements in the Crystal city code,
chapter 8.
(q)(p) Solar energy systems. Solar energy systems are subject to the following standards:
(1) Visibility.
(i) Building-mounted solar energy systems shall be designed to be flush- mounted
with the roof when facing a public right-of-ways other than an alley;
(ii) Building-integrated photovoltaic systems shall be allowed regardless of
visibility, provided the building component in which the system is integrated
meets all required setback or other standards for the district in which the
building is located;
(2) Feeder lines. Any electric lines accompanying a solar energy system, other than
those attached to on- site structures by leads, shall be buried within the subject
parcel; and
(3) Abandonment. A solar energy system that is allowed to remain in a nonfunctional
or inoperative state for a period of twelve consecutive months, and which is not
brought in operation within the time specified by the city, shall be presumed
abandoned and shall constitute a public nuisance that may be removed by the City
and the costs thereof certified as a special assessment against the owner of the
property on which the abandoned solar energy system was located.
(r)(q) Swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. Swimming pools, hot tubs and spas are subject
to the following standards:
100
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(1) In the commercial zoning district, swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas are limited
to use at health clubs and hotels, motels, and extended stay establishments and health
clubs.
(s)(r) Television and radio antennae. Television and radio antenna are subject to the
following standards:
(1) Satellite dishes may not exceed 40 inches in diameter.
(t)(s) Tennis and other recreational courts. Noncommercial outdoor tennis and other
recreational courts are subject to the following standards:
(1) Court fencing shall comply with the requirements as provided in the Crystal city
code, subsection 520.09; and
(2) Court lighting shall not exceed a height of 20 feet, measured from the court surface.
The lighting shall be directed downward and shall only illuminate the court.
(u)(t) Treehouses. Treehouses shall be attached exclusively to trees and used solely for
recreational purposes, shall not exceed 120 square feet in size, shall not be located less
than ten feet from the front lot line, and shall consist only of earth-tone materials or
colors.
(v)(u) Workshops. Workshops are subject to the following standards:
(1) The footprint for an accessory structure intended as a workshop for artwork, crafts,
light hand manufacturing, or hobbies shall not occupy an area larger than 25 percent
of the finished floor area of the dwelling. If a workshop is combined with a detached
garage or shed, it shall conform to the size and setback limitations for those uses;
(2) Workshops shall not be constructed of the following materials: fabric, canvas,
concrete block, cloth, plastic sheets, tarps, unfinished or corrugated metal, exposed
plywood, particle board, or similar materials; and
(3) If a workshop is operated as a home business, it shall adhere to the requirements
for home businesses in this section.
515.25. Permitted temporary uses and structures.
Subd. 1. Purpose. This section allows for the establishment of certain temporary uses and
structures of limited duration, provided that such uses or structures do not negatively affect
adjacent properties, and provided that such uses or activities are discontinued upon the expiration
of a set time period. Temporary uses and structures shall not involve the construction or alteration
of any permanent building or structure. The regulations of this section are not applicable to special
events that are otherwise subject to leases, permits, or other forms of permission that are duly
established between the special event organization and the City.
Subd. 2. General provisions. Table 5 lists the temporary uses allowed within all zoning
districts except for the overlay zoning districts. The uses permitted in the overlay districts shall be
controlled by the underlying base zoning district.
102
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Table 5: Permitted Temporary Uses and Structures
Use Category and Use
Type
P = Permitted Use
- = Not Permitted
Base Zoning
Districts Allowable
Duration
(per site)
Permit
Required
Use-Specific
Standards in
Section: R-1 R-2 R-3 C I AP Construction Dumpster
P P P P P P
No more
than three
consecutive
months in
any 12-
month period
See city
code section
605
515.27,
subdivision 2;
605
Garage/Yard Sales
P P P - - -
Maximum of
three
consecutive
days, four
times per
calendar
year per site
No 515.27,
subdivision 3
Outdoor dining [21]
P P P P P P
180 270
days per site
per calendar
year
Zoning
Certificate
(Type 1
Review) [2]
515.27,
subdivision 4
Outdoor sales [21]
- - - P P -
180 days per
site per
calendar
year
Zoning
Certificate
(Type 1
Review)
515.27,
subdivision 5
Portable Storage
Container P P P P P P
60 days per
site per
calendar
year
No [1] 515.27,
subdivision 6
Signs, Temporary P P P P P P See section
530 Sign Permit 530
Notes:
21. Outdoor seating for cafes or restaurants or outdoor sales areas for retail establishments
may be permitted as a permanent use with a conditional use permit.
2. A zoning certificate is not required for a mobile food unit.
1. An obstruction permit is required if the dumpster or portable storage container is located
in the public right-of-way.
103
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
515.27. Use-specific Standards standards for specific temporary uses and structures.
Subd. 1. Purpose and applicability.
(a) This section provides site planning and/or operating standards for certain land uses that
are permitted in Table 5.
