2023.09.14 Work Session Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Sept. 8, 2023
City Council Work Session Agenda
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Council Chambers/Zoom
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 on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at
______ p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN and via
Zoom. The public may attend the meeting via Zoom by connecting to it through one of the
methods identified on the Notice of Sept. 14, 2023 Work Session.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Budziszewski ____ Bell
____ Cummings ____ Gilchrist
____ Eidbo ____ Therres
____ Kamish ____ Elholm
____ Kiser ____ Larson
____ Onesirosan ____ Ray
____ Adams ____ Revering
____ Sutter
____ Serres
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda item:
1. Unified Development Code (UDC) amendments.
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.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Sept. 8, 2023
CRYSTAL CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE OF SEPT. 14, 2023 WORK SESSION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Crystal will hold a work session on
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N.,
Crystal, MN and via Zoom.
The public may attend the meeting via Zoom by connecting to it through one of the methods
identified below.
Topic: Crystal City Council Work Session
Time: Sept. 14, 2023 06:30 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85122068378?pwd=dk9tK0NSM1FralVlL2FqY0R0MklDUT09
Meeting ID: 851 2206 8378 Passcode: 414141
One tap mobile:
+16469313860,,85122068378#,,,,*414141# US
+19292056099,,85122068378#,,,,*414141# US (New York)
Dial by your location:
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keuBv3GkZt
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.
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 1 OF 6
__________________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
TO: Adam R. Bell, City Manager (for September 14 meeting)
DATE: September 7, 2023
RE: Discuss proposed UDC amendments
__________________________________________________________________________
A. BACKGROUND
Staff is requesting that the City Council discuss proposed amendments to the unified
development code (UDC), including amendments to the Town Center districts. The
proposed amendments are corrections or clarifications, brought about by things we
learned while administering the UDC’s requirements.
At the August 14, 2023 Planning Commission meeting the Commission discussed the
proposed amendments and recommended minor wording change s to clarify the
requirements. Those changes have been described in section B, below, and
incorporated into attachment A. Since the Planning Commission meeting staff has also
added the following amendments, which are fully described in this staff report:
1. Property rezonings. Rezone two properties at 3601 and 3443 Douglas Dr N to
accurately reflect current and proposed uses of those properties.
2. Requirements for micro-unit dwellings. The 2023 state legislature mandated that
cities allow religious institutions to provide smaller housing units for chronically
homeless and extremely low-income persons.
3. Nursery/preschools in Town Center (TC). The amendment allows for the two
existing preschools to be legally conforming in the TC district.
4. Townhomes in TC district. Allow townhomes in the TC district if they are part of
an apartment development, creating housing diversity within the required densities.
5. Motor vehicle/RV licensing. The amendment requires motor vehicles and RV’s to
be licensed when on parked outdoors on private property.
6. Exterior materials for carports. The amendment clarifies that exterior material
requirements apply not only to garages, but also carports.
Attachments:
A. Proposed UDC amendments
B. State Statute 327.30 (Micro-unit dwellings)
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Discuss UDC amendments
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 2 OF 6
B. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
1. Town Center amendments.
➢ Ground floor height (page 51). Clarifies that the height requirement for a ground
floor in the town center zoning districts is greater only if a non -residential use is
proposed for that floor.
➢ Façade glazing (page 52). Clarifies that the percentage requirement for ground
floor glazing in the town center zoning districts is greater only if a non-residential
use is proposed for the ground floor.
Planning Commission change. Clarify that all non-residential floors will require
50% glazing and residential floors will require 30%, regardless of the floor
location within the building.
➢ Street/pedestrian locations (pages 53, 72 and 73). Clarifies that new connections
in the town center districts can be either street or pedestrian connections and do
not need to be city streets.
Planning Commission change. The last line should be revised to read “The city
will consider alternate street locations or pedestrian connections that achieve this
intent”. The figure should also be labeled as “hypothetical” locations.
➢ Parking lot screening (page 134). Screening requirements within the town center
districts may be altered if driveway visibility would be impaired.
Planning Commission change. In speaking of driveway visibility, reference the
city’s visibility requirements in chapter 8 of the city code.
➢ Building setbacks (page 115). Increases the minimum rear setback in the town
center districts from 3 to 5 feet.
➢ One-family attached dwellings (pages 75, 79). Attached one-family dwellings
(townhomes) are allowed in the TC if they are included as part of a multi-family
apartment development.
➢ Nursery or preschools (pages 77, 94, and 126). Since there are two pre-existing
nursery or preschools in the TC district, this amendmen t allows that use as a
conditional use in the TC district (it is already allowed in the TC-PD district). An
additional amendment allows fencing for outdoor play areas for nursery or
preschools.
2. Definition of gross density (page 10). A definition is added to clarify how gross density
is calculated.
3. Consistent use of word “multiple” (pages 11, 19, 49, 75, 129, 132, 136, 147, 178, 181,
and 182). The word “multiple” pertaining to “multiple family dwellings” and “multiple
tenant buildings” is used inconsistently. At times the word “multi” was used, while other
times “multiple” was used. The amendment is to create consistency with the use of this
term.
4. Specialized care facility (page 23). Delete the term “housing with services establishment”
since that phrase was replaced in 2021 with “assisted living facility” by the MN Dept. of
Health.
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 3 OF 6
5. Floor area for alcohol sales in restaurants (pages 76, 81 and 82). Since the limitation is
rarely, if ever, exceeded, this amendment deletes the limitation for the a mount of floor
space devoted to on-sale liquor, wine or beer.
6. Waste container enclosure (pages 94 and 135). Requires waste container enclosures,
such as dumpster enclosures. Use-specific standards are found in the screening
requirements of the UDC, except for one and two family dwellings.
7. Exterior building materials for carports (page 98). The amendment clarifies that exterior
material requirements apply not only to garages, but also carports.
8. Outdoor dining and sales (page 102). Clarifies that a CUP is only required if the
duration exceeds the limits for a temporary use.
9. Building setbacks (page 115). Reduces the required setback from 15 to 10 feet for the
interior side yard in the R-2 district and for the corner side yard in the commercial and
industrial districts.
10. Tree size requirements (page 128). Reduces the minimum size for newly planted trees
from 2 to 1.5 inches.
Planning Commission comment. The Commission requested that staff research
whether reducing the tree size will reduce the likelihood of a tree’s survival. Staff
consulted with the city’s tree expert in Public Works who verified that tree survival will
not be impacted by reducing the minimum tree size from 2” to 1.5”.
11. Parking lot screening (page 133). Those parking lots set back a significant distance
from the street and that are not adjacent to a residential use would not be subject to
screening requirements.
12. Landscaping requirements (page 134). Clarifies the gross area of a parking lot and to
correct an internal inconsistency relating to tree size requirements.
13. Roof-mounted mechanical equipment (page 135). Exempts one and two family
dwellings from screening requirements for rooftop mechanical equipment.
14. Off-street parking (page 139). City code section 1325 allows motor and recreational
vehicles to be parked or stored outdoors as long as they are “currently licensed as
required by law”. Since Minnesota statutes do not require that vehicles or recreational
vehicles be licensed if on private property, this regulation to require such licensing is
added to the off -street parking requirements of the UDC.
15. Driveway access for parking lots (page 148). Clarifies that the requirement to set back
a parking lot feature is only applicable on busier streets (collector or arterial streets).
16. Compact vehicle spaces (pages 149-150). Removes the minimum number of compact
parking spaces for larger parking lots, while retaining the maximum number.
17. Civil engineer (page 151). Allows for a civil engineer, in addition to a transportation
engineer, to prepare a parking study.
18. Park dedication cash payment (page 173). In calculating the park dedication cash
payment for a residential development, the City Council will consider the previous
commercial use which may result in a reduced park dedication fe e.
19. Sign code (pages 22, 174, 180, 181). Corrects a typo for off-premise sign
requirements, clarifies the city’s practice of not requiring a sign permit for a menu board
sign, and allows greater height limits for commercial monument signs.
20. Micro-unit dwellings (pages 16, 93, 98 99, and 120). In 2023 the state legislature
adopted a statute that mandates cities allow religious institutions to create micro-unit
dwellings for chronically homeless and extremely low-income persons (attachment B).
The legislation goes into effect January 1, 2024.
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 4 OF 6
The legislation allows the use to be permitted without the need for City Council approval
or to require that a conditional use permit (CUP) be approved before the dwelling unit is
allowed. Conditions of approval cannot be added to the CUP permit. Staff is proposing
that the use be conditional in the R-1, R-2, R-3, Commercial and Industrial zoning
districts and has proposed use-specific standards for the use.
C. TWO PROPERTY REZONINGS
In addition to the UDC text amendments, staff is proposing two property rezonings to
accurately reflect current and proposed uses of those properties. The following is
additional information about these two properties.
3601 Douglas Drive N.
➢ Current zoning. The property is zoned Commercial, but is the location of a two-
family dwelling constructed in 1959.
➢ Proposed zoning. Staff is proposing to rezone the property to Low Density
Residential (R-1). The property is guided as low density residential in the city’s
Comprehensive Plan. The property owner is in agreement with the proposed
change.
