2025.03.10 - Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Crystal Planning Commission Agenda Summary
Monday, March 10, 2025
7 p.m.
Crystal City Hall and Zoom Video Conference
Zoom call information: https://go.crystalmn.gov/March10 (meeting ID is 891 5889
4071 and passcode is 643592) or call-in toll free at 888-475-4499
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes*
a. Monday, January 13, 2025 meeting minutes
3. Public Hearing – None
4. Old Business - None
5. New Business*
a. Discuss proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC)
6. General Information
a. City Council actions on previous Planning Commission items: Subdivision and
variance approval at 3120 Douglas Drive N.
b. Development and construction update
c. Update from Council liaison
d. Staff preview of likely agenda items for Monday, April 14, 2025 meeting
7. Open Forum
8. Adjournment
* Items for which supporting materials are included in the meeting packet
Page 1 of 2
CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION
DETAILED AGENDA
Monday, March 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, Crystal City Hall
Commissioners, please call 763.531.1142 or
email dan.olson@crystalmn.gov if unable to attend
* Items for which supporting materials are included in the meeting packet
1. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at ______ p.m. with
the following members present:
Commissioner (Ward 1)
Sears [Vice Chair]
Commissioner (Ward 2)
Selton
Commissioner (Ward 4)
Einfeldt-Brown
Commissioner (Ward 1)
Heigel
Commissioner (Ward 3)
Sumnicht
Commissioner (Ward 4)
Johnson [Chair]
Commissioner (Ward 2)
Strand
Commissioner (Ward 3)
Buck [Sec. Vice Chair]
Commissioner (At-
Large) Scholz
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES *
Moved by _______________ and seconded by _______________ to approve the
minutes of the January 13, 2025 regular meeting with the following exceptions:
Motion carried.
3. PUBLIC HEARING - None
4. OLD BUSINESS – None
5. NEW BUSINESS*
a. Discuss proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC)
6. GENERAL INFORMATION
a. City Council actions on previous Planning Commission items:
▪ Subdivision and variance approval at 3120 Douglas Drive N.
b. Development and construction update
c. Update from Council Liaison
Page 2 of 2
d. Staff preview of likely agenda items for Monday, April 14, 2025 meeting:
7. OPEN FORUM
8. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by _____ and seconded by ______ to adjourn.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at ______ p.m.
Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes – January 13, 2025
CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, Crystal City Hall
1. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 p.m. with the
following members present:
Commissioner (Ward 1)
Sears [Vice Chair]
X Commissioner (Ward 2)
Selton
Commissioner (Ward 4)
Einfeldt-Brown [Sec. Vice
Chair]
X Commissioner (Ward 1)
Heigel
X Commissioner (Ward 3)
Sumnicht
X Commissioner (Ward 4)
Johnson [Chair]
X Commissioner (Ward 2)
Strand
X Commissioner (Ward 3)
Buck
Commissioner (At-Large)
Scholz
Other attendees: City planner Dan Olson, Community Development Director John
Sutter, City Council liaison Forest Eidbo, and David Knaeble representing 3120 Douglas
Dr. N.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Selton and seconded by Heigel to approve the minutes of the November 12,
2024 regular meeting.
Ayes: All. Nays: None.
Motion carried.
3. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Subdivision and variance request from Terra Development to create new residential
lots at 3120 Douglas Drive North (Application number 2025-01)
Planner Olson presented a summary of the staff report and stated he is recommending
approval of the subdivision and variances.
Commission member Heigel asked if the County has approved driveway curb cuts.
Planner Olson said that the County has stated they will work with the applicant to
approve those cuts.
Commission member Strand asked the applicant if he will rent or sell the homes. Mr.
Knaeble said he will sell the existing home and then sell the vacant lots.
Commission member Heigel asked if the new homes will be single or two story.
Planner Olson said the builders of the lots will determine that. Mr. Sutter added that
Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes – January 13, 2025
there are typical house footprints on the preliminary plat, but these are for illustrative
purposes and the new homes will be required to meet the required setbacks. Planner
Olson added that the builder could construct single-family homes on the two-family lots.
Mr. Sutter added that the city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) had looked at
buying this lot many years ago for new residential development, but the expense of
grading and adding fill made it cost prohibitive.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. Seeing no one who wished to speak, Chair
Johnson closed the hearing.
Moved by Johnson and seconded by Buck to recommend approval to the City Council
of the subdivision and variance application with the conditions in the staff report.
Ayes: All. Nays: None.
4. OLD BUSINESS - None
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Election of Officers
Chairperson: Selton nominated Johnson to serve as chairperson. No other
nominations were made. Seconded by Buck to nominate Johnson for chairperson.
Ayes: all.
Vice-Chairperson: Motion by Strand, seconded by Johnson to nominate Sears as
vice-chairperson. No other nominations were made. Ayes: all
Second Vice-Chairperson: Motion by Buck to nominate himself for second vice-chair,
seconded by Heigel. No other nominations were made. Ayes: all
6. GENERAL INFORMATION
• City Council actions on previous Planning Commission items: Planner Olson said
the site plan for the liquor store expansion at 5120 – 56th Avenue N. was approved
by the City Council. In addition, the City Council approved the new cannabis-related
ordinance language in the Unified Development Code (UDC).
• Update from Council Liaison: Council member Eidbo introduced himself as the new
Council liaison. He said that the city has a new mayor and the new Council is
working together well. Mr. Eidbo said they’ve had some discussion about improving
traffic safety. Mr. Eidbo also provided an update on a community visioning process
that the Council is embarking upon.
• Staff preview of likely agenda items for Monday, February 10, 2025 meeting.
Planner Olson said the application deadline is not until tomorrow and he is not
expecting any applications. The Commission may discuss proposed UDC
amendments.
Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes – January 13, 2025
7. OPEN FORUM
Commission Chair Johnson said he saw that the Walgreens at 6800 – 56th Ave N. is
closing and he wondered what the future of the property might be. Mr. Sutter said that
we’re starting to get redevelopment inquiries, but nothing is definitive yet. The property
has not been listed for sale.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Selton and seconded by Buck to adjourn. Ayes: All. Nays: None
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 1 OF 12
__________________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
TO: Planning Commission (for March 10 meeting)
DATE: March 4, 2025
RE: Discuss proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code
__________________________________________________________________________
A. BACKGROUND
Staff is requesting that Planning Commission discuss proposed amendments to the
unified development code (UDC). The proposed amendments include policy changes
on five issues, as well as corrections or clarifications, brought about by things we
learned while administering the UDC’s requirements. The amendments are proposed
to be undertaken in two phases, as described in the table below and later in the staff
report.
Phase 1 Amendments (Spring 2025) Phase 2 Amendments (Fall 2025)
1. Amendments based on the
outcome of the discussion of
the five policy changes.
2. Clarification and correction
amendments.
1. Revisit the ordinance amendments
adopted by City Council in Sept.
2022 and subject to a referendum
petition in Oct. 2022. In response to
the petition, City Council repealed
these amendments on Nov. 15,
2022.
On February 4, 2025, City Council heard a presentation by city staff on the proposed
UDC amendments. Any comments by the Council have been incorporated into this staff
report.
Attachments:
A. Proposed ordinance amendments
B. Parking comparison table
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Discuss UDC amendments
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 2 OF 12
B. PROPOSED POLICY CHANGES
Staff has identified the following five issues involving a change of policy that will require
additional discussion.
1. Create a new neighborhood commercial (NC) district. Prior to 2018 the city had
two commercial zoning districts: the General Commercial district (C-2) which drew
customers from the entire community, and the Neighborhood Commercial district
(C-1) which provided for limited commercial uses near established residential
areas. The C-1 district was not included in the UDC when it was created in 2018,
and its properties were included in the Commercial district. City Council has
recently expressed interest in re-establishing this district to ensure compatibility
between residential and commercial.
a. Zoning standards. The NC district would include commercial properties near
residential uses, but outside of the following areas of the city:
• Main commercial area at West Broadway and 56th Ave. N. (Bass Lake
Road)
• Cub area at the southeast quadrant of 36th Ave N and Hwy. 100.
• 60th and Lakeland Ave. N. In 2022 City Council approved a UDC text
amendment to allow for the expansion of Goldengate Auto (6048
Lakeland Ave. N) and Jack’s Auto Sales (6030 Lakeland/6043 Florida
Ave. N).
The following are possible standards that would be added to the NC district, with
proposed language shown in attachment A.
a. Purpose statement (page 50).
b. Listing of the permitted, conditional, accessory and temporary uses (pages
76-79, 96-97, and 106).
c. Dimensional requirements. Minimum lot areas, lot width, lot depths, building
setbacks, and greenspace requirements (pages 114-127).
d. Sign requirements (page 182). The proposed amendments do not prohibit
electronic readerboards since they are allowed in the residential districts
(mostly for schools, churches, and public buildings/parks). The Planning
Commission should discuss sign options for the NC district, including
prohibiting electronic readerboards or reducing the size of signs in the
district.
e. Hours of operation (page 50).
f. Design standards (page 50). Staff has added a requirement that new
building construction would be subject to a shadow effects study, as required
in the Town Center (TC) and Town Center – Planned Development (TC-PD)
districts. The Commission should discuss whether to include additional
design standards such as building location, height, size, massing, or exterior
materials.
b. Amend medium (R-2) and higher (R-3) density residential zoning districts
(pages 76-79). The R-2 and R-3 districts primarily contains residential uses.