(b) The land uses and activities covered by this subsection shall comply with the applicable
standards for the specific use in all districts unless otherwise specified, in addition to
all other applicable provisions of this UDC.
Subd. 2. Construction dumpsters.
(a) If the dumpster is located in the public right-of-way, the dumpster shall comply with
the requirements of the Crystal city code, chapter 8.
(b) If the dumpster is located on private property, the dumpster shall be located to the side
or rear of the site, but away from principal buildings on adjacent properties, to the
extent practicable.
Subd. 3. Garage or yard sales. Garage or yard sales are subject to the following standards:
(a) Hours of operation for the garage or yard sale are limited to between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00
p.m.; and
(b) Garage or yard sale signs identifying the location and times of a sale may be placed on
the property at which the sale is to be conducted or on the property of others with their
consent. Such signs shall not exceed 4 square feet in area per side; shall not be placed
on or attached to any public property or utility pole; shall not be placed within the sight
triangle as required in the Crystal city code, chapter 8; and must be removed within 24
hours of the time stated on such sign for the conclusion of the sale.
Subd. 4. Outdoor dining. Outdoor dining is subject to the standards contained in this
subdivision:
(a) Food trucksMobile food units. Food trucksMobile food units are subject to the
following standardsrequirements in the Crystal city code, chapter 13.
(1) Location. Food trucks may operate on commercial or industrially zoned property.
In residential districts, food trucks may operate in public parks, school or religious
institution sites, or in conjunction with a special event;
(2) Hours of operation. Hours of operation for a food truck are limited to between 6
a.m. and 10:00 p.m.;
(3) Parking.
(i) Trucks shall be parked on a hard surface and may not be parked in the public
right-of-way unless an obstruction permit has been issued by the city.
104
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(ii) The applicant shall demonstrate that adequate off-street parking is provided for
patrons. If applicable, consideration shall be given to the parking needs of other
occupants on the same property.
(iii) The food truck may not reduce available off-street parking on a property below
the minimum required by this UDC;
(4) Consent. The applicant for a food truck must provide written consent from the
property owner; and
(5) Audible electronic devices. Audible electronic devices, such as loudspeakers, are
not allowed.
(b) Outdoor seating for cafes or restaurants. Outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants is
subject to the following standards:
(1) An outdoor dining area may be allowed accessory and incidental to a restaurant
with indoor eating area on the same site provided that the outdoor eating area shall
comply with the parking requirements in Table 11 of the Crystal city code,
subsection 520.15
(2) Outdoor dining areas shall be designated on a site plan submitted for the zoning
certificate application;
(3) If no grade separation is provided between vehicular traffic and the outdoor dining
area, permanent railings or fencing shall be provided around the dining area. If the
outdoor dining area is adjacent to a sidewalk or other facility that is closed to
vehicular traffic, no railing or fencing shall be required;
(4) Umbrellas, or other protective elements, that shelter diners from the elements shall
be secured so as not to create a hazard; and
(5) Enclosing an outdoor dining area either by a permanent roof or to expand the
existing structure shall meet all the requirements of a building within the applicable
zoning district.
Subd. 5. Outdoor sales. Outdoor sales is subject to the standards contained in this
subdivision:
(a) Retail establishments. Retail establishments are subject to the following standards:
(1) The service, sale, display or rental area is hard surfaced and clearly designated on
the site as being limited to the specific, approved area; and
(2) The sales area does not exceed 40% of the gross floor area of the principal use
excluding basement storage areas, 20% of the area of the property, or 6,000 square
feet, whichever is less.
115
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Table 7: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Principal Buildings
R1 R2 R3 Commercial Industrial AP
Permitted Residential Density
Permitted
Residential
Density
No more
than 6
units per
acre
(gross)
6 to 16
units per
acre
(gross)
16 to 40
units per
acre
(gross)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Minimum Building Setbacks [1]
Front 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet
200’ from
residential
use
Side 5 feet 15 feet 15 feet 10 feet 10 feet
200’ from
residential
use
Rear 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet 10 feet 10 feet
200’ from
residential
use
Corner Side 10 feet [2] 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet
200’ from
residential
use
Number of Principal Buildings
Maximum number
of principal
buildings per
property
One One One One One Not
Applicable
Minimum Lot Area
One-family
Detached Dwelling 6,000 SF 6,000 SF Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Two-Family
Dwelling 12,000 SF 12,000 SF 12,000 SF Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Other Residential
Uses
Not
Applicable
3,000 per
dwelling,
but in no
event less
than
10,000 SF
1,200 per
dwelling,
but
in no event
less than
20,000 SF
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Non-Residential
Uses [3]
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable 20,000 SF 20,000 SF Not
Applicable
Minimum Lot Depth
One-family
Detached Dwelling 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Two-Family
Dwelling 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Other Residential
Uses
Not
Applicable 100 feet 100 feet Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Non-Residential
Uses [3] 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet 120 feet 120 feet Not
Applicable
Minimum Lot Width
116
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Table 7: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Principal Buildings
R1 R2 R3 Commercial Industrial AP
One-family
Detached Dwelling 50 feet 50 feet Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Two-Family
Dwelling 80 feet 80 feet Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Other Residential
Uses
Not
Applicable 100 feet 100 feet Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Non-Residential
Uses [3] 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet Not
Applicable