➢ Rationale for rezoning. Staff has been unable to determine when the property
was zoned Commercial. The property was presumably zoned Commercial so
that all four corners at the intersection of 36th and Douglas Dr N would be zoned
for commercial redevelopment opportunities. Given that the dwelling has been in
3601
Douglas
Dr N
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 5 OF 6
existence over 60 years, and is adjacent to low density residential, it is unlikely to
be redeveloped for a commercial use.
➢ Dimensional and setback requirements. The existing lot meets lot area, width
and depth requirements for a two -family dwelling in the R-1 district.
o The dwelling meets all required minimum setbacks, except for the front
setback of 30’. In 1986 Hennepin County obtained 11’ of additional right-
of-way along Douglas Drive to create a turn lane. Prior to this acquisition,
the dwelling met the required setback.
o The dwelling is defined as legally nonconforming due to the front setback.
This is an existing condition and the rezoning does not increase the
nonconformity because the front setback is the same in the R-1 and C
districts.
3443 Douglas Dr N.
➢ Current zoning. The vacant property is owned by the City’s Economic
Development Authority (EDA) and is zoned Commercial.
➢ Proposed zoning. Staff is proposing to rezone the property to Medium Density
Residential (R-2). The property is guided as medium density residential in the
city’s Comprehensive Plan.
3443 Douglas Dr N
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 6 OF 6
➢ Rationale for rezoning. The property has been vacant since 2010 when the home
was demolished. The property was rezoned to Commercial in 2013 with the aim
of redeveloping it along with the office building north of the property. That
property, 3501 Douglas Drive N, was redeveloped as the Suite Living assisted
living facility in 2020 without including 3443 Douglas. Given that a commercial
use for this property is no longer desired , a residential use would be appropriate
and compatible with the properties to the south and west. The property could be
developed for a three-unit residential building under R-2 zoning or developed as
townhomes if rezoned Planned Development (PD) upon receipt of such a
proposal from a developer.
D. REQUESTED ACTION
Staff requests City Council discussion and direction to staff regarding these proposed
UDC ordinance amendments and property rezonings.
The following is the proposed schedule for adopting a new ordinance:
Oct. 9 Planning Commission public hearing
Oct. 17 Council considers first reading of ordinance
Nov. 7 Council considers second reading and adoption
Nov. 16 Summary of ordinance published
Dec. 16 Effective date of ordinance
10
Subd. 35. 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. 36. 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. 37. Control measure. “Control measure” means a practice or combination of practices to
control erosion and attendant pollution.
Subd. 38. 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. 39. Curb cut. “Curb cut” has the meaning given it in the Crystal city code, chapter VIII.
Subd. 40. 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. 41. 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. 42. 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. 43. Deck, detached. “Deck, detached” means a freestanding deck which does not utilize the
exterior wall of the principal structure for support.
Subd. ____. Density, gross. “Density, gross” means the number of dwelling units divided by the
gross area of the development, which includes the adjacent halves of any street rights-of-way bounding or
abutting the development area, and all rights-of-way interior to the development area.
Subd. 44. 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.
Subd. 45. Development. “Development” means any manmade change to improved or unimproved
real estate, including buildings or other structures, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, or drilling
operations, or storage of equipment or materials.
Subd. 46. Driveway. “Driveway” has the meaning given it in the Crystal city code, chapter VIII.
Subd. 47. Driveway approach. “Driveway approach” has the meaning given it in the Crystal city
code, chapter VIII.
Attachment A
11
Subd. 48. Drive-through establishment. “Drive-through establishment” means any portion of a
building, structure or property from which business is transacted, or is capable of being transacted, directly
with customers located in a motor vehicle.
Subd. 49. Dwelling. “Dwelling” means a building or portion thereof used exclusively for residential
purposes, forming a habitable unit for one family. Garages, tents, and accessory structures shall not be
considered dwellings and shall at no time be used as a dwelling, either temporarily or permanently. Tents
may be used for recreational purposes.
Subd. 50. Dwelling, multiple family. “Dwelling, multiple family” means a building designed with
three or more dwellings exclusively for occupancy by three or more families living independently of each
other.
Subd. 51. Dwelling, one-family attached. “Dwelling, one-family attached” means a building, such
as townhouses or row houses, containing dwellings in which:
(a) Each dwelling is located on its own parcel;
(b) Each dwelling is attached to another by party walls without openings; and
(c) Each dwelling has primary ground floor access to the outside.
Subd. 52. Dwelling, one-family detached. “Dwelling, one-family detached” means a residential
building containing not more than one dwelling entirely surrounded by open space on the same lot.
Subd. 53. Dwelling, two-family. “Dwelling, two-family” means a building designed exclusively
for occupancy by two families living independently of each other and which is typically referred to as a
double bungalow or duplex, where the entire building is located on a single lot.
Subd. 54. Easement. “Easement” means a grant by a property owner to either the public or an
individual for the use of the owner’s property for certain specified purposes (i.e., drives, utilities, etc.).
Subd. 55. Equal degree of encroachment. “Equal degree of encroachment” means a method of
determining the location of floodway boundaries so that floodplain lands on both sides of a stream are
capable of conveying a proportionate share of flood flows.
Subd. 56. Essential services. “Essential services” means underground or overhead gas, electrical,
steam, or water transmission or distribution systems, collection, communication, supply, or disposal
systems by public utilities, municipal or other governmental agencies.
Subd. 57. Family. “Family” means one or more persons maintaining a common household and
using common cooking facilities.
Subd. 58. Farm fence. “Farm fence” means a fence as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section
344.02, subdivision 1(a)-(d). An open type fence of posts and wire is not considered to be a structure in the
floodplain overlay district requirements. Fences that have the potential to obstruct flood flows, such as
chain link fences and rigid walls, are regulated as structures under the floodplain overlay district provisions.
Subd. 59. Filtration. “Filtration” means a process by which stormwater runoff is captured,
temporarily stored, and routed through a filter bed to improve water quality and slow down stormwater
runoff.
Subd. 60. Findings of fact. “Findings of fact” means written findings embodied in a resolution,
ordinance, or other document approved or adopted by the body making such findings.
16
Minnesota; or a parcel of land, the deed to which was recorded in the office of the recorder or registrar of
titles of Hennepin County, Minnesota prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this UDC.
Subd. 103. Lot width. “Lot width” means the horizontal distance between side lot lines. In the case
of irregularly shaped lots located on a cul-de-sac or curved street, or corner lots that are neither a square,
rectangle, or parallelogram, lot width shall be measured at the required front and rear setback lines.
Subd. 104. Lowest floor. “Lowest floor” means the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area
(including basement). An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, used solely for parking of vehicles,
building access, or storage in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building’s lowest floor;
provided, that such enclosure is not built so as to render the building in violation of the applicable non-
elevation design requirements of 44 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 60.3.
Subd. 105. Manufactured home. “Manufactured home” has the meaning given in Minnesota
Statutes, section 327.31. The term “manufactured home” does not include the term “recreational vehicle.”
Subd. 106. 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. 107. Mechanical equipment. “Mechanical equipment” means equipment, devices and
accessories, the use of which relates to water supply, powering, heating, ventilating, air conditioning or
similar purposes.
Subd. 108. Medical clinics. “Medical clinics” means a building, or part of a building, where persons
are cared for on an outpatient basis.
Subd. 109. Micro unit dwelling. “Micro unit dwelling” means a dwelling unit that is accessory to
a religious institution and is intended to provide housing for chronically homeless persons, extremely low
income persons and designated volunteers as defined in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 327. 30.
Subd. 109. Mobile food unit. “Mobile food unit” has the meaning given it from the Crystal city
code, chapter XIII.
Subd. 110. Multiple tenant building. “Multiple tenant building” means any building which has more
than one tenant, and where each tenant has a separate ground-level exterior public entrance.
Subd. 111 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. 112 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. 113. 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. 114. 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.
19
Subd. 140. Restrictive covenant. “Restrictive covenant” means a recorded contract or agreement
entered into between private parties establishing restrictions on the development or use of property in
addition to those established by this UDC.
Subd. 141. 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. 142. 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. 143. 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. 144. Schools, elementary or secondary. “Schools, elementary or secondary” means buildings
used to teach students that includes elementary schools, middle schools or high schools.
Subd. 145. 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. 146. 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. 147. 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. 148. Senior housing. “Senior housing” means a multiple family dwelling building or group
of buildings in which each dwelling is occupied by at least one person age 55 or older. This does not include
institutions such as specialized care facilities.
22
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:
(1) A freestanding, monument of or pylon sign shared by adjacent property owners shall not
be considered an off-premise sign.
(2) 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.
(q) 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.
(r) Pole sign. “Pole sign” means a sign which has the same meaning as pylon sign (see definition).
(s) 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.
(t) 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.
(u) 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.
(v) 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.
(w) Rotating sign. “Rotating sign” means a sign or portion of a sign which turns about on an axis.
(x) Sandwich board sign. “Sandwich board sign” means a moveable sign not attached to the
ground and constructed in such as manner as for form an “A” or a tent-like shape, hinged or
not at the top, each angular face held at an approximate distance by a supporting member.
(y) Shimmering sign. “Shimmering sign” means a sign which reflects an oscillating sometimes
distorted visual image.