With the creation of the NC district, staff proposes to remove commercial uses in
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 3 OF 12
the R-2 and R-3 districts to encourage any future neighborhood commercial
uses to be located in the NC district.
c. Potential addresses for rezoning. The following properties would be rezoned for
the new neighborhood commercial (NC) district. See the map on page 6
showing properties to be rezoned to NC.
Property Address Current Use
2960 Winnetka Ave N. Office building
7818 - 36th Ave. N. Speedway gas station
3620 Winnetka Ave N. Crystal Kitchen & Bath
2700 Douglas Dr. N. Lamplighter Square shopping center
2756 Douglas Dr. N. Office building
4701 – 36th Ave. N. Legacy Thrift store
4725 – 36th Ave. N. Pinnacle Dermatology
4617 – 36th Ave. N. Mark of Excellence hair salon
4611 – 36th Ave. N. Hardwood floor store
3548 Noble Ave. N. Sween Dental
3600 Douglas Dr. N. Wine Thief & Ale Jail
3528 & 3550 Douglas Dr. N. Strip retail buildings
3501 Douglas Dr. N. Suite Living assisted living (property
will remain zoned Planned
Development, but the underlying
zoning will be amended from
Commercial to Neighborhood
Commercial).
3517 Douglas Dr. N. Vacant, zoned R-1
3537 Douglas Dr. N. Strip retail buildings
6304 – 42nd Ave. N. B & R Transmission
4210-4300 Douglas Dr. N. Almstedt’s Fresh Market
6225 – 42nd Ave. N. Access Veterinary Care
6209 – 42nd Ave. N. Inka Dental
6121-6129 – 42nd Ave. N. Strip retail building
6205 – 42nd Ave. N. Elision Playhouse
6023 – 42nd Ave. N. Tumble Fresh laundry
6001 – 42nd Ave. N. Adair Liquors
4169 Adair Ave. N. Single-family home guided as
Commercial in the Comprehensive
Plan
6208 – 42nd Ave. N. Strip retail building
6016 – 42nd Ave. N. Tobacco shop
6000 – 42nd Ave. N. Big Bs Gas & Goods
4800 West Broadway We Fix Blinds shop
4801 West Broadway Vacant office building
4900 West Broadway Steve O’s bar & grill
4901 West Broadway ResCare (residential treatment facility)
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 4 OF 12
4905 West Broadway O’Reilly auto parts store
4920 West Broadway Ashley’s Liquor
4940 West Broadway Office building
5000 West Broadway Cornerstone church
5001 West Broadway City of Crystal public works facility
5125 West Broadway Washburn-McReavy funeral chapel
7200 – 56th Ave. N. Vacant building
5618 – 56th Ave. N. Metro law offices
5600 – 56th Ave. N. Strip retail building
6222 – 56th Ave. N. Crystal VFW
5505 – 56th Ave. N. Rose-Bo floral shop
5565 Vera Cruz Ave N. EDA-owned vacant property
5120 – 56th Ave N. Klever Liquor
4800 – 56th Ave N. Sheer Magic barbershop
5924 West Broadway Geneva Discount Furniture
Potentially rezone to NC: The following properties in the area near 60th and Lakeland
Ave N. (see aerial photo below) could be rezoned to NC, but the Planning Commission
should discuss whether these properties should remain zoned Commercial or be
rezoned to NC.
6000 Lakeland Ave. N North Star Inn & Suites
6014 Lakeland Ave. N Odam Clinic
6030 Lakeland Ave N//6043 Florida Ave. N. Single-family home and Jack’s Auto sales
6048 Lakeland Ave. N. Goldengate auto sales
2024 aerial photo –
60th and Lakeland
Ave N.
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 5 OF 12
Rezone to R-1: The property at 4217 Adair Ave. N., below, which contains a single-family
home is currently zoned Commercial (C) but is proposed to be rezoned to Low Density
Residential (R-1). The property is guided Low Density Residential in the Comprehensive Plan.
4217 Adair
Ave. N.
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 6 OF 12
Circled locations of proposed NC district rezonings
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 7 OF 12
2. Reduce minimum lot width and area for two-family dwellings (pages 119-120).
To provide more housing opportunities, staff proposes to reduce the minimum lot width
for a two-family dwelling in the R-1 district from 80’ to 75’, and to reduce the minimum
lot area from 10,000 to 9,000 sq. ft. Staff will provide a map at the March 10th meeting
showing the location of lots zoned R-1 that are already eligible for a two-family
dwelling, and those that would become eligible if the amendment was approved by the
City Council.
3. Modify locations for auto-dependent uses (pages 78, 84-87).
City Council has expressed an interest in reducing the number of auto-dependent uses
in the Town Center (TC) and Town Center – Planned Development (TC-PD) area.
These uses are currently allowed as either a permitted or conditional use along the
West Broadway and Hwy 81 corridors, south of 56th Ave N (Bass Lake Rd) and north of
the railroad tracks.
The map on page 7 shows the location of 20 businesses defined as auto-dependent
uses. These uses are vehicle fuel stations; vehicle, boat and recreational vehicle sales
or lease; car washes; vehicle repair; and vehicle impound lots.
• TC district. There are no auto-dependent uses in the mandatory TC district.
• TC-PD district. Since the TC-PD is an overlay district that a property owner can
opt into, all 20 businesses could be continued under the Commercial or
Industrial zoning classification.
If the text amendment is approved by the City Council, 17 businesses would become
legally nonconforming (the other three businesses in this list are already noted as
legally nonconforming), meaning that these businesses could continue to operate but
cannot expand, and if the use is discontinued for one year, then that location can no
longer have an auto-dependent use. The 20 businesses are:
Vehicle fuel stations
• Speedway, 5359 West Broadway
• Holiday (with car wash), 5410 Lakeland Ave. N.
Vehicle, boat or recreational vehicle sales or lease
• Christy Motors, 5272 West Broadway
• Vacant building, 5213-5215 West Broadway
• RAV Motors, 5241 West Broadway
• Tower Auto Mart, 5273 West Broadway
• Car Hop auto sales, 5417 Lakeland Ave. N.
• U-Haul, 5465 Lakeland Ave. N.
• Cities Auto (already legally nonconforming), 5630 Lakeland Ave. N
Car washes
• Car Wash, 5301 Douglas Dr. N.
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 8 OF 12
Vehicle repair
• Quizhpi Collision, 5115 Hanson Ct N
• Asia Auto Center, 5264 West Broadway
• Aamco Transmission, 5231 West Broadway
• Source Auto, 5301 Douglas Dr N
• TGK Automotive, 5337 Edgewood Ave. N.
• Skip’s Auto Repair, 5343 Lakeland Ave. N.
• Boss Auto Garage (already legally nonconforming), 5259 Douglas Dr. N.
• ASI Automotive (already legally nonconforming), 5701 West Broadway
Vehicle impound lots
• Schmit Towing, 5246 Hanson Ct N.
• Twin Cities Transport and Recovery, 5124-5128 Hanson Ct N
Auto-dependent uses in the TC and TC-PD districts:
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 9 OF 12
4. Modify parking requirements.
a. Eliminate or modify minimum and/or maximum number of parking spaces.
➢ Eliminate minimum parking. Some cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul
and Duluth, have eliminated minimum required parking to let the market
determine how much parking is needed, while still requiring a maximum
number of spaces. Staff has not found a city similar to Crystal (first tier
suburb fully built out in the immediate post World War II period) that has
eliminated minimums, and we do not recommend doing so at this time.
➢ Parking comparison table. Attachment B is a table providing minimum and
maximum number of parking spaces in similar cities for the most common
land uses.
• Some cities in the table allow applicants to submit a parking study and
give staff the authority to administratively reduce minimum parking
requirements rather than going through a variance approval process.
The Planning Commission should discuss whether to add that
provision to the UDC.
b. Delete the requirement for covered parking for one-and-two family residential.
➢ Currently a single or two-family dwelling is required to have two parking
spaces per unit, one of which must be enclosed in a garage.
➢ To reduce housing costs for new construction, the proposed amendment
would eliminate the need for a garage but still require that each unit have
two parking spaces. Builders would most likely still construct a garage.
➢ Existing homes with an attached garage could repurpose that garage for
productive living space, such as a rec room or ADU.
➢ Attachment B describes whether similar cities require a garage for single-
family or two-family dwellings. New Brighton and Brooklyn Center do not
require a garage for a single-family dwelling, but New Brighton requires a
garage for a two-family dwelling.
5. Allow ADUs in additional housing types (pages 7, 96, 100, 121, 126, 144).
a. Single-family attached and two-family dwellings.
➢ Currently, only single-family detached dwellings may have an ADU.
➢ Staff proposes that properties with one-family attached dwellings and two-
family dwellings (duplexes) also be allowed have one ADU with similar
requirements as single-family homes.
o Example 1: An existing side-by-side duplex with a walkout
basement would be able to have an ADU in the basement, meaning
there could be a total of three dwelling units on the property.
o Example 2: An attached single-family dwelling could build a
detached ADU in the back yard.
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 10 OF 12
b. Neighborhood Commercial district. Staff proposes to allow ADUs in the
proposed NC district, as allowed by the pre-UDC zoning code (under this
zoning, City Council approved an apartment above the Hardwood Floor store
at 4611 – 36th Ave N). This amendment will allow a limited number of
residential apartments to be included as part of a commercial use, typically
above the commercial use. Detached ADUs would not be allowed in the NC
district.
C. CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS
The majority of proposed UDC amendments would not be policy changes, but instead
clarifications and corrections to existing requirements. The following are the proposed
amendments:
1. Greenhouse, garden and landscaping sales (pages 13, 14, 77). The amendment
clarifies the difference between landscaping retail sales and landscape
contractors, which are allowed in the Industrial district as “industrial or
commercial uses with outdoor storage of parts, products or fuels”.
2. Portable storage container (page 19). The definition would now include soft-
sided storage containers (“bagsters”).
3. Subdivision regulations (pages 25, 164). Clarifies that a subdivision review by the
city only includes Common Interest Community (CIC) plats that divide the land
into two or more lots (not merely a division of ownership).
4. Type 1 review procedure (page 34). Clarifies that the zoning administrator may
be assisted in application review by other city staff, as is done for type 2 and 3
procedures.
5. Timeline for building permit submittal (pages 38, 39, 41, and 46). Clarifies that
an applicant has one year to submit a building permit application after approval of
a zoning certificate, site plan, CUP, or PD rezoning application.
6. Site plan review (page 38). Requires only a type 1 review procedure for a
building replacement on the same footprint and height as the original building. In
addition, construction of buildings at the airport only requires a type 1 review.
7. Shadow effects study (page 53). The study requirement is amended to increase
the radius of a proposed building to include more residential properties.
8. Glazing coverage (pages 50, 51, 54). The requirement for coverage of glazing in
the town center area is increased to 70% and in the neighborhood commercial
and commercial districts, a new requirement for such coverage is added.
9. Private recreational use in a Planned Development (page 72). This requirement
is removed since the city has adequate public parks within walking distance of
any potential development site.
10. Specialized care facilities (page 76). The ability to have a specialized care facility
with 6 or fewer residents in the commercial district is deleted since these facilities
would primarily be located within a single-family dwelling and that use type is not
allowed in the commercial district.
11. Notes in permitted use table (page 79, 83). The amendment revises the notes
section of the principal land use table as follows:
➢ Notes 2, 3, and 5 have (or are proposed to have) requirements within the
use specific standards instead.
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 11 OF 12
➢ Note 4 relates to a requirement deleted in 2023 that limited the amount of
floor space for on-sale liquor, wine or beer.
12. Building signage (page 80). Requires directional signage at the public street if
the primary entry door for a multiple family dwelling is not visible from the street.
13. Building setbacks in TC district (page 94). This amendment corrects an internal
conflict since buildings in the TC district have different setback requirements.
14. Garage and carport requirements (pages 95, 101-102). In addition to
reorganizing requirements for garages and carports, the amendment is to ensure
that a garage is large enough for a vehicle by setting a minimum standard for a
garage size.
15. Micro unit dwellings (page 102). The requirements for micro unit dwellings are
amended to include theses units in the density calculation for the property.
16. Seasonal agricultural sales (page 108). The amendment clarifies weekend hours
for seasonal agricultural sales.
17. Exterior materials requirements (page 128). This amendment exempts hangers
at the Crystal Airport from the prohibition of a corrugated metal exterior.
18. Tree removal and replacement requirements (pages 134-135). The amendment
clarifies the process for determining which trees need to be replaced if removed
and which trees can be removed without replacement.
19. Ground mechanical equipment (page 139). Amendment provides an exemption
for locating ground mechanical equipment between the building and the public
street right-of-way if required by a private utility company.
20. Parking lot setback (page 151). The amendment allows for the required minimum
10’ parking lot setback adjacent to residential properties to be reduced to 5’ if a
permanent screen fence is installed.
21. Driveway and parking lot paver requirements (page 154). The city allows pavers
for driveways and parking lots, but the UDC does not currently have any
standards for approval. This amendment adds those standards.
22. Grading (page 171). The amendment adds a cross-reference to chapter 415 of
the city code, which has requirements for grading.
23. Signs.
➢ Substitution clause for signs (pages 179, 186, 187). These amendments
are to clarify the content neutrality sections of the sign code.
➢ Sign height (page 181). The amendment correct an internal conflict
between the sigh height of 25’ and the sign height requirements for
individual sign types.
➢ Electronic readerboard (page 183). The amendment clarifies how the sign
area for an electronic readerboard is measured.
➢ Freestanding signs (page 184). Clarify that the 50’ setback is to an
adjacent residential use, not district.
➢ Temporary signs (page 186). The amendment provides size requirements
for temporary signs.
D. PHASE TWO AMENDMENTS
The second phase of amendments would revisit the amendments adopted by the City
Council in Sept. 2022, and then repealed in Nov. 2022 by City Council in response to a
DISCUSS UDC AMENDMENTS
PAGE 12 OF 12
referendum petition. The following are the amendments that would be considered in
Fall 2025:
a. Definition and requirements for alleys
b. Definition of lot
c. Definition of lot width
d. Definition and requirements for nonconforming lot
e. Definition of street
f. Definition of through lot
g. Definition of rear lot line
h. Requirements for lot arrangement
i. Street frontage and access requirements
j. Requirements for rounding up or down of dimensions and calculations
E. REQUESTED ACTION
Planning Commission provide comments on the proposed first phase amendments for
the Planning Commission public hearing on April 14.
The following is the proposed schedule for considering the first phase of amendments:
March 18 City Council review Planning Commission recommendations
April 14 Planning Commission public hearing
May 6 Council considers first reading of ordinance
May 20 Council considers second reading and adoption
May 29 Summary of ordinance published
June 28 Effective date of ordinance
7
Section 505
Definitions
Subd. 1. Abutting or adjacent. “Abutting” or “Adjacent” means the land, lot, or property adjoining
the property in question along a lot line or separated only by an alley, easement or street.
Subd. 2. Accessibility ramps. “Accessibility ramps” means ramps that provide access to buildings
for the disabled.
Subd. 3. Accessory dwelling unit. “Accessory dwelling unit” means a dwelling unit that is located
on the same lot as a one family detached dwelling, one family attached dwelling, two family dwelling, and
to commercial uses in the NC district, to which it is accessory to and subordinate in size. An accessory
dwelling unit may be within or attached to the one family dwelling or commercial building, or in a detached
accessory building on the same lot.
Subd. 4. Accessory structure. “Accessory structure” means a subordinate building or other
subordinate structure, including but not limited to detached garages, sheds, gazebos, or swimming pools,
the use of which is clearly subordinate or accessory to the principal use of the building or property.
Subd. 5. Adult uses. “Adult uses” has the meaning given it from the Crystal city code, chapter XI.
Subd. 6. Airport facilities. “Airport facilities” means the buildings and grounds of the Crystal
Airport, including those areas used for the storage, fueling, and repair of aircraft.
Subd. 7. Alley. “Alley” means a public right-of-way other than a street that affords a secondary
means of access to abutting property.
Subd. 8. Animal hospital or veterinary clinic. “Animal hospital or veterinary clinic” means any
building or portion of a building where animals or pets are given medical or surgical treatment and are cared
for at the time of such treatment, including facilities with offices and/or laboratories for operation and/or
functioning of a research and development facility. Use as a kennel shall be limited to short time boarding
and shall be incidental to such animal hospital use.
Subd. 9. Antenna support structure. “Antenna support structure” means any building, athletic field
lighting, water tower, or other structure other than a tower, which can be used for location of
telecommunications facilities as an accessory, subordinate use. New structures built for the purpose of
attaching telecommunications facilities are “towers” not “antenna support structures” for the purposes of
this UDC. For example, if an athletic field light pole would be replaced by a taller pole to facilitate
installation of an antenna, then the new pole would be classified as a “tower” not an “antenna support
structure” even if lights would be mounted to it in a manner similar to the way they were mounted to the
previous light pole. This term does not include wireless support structures, which are separately defined
under this UDC.
Subd. 10. Applicant. “Applicant” means, unless otherwise specified, an owner or agent for the
owner, including a subdivider, developer, attorney, or similar representative who has filed an application
for development or sign approval with the city.
Subd. 11. Application. “Application” means the process by which the owner, or their agent, of a
parcel of land within the city submits a written request for any type of development or sign approval.
Subd. 12. Awning. “Awning” means a roof-like cover, often of fabric, plastic, metal, or glass
designed and intended for protection from the weather or as a decorative embellishment, and which projects
Attachment A
13
Subd. 75. Floor area, finished. “Floor area, finished” means the gross floor area that is finished as
fully habitable space, including the finished portion of a basement. Where a sloped ceiling is present, only
that portion which has at least six feet of vertical clearance from floor to ceiling shall be considered finished
floor area.
Subd. 76. Frontage. “Frontage” means the line of contact of a property with a public right-of-way.
Subd. 77. Funeral home. “Funeral home” means a building used for human funeral services and
which may include space for embalming and other services used in the preparation of the dead for burial,
the indoor storage of caskets, funeral urns, and other related supplies. Funeral homes do not include
facilities for cremation, but cremation services may be offered.
Subd. 78. Garage, attached. “Garage, attached” means the storage of motor vehicles by the owner
or occupant of the principal use in a garage that is attached to the principal structure by a common wall or
by a roof. An attached garage has no facilities for mechanical service or repair.
Subd. 79. Garage, detached. “Garage, detached” means an accessory building for the private use of
the owner or occupant of a principal building situated on the same lot of the principal building for the
storage of motor vehicles with no facilities for mechanical service or repair. A detached garage is a
freestanding structure, not connected to the foundation, wall, roof, or other part of the principal structure.
Subd. 80. Garage or yard sales. “Garage or yard sales” means the infrequent temporary display and
sale of general household goods, used clothing, appliances, and other personal property.