Maximum Building Height
One-family
Detached Dwelling
2 stories
or 32 feet,
whichever
is less
2 stories
or 32 feet,
whichever
is less
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Two-Family
Dwelling
2 stories
or 32 feet,
whichever
is less
2 stories
or 32 feet,
whichever
is less
2 stories or
32 feet,
whichever is
less
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Other Residential
Uses
Not
Applicable
3 stories
or 40 feet,
whichever
is less
5 stories
or 60 feet,
whichever is
less
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Non-Residential
Uses [3]
2 stories
or 32 feet,
whichever
is less
3 stories
or 40 feet,
whichever
is less
[34]
5 stories
or 60 feet,
whichever is
less [34]
5 stories
or 60 feet,
whichever is
less [34]
5 stories
or 60 feet,
whichever is
less [34]
3 stories or
40 feet,
whichever
is less
Minimum Green Space [45]
One and Two-
Family Detached
Dwellings
See note
[56]
below
See note
[56] below
See note
[56] below
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Other Uses 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% Not
Applicable
117
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Table 7: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Principal Buildings
R1 R2 R3 Commercial Industrial AP
NOTES:
[1] Setbacks for some principal uses are regulated by the Use-Specific Standards found in Table 3.
[2] If the vehicle entrance for an attached garage faces a street or alley, the garage shall be at least 20 feet
from the corner side property line.
[3] For the purposes of Table 7, specialized care facilities shall be defined as non-residential uses.
[34] Buildings in excess of this height limit may be allowed with a conditional use permit.
[45] The minimum green space requirement is expressed as a percentage of the property that shall be free
from any structures or impervious surfaces.
[56] In residential zoning districts, the minimum green space requirement applies only to the rear yard of
one and two family dwellings. The requirement is expressed as a percentage of the rear yard that is
free of any structures or impervious surfaces:
1. Rear yard of 5,001 SF or greater: 50%
2. Rear yard of between 4,501 and 5,000 SF: 45%
3. Rear yard of between 4,001 and 4,500 SF: 40%
4. Rear yard of between 3,501 and 4,000 SF: 35%
5. Rear yard of between 3,000 and 3,500 SF: 30%
6. Rear yard of less than 3,000 SF: 25%.
Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure
Type R1 R2 R3 Commercial Industrial AP
Minimum Structure Setbacks
Accessory dwelling
units, detached
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building [2]
Side: 5 feet
[3]
Rear: 5 feet
[3]
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building [2]
Side: 5 feet
[3]
Rear: 5 feet
[3]
Corner
side: 10
feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not Applicable
Amateur radio
towers
See note
[1], below
See note
[1], below
See note [1],
below
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
See note
[1], below
118
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure
Type R1 R2 R3 Commercial Industrial AP
Attached Decks and
open porches
Front: 30
feet
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 30
feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet
Side: 15
feet
Rear: 30
feet
Corner
side: 30
feet
Front: 30
feet
Side: 15 feet
Rear: 30
feet
Corner side:
30 feet
Front: 30 feet
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner
side: 30
feet
Not
Applicable
Not Applicable
Clothesline Poles Front: Not
allowed
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: Not
allowed
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not Applicable
Commercial Storage
Buildings
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Front: 30 feet
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 30
feet
Front: 30
feet
Side: 10 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner side:
30 feet
Front: 30 feet
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 30
feet
Detached decks Front: 30
feet
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet
Side: 5 feet
Rear: 5 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet
Side: 5
feet
Rear: 5
feet
Corner side:
10 feet
Front: 30 feet
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 10 feet
Corner
side: 15
feet
Not
Applicable
Not Applicable
Detached garages or
carports
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building [2]
Side: 5 feet
[3]
Rear: 5 feet
[3] , [4]
Corner
side: 10
feet [4]
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building
Side: 5 feet
[3]
Rear: 5 feet
[3], [4]
Corner
side: 10
feet [4]
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to the
street than
the principal
building
Side: 10 feet
Rear: 10
feet
Corner side:
10 feet [4]
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 10 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet [4]
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to the
street than
the principal
building
Side: 10 feet
Rear: 10
feet
Corner side:
10 feet [4]
Front: 30 feet,
but cannot be
closer to
the street than
the principal
building
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 10
feet
Corner
side: 10
feet [4]
122
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure
Type R1 R2 R3 Commercial Industrial AP
Satellite dishes Not to
exceed 4
feet above
the roof
Not to
exceed 4
feet above
the roof
Not to exceed
4 feet
above
the roof
Not to
exceed 4
feet
above
the roof
Not to
exceed 4 feet
above
the roof
Not to
exceed 4 feet
above
the roof
Solar energy
systems
Building
mounted:
Shall not
exceed the
maximum
allowed
building
height
Freestanding:
20 feet
when
oriented at
maximum
tilt
Building
mounted:
Shall not
exceed the
maximum
allowed
building
height
Freestanding:
20 feet
when
oriented at
maximum
tilt
Building
mounted: Shall
not exceed the
maximum
allowed
building height
Freestanding: 20
feet when
oriented at
maximum tilt
Building
mounted:
Shall not
exceed the
maximum
allowed
building
height
Freestanding:
20 feet
when
oriented at
maximum
tilt
Building
mounted:
Shall not
exceed the
maximum
allowed
building
height
Freestanding: 20
feet when
oriented at
maximum tilt
Building
mounted:
Shall not
exceed the
maximum
allowed
building
height
Freestanding:
20 feet when
oriented at
maximum tilt
Television and Radio
Antennae
Not to
exceed 12
feet above
the roof
Not to
exceed 12
feet above
the roof
Not to exceed
12 feet above
the roof
Not to
exceed 12
feet above
the roof
Not to
exceed 12
feet above
the roof
Not to
exceed 12
feet above
the roof
NOTES:
[1] The tower shall be located only in the rear yard, and set back at least 15 feet from any property line. However,
necessary guy wires, anchors, and wires of less than 1/4 inch may be set back at least 3 feet from any rear or
interior side property line.