(z) Small sign. “Small sign” means a single sign six square feet or less in size.
(aa) Temporary sign. “Temporary sign” means a sign which is erected or displayed, or both, for a
limited period of time.
23
(bb) 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:
(1) The absence of a current, lawful license plate affixed to the vehicle on which the sign is
displayed;
(2) The vehicle on which the sign is displayed is inoperable;
(3) 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;
(4) 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
(5) 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.
(cc) 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. 158. Small wireless facility. “Small wireless facility” has the meaning given in Minnesota
Statutes, section 237.162, subdivision 11.
Subd. 159. Special flood hazard area. “Special flood hazard area” means a term used for flood
insurance purposes synonymous with “One hundred year floodplain.”
Subd. 160. 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,
housing with services establishments, and hospices. This does not include senior housing or the residence
of any individual who cares for another family member.
Subd. 161. 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 of construction,
repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement that occurred before the
permit’s expiration date. The actual start is either the first placement of permanent construction of a
structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of
columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a
foundation. Permanent construction does not include: land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling;
nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement,
footings, piers, foundations, or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the
property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the
main building. For a substantial improvement, the actual start of construction means the first alteration of
any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the
external dimensions of the building.
49
(a) Purpose. The purpose of the R-3 High density residential district is to provide for multiple
family buildings and directly related, complimentary uses, together with limited commercial
uses as provided herein. In accordance with the comprehensive plan, densities are to be no less
than 16 and no more than 40 dwellings per gross acre. As part of the approval process for a
particular development, the city council may set the maximum density at a specific figure
within the range established by the comprehensive plan, depending on the character of the
surrounding area and the potential for negative impacts on the community.
(b) Site development standards. Such standards shall be those provided in the Crystal city code,
subsection 520.03 for the site development standards that apply to the R3 district.
(c) Other development standards. In addition to the standards established for the R3 district in this
section, all development shall be subject to all other applicable standards as provided in the
Crystal city code, section 520.
Subd. 4. C Commercial district.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of the C-Commercial district is to provide for commercial and service
activities which draw from and serve customers from the entire community. Motor vehicle-
oriented uses shall be limited to certain designated corridors. Regulations shall protect those
residential uses near commercial uses from negative impacts.
(b) Site development standards. Such standards shall be those provided in the Crystal city code,
subsection 520.03 for the site development standards that apply to the Commercial district.
(c) Other development standards. In addition to the standards established for the Commercial
district in this section, all development shall be subject to all other applicable standards as
provided in the Crystal city code, section 520.
Subd. 5. Town Center Core District
(a) Purpose. The purpose of the TC – Town Center Core district is to accommodate walkable,
mixed-use development enhancing the public realm such as parks and streets. Shops mix with
multiple-family dwellings and employment, buildings frame the street and face Becker Park,
and local multi-modal streets balance the needs of all users. (b) Applicability. Existing
nonconformities may continue or redevelop as allowed by the Crystal city code, subsection
515.29. Notwithstanding those regulations, it is the city’s desire that redevelopment of
properties within the TC district adhere to the planned land use designations of the
comprehensive plan and to the requirements of this subsection. The requirements of
subsections (d) and (e) of this subdivision are only applicable to new buildings constructed
after the effective date of this UDC.
(b) Uses. Principal permitted uses are shown in Table 3 of the Crystal city code, subsection 515.17.
Multiple principal uses within a single parcel or building are permitted in the TC district.
(c) Densities. Residential densities are as shown in Table 7 of the Crystal city code, subsection
520.03.
(d) Site development standards. In addition to the following standards established for the TC
district, all development shall be subject to applicable standards as provided in Crystal city
code, section 520. The TC district also includes specific standards for building placement,
height, and facades in order to encourage development that enhances walkability and the
51
Figure 7: Illustration of required building street frontages
(2) Building height. Maximum building height requirements are shown in Crystal city code,
subsection 520.03.
(i) The following are additional height requirements.
(a) Story height. Stories above the ground floor are limited to 12 feet in height. Stories
are measured from finished floor to finished ceiling.
(b) Ground floor height. If the ground floor has a non-residential use, the Ground
ground floor height shall be no less than 12 feet in height, but not more than 20
feet. Ground floor height above 20 feet counts as an additional story.
(c) Shadow effects study. If a proposed building is located within 75 feet of the
property line of a residential use, the applicant shall submit a shadow effect study
to determine any negative shadow impacts to those uses. If negative impacts are
determined, the city may require design techniques to mitigate the impacts, such
as reducing the height of the building, relocating or reorienting the building within
the site, reducing building mass, or stepping-back a portion of the building.
(d) Proximity to Crystal Airport. Buildings shall comply with Crystal city code,
subsection 520.01, subdivision 5(c) for construction near the Crystal Airport.
(ii) Exceed height limitations. The city may, in its discretion, allow buildings to be
constructed to a height of eight stories or 100 feet, whichever is less, upon
consideration of the following factors.
(a) Shadow effects. Shadow effects from the taller building will not have significant
negative impacts on neighboring properties. A shadow effects study may be
required by the city to document these impacts.
(b) Building massing. The dimensions of the taller building are not disproportionately
larger than neighboring buildings.
52
(c) Views. The taller building will not have significant negative impacts to the views
of Becker Park by neighboring properties.
(3) Building facades. Building facades shall meet the following requirements.
(i) Building articulation. Buildings exceeding 50 feet in width along a street shall
incorporate articulation in street-facing facades to break down the scale of large
buildings and create visual interest. Techniques to incorporate articulation include
stepping back or extending forward a portion of the façade, using different textures or
contrasting but compatible materials, dividing the building into storefronts with
separate display windows and entrances, use of awnings, balconies, or similar
ornamental features, or varying the roofline to reinforce the articulation of the primary
façade (see Figure 8).
Figure 8: Illustration of techniques used to break down the scale of large buildings
(ii) Facades facing Becker Park. For those buildings having facades facing Becker Park,
the façade facing the park shall be of similar or compatible quality, design and
materials as the primary building façade.
(iii) Façade glazing. Façade glazing for buildings at the street frontages shall meet the
following minimum requirements.
(a) Minimum area requirements. Non-residential floors The first floor shall have a
minimum glazing of 50 percent and residential floors upper floors shall have a
minimum glazing of 30 percent.
(b) Tinted and reflective glass are prohibited.
(c) At least 30 percent of the façade glazing area shall remain free of signage or
other opaque materials.
(iv) Prohibited. Satellite dishes and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment
(HVAC), except for wall vents, are not permitted on the primary building façade.
(v) Building entries.
53
(a) Primary building entry. A functioning primary building entry shall be provided
on the primary building façade. This entry shall be clearly defined by means of
a canopy, portico, recess, or similar architectural elements (see Figure 9).
Figure 9: Illustration of clearly defined building entries
(b) Secondary building entry. A functioning secondary building entry shall be
provided on the primary building façade for buildings exceeding 60 feet in width.
(4) New street or pedestrian locations. To create better connected streets when redevelopment
occurs in the TC district, new streets or pedestrian connections shall be constructed in the
locations shown in Figure 10. If the street is not a public street, a mutual access agreement will
be required by the city to ensure public access in the same manner as a public street. The city
will consider alternate street or pedestrian connection locations that achieve this intent.
Figure 10: Hypothetical Location location of new street or pedestrian connections in the TC district
Subd. 6. I Industrial District.
72
(c) Building design. All new buildings within the TC-PD district shall adhere to the TC district
site development standards for building placement, height and facades in the Crystal city code,
subsection 515.05, subdivision 5.
(d) Parking. The development shall provide parking according to the requirements in the Crystal
city code, subsection 520.15, subdivision 6. If the applicant desires to alter the number of
required parking spaces through the TC-PD approval process, the following information shall
be submitted:
(1) Number of customers, patients, visitors, residents, or other patrons of the proposed use.
Information shall also be included detailing the expected parking behavior of these
people (i.e., how long a customer may be at the facility);
(2) Number of full-time and part-time employees;
(3) Number and approximate timing of deliveries; and
(4) Such other information as may be requested by the city to determine that sufficient
parking is provided for the proposed use.
(e) Minimum green space. The minimum green space requirement in the TC-PD district is the
same as the TC district.
(f) New street or pedestrian locations. To create better connected streets when redevelopment
occurs in the TC-PD district, new streets or pedestrian connections shall be constructed in the
locations shown in Figure 11. If the street is not a public street, a mutual access agreement
will be required by the city to ensure public access in the same manner as a public street. The
city will consider alternate street or pedestrian connection locations that achieve this intent.
73
Figure 11: Hypothetical Location location of new street or pedestrian connections in the TC-PD
district
(g) Other development standards. In addition to the standards established for the TC-PD district
in this section, all development shall be subject to all other applicable standards as provided
in the Crystal city code, section 520.
Subd. 5. 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.
(1) Minor amendments shall include changes in the site design of the applicable property
that do not affect neighborhood compatibility or the public health, safety or welfare,
and that do not violate any of the provisions of this UDC or the conditions attached to
approval of the site plan.
(2) Minor amendments are subject to a Type 1 review procedure.