Subd. 81. Grade. “Grade” means the average finished ground level of the land around the perimeter
of a lot, structure, or building.
Subd. __. Greenhouses, garden and landscaping sales. “Greenhouses, garden and landscaping
sales” means an establishment for the growth, display, and/or sale of plants, shrubs and trees, and materials
used in indoor or outdoor planting, conducted within or without an enclosed building.
Subd. 82. Half street. “Half street” means a right-of-way dedicated for a street by a developer along
such developer’s perimeter property line equal to only one-half of the total right-of-way width required by
this UDC.
Subd. 83. Hemp business. “Hemp business” has the meaning given the term in Minnesota Statutes,
342.01, subdivision 24.
Subd. 84. Home business. “Home business” means a business, profession, activity, or use that is
clearly a customary, incidental, and accessory use of a residential dwelling and except for allowable signage
does not alter the exterior of the property or affect the residential character of the neighborhood.
Subd. 85. Hospital. “Hospital” means an institution licensed by the state providing health care
services and medical or surgical care to persons, primarily inpatient, suffering illness, disease, injury, and
other physical and mental conditions. Hospitals may include as an integral part of the facility laboratories,
outpatient facilities, or training facilities.
Subd. 86. Hotel, motel, or extended stay. “Hotel, motel, or extended stay” means a facility
containing four or more guest rooms and offering transient lodging accommodations on a daily rate to the
general public, plus no more than two dwelling units as accessory uses to the hotel and occupied only by
the property owners or on-site managers.
14
Subd. 87. Hydric soils. “Hydric soils” means soils that are saturated, flooded, or ponded long
enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part.
Subd. 88. Hydrophytic vegetation. “Hydrophytic vegetation” means macrophytic plant life growing
in water, soil, or on a substrate that is at least periodically deficient in oxygen as a result of excessive water
content.
Subd. 89. Impervious surface. “Impervious surface” means any surface that does not readily absorb
or retain water, including but not limited to buildings, roofs, parking areas and driveways, sidewalks, and
pavement.
Subd. 90. Industrial uses (indoors). “Industrial uses (indoors)” means a facility used primarily for
manufacturing, processing, or assembly of products that is a fully enclosed structure where noise, odor,
light, or vibrations are not noticeable from the adjacent properties.
Subd. 91. Industrial or commercial uses with outdoor storage of parts, products, or fuel. “Industrial
or commercial uses with outdoor storage of parts, products, or fuel” means those industrial or commercial
uses, such as recycling establishments, truck terminals, public works yards, building or landscape contractor
yards, or other commercial businesses that find it necessary to have outdoor/open storage of parts, products,
or fuels to support the principal use of the property. This includes commercial truck storage or parking as
defined in this UDC, but not those temporary outdoor storage uses which are regulated in the Crystal city
code, subsection 515.25.
Subd. 92. Infiltration. “Infiltration” means the passage of water into the ground through the soil.
Subd. 93. Kennels, commercial. “Kennels, commercial” has the meaning given it in the Crystal city
code, chapter IX.
Subd. 94. Kennels, multiple animal. “Kennels, multiple animal” has the meaning given it in the
Crystal city code, chapter IX.
Subd. __. Landscape contractor. “Landscape contractor” means a business principally engaged in
the decorative and functional alteration, planting, and maintenance of grounds.
Subd. 95. Loading spaces. “Loading spaces” means the area not within a public right-of-way
provided and maintained for the temporary parking of trucks and other motor vehicles for the purpose of
loading and unloading goods, wares, materials, and merchandise. For the purposes of this UDC,
development standards for loading spaces shall only apply to those areas of at least ten feet in width, 30
feet in length and having a vertical clearance of at least 14 feet.
Subd. 96. Lot. “Lot” means land occupied or proposed to be occupied by a building and its
accessory buildings, together with such open space as is required under the provisions of this UDC, having
not less than the minimum area required by this UDC for a building site in the district in which such lot is
situated and having its principal frontage on a street or a proposed street approved by the city council.
Subd. 97. Lot coverage. “Lot coverage” means that portion of a lot that is covered by impervious
surfaces.
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streets, and physical features relevant to the development of the property, but not in the detail or final form
of the final plat.
Subd. 136. Porch, open. “Porch, open” means a porch that has a roof but is not enclosed with
windows, screens or walls. An open porch that does not have a roof is defined as a deck.
Subd. 137. Portable storage container. “Portable storage container” means a temporary portable
structure or container that allows for on-site storage of goods or materials, and which is not permanently
affixed to a foundation. For the purposes of this UDC the term includes soft-sided storage containers,
including the containers commonly called “bagsters”.
Subd. 138. Principal Cannabis Business. “Principal Cannabis Business” means a cannabis retailer
business that derives more than 50% of its gross revenue from the sale of cannabis products.
Subd. 139. Private recreational facilities, indoor. “Private recreational facilities, indoor” means
recreational facilities are private recreational facilities located completely within an enclosed building that
includes, but is not limited to bowling alleys, volleyball courts, ice skating rinks, and driving ranges.
Subd. 140. Private recreational facilities, outdoor. “Private recreational facilities, outdoor” means
private recreational facilities providing outdoor activities that includes, but is not limited to, sand volleyball
courts, miniature golf courses, batting cages, and tennis courts.
Subd. 141. Public and semipublic buildings. “Public and semipublic buildings “ means buildings
containing public or civic uses of special significance to residents, employees or visitors such as community
service centers. Public and semipublic buildings do not include public utility buildings, schools, or religious
institutions.
Subd. 142. Public waters. “Public waters” means waters of the state as defined in Minnesota
Statutes, section 103G.005.
Subd. 143. Reach. “Reach” means a hydraulic engineering term used to describe a longitudinal
segment of a stream or river influenced by a natural or man-made obstruction. In an urban area, the segment
of a stream or river between two consecutive bridge crossings would most typically constitute a reach.
Subd. 144. Recreational vehicle. “Recreational vehicle” has the meaning given the term in
Minnesota Statutes, section 168.002. For the purposes of this UDC, the term recreational vehicle is
synonymous with the term “travel trailer/travel vehicle”.
Subd. 145. Regional flood. “Regional flood” means a flood which is representative of large floods
known to have occurred generally in Minnesota and reasonably characteristic of what can be expected to
occur on an average frequency in the magnitude of the 1% chance or 100-year recurrence interval. Regional
flood is synonymous with the term "base flood" used in a flood insurance study.
Subd. 146. Regulatory flood protection elevation (RFPE). “Regulatory flood protection elevation”
or “RFPE” means an elevation not less than two feet above the elevation of the regional flood plus any
increases in flood elevation caused by encroachments on the floodplain that result from designation of a
floodway.
Subd. 147. Religious institutions. “Religious institutions” mean a building, together with its
accessory buildings, where persons regularly assemble for religious worship and which building, together
with its accessory buildings and uses, is maintained and controlled by a religious body organized to sustain
public worship.
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Subd. 172. Stealth. “Stealth” means any telecommunications facility which is designed to blend
into the surrounding environment. Examples of stealth facilities include architecturally screened roof-
mounted antennas, antennas integrated into architectural elements, and telecommunications towers
designed to look other than a tower such as light poles, power poles, and trees.
Subd. 173. Street. “Street” means a public right-of-way greater than 30 feet in width platted or
dedicated for the purpose of accommodating vehicular traffic or providing principal access to abutting
property. An alley is not a street.
Subd. 174. Structure. “Structure” means anything constructed or erected on or connected to the
ground, whether temporary or permanent in character.
Subd. 175. Subdivision. “Subdivision” means as a verb, the term means the process of separating
a parcel of land for the purpose of building or conveyance into two or more lots, including the division of
previously subdivided property. As a noun, the term means the product resulting from the separation of a
parcel into two or more parcels. The term also includes the activity regulated by Minnesota Statutes,
chapters 515, 515A, and 515B.
Subd. 176. Substantial damage. “Substantial damage” means in relation to the floodplain overlay
district damage of any origin sustained by a structure where the cost of restoring the structure to it’s before-
damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage
occurred.
Subd. 177. Substantial improvement. “Substantial improvement” means in relation to the
floodplain overlay district within any consecutive 365-day period, any reconstruction, rehabilitation
(including normal maintenance and repair), repair after damage, addition, or other improvement of a
structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the
“start of construction” of the improvement. This term includes structures that have incurred “substantial
damage,” regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either:
(a) Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health,
sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement
official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.
(b) Any alteration of a “historic structure,” provided that the alteration will not preclude the
structure’s continued designation as a “historic structure.” For the purpose of this subsection,
“historic structure” is as defined in 44 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 59.1.
Subd. 178. Survey, certified. “Survey, certified” means a scaled drawing prepared by a registered
land surveyor of a property indicating the location and dimensions of property lines, and if appropriate the
location and dimensions of existing and proposed buildings. A survey typically depicts a parcel’s legal
description and may also show additional information such as topographic data and the location of recorded
easements.
Subd. 179. Telecommunications facilities. “Telecommunications facilities” means any cables,
wires, lines, wave guides, antennas and any other equipment or facilities associated with the transmission
or reception of communications which a person seeks to locate or has installed upon or near a tower or
antenna support structure. However, the term “telecommunications facilities” shall not include any satellite
earth station antenna one meter or less in diameter, or any satellite earth station antenna two meters in
diameter or less which is located in an area zoned industrial or commercial. This term does not include
wireless facilities, which are separately defined under this UDC.