[2] On interior lots abutting directly on Twin Lake, a detached accessory garage, carport, shed, accessory dwelling
unit, or workshop may be erected within the front setback area provided it does not encroach into the
required front, side or corner side setback.
[3] If the garage, carport, accessory dwelling unit, or workshop does not have an eave or overhang on the side or
rear of the structure, the structure may be located to a distance of 3 feet from the side or rear property line,
but the structure shall not encroach into a platted or dedicated easement.
[4] If the vehicle entrance for a detached garage or carport faces a street or alley, the garage or carport shall be at
least 20 feet from the corner side or rear property line.
[5] For building‐mounted solar energy systems, the collector surface and mounting devices shall not extend beyond
the required setbacks on which the building is mounted. For freestanding solar energy systems, the system
may not extend into the following setbacks when oriented at minimum design tilt:
Front: 30 feet, but cannot be located closer to the street than the principal building; Side: 5 feet; Rear: 5 feet;
Corner side: 10 feet.
[6] For the purposes of this maximum height requirement, detached accessory buildings are defined as carports,
detached garages, gazebos, noncommercial greenhouses, sheds and workshops.
Some of these structures may not be allowed in every zoning district.
127
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Subd. 2. Applicability. The requirements of this subsection shall apply to all proposed
development and new land usessite plan review, conditional use permit and subdivision
applications, unless otherwise stated herein.
Subd. 3. Approved landscaping plan.
(a) Where landscaping is required, no building permit shall be issued until the landscaping
plan for the site has been submitted and approved.
(b) Landscaping that is in compliance with the approved plans shall be installed before a
certificate of occupancy is issued for the site. If landscaping is not installed, the
applicant shall be required to submit a cash escrow in accordance with the requirements
in the Crystal city code, section 510 for the relevant development review application.
Subd. 4. Landscaping standards.
(a) Plant quality and size.
(1) Appropriate materials. Landscape materials should complement the form of the
existing trees, plantings, and vegetation. The amount of shade or sun and soil
conditions should be considered in selecting plant materials. Plant materials are to
include those materials and species that are demonstrated to be hardy to conditions
found in Minnesota.
(2) Approved and prohibited tree species. Trees selected for specific site design
purposes shall be those trees as identified and included on the list of approved trees
as approved and amended from time to time by resolution of the city council on file
in the city clerk’s office. The city’s approved list may include prohibited trees.
(3) Free of disease. Plants shall be free of disease, insects and/or damage, and shall be
correctly labeled indicating genus, species and cultivar. No label shall be removed
until after the final inspection by the city is completed.
(4) Variety of tree species. To curtail the spread of disease or insect infestation in a tree
species, new trees shall comply with the diversity standards of Table 9.
Table 9: Species Diversity
Number of Trees
Required on Site
Maximum Percentage of Trees that
may be of a Single Species
7-19 35%
20-39 30%
40 or more 25%
(5) Tree size requirements.
(i) Deciduous canopy or shade trees shall have a minimum Diameter at Breast
Height (DBH) of two inches for ball and burlap trees or DBH of two inches
128
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
for container trees at the time of planting. Multi-stem varieties shall be a
minimum of six feet in height above ground level at the time of planting.
(ii) Understory, small maturing, or ornamental trees shall have a minimum DBH
of two inches at time of planting. Multi-stem varieties shall be a minimum of
four feet in height above ground level at the time of planting.
(iii) Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of six feet in height for potted or ball and
burlap trees at the time of planting.
(b) Required landscaping.
(1) Any lot remaining after providing parking, sidewalks, driveways, building or other
permitted site improvements shall be planted and maintained in sod or turf grass,
supplemented by required trees, shrubs, turf grass, native grasses, flowering plants,
or similar landscaping material.