(3) The zoning administrator may determine that a proposed minor amendment qualifies
as a major amendment, requiring a Type 2 review procedure as provided in subdivision
4 of this subsection.
(b) Major Amendments. Major amendments shall include all changes that are not classified as
minor amendments above and shall be subject to a Type 2 review procedure. A major
amendment may include:
(1) A substantial alteration of the location of buildings, parking areas or roads;
(2) An increase or decrease in the number of residential dwelling units by more than five
percent;
(3) An increase of the gross floor area of non-residential buildings by more than five
percent or an increase of the gross floor area of any individual building by more than
ten percent;
(4) An increase in the number of stories of any building;
(5) A decrease in the amount of open space by more than five percent or an alteration
which changes its original design or intended use; or
(6) The creation of non-compliance with any special condition attached to the approval of
the site plan.
515.15. Reserved.
515.17. Permitted principal uses.
75
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 TC I AP Residential Use Category
Bed and Breakfast
Establishments
C C C - - - - 515.19, subdivision 2
(a)
Dwellings, Multiple Family - P P - P - - 515.19, subdivision 2
(b)
Dwelling, One-Family,
Attached
- P 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
(1-6 persons) [1]
P P P P - _ - 515.19, subdivision 3
(a)
Specialized Care Facilities
(7 or more persons) [1]
- C C P - - - 515.19, subdivision 3
(a)
Commercial Use Category
Airport Facilities - - - - - - P 515.19, subdivision 4
(a)
Animal
Hospital/Veterinary
Clinics [1]
- - - P P P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(b)
Banks or Financial
Institutions
- - - P P - -
Banquet Halls or Event
Centers
- - - C - C -
Brewer Taprooms,
Brewpubs or
Microdistillery
- - - P P P - 1200
Clubs or Lodges - - - P P P -
Convenience Stores - - - P P - -
Day Care Facilities, Adult C C C P _ P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(c)
Day Care Facilities, Group
Family
P P P - - - -
Funeral Homes - - - P - - -
Greenhouses, Garden and
Landscaping Sales and
Service
- - - P - P -
76
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 TC I AP Hotel, Motel, Extended
Stay Establishments
- - - P P P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(d)
Kennels, Commercial [2] - - - P - P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(e)
Offices, Professional - C C P P P P 515.19, subdivision 4
(f)
Parking Ramps or
Structures
- - - P P P P 515.19, subdivision 4
(g)
Personal Services [3] - C C P P P 515.19, subdivision 4
(h)
Restaurants or Eating
Establishments [4]
- C C P P P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(i)
Retail Establishments [5] - C C P P P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(ji)
Theater, Indoor - - - P P - -
Vehicle Repair - - - C - P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(kj)
Vehicle, Boat or
Recreational Sales or
Rental
- - - P - P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(lk)
Vehicle Fuel Sales - - - P - - - 515.19, subdivision 4
(ml)
Vehicle Wash or Detailing - - - C - C - 515.19, subdivision 4
(nm)
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 -
Industrial Or Commercial
Uses with Outdoor Storage
of Parts, Products, or Fuels
- - - - - P - 515.19, subdivision 5
(b)
Self Storage Facilities - - - - - P -
Warehouse - - - - - P P
Vehicle Impound Lot - - - - - C - 515.19, subdivision 5
(c)
Public Facilities, Telecommunication and Utilities Use Category
Essential Services P P P P P P P
77
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 TC I AP 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 - - - -
Hospitals - C C P - P - 515.19, subdivision 7
(a)
Private Recreational
Facilities, Indoor
C C C P - P -
Private Recreational
Facilities, Outdoor
- - - C - C -
Public Parks and
Playgrounds
P P P - P - -
Public or Semi-Public
Buildings
C C C C - C - 515.19, subdivision 7
(b)
Religious Institutions C C C C -
C - 515.19, subdivision 7
(c)
Schools, Elementary or
Secondary
C C C C - C - 515.19, subdivision 7
(d)
Schools, Nursery or
Preschool
C C C C -C C - 515.19, subdivision 7
(e)
Schools, Trade or Business - C C P - P - 515.19, subdivision 7
(f)
Notes:
1. If a provision in Minnesota statute or rule expressly requires a city to allow a specialized care
facility as a permitted or conditional use within a residential district, the use shall be allowed as
provided in law up to the number of people indicated in the particular statute or rule, unless a
larger number is allowed in the district under this UDC.
2. Outdoor facilities may be permitted with a conditional use permit
3. A plant may be allowed as part of a dry cleaning establishment with a conditional use permit
4. On-sale liquor, wine, or beer may be allowed to a greater extent than the permitted use with a
conditional use permit.
5. Outdoor repair may be permitted with a conditional use permit.
515.19. Use-specific standards for principal uses.
79
Figure 12: Illustration of rowhouses or townhouses in the TC-PD district
(3) In the TC district one-family attached dwellings are only allowed when constructed as an
integral part of a multiple-family dwelling development (apartment building).
(d) One-family detached dwellings. In the R-1 district, a second kitchen is allowed within a one-
family detached dwelling, if there is interior and unfettered access from all parts of the dwelling
to both kitchens and the property is not addressed or in any other way configured or represented
as a two family dwelling.
Subd. 3. Group living use category.
(a) Specialized care facilities. Specialized care facilities are subject to the following standards:
(1) The facility is served by streets and such pedestrian facilities as are necessary to
accommodate the traffic generated by the facility; and
(2) Drive-through facilities are specifically prohibited.
Subd. 4. Commercial use category.
(a) Airport facilities. Airport facilities are subject to the following standards:
(1) Adequate controls, such as fencing, shall be provided to prevent unauthorized access onto
airport property;
(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. Except in the TC district, 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.
81
(iv) Upper floors of the structure shall be designed and detailed in a manner consistent
with adjacent buildings.
(h) Personal Services. Within the TC district, space for personal services is limited to 15,000
gross square feet per floor. Additional square footage may be allowed with a conditional use
permit, not to exceed a building footprint of 20,000 square feet.
(i) 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 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 TC district, retail space is limited to 15,000 gross square feet per floor.
Additional square footage may be allowed with a conditional use permit, not to exceed a
building footprint of 20,000 square feet;
(3) Within the Commercial district, retail establishments may have up to 50% of the gross
floor area as storage or warehouse space; and
(4) 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 one 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;
(ii) Lakeland Avenue between Lombardy Lane and the north lot line of Lot 1, Block 1,
Storm’s 1st Addition, said distance approximately 368 feet;
82
(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;
(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 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; or
(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;
(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
(2) Sufficient vehicular stacking space is provided on-site to minimize the blocking of traffic
in the public right-of-way.
93
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 TC IAP
Accessory Uses
Assembly or gathering space - - - P P P - No 515.23, subdivision 2 (a)
Day Care Facilities, In home P P P - P - - No
Drive-through facilities - - - C - - - Not Applicable 515.23, subdivision 2 (b)
Home Businesses P P P - P - - No 515.23, subdivision 2 (c)
Keeping of Chickens P P - - - - - No 910
Kennels, Commercial P - - - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 2 (d)
Kennels, Multiple Animal P P P - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 2 (e)
Accessory Structures
Accessibility ramps P P P P P P P No 515.23, subdivision 3 (a)
Accessory dwelling units P P - - - - - Yes 515.23, subdivision 3(b)
Amateur radio towers P P P - - - P No 515.23, subdivision 3(c)
Balconies - P P - P - - No 515.23, subdivision 3 (d)
Carports P P - - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(h)
Clothesline poles P P - - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(e)
Commercial storage buildings - - - C - P P See Note [1] 515.23, subdivision 3(f)
Fences and walls P P P P P
[2] P P No 520.09
Flagpoles P P P P P P P No
Fuel pumps, private use - - - P - P P No 515.23, subdivision 3 (g)
Garages, attached or detached P P P P - P P No 515.23, subdivision 3(h)
Gazebos P P P - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(i)
Mechanical equipment P P P P P P P 520.13
Micro dwelling units C C C C - C - Not
Applicable 515.23, subdivision 3 (j)
Noncommercial greenhouses P P - - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(jk)
Off-street parking and loading
[3] P P P P P P P Yes 520.15
Patios, decks, and porches P P P P P - - No 515.23, subdivision 3 (kl)
Sheds P P P P - P P No 515.23, subdivision 3(lm)
Sidewalks P P P P P P P No 515.23, subdivision 3(mn)
Signs, Permanent P P P P P P P Not Applicable 530
94
515.23. Use-specific standards for 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.
(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) 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
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 TC I AP
Solar energy systems P P P P P P P No 515.23, subdivision 3(no)
Swimming pools, hot tubs, and
spas P P P P P - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(op)
Television and radio antennae P P P P P P P No 515.23, subdivision 3(pq)
Tennis and other recreational
courts P P P - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(qr)
Treehouses P P - - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(rs)
Waste container enclosures P P P P P P P No 520.13, subd. 4 (a)
Workshops P P - - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(st)
Notes:
1. A zoning certificate is only required for commercial storage buildings in the Industrial and Airport zoning districts.
2. Except for outdoor play areas for nursery or preschools, Fences fences are not allowed in the TC district.
3. Parking lots are not allowed for one or two family dwellings. Loading spaces are not allowed in residential districts or
the TC district.