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Table 1: Development Review Procedures
Type 1
Zoning Administrator
Type 2 Planning
Commission and Council
Type 3
City Council
Decision Recommend & Decision Decision
Zoning
Certificate X
Site Plan
Review X [1] X [1]
Conditional Use
Permit X
Adjacent Parcel
Land
Conveyance
X
Lot
Consolidation X
Subd.– Prelim.
Plat X
Subd. – Final
Plat X
Comp Plan
Amendment X
Rezoning or
Text Amend. X
Variance X
Appeals X
Note:
1. A site plan review application is subject to either a Type 1 or Type 2 review, dependent upon the criteria in the
Crystal city code, subsection 510.13.
Subd. 3. Review procedures.
(a) Type 1 review procedure. Type 1 review procedure decisions are made by the zoning
administrator without public notice and without a public hearing.
(1) Application submittal. The applicant shall submit a
complete application to the zoning administrator in
accordance with the Crystal city code, subsection
510.09.
(2) Action by the zoning administrator. The zoning
administrator may consult with other city staff on the
application and shall render a decision to approve or
deny an application in accordance with the timelines
contained in this UDC. The zoning administrator shall
provide a written decision on the application, delivered
to the applicant. The decision shall be final on the date it is mailed or otherwise provided
to the applicant, whichever occurs first.
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(b) If landscaping is required as part of the zoning certificate approval, and the applicant is not able
to install the landscaping prior to or concurrent with the issuance of the certificate of
occupancy, the applicant shall submit a cash escrow to secure the completion of the
landscaping.
Subd. 5. Expiration.
(a) A zoning certificate shall become void after one year from the date of issuance approval unless
the applicant has applied for if a building permit has not beenthat is subsequently issued.
(b) The zoning administrator may approve one extension of not more than one year.
510.17. Site plan review.
Subd. 1. Applicability. No building or other structure shall be erected, constructed, re-constructed,
enlarged, or structurally altered, nor shall any land be used, excavated or improved until a site plan is
approved.
Subd. 2. Approval procedure. A site plan review application shall be submitted to the zoning
administrator in accordance with the application criteria of this UDC. If an applicant is submitting a
conditional use permit application as provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 510.19, the conditional
use permit and site plan review application shall be reviewed concurrently without the need for an additional
application fee.
(a) Site plans for the following construction requires approval of a zoning certificate review subject
to a Type 1 review procedure as established in this UDC:
(1) Additions to multiple-family dwellings or nonresidential buildings of less than 50 percent
of the building footprint.
(2) Industrial or commercial uses with outdoor storage of parts, products or fuels.
(3) Telecommunication towers in the industrial district.
(4) Replacement of a multiple family dwelling or nonresidential building on the same footprint
and with the same height with no other site changes requested.
(5) Airport facilities.
(b) Site plans for the following construction requires approval through a Type 2 review procedure
as established in this UDC:
(1) New multiple-family dwellings of three units or more;
(2) New nonresidential structures;
(3) Additions to multiple-family dwellings or nonresidential structures of greater than 50
percent of the building footprint;
(4) New parking ramps or structures.
(c) Approval criteria. No site plan review application shall be approved unless it meets the
following criteria:
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(1) It fully complies with all applicable requirements of this UDC;
(2) It adequately protects residential uses from the potential adverse effects of a non-residential
use;
(3) It is consistent with the use and character of surrounding properties; and
(4) It provides safe conditions for pedestrians or motorists and prevents the dangerous
arrangement of pedestrian and vehicular ways.
(d) Amendments to approved site plans approved through a Type 2 procedure.
(1) After a site plan has been approved through a Type 2 procedure, the applicant may request
approval of adjustments or rearrangements of buildings in the course of carrying out the
plan. If the amendment involves changes to 10 percent or less of the original floor area, not
to exceed 500 square feet, the zoning administrator may approve the amendment after a
Type 1 review procedure. Such amendment shall be in full compliance with the
requirements of this UDC. If the amendment involves changes greater than 10 percent of
the original floor area or exceeds 500 square feet, the amendment will be subject to a Type
2 review procedure.
(2) The zoning administrator may also review and approve adjustments or rearrangements of
items other than buildings, such as drives, parking areas, recreation areas, entrances,
heights, yards, signage, landscaping, exterior lighting, surface water management plans, or
similar modifications subject to a Type 1 review procedure. Such amendment shall be in
full compliance with the requirements of this UDC.
(e) Effect of city council decision of site plans approved through a Type 2 procedure.
(1) Site plan approval shall expire one year from the date of approval unless the applicant has
applied for and received a building permit that is subsequently issued.
(2) The applicant may request an extension of the expiration date in writing to the zoning
administrator. The city council may approve one extension of not more than one year. Such
written request shall include the following:
(i) An explanation of what, if any, good faith efforts have been made to complete the site
plan process; and
(ii) The anticipated completion date.
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Subd. 5. Amendments to an approved conditional use permit. Approved conditional use permits
may only be amended upon the classification and review of the proposed amendment as follows:
(a) Minor amendments. 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 the conditional use permit.
The zoning administrator may review and make a decision on a minor amendment, and consult
with other city staff members as part of a Type 1 review procedure.
(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.
Subd. 6. Accessory uses to a conditional use. Uses and structures that are accessory to a conditional
use shall be allowed as provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 515.21 of this UDC, without requiring
a conditional use permit amendment, unless specifically required as a condition of the conditional use
permit approval.
Subd. 7. Effect of city council decision.
(a) A conditional use permit shall authorize a particular conditional use on a specific parcel for
which it was approved. A change of use from one permitted conditional use to another shall
require a new application and approval pursuant to this section.
(b) If a site plan was approved as part of the conditional use permit, the permit shall expire one
year from the date of approval unless the applicant has applied for and received a building
permit that is subsequently issued. The applicant may request an extension of the expiration
date in writing to the zoning administrator. The city council may approve one extension of not
more than one year. Such written request shall include the following:
(1) An explanation of what, if any, good faith efforts have been made to complete the site plan
process; and
(2) The anticipated completion date.
(c) An approved conditional use may continue in operation, regardless of ownership or ownership
changes, provided the use meets all the standards and conditions of approval.
(d) If required as a condition of approval of the site plan for the conditional use permit, the
applicant shall sign a site improvement agreement with the city prior to the expiration date to
secure the completion of landscaping, stormwater management improvements, paved parking
or pedestrian access areas, or similar improvements. A cash escrow deposit, or other form of
security acceptable to the city, shall be submitted with the signed agreement before site
improvements commence. Upon completion of the work and acceptance by the city, the escrow
deposit shall be released except that the city may retain some of the deposit to ensure that the
landscaping is succeeding one year after completion of the improvements. This may be
extended by the zoning administrator to two years for native vegetation and for plantings in
stormwater infiltration basins. In cases where various elements of the work are completed in
stages, a request for partial release of the escrow may be approved by the zoning administrator.
In the event construction of the project is not completed within the time prescribed by building
permits or other approvals, the city may, at its option, complete the work using the escrow.
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Subd. 2. Effect of city council decision.
(a) The approval of a rezoning to a PD overlay district shall expire one year from the date of
approval unless the applicant has applied for and received a building permit that is subsequently
issued. The applicant may request an extension of the expiration date in writing to the zoning
administrator. The city council may approve one extension of not more than one year. Such
written request shall include the following:
(1) An explanation of what, if any, good faith efforts have been made to complete the site plan
process; and
(2) The anticipated completion date.
(b) If the rezoning to a PD expires and the applicant has not received approval of an extension, the
city council may rezone the property to the original zoning classification at the time of the PD
application or to a zoning classification consistent with the comprehensive plan designation for
the property.
(c) A rezoning to a PD overlay district may continue in operation, regardless of ownership or
ownership changes, provided the use meets all the standards and conditions of approval.
510.33. Variance.
Subd. 1. Applicability. A variance is a modification or variation of the provisions of this UDC as
applied to a specific piece of property. Pursuant to the procedures provided in Minnesota Statutes, section
462.357, use variances are prohibited.
Subd. 2. Approval procedure. Variance applications shall be submitted, in writing, to the zoning
administrator and are subject to a Type 2 review procedure.
Subd. 3. Approval criteria.
(a) Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 462.357, subdivision 6, the board of adjustments and
appeals may only grant approval of variances where practical difficulties exist as to strict
compliance with this UDC and each of the following criteria are satisfied:
(1) The variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this UDC;
(2) The variance is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan;
(3) The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by
this UDC;
(4) The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by
the landowner; and
(5) The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
(b) Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties. Practical difficulties
include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems.
(c) Variances shall be granted for earth shelter construction as defined in Minnesota Statutes,
section 216C.06, subdivision 14, when in harmony with this UDC.
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Section 515
Zoning Districts and Use Regulation
515.01. Official zoning map. The official zoning map together with all materials attached thereto is hereby
adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this section. The official zoning map shall be on file with
the city clerk.
515.03. Establishment of zoning districts.
(a) Established. The zoning classifications and zoning districts specified in Table 2 are hereby
established within the city to carry out the purposes of this UDC.
Table 2: Zoning Districts
Abbreviation District Name
BASE ZONING DISTRICTS
R1 Low Density Residential District
R2 Medium Density Residential District
R3 High Density Residential District
NC Neighborhood Commercial District
C Commercial District
TC Town Center Core District
I Industrial District
AP Airport District
OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICTS
FP Floodplain Overlay District
SL Shoreland Overlay District
PD Planned Development Overlay District
(b) Relationship of overlay districts to base districts.