(2) One and two family dwellings. For one and two family dwellings constructed after
the effective date of this UDC, one overstory deciduous tree shall be planted in the
front yard. An existing healthy and well-formed tree may be credited towards this
requirement provided that the tree is protected before and during development of
the site according to the requirements of this section. The tree to be credited shall
be on the city’s list of approved trees as established in subdivision 4 of this
subsection.
(3) Uses other than one and two family dwellings. For a nonresidential, institutional,
or multi-family residential principal building constructed after the effective date of
this UDC, the following are the minimum landscaping requirements. Parking lots,
which have specific requirements in this section, are exempt from these
requirements.
(i) One overstory deciduous tree shall be planted for every 30 feet of lot frontage;
and.
(ii) Shrubs shall be planted along building foundations that are visible from the
public street.
(c) Installation of vegetation.
(1) General requirements.
(i) Minimum dimensions. Wherever this UDC requires a landscaped area of a
specified width, the width shall be measured within (interior measurements)
any curb or wall bordering the landscaping area.
(ii) Soils. Where landscaping is required, good quality loose soil must be provided
and shall not include substandard fill, gravel, sand or highly alkaline soil
material.
129
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(iii) Ball and burlap. Landscape materials installed in a ball or burlap form shall be
installed such that the ball and burlap does not extend above the immediate
grade at installation.
(iv) Protective curbing. Where landscaping is installed in areas that are designed to
manage storm water run-off, no protective curbing shall be constructed that
prohibits the flow of or infiltration of surface water. In other instances
landscape islands and similar landscape areas may be protected by a B6-12
concrete curb and gutter where otherwise deemed necessary by the city
engineer.
(v) Safety requirements. Landscape materials shall be located so that at maturity
they do not interfere with safe sight lines for pedestrians or vehicular traffic and
do not conflict with overhead lights or utility lines.
(2) Turf or ground cover.
(i) Requirements for native prairie grasses and or drought tolerant species of native
are located in the Crystal city code, section 615.
(ii) Ground cover may consist of grass normally grown in permanent lawns in
Minnesota. Such turf grass shall be planted according to the requirements found
in the Crystal city code, section 615, and may be sodded or seeded, except in
swales or other areas subject to erosion where solid sod, erosion reducing net,
or suitable mulch shall be used.
(iii) Ground cover may be supplemented with decorative rocks, pebbles, sand, or
similar materials, when used for decorative purposes.
(3) Trees.
(i) Trees in public rights-of-way. The requirements for planting trees in the public
right-of-way are found in the Crystal city code, chapter 8.
(ii) Tree roots. Trees of species whose roots are known to cause damage to public
roadways or other public improvements shall not be planted closer than 15 feet
to such public improvements.
(4) Earth berms.
(i) Berms shall be physical barriers which block or screen a view in a manner
similar to a hedge, fence or wall.
(ii) Berms shall be constructed with proper and adequate plant material to prevent
erosion. Where existing vegetative and/or topographic conditions provide a
Where berms are to be mowed, the maximum permitted slope is 3:1 (See Figure
12).
133
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
of the minimum required setback area between the street right-of-way and any
parking area (see Figure 14);
Figure 14: Perimeter landscaping required between a parking lot and a street.
(2) The landscaping shall have a minimum height of 36 inches and be designed and
maintained to screen cars from view of the street and meet the site visibility
requirements of the Crystal city code, chapter 8;
(3) Screening materials may include a combination of plant materials including trees,
shrubs, raised planters, solid decorative masonry walls, or other screening devices
which meet the intent of this requirement (see Figure 15); and.
Figure 15: Illustration of parking lot perimeter screening.
(4) Shade trees shall be provided at a minimum rate of one for every 30 linear feet of
landscaped area.
(c) Parking lots adjacent to side or rear property lines. Parking areas for a nonresidential,
institutional, or multiple family dwelling use shall provide a perimeter landscape strip
of the minimum required setback area where the parking area adjoins a side or rear
property line. At a minimum the landscape strip shall contain sod or turf grass, but may
be supplemented by trees, shrubs, native grasses, flowering plants, or similar
landscaping material.
134
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(d) Parking lots adjacent to residential uses. Parking lots adjacent to a one or two family
dwelling shall comply with the following:
(1) A landscaped buffer of the minimum setback area shall be provided between the
parking lot and the property line of the residential use;
(2) The landscaping shall have a minimum height of 36 inches and be designed and
maintained to screen cars from view of the residential use. Screening may consist
of shrubs, planters, solid decorative walls, or other screening devices which meet
the intent of this requirement;
(3) Screening materials may include a combination of plant materials including raised
trees, shrubs, planters, solid decorative masonry walls, or other screening devices
which meet the intent of this requirement; and
(4) Shade trees shall also be provided at the rate of one for each 30 linear feet of
landscaped area along the property line between the parking lot and the residential
use.