98
(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.
(g) 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.
(h) 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 and carports 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.
(i) 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.
(i) Micro unit dwellings. Micro unit dwellings are subject to the following standards:
(1) Each unit shall not exceed a gross floor area of 400 square feet;
(2) Micro unit dwelling shall be constructed as to be compatible in composition,
appearance, and durability with the exterior materials of the principal building of the
religious institution;
(3) The residents of each dwelling unit shall have access to water and electric utilities
either by connecting the units to utilities serving the principal building of the religious
institution or by providing residents access to permanent common kitchen facilities and
common facilities for toilet, bathing, and laundry within the principal building.
(4) An application for a conditional use permit shall contain a written plan approved by
the religious institution’s governing board that outlines the information in Minnesota
Statutes 327.30, subd. 3 (b).
99
(5) For any city-approved micro dwelling unit, the religious institution shall annually
certify to the city that it has complied with the eligibility requirements for residents in
Minnesota Statutes 327.30, subd 1.
(j) 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
(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.
(k) Patios, decks and porches. Within the TC district, porches and decks are not permitted.
(l) 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.
(m) 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;
(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 VIII; and
(3) Within the TC and TC-PD districts when properties are redeveloped, sidewalks shall
be installed along all existing and proposed street frontages to a minimum width of six
feet.
(n) 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
102
Table 5: Permitted Temporary Uses and Structures
Use Category and Use Type
P = Permitted Use
- = Not Permitted
Base Zoning Districts R-1 R-2 R-3 C TC I AP Allowable
Duration (per
site)
Permit
Required
Use-Specific
Standards in
Section:
Construction Dumpster
P 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 [1]
P P P P P P P 270 days per site
per calendar year
Zoning
Certificate
(Type 1
Review) [2]
515.27,
subdivision 4
Outdoor sales [1]
- - - P 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 515.27,
subdivision 6
Signs, Temporary P P P P P P P See section 530 Sign Permit 530
Notes:
1. Outdoor seating for cafes or restaurants or outdoor sales areas for retail establishments that exceed the temporary
use duration time limits may be permitted as a permanent use with would require a conditional use permit.
2. A zoning certificate is not required for a mobile food unit.
515.27. Use-specific standards for temporary uses and structures.
Subd. 1. Purpose and applicability.
(a) This subsection 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. Construction dumpsters are subject to the following standards:
115
Table 7: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Principal Buildings
R1 R2 R3 Commercial TC Industrial AP
Side 5 feet 15 10 feet 15 feet 10 feet
0 foot
minimum
10 feet
200’
from
resi-
dential
use
Rear 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet 10 feet
3 5 foot
minimum
10 feet
200’
from
resi-
dential
use
Corner Side 10 feet [2] 30 feet 30 feet 15 10 feet
2 foot
minimum
12 foot
maximum
15 10 feet
200’
from
resi-
dential
use
Number of Principal Buildings
Maximum number of
principal buildings per
property
One One One One
Not
Applicable One
Not
Appli-
cable
Minimum Lot Area
One-family Detached
Dwelling 6,000 SF 6,000 SF Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Not
Appli-
cable
Two-Family Dwelling 10,000 SF 10,000 SF 10,000 SF Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Not
Appli-
cable
Other Residential Uses Not
Applicable 10,000 SF 20,000 SF Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Not
Appli-
cable
Non-Residential Uses
[3]
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable 20,000 SF
Not
Applicable 20,000 SF
Not
Appli-
cable
Minimum Lot Depth
One-family Detached
Dwelling 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Not
Appli-
cable
Two-Family Dwelling 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Not
Appli-
cable
Other Residential Uses Not
Applicable 100 feet 100 feet Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Not
Appli-
cable
Non-Residential Uses
[3] 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet 120 feet
Not
Applicable 120 feet
Not
Appli-
cable
Minimum Lot Width
120
Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure
Type R1 R2 R3 Commercial TC Industrial AP
Micro-unit dwellings 10 feet
from any
property
line
10 feet
from any
property
line
10 feet from
any property
line
10 feet from
any property
line
Not
Applicable
10 feet from
any property
line
Not
Applic
able
Noncommercial
greenhouses
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Appli-
cable
Patios Front: 30
feet
Side: 1 foot
Rear: 1
foot
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet
Side: 1 foot
Rear: 1
foot
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet
Side: 5
feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner side:
30 feet
Front: 30 feet
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner
side: 30
feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Appli-
cable
Sheds Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building [2]
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to the
street than
the principal
building
Side: 3
feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner side:
10 feet
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street than
the principal
building
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner
side: 30
feet
Not
Applicable
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to the
street than
the principal
building
Side: 3
feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner side:
10 feet
Front:
30
feet,
but
cannot
be
closer
to
the
street
than
the
princi-
pal
build-
ing
Side: 5
feet
Rear:
5
feet
Corner
side:
10
feet
126
Figure 18: Fence location on corner residential lot (principal building facing longer side)
(3) Fences in non-residential districts. Fences in non-residential districts, including the TC-
PD district, shall comply with the following:
(i) For interior lots, fences shall not be taller than 4.5 feet in the front yard and 8.5 feet in
the side or rear yard; and
(ii) For corner lots, fence height is determined in the same manner as for corner residential
lots (see Figures 17 and 18), except that the maximum height shall be 8.5 feet where a
6.5 feet fence is allowed.
(iii) Fence height in front or corner side yards may exceed 4.5 feet in height up to a
maximum of 8.5 feet if the fence is used as screening as allowed in the Crystal city
code, subsection 520.13.
(b) Locational requirements.
(1) Fences may be located within a drainage and utility easement in side and rear yards. Where
such fences are installed, the city will not be responsible for repairing or replacing the fence
if work is done in the easement.
(2) Fences shall comply with the site distance triangle requirements as provided in the Crystal
city code, chapter VIII.
(3) All fences, including footings, shall be located entirely upon the property where the fence
is located. It is the property owner’s responsibility to locate property lines prior to installing
a fence.
(c) Design and maintenance requirements.
(1) Barbed wire, razor wire, concertina, dannert, and above-ground electrical fences are
prohibited. In the TC and TC-PD district chain-link fences are also prohibited.
(2) Fences taller than four feet shall either have underground posts at least ½ of the height of
the fence or underground posts at least 18 inches in depth that are completely encased in
concrete.
128
(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 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
1.5 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.
129
(1) Generally. 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, 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
multiple 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 subsection, 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.
(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
132
(i) All protected trees shall be fenced in before grading or other land-disturbing activity
begins. Fencing shall extend at least five feet from the edge of the drip line (See Figure
21 for illustration of a drip line), but in no case closer than ten feet to the trunk;
Figure 21: Illustration of protective fence placement for trees.
(ii) The zoning administrator shall consider existing site conditions in determining the
exact location of any tree protection fencing; and
(iii) All fencing required by this subsection shall be at least four feet in height and secured
using appropriate posts.
(e) Encroachments into root zones. Encroachment into root zones shall comply with the following:
(1) Encroachments within the root zones of trees protected in accordance with this subsection
shall occur only in rare instances; and
(2) If such an encroachment is anticipated, written verification by a qualified arborist shall be
required documenting the tree’s condition before and after the encroachment, including
preventive measures that shall be employed prior to, during, and after the encroachment to
insure the viability of the tree.
Subd. 6. Parking lot landscaping requirements.
(a) Purpose. The purpose for parking lot landscaping requirements is to provide for effectively
designed and properly placed landscape improvements to minimize the potential negative
effects of large expanses of asphalt, such as creating unnecessary surface water runoff and
presenting a sterile image.
(b) Parking lots adjacent to streets. The area of a parking lot facing a street shall comply with the
following:
(1) A parking area for a nonresidential, institutional, or multiple family residential use adjacent
to a public street shall be designed to provide a landscaped planting strip of the minimum
required setback area between the street right-of-way and any parking area (see Figure 22);
133
Figure 22: 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 VIII;
(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 23).
Figure 23: Illustration of parking lot perimeter screening.
(4) A parking lot is not required to be screened from the street if the parking lot is not
adjacent to a residential use and the parking lot is set back at least double the required
setback.
(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 materials.
(d) Parking lots adjacent to residential uses. Parking lots adjacent to a one or two family dwelling
shall comply with the following:
134
(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;
and
(3) 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) Parking lots in the TC and TC-PD districts: Parking lots in the TC and TC-PD districts shall
be screened from streets and sidewalks by a masonry retaining wall or evergreen hedge a
minimum of 36 inches and a maximum of 48 inches in height. If driveway visibility would be
impaired, as described in chapter 8 of the Crystal city code, the city will consider alternatives
that meet screening objectives.
(f) 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, which is computed by means of the
smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof that shall encompass
the extreme limits of the parking lot perimeter, not including any landscape islands
within or projections into 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; and
(ii) Trees meeting the size requirements of Crystal city code, subsection 520.11, subd. 4
(a) (5) not less than five feet in height and 15-gallon container in size shall be planted
throughout the parking lot.
(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; and
(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.