(1) Where land is classified into an overlay zoning district, the regulations governing
development in the overlay district shall apply in addition to the regulations governing the
underlying base district, unless otherwise noted. In the event of a conflict between the
standards of the overlay district and the base district, the standards governing the overlay
district shall control.
(2) In some instances land may be classified into multiple overlay districts. In the event of a
conflict between the standards of the multiple overlay districts, the most restrictive
standards shall apply.
(c) Zoning district boundaries.
(1) Zoning district boundary lines follow lot lines, railroad right-of-way lines, the center of
water courses or the corporate limit lines, all as they exist upon the effective date of this
UDC.
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(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. ____. NC Neighborhood Commercial district.
a. Purpose. The purposed of the NC – Neighborhood Commercial district is to provide for offices,
low intensity retail or service businesses and compatible limited residential uses. Neighborhood
commercial uses typically provide goods and services on a limited community or neighborhood
scale and are located at the edge of a residential area on a site adequately served by collector or
arterial streets. Commercial uses have little to no impact on adjacent residential uses.
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 Neighborhood
Commercial district.
c. Other development standards. In addition to the standards established for the Neighborhood
Commercial district in this section, all development shall be subject to all other applicable
standards as provided in the Crystal city code, section 520.0
d. Hours of operation. All principal uses shall not be open before 6:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
e. Shadow effects study. The applicant shall submit a shadow effects study to determine any
negative shadow impacts to residential uses within 300 percent of the building height. 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 reorientating the building within the site,
reducing building mass, or stepping-back a portion of the building.
f. Façade glazing. At least 50 percent of the façade glazing area shall remain free of signage or
other opaque materials.
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.
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(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.
(c)(d) At least 50 percent of the façade glazing area shall remain free of signage or other opaque
materials.
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
pedestrian experience, frames the public realm, and seamlessly transitions to adjacent
development.
(1) Building placement. Principal buildings shall meet the building setback requirements
found in Table 7. The purpose of these requirements is to create buildings that have the
dominant lines of their facades parallel the line of the street and create a well-defined street
edge.
(i) At intersections, buildings shall have street facades at or near the sidewalk at the corner
(see Figure 6)
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(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 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 The applicant shall submit a shadow effects
study to determine any negative shadow impacts to those residential uses within
300 percent of the building height. 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.
(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).
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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 shall have a minimum
glazing of 50 percent and residential floors shall have a minimum glazing of 30
percent.
(b) Tinted and reflective glass are prohibited.
(c) At least 30 70 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.
(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.
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Subd. 3. Development standards. Except for the TC-PD district, which has separate requirements
in subdivision 4 of this subsection, within the PD district all development shall be in compliance with the
following:
(a) Each PD must have a minimum area of two acres, excluding areas within a public right-of-
way, designated wetland or floodplain overlay district, unless the applicant can demonstrate
the existence of one or more of the following:
(1) Unusual physical features of the property itself or of the surrounding neighborhood such
that development as a PD will conserve a physical or topographic feature of importance to
the neighborhood or community;
(2) The property is directly adjacent to or across a right-of-way from property which has been
developed previously as a PD and will be perceived as and will function as an extension of
that previously approved development; or
(3) The property is located in a transitional area between different land use categories or it is
located on an arterial street as defined in the comprehensive plan.
(b) If a particular PD would provide an extraordinary benefit to the community, or if a PD site has
extraordinary characteristics that make development difficult, the city council may approve a
density of up to ten percent more than the maximum identified in the comprehensive plan.
(c) A PD site may have more than one principal building or multiple land uses in accordance with
subdivision 2 of this subsection.
(d) A residential PD or residential area of a mixed use PD must provide a minimum of ten percent
of the gross project area in private recreational uses for project residents. Such area must be
developed and used for active or passive recreational uses suited to the needs of the residents
of the project, including swimming pools, trails, nature areas, picnic areas, tot lots and saunas.
This requirement may be waived if the city council finds that adequate recreational
opportunities are available sufficiently near the PD to make this requirement duplicative, or if
the PD is too small for this requirement to be feasible.
(e)(d) The development standards as provided in the Crystal city code, section 520 and the
signage requirements as provided in the Crystal city code, section 530, apply to a PD as deemed
appropriate by the city.
Subd. 4. Development standards for the TC-PD district. Within the TC-PD district, all
development shall be in compliance with the following:
(a) Uses.
(1) Permitted principal uses. All permitted principal uses allowed in the TC district in Table
3 are also allowed in the TC-PD district. The following additional principal uses are
also allowed in the TC-PD district. Unless otherwise noted, all uses are allowed without
a conditional use permit, but whether the use is permitted or conditional, it shall adhere
to any required use-specific standards.
(i) Day care facilities, adult.
(ii) Dwellings, one-family attached.
(iii) Hospitals.
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(1) Permitted uses (P). A “P” in a cell indicates that a use type is allowed by-right in the
respective zoning district subject to compliance with the use-specific standards set forth in
the final “use-specific standards” column of Table 3. Permitted uses are subject to all other
applicable standards of this UDC;
(2) Conditional uses (C). A “C” in a cell indicates that a use type is allowed as a conditional
use in the respective zoning district subject to compliance with the use-specific standards
set forth in the final “use-specific standards” column of Table 3 and approval of a
conditional use permit in accordance with the Crystal city code, subsection 510.19.
Conditional uses are subject to all other applicable standards of this UDC.
(3) Prohibited uses (--). A cell with a “--" indicates that the listed use type is prohibited in the
respective zoning district.
(4) Use-specific standards. The “use-specific standards” column of Table 3 cross-reference
standards that are specific to an individual use type and are applicable to that use in all
districts unless otherwise stated in the use-specific standards.
(5) Unlisted uses. If an application is submitted for a use that is not listed in Table 3, the zoning
administrator is authorized to classify the new or unlisted use, with consultation from
appropriate city departments, into an existing use type that most closely fits the new or
unlisted use. If no similar use determination can be made, the zoning administrator shall
refer the use to the planning commission, who may initiate an amendment to the text of
this UDC to clarify where and how the use should be permitted.
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 NC C TC I AP Residential Use Category
Bed and Breakfast
Establishments
C C C C - - - - 515.19, subdivision 2
(a)
Dwellings, Multiple Family - P P P - P - - 515.19, subdivision 2
(b)
Dwelling, One-Family,
Attached
- P 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 C P - - - 515.19, subdivision 3
(a)
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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 NC C TC I AP Commercial Use Category
Airport Facilities - - - - - - - P 515.19, subdivision 4
(a)
Animal
Hospital/Veterinary
Clinics [1]
- - - P P P P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(b)
Banks or Financial
Institutions
- - - P P P - -
Banquet Halls or Event
Centers
- - - - C - C -
Brewer Taprooms,
Brewpubs or
Microdistillery
- - - P P P P - 1200
Clubs or Lodges - - - P P P P -
Convenience Stores - - - - P P - -
Day Care Facilities, Adult C C
-
C
-
C P _ P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(c)
Day Care Facilities, Group
Family
P P P P - - - -
Funeral Homes - - - - P - - -
Greenhouses, Garden and
Landscaping Sales and
Service
- - - - P - P -
Hotel, Motel, Extended
Stay Establishments
- - - - P P P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(d)
Kennels, Commercial [2] - - - - P - P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(e)
Lower-potency hemp
retailer business
- - - - P P P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(f)
Offices, Professional - C C P P P P P 515.19, subdivision 4
(g)
Off-Sale Liquor Store - - - - P P P - 1200 & 515.19,
subdivision (h)
Parking Ramps or
Structures
- - - - P P P P 515.19, subdivision 4
(i)
Personal Services [3] - C C P P P P 515.19, subdivision 4
(j)
Principal Cannabis
Business
- - - - - - C - 515.19, subdivision 4
(k)
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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 NC C TC I AP Restaurants or Eating
Establishments [4]
- C C P P P P -
Retail Establishments [5] - C C P P P P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(l)
Theater, Indoor - - - - P P - -
Tobacco Shop - - P P P P - 1105 & 515.19,
subdivision 4 (m)
Vehicle Repair - - - - C - P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(n)
Vehicle, Boat or
Recreational Sales or
Rental
- - - - P - P - 515.19, subdivision 4
(o)
Vehicle Fuel Sales - - - - P - - - 515.19, subdivision 4
(p)
Vehicle Wash or Detailing - - - - C - C - 515.19, subdivision 4
(q)
Industrial, Manufacturing, Research and Wholesale Use Category
Building Materials Sales - - - - - - P -
Bulk Storage of Liquids - - - - P - P P 515.19, subdivision 5
(a)
Cannabis or hemp
industrial business
- - - - _ - C - 515.19, subdivision 5
(b)
Industrial Uses (Indoors) - - - - - - P -
Industrial Or Commercial
Uses with Outdoor Storage
of Parts, Products, or Fuels
- - - - - - P - 515.19, subdivision 5
(c)
Self Storage Facilities - - - - - - P -
Warehouse - - - - - - P P
Vehicle Impound Lot - - - - - - C - 515.19, subdivision 5
(d)
Public Facilities, Telecommunication and Utilities Use Category
Essential Services P P P P P P P P
Public utility buildings C C C C C - C P 515.19, subdivision 6
(a)
Telecommunications
Towers
C C C C C - P P 515.19, subdivision 6
(b)
Wireless support
structures
C P P P P - P P 515.19, subdivision 6
(c)
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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 NC C TC I AP Public, Institutional and Recreational Use Category
Cemeteries C C C - - - - -
Hospitals - C C C P - P - 515.19, subdivision 7
(a)
Private Recreational
Facilities, Indoor
C C C C P - P -
Private Recreational
Facilities, Outdoor
- - - - C - C -
Public Parks and
Playgrounds
P P P P - P - -
Public or Semi-Public
Buildings
C C C C C - C - 515.19, subdivision 7
(b)
Religious Institutions C C C C C -
C - 515.19, subdivision 7
(c)
Schools, Elementary or
Secondary
C C C C C - C - 515.19, subdivision 7
(d)
Schools, Nursery or
Preschool
C C C C C C C - 515.19, subdivision 7
(e)
Schools, Trade or Business - C 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.