(e) Landscaping for parking lot interior. The landscaping for the interior of a parking lot
shall comply with the following:
(1) Amount of landscaping.
(i) Parking lots with 20 or more spaces shall provide landscaping at a minimum
ratio of ten percent of the gross area of the parking lot (including all drive and
parking aisles). If parking is located on the side of the structure (not adjacent to
a street) or in the rear, this landscaping ratio may be reduced to five percent;
(ii) Trees not less than five feet in height and 15-gallon container in size shall be
planted throughout the parking lot; and
(2) Landscaping location. Landscaping shall be evenly dispersed throughout the
parking lot, as follows:
(i) Landscaped islands shall have a minimum width of nine feet as the narrowest
dimension;
(ii) Shade trees planted using an orchard-style planting (the placement of trees in
uniformly-spaced rows) is encouraged for larger parking areas;
(iii) The area not covered by the canopy of the tree, but within an interior landscape
area, shall be covered by shrubs, grass, ground cover, landscape gravel, or
mulch.
520.13. Screening.
138
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(c) Change of use. No change of use shall be authorized unless the new use meets the
minimum number of parking spaces required by this subsection.
(d) Existing uses. The parking requirements of this section shall not apply to buildings and
uses legally in existence on the effective date of this UDC unless modified in the
manner stated in this subsection. Furthermore, any parking facilities now serving such
existing buildings or uses shall not be reduced below the requirements established in
this section in the future.
Subd. 3. General provisions.
(a) Parking plan required. Plans for all parking facilities, including parking garages, shall
be submitted to the zoning administrator for review whether through zoning certificate
application as established in the Crystal city code, subsection 510.15, or site plan
review application as established in subsection 510.17.
(b) Parking spaces to be permanent. Each parking space shall be permanently available,
marked, and maintained for parking purposes for the use which it is intended to serve.
(c) Storage of vehicles and on-street parking. Parking and storage of any motorized vehicle
may occur within a garage, carport, or other building approved for parking in
accordance with the applicable sections of this UDC. Requirements for parking on a
public street are provided in the Crystal city code, section 1310chapter 13.
(d) Vehicles for sale. No vehicle, trailer, or other personal property shall be parked on an
unpaved surface for the purpose of displaying the vehicle, trailer, or other personal
property for hire, rental, or sale, unless the applicable zoning allows the use or the use
is allowed as provided in the Crystal city code, section 1310chapter 13.
(e) General access and circulation requirements. The traffic generated by any use, whether
vehicular or pedestrian shall be channeled and controlled in a manner that will avoid:
(1) Congestion on the public streets;
(2) Traffic hazards including obstacles to safe pedestrian access; and
(3) Excessive traffic through residential areas, particularly truck traffic. Internal traffic
shall be so regulated as to ensure its safe and orderly flow.
Traffic into and out of business areas shall to the maximum extent possible, be forward
moving with no backing into streets.
Subd. 4. Rules for computation.
(a) Calculation. The following rules shall apply when computing parking spaces:
(1) Driveway space meeting parking requirements. Entrances, exits, or driveways shall
not be computed as any part of a required parking lot or area, except in the case of
one or two family dwellings where driveways may be used in calculating the
amount of off-street parking.
140
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Subd. 6. Off-street parking space requirements.
(1) Table 11 defines the number of parking spaces required for each use within the city.
(2) The applicant may vary from the required number of parking spaces as provided in
subdivision 8 of this section.
Table 11: Parking Spaces by Use
Use Type Minimum Maximum
Residential Use Category
Accessory
dwelling units
1 space in addition to the
number of spaces required for
the principal building on the
property
Not Applicable
Bed and
breakfast
establishments
2 spaces for the
owner/occupant of the
dwelling, at least one of which
must be enclosed in a garage,
plus 1 space per guest
sleeping room
Not Applicable
Dwellings, one
and two family
2 spaces per dwelling unit, one
of which must be enclosed in a
garage
Not applicable
Dwellings,
multiple-family
2 spaces per dwelling unit, one
of which must be enclosed in a
garage [1]
Not applicable
Specialized
care facilities
4 spaces, plus 1 space per 5
beds
Not applicable
Commercial Use Category
Amusement
Centers
10 spaces, plus no less than 1
space per 500 square feet of
gross floor area
10 spaces, plus no more than 1 space per
250 square feet of gross floor area
Banquet halls
or event
centers
See Public, Institutional, or
Recreational Use Category
Bowling alleys 4 spaces, plus 4 spaces for
each lane
Not applicable
Funeral Homes 4 spaces, plus no less than 1
space per 3 seats in the main
assembly hall, plus no less
than 1 space per 300 square
feet of gross floor area not
used for seating. [3]
4 spaces, plus no more than 1 space per 2
seats in the main assembly hall, plus no less
than 1 space per 200 square feet of gross
floor area not used for seating. [3]
Health and
fitness club
4 spaces, plus no less than
300 square feet of gross floor
area, not including court, gym
Not applicable
148
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(iv) A minimum unobstructed clearance height of 14 feet shall be maintained above
areas accessible to vehicles within nonresidential developments.