Subd. 1. Purpose. The purpose of this subsection is to increase or maintain property values and
generally protect the public welfare by screening uses that could have an adverse impact on neighboring
properties.
135
Subd. 2. Applicability. The requirements of this subsection shall apply to all proposed development
and new land uses unless otherwise stated.
Subd. 3. Types of screening. Unless otherwise stated, screening may consist of vegetation, fences,
walls, berms, or other visual barriers.
Subd. 4. Items to be screened. The following areas shall be screened in accordance with this
subsection:
(a) Waste receptacles containers. Except for one and two family dwellings, Outdoor outdoor waste
enclosures receptacles, including for dumpsters, grease collection containers and recycling
containers, shall be screened on all sides by wood, masonry walls, or other material compatible
with the principal building with a minimum height of six feet. One side of the storage area
shall be furnished with swinging doors. Whenever feasible, the enclosure shall be located away
from residential areas in the and at least five feet from any side or rear yard property line, away
from residential areas;
(b) Ground-mounted mechanical equipment. Ground-mounted mechanical equipment shall be
screened from view of adjacent properties or public rights-of-way. This screening shall meet
the following requirements:
(1) Location and height requirements
(i) Ground-mounted equipment shall not be located between the building and the public
right-of-way.
(ii) Screening shall be as high as the highest point of the equipment being screened. If a
screen greater than 8 feet tall is required, the zoning administrator may require that the
equipment be located in the principal building or the most visually inconspicuous area of
the property that does not cause unnecessary negative impacts to residential properties.
(2) Exceptions. The following ground-mounted mechanical equipment shall be exempt from
the screening requirements of this subsection:
(i) Minor equipment not exceeding 18 inches in height.
(ii) Mechanical equipment accessory to a one or two-family dwelling.
(c) Roof-mounted mechanical equipment. Except for roof-mounted mechanical equipment for a
one or two family dwelling, Roofroof-mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened from
view of adjacent properties and public rights-of-way, accomplished through the two methods
in (1) and (2), below. As an alterative to these methods, the city may, at its discretion, allow
rooftop equipment to be screened by painting it to match or approximate the color of the
background against which the equipment is viewed. Solar energy systems are exempt from
screening requirements if screening would interfere with system operations.
136
(1) Use of building walls, parapets, and/or roof systems (See Figure 24)
Figure 24: Example of how parapet walls are utilized
to screen roof mounted mechanical equipment.
(2) Locate the equipment to a sufficient distance from the roof edge so as to not be visible.
(d) Outdoor storage. Screening shall create a visual and or/sound barrier of the object being
screened from adjacent properties and the public right-of-way. Commercial truck storage or
parking, vehicle impound lots, and rental of trailers and/or vehicles in excess of three quarter
ton (3/4) ton capacity shall utilize an opaque fence of not less than six feet in height;
(e) Commercial uses. Screening shall create a visual and/or sound barrier between the commercial
use and residential dwellings. Requirements for parking lot screening are found in the Crystal
city code, subsection 520.11; and
(f) Multiple family residential dwellings. Screening shall create a visual barrier between the
multiple family dwelling and one and two family residential dwellings or commercial
buildings. Requirements for parking lot screening are found in the Crystal city code, subsection
520.11.
Subd. 5. Design standards for screening. Screening shall comply with the following design
standards:
(a) Screening shall be installed to create a visual barrier so as to reduce the vision of the object
being screened;
(b) If vegetation is used for screening, it shall consist of a compact evergreen or deciduous hedge
or trees of a sufficient width and density to provide an effective screen throughout the year;
(c) If a berm is used for screening, it shall be of a sufficient height to provide an effective screen;
and
(d) A screening fence or wall shall be constructed of an opaque material. Such screening shall
provide a solid screening effect and not exceed the height limitations in the Crystal city code,
139
Traffic into and out of business areas shall to the maximum extent possible, be forward moving
with no backing into streets.
(f) Off-street parking of motor vehicles and recreational vehicles and equipment. Motor vehicles
and recreational vehicles and equipment may be parked or stored outside as provided in the
Crystal City Code, chapter 13. If parked or stored outside, motor vehicles and recreational
vehicles and equipment shall have current valid registration including clearly visible license
plate tabs.
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;
(2) Multiple uses. Unless otherwise noted or approved, off-street parking areas serving more
than one use shall provide parking in an amount equal to the combined total of the
requirements for each use. The required base number of parking spaces shall be counted
only once for multiple use buildings;
(3) Area measurements. All square-footage-based parking standards shall be computed on the
basis of gross floor area of all floors in a nonresidential building. Up to 15 percent of the
gross floor area may be excluded from the above calculation if the area is used for storage,
loading, unloading, or for mechanical equipment; and
(4) Vehicle fuel stations. Spaces at the pump at a vehicle fuel station may count toward the
minimum parking space requirements.
(b) Occupancy-or capacity-based standards.
(1) For the purpose of computing parking requirements based on employees, students,
residents, or occupants, calculations shall be based on the typical, or average, number of
persons working on a single shift or the typical enrollment, whichever is applicable.
(2) In hospitals, bassinets shall not be counted as beds.
(3) In the case of benches, pews, and similar seating accommodations, each 24 inches thereof
shall be counted as one seat for the purpose of determining the parking requirements. If
fixed seating is not provided, then each seven square feet of floor area shall be counted as
one seat.
(c) Unlisted uses.
(1) Upon receiving an application for a use not specifically listed in the parking schedule
below, the zoning administrator shall apply the parking standard specified for the listed use
that is deemed most similar to the proposed use in regards to use, size, and intensity of use.
(2) If the zoning administrator determines that there is no listed use similar to the proposed
use, intensity, or size, they may refer to the estimates of parking demand based on
recommendations of the American Planning Association (APA), the Urban Land Institute
(ULI) and/or the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE).
147
(2) An auxiliary space cannot exceed 12 feet in width and 24 feet in length, and must be at
least ten feet from the habitable portion of a residential structure on an adjacent property;
and
(3) For access to the auxiliary space, a hard surfaced taper also is permitted, provided it does
not extend into the boulevard and has an angle of at least 22-1/2 degrees and no more than
45 degrees. If the property has setback or topographic constraints that prevent reasonable
access to a lawful auxiliary space, then the city engineer may allow the taper to extend into
the boulevard but only to the minimum extent necessary to provide reasonable access.
Subd. 10. Setbacks. Except for off-street parking lots within the TC and TC-PD districts, which
have separate requirements in paragraph (d) of this subdivision, all parking lots are subject to the setback
requirements in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this subdivision.
(a) The face of the curb shall not be within five feet of any property line and the back of the curb
shall not be within four feet of any property line.
(b) If a parking lot for a commercial, institutional, or multiple family dwelling use is adjacent to a
property used for one or two-family residential dwellings, the face of the curb for the parking
lot shall not be within ten feet of the shared property line and the back of the curb shall not be
within nine feet of the shared property line.
(c) All setbacks near intersections of public streets shall be determined by the city engineer.
(d) Within the TC and TC-PD districts, if a parking lot is constructed it shall be subject to the
following setback and locational requirements:
(1) Location. Off-street parking lots are prohibited in front of the building, but may be
located to the rear or side of buildings (see Figure 28);
Figure 28: Allowable locations for off-street parking lots in the TC and TC-PD districts
(2) Corner side property line. The face of the curb shall not be within 12 feet of the
property line and the back of the curb shall not be within 11 feet of the property line;
(3) Interior side property line. The face of the curb shall not be within 2 feet of the
property line and the back of the curb shall not be within 1 foot of the property line;
and
148
(4) Rear property line. The face of the curb shall not be within 4 feet of the property
line and the back of the curb shall not be within 3 foot of the property line.
Subd. 11. Parking design standards. Required parking areas shall be designed, constructed, and
maintained in compliance with the requirements of this subsection.
(a) Access to parking area. Access to parking areas (i.e. driveways) shall be as provided as follows.
Requirements for curb cuts and driveways approaches are provided in the Crystal city code,
Chapter VIII.
(1) One and two-family dwellings. Driveway width shall not exceed the width of the garage’s
vehicle entrance plus six feet, except that properties without a garage or with only a single
stall garage shall not have a driveway that exceeds 16 feet in width.
(2) Access for uses other than one and two-family dwellings.
(i) Parking areas shall provide suitable maneuvering area so that vehicles enter from and
exit to a public street in a forward direction only.
(ii) Parking lots shall be designed to prevent access at any point other than at designated
access drives.
(iii) A development that provides 20 or more parking spaces in a parking lot that is
accessed from a collector or arterial street shall have access driveways that are not
intersected by a parking aisle, parking space, or another access driveway for a
minimum distance of 20 feet from the street right-of-way, to provide a queuing or
stacking area for vehicles entering and exiting the parking area (See Figure 29).
Figure 29: Non-impeded access driveway.
(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 right
of way permit application shall be approved in accordance with the Crystal city code,
chapter VIII.
(b) Parking space dimensions.
149
(1) Required dimensions. Each parking space and aisle shall comply with the minimum
dimensions in Table 12 as illustrated in Figure 30.