Subd. 1. Purpose and applicability.
(a) This subsection provides site planning, development and/or operating standards for certain land
uses that are permitted or conditionally permitted in Table 3.
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(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. Residential use category.
(a) Bed and breakfast establishments. Bed and breakfast establishments are subject to the
following standards:
(1) The owner shall reside on the property;
(2) The property abuts and the building faces an arterial or major collector street;
(3) The establishment shall comply with the city’s liquor license regulations in the Crystal city
code, chapter XII, as well as state health and building codes;
(4) Signage is limited to one sign that indicates the name of and contact information for the
bed and breakfast establishment but no other material. There may be one such sign not to
exceed four square feet in area, not to exceed five feet in height if free standing, and not to
be lighted unless the lighting will not negatively impact adjacent properties; and
(5) No external vending machines shall be allowed.
(b) Dwellings, multiple-family. Multiple-family dwellings are subject to the following standards:
(1) Except for the TC and TC-PD districts which have separate requirements, buildings shall
be oriented so that the primary entrance faces the street from which the building is
addressed.
(2) When a primary entry door is not visible from the public street, signage shall be installed
facing that street to provide direction to that unit(s).
(c) One-family attached dwellings. One-family attached dwellings are subject to the following
standards:
(1) Collective maintenance of building exteriors, driveways, landscaping, and common areas
for one-family attached dwellings is required; and
(2) In the TC-PD district, one-family attached dwellings shall be constructed in the form of
rowhouses or townhouses (see Figure 12). This building form shall consist of at least three
dwelling units placed side by side where each unit has a separate entrance.
Figure 12: Illustration of rowhouses or townhouses in the TC-PD district
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(i) For those parking ramps or structures located on a corner lot, the entry shall not be
located on a primary building façade;
(ii) On at least 50 percent of all building facades, with priority given to those facades
abutting a public street, the ground floor of any parking structure shall have habitable
or commercial space for a depth of 30 feet;
(iii) Parking structure height shall not exceed the finished ceiling height of the top floor
of the tallest principal building within 500 feet; and
(iv) Upper floors of the structure shall be designed and detailed in a manner consistent
with adjacent buildings.
(i) Personal Services. Personal services are subject to the following standards:
(1) 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.
(2) A plant may be allowed as part of a drv cleaning establishment with an approved
conditional use permit.
(k) Principal cannabis businesses. Principal cannabis business are subject to the following
standards:
(1) Shall comply with the standards imposed on retail establishments under Crystal city code,
subsection 515.19, subdivision 4 (l).
(2) Shall not be located in any buffer zone identified in subdivision 4 (l) (5) of this subsection.
(3) Shall only be located in a zoning district in which the use is allowed, then only upon
obtaining all licenses that may be required.
(4) It must be registered with the city in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 342.22
and the registration procedures established by the city.
(5) In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 342.13 (i), no more than two cannabis
retailer businesses may be located within the city. If, however, Hennepin County has
one active registration for cannabis retailer businesses for every 12,500 residents in the
county, then no cannabis retailer businesses are allowed in the city and the city shall not
undertake process in the Minnesota Statutes, section 342.22 to register any such business.
(l) 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;
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(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.
(5) Any retail establishment engaging in the sale at retail of any cannabis product, tobacco,
or liquor at off-sale shall not be located within 500 feet of a school, public park, or
residential treatment facility. The following apply for the purposes of this paragraph.
(i) The distance shall be measured from the closest points between the lots containing the
business and the lot containing the identified use to which it buffers.
(ii) The term “school” means a public or private facility that provides educational
programs to ten or more people who are under the age of 21 in a classroom setting.
The term includes, but is not limited to, any school operated by an independent school
district or a charter school operating under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 124E. The
term does not include the Robbinsdale Transition Center or similar adult education
schools.
(iii) The term “parks” means an open space, playground, athletic field, or other facility
owned by the city, a school district, the county, or other public entity that is open to,
and regularly used by, those under the age of 21.
(m) Tobacco shops. Tobacco shops are subject to the following standards:
1) Shall comply with the standards imposed on retail establishments under subdivision 4 (l)
of this subsection.
(2) Shall not be located in any buffer zoned identified in subdivision 4 (l) (5) of this
subsection.
(n) 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)(i) West Broadway between Corvallis Avenue and 56th Avenue North the Canadian
Pacific (CP) railroad; or
(iii)(ii) 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.
(o) 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:
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(i) Lakeland Avenue/Bottineau Boulevard between the Canadian Pacific Railroad and
56th Avenue North;
(ii)(i) Lakeland Avenue between Lombardy Lane and the north lot line of Lot 1, Block
1, Storm’s 1st Addition, said distance approximately 368 feet;
(iii)(ii) West Broadway between Corvallis Avenue and 56th Avenue North the Canadian
Pacific (CP) railroad; or
(iv)(iii) Winnetka Avenue between 36th Avenue North and a point 660 feet north
of 36th Avenue North;
(2) There is no outdoor parking or storage of inoperable, unlicensed, abandoned or junk
vehicles; and
(3) No vehicle or equipment shall exceed 32 feet in length.
(p) 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)(ii) West Broadway between Corvallis Avenue and 56th Avenue North the
Canadian Pacific (CP) railroad; or
(iv)(iii) Winnetka Avenue between 36th Avenue North and a point 660 feet north
of 36th Avenue North; or
(v)(iv) 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.
(q) 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;
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(iii)(ii) West Broadway between Corvallis Avenue and 56th Avenue North the
Canadian Pacific (CP) railroad;
(iv)(iii) Winnetka Avenue between 36th Avenue North and a point 660 feet north
of 36th Avenue North; or
(v)(iv) 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.
(3) A vehicle wash or detailing establishment shall comply with the use-specific standards for
drive-through facilities in the Crystal city code, subsection 515.23, Subd. 2 (b).
Subd. 5. Industrial, manufacturing, research and wholesale use category.
(a) Bulk storage of liquids. If the storage is within 300 feet of properties used for residential
purposes, such storage shall not exceed 25,000 gallons.
(b) Cannabis or hemp industrial businesses. Cannabis or hemp industrial businesses are subject to
the following standard:
(1) Businesses shall submit an odor mitigation plan that outlines all odor emitting aspects of
the business and mitigations to be implemented to ensure odor is not readily detectable
beyond the boundaries of the immediate site upon establishment of the business and for the
full duration of the business.
(c) Industrial or commercial uses with outdoor storage of parts, products, or fuels. Industrial uses
with outdoor storage of parts, products or fuels are subject to the following standards:
(1) The storage or parking area is hard surfaced, clearly designated on the site as being limited
to the specific, approved area, and meets the relevant requirements as provided in the
Crystal city code, subsection 520.15 for hard surface design;
(2) The storage or parking area does not exceed 100% of the gross floor area of the principal
building, 50% of the area of the property, or 10,000 square feet, whichever is less;
(3) The storage or parking area is prohibited in the front or corner side yard;
(4) The storage or parking area is subject to the screening requirements of the Crystal city
code, subsection 520.13; and
(5) The applicant must obtain zoning certificate approval for the storage or parking area.
(d) Vehicle impound lot. Vehicle impound lots are subject to the following standards:
(1) The use does not include non-impound purposes, such as seasonal storage;
(2) The impound lot is located on a property that abuts the right of way of an active freight
railroad;
(3) The impound lot is located on a property that does not abut the right-of-way of any collector
or arterial street or any frontage road adjacent to a collector or arterial street;
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(4) The impound lot is located on a property that does not abut any property used for residential
purposes;
(5) The portion of the property occupied by the impound lot does not exceed one acre; and
(6) Vehicles shall only be parked on a designated hard surfaced area that meets the
requirements of the Crystal city code, subsection 520.15, subdivisions 10 and 11(c), (e),
(f), (g) and (i) for design of the hard surface. Vehicles shall not be parked in landscaped
areas, adjacent property, or the public right-of-way.
Subd. 6. Public facilities, telecommunications and utilities use category.
(a) Public utility buildings. Equipment and materials are completely enclosed in a permanent
building with no outside storage, unless in compliance with the screening requirements of this
UDC.
(b) Telecommunications towers.
(1) Findings. The Federal Communications Act of 1934 as amended by the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (“the Act”) grants the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of the environmental effects
of radio frequency emissions from telecommunications facilities and the regulation of radio
signal interference among users of the radio frequency spectrum. By this subsection, the
city intends to exercise the full scope of its authority under the Act and under state law
regarding the regulation of towers and telecommunications facilities in the city. Consistent
with the Act, the regulation of towers and telecommunications facilities in the city will not
have the effect of prohibiting any person from providing wireless telecommunications
services.