(3) To ensure proper location and configuration, a permit is required from the city
manager or designee for work on driveways. For driveway plans that involve
changes to an existing curb cut or construction of a new curb cut within the public
right-of-way, a curb cut right of way permit application shall be approved in
accordance with the Crystal city code, chapter 8.
(b) Parking space dimensions.
(1) Each parking space and aisle shall comply with the minimum dimensions in Table
12 as illustrated in Figure 21.
171
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
and maneuvering areas, and sidewalks and parking areas so as to minimize conflict
of movement between the various types of traffic, including pedestrian traffic.
(c) Grading and improvement plan. The full width of the street right-of-way shall be
graded and improved in conformance with the city’s engineering standard
specifications and the construction plans submitted as part of the final plat application.
(d) Roadway and access offsets. Roadways or other access points entering upon opposite
sides of any given roadway shall have their centerlines located directly opposite each
other or the centerlines located shall be offset at least 150 feet for local residential
streets, and at least 200 feet for all other roadways. Driveways on local streets accessing
one or two family residential dwellings are exempt from this requirement.
(e) Signs, traffic signs and signals, and street lights.
(1) Street signs of standard design approved by the city shall be installed at each street
intersection or at such other locations within the subdivision as designated by the
city engineer, in accordance with the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices (MMUTCD).
(2) Traffic control signs pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 169.06, where
applicable, shall be installed at locations within the subdivision as designated by
the city engineer.
(3) Turn lanes and traffic signals shall be installed at the expense of the subdivider
when required as a result of the proposed subdivision.
(4) Street lights shall be installed at all intersections and at other locations, as required
by the city engineer. All street lights within new subdivisions shall be on street light
poles meeting the standards of the city and shall be equipped with underground
electrical service, and shall conform to city lighting standards. The developer shall
pay to the city the energy cost for the first two years of operation, or until the
dwellings on all lots within the subdivision have been completed, whichever time
period is less.
(f) Sidewalks and trails. If required, sidewalks and trails shall be installed at the time a
street is constructed. Sidewalks shall meet the width requirements in the Crystal city
code, subsection 800.59chapter 8.
(g) Stub streets and cul-de-sac streets (permanent and temporary).
(1) Stub streets shall be installed to permit future street extensions into adjoining tracts,
where appropriate. Signage may be provided indicating a future street connection.
Stub streets shall not exceed 150 feet in length. Where required by the city engineer
a temporary connection to another street, or a temporary turnaround, shall be
provided by the subdivider.
178
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(a) The changing of the display surface on a painted or printed sign only. This exemption,
however, shall apply only to poster replacement and/or on-site changes involving sign
painting elsewhere than directly on a building.
(b) Small signs.
(c) Governmental signs.
Subd. 3. Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited:
(a) Any sign, signal, marking or device which purports to be or is an imitation of or
resembles any official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or emergency
vehicle signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic or which hides from
view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic-control device or any
railroad sign or signal;
(b) All off-premise signs;
(c) Signs painted, attached or in any other manner affixed to trees, rocks, or similar natural
surfaces, or attached to public utility poles, bridges, towers, or similar public structures;
(d) Signs placed in the public right-of-way other than the following:
i) Governmental signs;
ii) Courtesy bench signs allowed with an obstruction permit as regulated by the Crystal
city code chapter 8;
iii) Signs placed in public right-of-way that are maintained by the owner or occupant
of residential property abutting said right-of-way. Each sign is limited to 30 inches in
height and six square feet in area, and the cumulative area of all signs is limited to 0.5
square feet of sign area per lineal foot of frontage on the right-of-way;
iv) Sandwich board signs are permitted in the public right-of-way but shall not interfere
with public use of the sidewalk or right-of-way. The city’s public works director has
authority to determine if a sign is interfering.
(e) A sign, including unshielded display lighting, that obstructs or distracts the vision of
drivers or pedestrians, or detracts from the visibility of any official traffic control
device;
(f) A sign that contains, imitates, interferes with, obscures or causes confusion with an
official traffic sign or signal, except for private, on premise directional signs;
(g) Abandoned signs;
(h) Roof signs; and
(i) Vehicle signs.
182
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
Table: 14: Signs allowed by zoning district
Sign Type Zoning District Sign Specific
Standards
R-1 R-2 R-3 C I AP
Canopy, Marquee, and
Fixed Awnings P P P P P P 530.11, subdivision 1
Electronically controlled
readerboard
P P P P P P
530.11, subdivision 2
Electric
P P P P P P
Freestanding
- - - P P P 530.11, subdivision 3
Governmental A A A A A A
Monument
P P P P P P 530.11, subdivision 4
Multi-Tenant - - - P P - 530.11, subdivision 6
Off-Premise
- - - - - -
Projecting
- - - P P P 530.11, subdivision 5
Roof
- - - - - -
Rotating
- - - - - -
Sandwich board - - - P - - 530.11, subdivision 7
Shimmering - - - P P P
Temporary
P P P P P P 530.11, subdivision 78
Small
A A A A A A
Wall
P P P P P P 530.11, subdivision 89
530.11. Sign specific standards. The following requirements for specific sign types apply in
addition to those requirements found in Table 14.