Table 12: Parking Space and Aisle Dimensions
Angle of
Parking
(degrees)
One-Way
Maneuvering
Aisle Width
(Feet)
“A”
Two-Way
Maneuvering
Aisle Width
(Feet)
“A”
Parking Stall Width
(Feet)
“B”
Parking Stall Length
(Feet)
“C”
Compact
Size
Low
Turnover Full Size Compact
Size
Low
Turnover Full Size
0 o – Parallel 12 20 8 8.5 9 18 22 22
30 o – 53o 14 20 8 8.5 9 16 20 20
54 o – 75 o 18 22 8 8.5 9 16 20 20
76 o – 90 o 22 24 8 8.5 9 16 18 18
Figure 30: Parking space and aisle requirements based on angle of parking.
(2) Width increase. When the length of a parking space abuts a column, fence, wall, or other
obstruction, the required width of the entire parking space shall be increased by at least one
foot.
(3) No overhang. The required length of a parking space shall not provide for a vehicle
overhanging a landscaped area or walkway.
(4) Use of compact vehicle spaces. This paragraph provides for the establishment of compact
vehicle spaces as an alternative to full sized spaces. Such spaces shall comply with the
following:
(i) For parking lots with 50 or more spaces, a minimum of five percent of the total spaces
shall be designed for compact vehicle spaces;
150
(ii) iA maximum of 20 percent of spaces in any single parking lot may be dedicated to
compact parking spaces;
(iii)(ii) Compact spaces shall be clearly labeled for “compact cars” and grouped together
in one or more locations or at regular intervals so that only compact vehicles can easily
maneuver into the space;
(iv)(iii) Existing developments that wish to utilize this subsection to create additional
parking spaces (e.g., either by adding land area to an existing parking lot or modifying
an existing parking lot to gain more spaces) shall first apply for a zoning certificate or
site plan review, whichever is applicable; and
(v)(iv) The minimum off-street parking dimensions for compact vehicle spaces shall be
as identified in Table 12.
(5) Low turnover parking. This paragraph allows for the establishment of narrower parking
spaces in locations where the typical user parks for more than two hours. Such spaces shall
comply with the following:
(i) The zoning administrator shall determine whether the proposed low turnover spaces
are consistent with the stated purpose of this subsection;
(ii) Existing developments that wish to utilize this subsection to create additional parking
spaces (e.g., either by adding land area to an existing parking lot or modifying an
existing parking lot to gain more spaces) shall first apply for a zoning certificate or site
plan review, whichever is applicable; and
(iii) The minimum off-street parking dimensions for low turnover parking spaces shall be
as identified in Table 12.
(c) Surfacing.
(1) Within all zoning districts, parking lots and driveways shall be paved and permanently
maintained with asphalt, concrete, or approved paving units.
(2) Parking lots and driveways may be constructed with the use of other all-weather surfacing
as determined to be appropriate by the city engineer, where it is first determined that a
surface other than asphalt or concrete is consistent with the driveways of similar properties
in the vicinity, and that the alternate surface will not impair accessibility for emergency
vehicles.
(3) The grade elevation of any parking area shall not exceed ten percent.
(d) Striping and identification.
(1) Parking spaces shall be clearly outlined with four-inch wide lines painted on the parking
surface.
(2) The striping shall be continuously maintained in a clear and visible manner in compliance
with the approved plans.
(3) The color of the striping shall be white or yellow, unless another color is required by state
law (e.g., parking for the disabled).
151
(e) Grading and drainage.
(1) All grading plans relating to the parking facilities shall be reviewed and approved by the
city engineer before any work can commence.
(2) All off-street parking facilities shall be properly graded and drained so as to dispose of all
surface water accumulated within the area of the parking lot.
(3) In no instance shall a storm drainage facility be designed to allow the flow of water into
abutting property without an approved easement.
(f) Curbing. The purpose of curbing is to minimize storm water runoff, protect building and
parking lot edges, and increase the survivability of plants. The following standards are
applicable to curbing:
(1) Except for one or two-family dwellings, all parking areas or lots shall have cast-in-place
concrete barrier curb and gutter around the perimeter of the entire parking lot. The curb
shall be at least six inches wide and the gutter shall be at least 12 inches wide. This
minimum standard is typically referred to as “B6-12” curb and gutter.
(g) Sight distances. Adequate sight distances for vehicles and pedestrians shall be provided for
parking lots.
(h) Parking lot landscaping. Requirements for parking lot landscaping are provided in the Crystal
city code, subsection 520.11.
(i) Parking lot lighting. If exterior lighting is proposed in the parking plan, the lighting shall meet
the requirements as provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 520.07.
(j) Pedestrian connections. When feasible, the parking plan shall show pedestrian connections
within the property and to existing or planned public sidewalk and trail connections, except
that in the TC and TC-PD districts a minimum six foot wide pedestrian access shall be provided
from the principal entrance to any off-street parking lot.
(k) Deviation from standards requires a detailed study. No proposed parking layout which deviates
from the standards identified in subdivision 11 of this subsection and which could create a
safety hazard(s) shall be allowed unless the developer provides a detailed report or study
prepared by a registered transportation or civil engineer who demonstrates that the parking
layout is a viable alternative and is consistent with the purpose of this section. This alternative
plan is subject to the approval of the city engineer.
Subd. 12 Maintenance. All parking spaces, driveways, and striping shall be continually maintained
in a clean and orderly manner and kept in good repair.
Subd. 13. Loading space requirements.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of these requirements is to provide design standards for loading spaces
if such spaces are proposed by a property owner.
(b) Prohibition. Loading spaces are prohibited in all residential zoning districts and the TC district.
(c) General design standards. Loading spaces shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in
accordance with the standards and requirements set forth below:
173
Table 13: Required cash payment
Land Use Required payment
Residential uses $1,000 per dwelling unit
Commercial/Industrial uses $5,000 per acre
(1) If a property is transitioning from a pre-existing commercial or industrial use to a residential
use, the City Council shall consider crediting a new subdivision for the cash payment required
under the previous land use.
(2) Cash payments in lieu of dedication are payable before the city releases the final plat for
recording. The payment shall be placed in a special fund established by the city to be used
solely for the purposes of acquisition and development or improvement of parks,
playgrounds, trails, or open space.
(e) Credit for private land. A credit of up to 25 percent of the dedication requirements may be
awarded for park and open space that is to be privately owned and maintained by the future
residents of the subdivision. A credit will not be awarded unless the following conditions are
met:
(1) Private open space may not be occupied by nonrecreational buildings and must be available
for the use of all the residents of the proposed subdivision;
(2) Required building setbacks will not be included in computation of private open spaces;
(3) Use of the private open space must be restricted for park, playground, trail, or open space
purposes by recorded covenants that run with the land in favor of future owners of property,
and cannot be eliminated without the consent of the city council;
(4) Credit for private trail improvements shall only be given by the city when the trail system
connects to a public trail or walkway system;
(5) The private open space will be of a size, shape, location, topography, and usability for park
or recreational purposes, or contain unique features which are important to be preserved;
and
(6) The private open space must reduce the demand for public recreational facilities or public
open space occasioned by development of the subdivision.
174
Section 530
Signage
530.01. Findings, purpose and effect.
Subd. 1. Findings. The city council hereby finds as follows:
(a) Exterior signs have a substantial impact on the character and quality of the environment;
(b) Signs provide an important medium through which individuals may convey a variety of
messages; and
(c) Signs can create traffic hazards, aesthetic concerns and detriments to property values, thereby
threatening the public health, safety and welfare.
Subd. 2. Purpose and intent. It is not the purpose or intent of this section to regulate the message
displayed on any sign; nor is it the purpose or intent of this section to regulate any building design or any
display not defined as a sign, or any sign which cannot be viewed from outside a building. The purpose and
intent of this section is to:
(a) Regulate the number, location, size, type, illumination and other physical characteristics of
signs within the city in order to promote the public health, safety and welfare;
(b) Maintain, enhance and improve the aesthetic environment of the city by preventing visual
clutter that is harmful to the appearance of the community;
(c) Improve the visual appearance of the city while providing for effective means of
communication, consistent with constitutional guarantees and the city’s goals of public safety
and aesthetics; and
(d) Provide for fair and consistent enforcement of the sign regulations set forth in this section.
530.03. General sign requirements.
Subd. 1. Permit required. Unless exempted under subdivision 2 of this subsection, no sign shall be
erected, altered, reconstructed, maintained, or moved in the city without first securing a permit from the
city. The content of the sign shall not be reviewed or considered in determining whether to approve or deny
a sign permit. Application for a permit shall be on a form provided by the city.
Subd. 2. Exemptions. The following signs shall not require a permit. These exemptions, however,
shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the responsibility of its erection and
maintenance, and its compliance with the provisions of this UDC or any other law or ordinance regulating
the same.
(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.
(d) Menu boards for drive-through restaurants or eating establishments.
178
(4) The “sign specific standards” column cross-references standards that are specific to an
individual sign type and are applicable to that sign in all districts unless otherwise stated in
the sign specific standards.
Table: 14: Signs allowed by zoning district
Sign Type
Zoning District
Sign Specific
Standards
R-1 R-2 R-3 C TC I AP
Canopy, Marquee, and
Fixed Awnings
P 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 P
Freestanding
- - - P - P P 530.11, subdivision 3
Governmental A A A A A A A
Monument
P P P P P P P 530.11, subdivision 4
Multiple Tenant - - - P P P - 530.11, subdivision 6
Off-Premise
- - - - - - -
Projecting
- - - P P P P 530.11, subdivision 5
Roof
- - - - - - -
Rotating
- - - - - - -
Sandwich board - - - P P - - 530.11, subdivision 7
Shimmering - - - P - P P
Temporary
P P P P P P P 530.11, subdivision 8
Small
A A A A A A A
Wall
P P P P P P P 530.11, subdivision 9
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 or commercial uses,
180
Table: 15: Freestanding or Pylon Signs
Sign Type Number
Allowed
Maximum
Height
Area Minimum
Street
Frontage
Setback From
Lot Line
Setback
From
Right-of-
Way
Freestanding
or pylon sign
1 [1] 25 feet 1 square foot
of sign per
linear foot of
frontage [2]
50 feet 10 feet, and 50
feet from
residential
district, park,
school, library,
church or
similar land use
[3]
10 feet
Notes:
1. A property abutting more than one street may have one additional freestanding sign on one of the
additional street rights-of-way provided that such right-of-way is on an arterial or collector street and such
sign is more than 50 feet distant from any other freestanding sign on the property.
2. The area of a sign may not exceed the following square footages based on the street the sign abuts:
1. Principal arterial - 200 square feet
2. Minor arterial or major collector – 150 square feet
3. Minor collector – 100 square feet
4. Local – 50 square feet
3. All parts of a freestanding sign (supports, structure, display, or trim) shall meet this setback requirement.
Subd. 4. Monument signs. Monument signs are subject to the following standards:
(a) In the residential districts, monuments signs are only allowed for multiple family
dwellings or institutional or commercial uses;
(b) Monument signs shall meet the requirements in Table 16; and
(c) Except in the TC district, an electronically controlled reader board is allowed as part
of a monument sign.
Table: 16: Monument Signs
Sign Type Number
Allowed
Maximum
Height
Area Setback From
Any Property
Line
Setback
From
Right-of-
Way
Monument 1 [1] 6 feet in R-1,
R-2, R-3 and
TC; 25 feet
in C, I and
AP
Maximum 75
square feet in
R-1, R-2, R-3
and TC; same
area
requirements
as
10 feet 10 feet
181
Table: 16: Monument Signs
Sign Type Number
Allowed
Maximum
Height
Area Setback From
Any Property
Line
Setback
From
Right-of-
Way
Freestanding
signs in C, I,
and AP
Note:
1. A property abutting more than one street may have one additional monument sign on one
of the additional street rights-of-way provided that such right-of-way is on an arterial or major
collector street.
Subd. 5. Projecting signs. Projecting signs are subject to the following standards:
(a) Projecting signs shall meet the requirements in Table 17; and
Table: 17: Projecting Signs
Sign Type Number
Allowed
Maximum
Height
Area Setback From
Any Property
Line
Setback
From
Right-of-
Way
Projecting Maximum
of 2 wall or
projecting
signs per
wall [1]
Minimum
10 feet
clearance
above grade
and may not
be higher
than roofline
Up to 10% of
the wall area
to which it is
affixed when
combined
with wall
signs
10 feet, but
sign may be
equidistant
between the
side property
lines if the
property is less
than 20 feet in
width
10 feet
Note:
1. A property abutting more than one street may have one additional projecting sign on one of
the additional street rights-of-way provided that such right-of-way is on an arterial or collector
street and such sign is more than 50 feet distant from any other projecting sign on the property.
(b) Buildings exceeding 80,000 square feet in size on lots of over 20,000 square feet are permitted
to have wall/projecting signage of up to 250 square feet.
Subd. 6. Multiple-tenant. The following provisions shall apply to multiple-tenant buildings within
the commercial and industrial districts.
(a) Wall signs. Each tenant in a multiple-tenant building may have a flat wall sign in compliance
with the wall sign requirements in Table 18. In addition, the multiple-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.
Sec. 57.
[327.30] SACRED COMMUNITIES AND MICRO-UNIT DWELLINGS.
Subdivision 1.
Definitions.
(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.
(b) Chronically homeless" means an individual who:
(1) is homeless and lives or resides in a place not meant for human habitation, a
safe haven, or in an emergency shelter;
(2) has been homeless and living or residing in a place not meant for human
habitation, a safe haven, or in an emergency shelter continuously for at least one year or on at
least four separate occasions in the last three years; and
(3) has an adult head of household, or a minor head-of-household if no adult is
present in the household, with a diagnosable substance use disorder, serious mental illness,
developmental disability, post-traumatic stress disorder, cognitive impairments resulting
from a brain injury, or chronic physical illness or disability, including the co-occurrence of
two or more of those conditions.
(c) "Designated volunteers" means persons who have not experienced
homelessness and have been approved by the religious institution to live in a sacred
community as their sole form of housing.
(d) "Extremely low income" means an income that is equal to or less than 30
percent of the area median income, adjusted for family size, as estimated by the Department
of Housing and Urban Development.
(e) "Micro unit" means a mobile residential dwelling providing permanent housing
within a sacred community that meets the requirements of subdivision 4.
(f) "Religious institution" means a church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious
organization organized under chapter 315.
(g) "Sacred community" means a residential settlement established on or
contiguous to the grounds of a religious institution's primary worship location primarily for
the purpose of providing permanent housing for chronically homeless persons, extremely
low-income persons, and designated volunteers that meets the requirements of subdivision 3.
Subd. 2.
Dwelling in micro units in sacred communities authorized.
Religious institutions are authorized to provide permanent housing to people who
are chronically homeless, extremely low-income, or designated volunteers, in sacred
communities composed of micro units subject to the provisions of this section. Each religious
institution that has sited a sacred community must annually certify to the local unit of
government that it has complied with the eligibility requirements for residents of a sacred
community in this section.
Attachment B
Subd. 3.
Sacred community requirements.
(a) A sacred community must provide residents of micro units access to water and
electric utilities either by connecting the micro units to the utilities that are serving the
principal building on the lot or by other comparable means, or by providing the residents
access to permanent common kitchen facilities and common facilities for toilet, bathing, and
laundry with the number and type of fixtures required for an R-2 boarding house under
Minnesota Rules, part 1305.2902. Any units that are plumbed shall not be included in
determining the minimum number of fixtures required for the common facilities.
(b) A sacred community under this section must:
(1) be appropriately insured;
(2) have between one-third and 40 percent of the micro units occupied by
designated volunteers; and
(3) provide the municipality with a written plan approved by the religious
institution's governing board that outlines:
(i) disposal of water and sewage from micro units if not plumbed;
(ii) septic tank drainage if plumbed units are not hooked up to the primary worship
location's system;
(iii) adequate parking, lighting, and access to units by emergency vehicles;
(iv) protocols for security and addressing conduct within the settlement; and
(v) safety protocols for severe weather.
(c) Unless the municipality has designated sacred communities meeting the
requirements of this section as permitted uses, a sacred community meeting the requirements
of this section shall be approved and regulated as a conditional use without the application of
additional standards not included in this section. When approved, additional permitting is not
required for individual micro units.
(d) Sacred communities are subject to the laws governing landlords and tenants
under chapter 504B.
Subd. 4.
Micro unit requirements.
(a) In order to be eligible to be placed within a sacred community, a micro unit
must be built to the requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Code
119.5, which includes standards for heating, electrical systems, and fire and life safety. A
micro unit must also meet the following technical requirements:
(1) be no more than 400 gross square feet;
(2) be built on a permanent chassis and anchored to pin foundations with
engineered fasteners;
(3) have exterior materials that are compatible in composition, appearance, and
durability to the exterior materials used in standard residential construction;
(4) have a minimum insulation rating of R-20 in walls, R-30 in floors, and R-38 in
ceilings, as well as residential grade insulated doors and windows;
(5) have a dry, compostable, or plumbed toilet or other system meeting the
requirements of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Chapters 7035, 7040, 7049, and
7080, or other applicable rules;
(6) have either an electrical system that meets NFPA 70 NEC, section 551 or 552
as applicable or a low voltage electrical system that meets ANSI/RVIA Low Voltage
Standard, current edition;
(7) have minimum wall framing with two inch by four inch wood or metal studs
with framing of 16 inches to 24 inches on center, or the equivalent in structural insulated
panels, with a floor load of 40 pounds per square foot and a roof live load of 42 pounds per
square foot; and
(8) have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed.
(b) All micro units, including their anchoring, must be inspected and certified for
compliance with these requirements by a licensed Minnesota professional engineer or
qualified third-party inspector for ANSI compliance accredited pursuant to either the
American Society for Testing and Materials Appendix E541 or ISO/IEC 17020.
(c) Micro units that connect to utilities such as water, sewer, gas, or electric, must
obtain any permits or inspections required by the municipality or utility company for that
connection.
(d) Micro units must comply with municipal setback requirements established by
ordinance for manufactured homes. If a municipality does not have such an ordinance, micro
units must be set back on all sides by at least ten feet.
EFFECTIVE DATE.
This section is effective January 1, 2024.