Subd. 1. Canopies, marquees and fixed awnings. Signs are allowed on canopies, marquees
and fixed awnings, which are an integral part of the structure to which they are attached. Within
the residential districts, these signs are only allowed for multiple family dwellings, or institutional
183
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
or commercial uses, but are allowed for all building types in the commercial and industrial districts.
Canopy, marquee, and fixed awning signs are subject to the following standards:
(a) An awning, canopy or marquee may not project into the public ri ght-of-way nearer than
30 inches to the street curb or curb line;
(b) The bottom of awning signs shall be no less than eight feet above the sidewalk or grade
at any point;
(c) Awnings, canopy or marquees projecting into the required yards may not be enclosed
except with a transparent material permitting through vision;
(d) Awnings, canopies or marquees built over the public right-of-way must be included in
a liability insurance policy holding the city free of all responsibility; and
(e) Canopies and marquees are a part of the building structure but the area of canopies and
marquees may not be used in the computation of total wall area.
Subd. 2. Electronically or electrically controlled readerboards. Electronically or electrically
controlled readerboards are permitted provided that the sign:
(a) Displays a given copy or graphic image for a minimum of three seconds within the
readerboard frame if having lamps of a single color, or for a minimum of two minutes
sixty seconds if having lamps of more than one color;
(b) Is included in an otherwise permitted and conforming wall, free-standing or monument
sign, and the area of the readerboard may not exceed 50% of the total area of the sign
in which it is integrated, or 50 square feet, whichever is less, and only one readerboard
per premise is allowed;
(c) Displays a static message with no fade, dissolve, scrolling, blinking, flashing, spinning
or zooming action; and
(d) Does not cast light on any public street in excess of one foot candle at the lot line along
said street, or in excess of 0.4 foot candle at the lot line of any residential property.
Subd. 3. Freestanding or pylon signs. Freestanding or pylon signs are subject to the
following standards:
(a) Freestanding or pylon signs shall meet the requirements in Table 15.
(b) An electronically controlled reader board is allowed as part of a freestanding or pylon
sign.
186
509575v9 AMB CR225-423
(a) Wall signs. Each tenant in a multi-tenant building may have a flat wall sign in
compliance with the wall sign requirements in Table 18. In addition, the multi-tenant
building may have wall signage on common walls of the building as long as no more
than ten percent of that wall is occupied by signage.
(b) Freestanding signs. Where allowed, One one freestanding sign shall be permitted for
each multi-tenant building.
(c) Canopies and awnings. The design of canopies shall be in keeping with the overall
building design in terms of location, size, and color. No canopies with visible wall
hangers shall be permitted. Signage on canopies may be substituted for allowed
building signage and shall be limited to 25% of the canopy area.
Subd. 7 Sandwich board signs. Sandwich board signs are subject to the following
standards:
(a) Signs shall not exceed six square feet in size;
(b) One sign is allowed per property; and
(c) Signs shall only be displayed during business operating hours.
Subd. 7.8 Temporary signs. The temporary use of banners, pennants, balloon signs,
portable signs and similar devices requires a permit. The permit is valid for seven consecutive
days. Not more than six permits for each property, or if applicable each tenant in a multi-tenant
building, may be granted in a 12-month period. The permit must be prominently displayed at the
principal use in the same manner required for building permits. Temporary signs shall conform to
the same location and dimension requirements as permanent signs.
(a) Non-commercial speech signs. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these sign
requirements, all signs of any size containing non-commercial speech may be posted
from August 1 in any general election year until ten days following the general election
and 13 weeks prior to any special election until ten days following the special election.
Subd. 89. Wall signs.
(a) Wall signs in residential districts. In the residential districts, wall signs are allowed for
multiple family dwellings, or institutional or commercial uses, subject to the following
standards:
(1) Wall signs are only permitted on walls fronting on a public street or facing other
property used for institutional, commercial or industrial purposes.
(2) No more than one sign is permitted on each wall.
(3) No wall sign shall exceed 10% of the wall area or 75 square feet in area, whichever
is less.
(4) Wall signs for home business are allowed according to the requirements in the
Crystal city code, subsection 515.23.
Open Issues (JIRA)
Status: In Progress, New Issue
Sorted by: Key descending
1–2 of 2 as at: 02/28/19 10:46 AM
T Key Summary Assignee Reporter Status Created Updated
CRCI-78 56XX Bass Lake Road Anne Norris Anne Norris New Issue 06/07/18 01/10/19
CRCI-74 Traffic - 41XX Brunswick Anne Norris Anne Norris New Issue 05/09/18 08/13/18