(2) Purpose. The general purpose of this subsection is to regulate the placement, construction
and modification of telecommunication towers and facilities in order to protect the health,
safety and welfare of the public, while not unreasonably interfering with the development
of the competitive wireless telecommunications marketplace in the city. Specifically, the
purposes of this subsection are:
(i) To regulate the location of telecommunication towers and facilities;
(ii) To protect residential areas and land uses from potential adverse impacts of
telecommunication towers and facilities;
(iii) To minimize adverse visual impacts of telecommunication towers and facilities
through design, siting, landscaping, and innovative camouflaging techniques;
(iv) To promote and encourage shared use and co-location of telecommunication towers
and antenna support structures;
(v) To avoid potential damage to properties caused by telecommunication towers and
facilities by ensuring that those structures are soundly and carefully designed,
constructed, modified, maintained and promptly removed when no longer used or
when determined to be structurally unsound;
(vi) To ensure that telecommunication towers and facilities are compatible with
surrounding land uses; and
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(b) Public or semi-public buildings. Public and semi-public buildings are subject to the following
standards:
(1) Side setbacks shall be double that required for the district, except that this requirement does
not apply in the NC, C or I zoning districts; and
(2) 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.
(c) Religious institutions. Religious institutions are subject to the following standards:
(1) Side setbacks shall be double that required for the district, except that this requirement does
not apply in the NC, C or I zoning districts; and
(2) 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.
(d) Schools, elementary or secondary. Elementary or secondary schools are subject to the
following standards:
(1) Side setbacks shall be double that required for the district, except that this requirement does
not apply in the NC, C or I zoning districts; and
(2) 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.
(e) Schools, nursery or preschool. Nursery schools, and preschools are subject to the following
standards:
(1) Side setbacks shall be double that required for the district, except that this requirement does
not apply in the NC, C, TC or I zoning districts; and
(2) 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.
(f) Schools, trade or business. 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.
515.21. Permitted accessory uses and structures.
Subd. 1. Purpose. This subsection authorizes accessory uses and structures that are incidental and
customarily subordinate to principal uses. The intent of this subsection is to allow accessory uses while not
creating adverse impacts on surrounding lands.
Subd. 2. General provisions.
(a) Table 4 lists the accessory uses allowed within all zoning districts except for the overlay zoning
districts. Except for the TC-PD district which has separate requirements, the uses permitted in
the overlay districts shall be controlled by the underlying base zoning district.
(b) Small accessory uses such as arbors, benches, doghouses, play sets, garden decorations,
pergolas, and firewood cribs are exempt from the provisions of this subsection, but cannot be
located in public rights-of-way.
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(c) Tents, play houses, or similar structures shall not be used as temporary or permanent dwelling
units, but may be used for recreational purposes.
(d) Any accessory structure used for the parking or storage of motor vehicles, such as a garage or
carport, shall have a floor constructed of poured concrete in accordance with standards
approved by the city engineer and building official.
(e)(d) Accessory structures shall only be constructed concurrent with or after the construction of
the principal building on the same site.
(f)(e) Uses and structures that are accessory to a conditional principal use shall be permitted in
accordance with this subsection, without requiring a conditional use permit amendment, unless
specifically required as a condition of the conditional use permit approval.
Subd. 3. Explanation of table of permitted uses.
(a) Symbols in table. The symbols used in Table 4 are defined as follows:
(1) Permitted uses (P). A “P” in a cell indicates that a use type or structure is allowed by-right
in the respective zoning district subject to compliance with the use-specific standards set
forth in the final “use-specific standards” column of Table 4. Permitted uses are subject to
all other applicable standards of this UDC;
(2) Conditional uses (C). A “C” in a cell indicates that a use type or structure is allowed as a
conditional use in the respective zoning district subject to compliance with the use-specific
standards set forth in the final “use-specific standards” column of Table 4 and approval of
a conditional use permit in accordance with the Crystal city code, subsection 510.19.
Conditional use permits are subject to all other applicable standards of this UDC;
(3) Prohibited uses (-). A cell with a “-" indicates that the listed use type or structure is
prohibited in the respective zoning district;
(4) Use-specific standards. The “use-specific standards” column of Table 4 cross-reference
standards that are specific to an individual use type or structure and are applicable to that
use or structure in all districts unless otherwise stated in the use-specific standards; and
(5) Unlisted uses. If an application is submitted for a use or structure that is not listed in Table
4, the zoning administrator is authorized to classify the new or unlisted use or structure,
with consultation from appropriate city departments, into an existing use or structure type
that most closely fits the new or unlisted use. If no similar use determination can be made,
the zoning administrator shall refer the use to the planning commission, who may initiate
an amendment to the text of this UDC to clarify where and how the use should be permitted.
96
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 NC C TC IAP
Accessory Uses
Assembly or gathering space - - - P 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)
Retail sale of cannabis
products, off-sale liquor, or
tobacco products
- - -
-
P
P
P - No See Note [4]
Accessory Structures
Accessibility ramps P P P P P P P P No 515.23, subdivision 3 (a)
Accessory dwelling units P P - C - - - - Yes 515.23, subdivision 3(b)
Amateur radio towers P P P - - - - P No 515.23, subdivision 3(c)
Balconies - P 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 P
[2] P P No 520.09
Flagpoles P 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 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 P 520.13
Micro dwelling units C C C C C - C - Not
Applicable 515.23, subdivision 3 (j)
Noncommercial greenhouses P P - - - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(k)
Off-street parking and loading
[3] P P P P P P P P Yes 520.15
Patios, decks, and porches P P P P P P - - No 515.23, subdivision 3 (l)
Sheds P P P P P - P P No 515.23, subdivision 3(m)
Sidewalks P P P P P P P P No 515.23, subdivision 3(n)
Signs, Permanent P P P P P P P P Not Applicable 530
97
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:
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 NC C TC I AP
Solar energy systems P P P P P P P P No 515.23, subdivision 3(o)
Swimming pools, hot tubs, and
spas P P P P P P - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(p)
Television and radio antennae P P P P P P P P No 515.23, subdivision 3(q)
Tennis and other recreational
courts P P P - - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(r)
Treehouses P P - - - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(s)
Waste container enclosures P P P P P P P P No 520.13, subd. 4 (a)
Workshops P P - - - - - - No 515.23, subdivision 3(t)
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 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.
4. The sale of cannabis products as an accessory use to a retail use is subject to the standards in subsection 515.23,
subdivision 2 (f), the sale of liquor at off-sale as an accessory use is subject to standards in section 1200 and subsection
515.23, subdivision 2 (f), and the sale of tobacco products as an accessory use is subject to the standards in section 1105
and subsection 515.23, subdivision 2 (f).
100
(i) No more than one accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed on a property containing
a one family detached dwelling, a one family attached dwelling, or a two-family
dwelling.; In the NC district, more than one accessory dwelling unit may be allowed
as part of a commercial use provided that floor area requirements are met;
(ii) The creation of the accessory dwelling unit shall not create a separate property
identification number with the county; Accessory dwelling units shall be included in
the residential density calculation for the zoning district in which the unit is located;
(iii) The floor area of an accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed:
(a) 50 Fifty percent of the finished floor area of the one family attached or
detached dwelling.
(b) Fifty percent of the finished floor area of the largest unit on the property
for a two-family dwelling.
(c) The gross floor area of the permitted principal commercial use in the
NC district.
Notwithstanding these limitations, an accessory dwelling unit located in the
basement may occupy the entire basement;
(iv) The accessory dwelling unit may be rented if it complies with the requirements of the
Crystal city code, section 425;.
(v) The accessory dwelling unit shall have a water and sewer connection to the respective
utility main, or to the existing water and sewer connection at a point on the private
property; and
(vi) The accessory dwelling unit shall adhere to the curb cut and driveway requirements
for one family dwellings in the Crystal city code, chapter VIII, and the driveway
requirements in the Crystal city code, subsection 520.15.
(2) Detached accessory dwelling units shall also comply with the following additional
requirements:
(i) Detached accessory dwelling units are not allowed in the NC district.
(ii) For construction of a new detached building, the accessory dwelling unit shall be
separated from the principal building by a minimum of ten five feet;
(ii) The accessory dwelling unit shall be constructed as to be compatible with the exterior
materials of the existing principal building;
(iii) The accessory dwelling unit shall be located on a frost-protected foundation; and
(iv) 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.
(c) Amateur radio towers. Amateur radio towers shall only be allowed in the rear yard and made
of unpainted metal or other visually unobtrusive material.
(d) Balconies. Balconies are subject to the following standards:
101
(3) In the R-2 and R-3 districts, balconies are only allowed on multiple family dwellings.; and
(4) In the TC and TC-PD districts, balconies, except those recessed or flush as illustrated in
Figure 13, are not permitted on the primary building façade of multiple family dwellings.
Figure 13: Illustration showing recessed or flush balconies
(e) Clothesline poles. Clothesline poles shall only be permitted in the rear yard.
(f) Commercial storage buildings. Commercial storage buildings are subject to the following
standards:
(1) The storage building is located on the same lot as the principal use;
(2) No detached accessory building shall be located closer to the street adjacent to the
front yard than the principal structure;
(3) The storage building does not exceed 30% of the gross floor area of the principal use;
(4) Occupancy and use of the storage building is directly related to a permitted or
conditionally approved principal use and the same party has full control and use of
both the storage building and the principal use;
(5) The architectural style is compatible with the principal building and surrounding land
uses. Exterior building design and materials shall comply with the provisions as
provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 520.05; and
(6) The use will not conflict with the character of development intended for the zoning
district.
(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:
102
(1) Attached and detached garages are subject to the following standard:
(i) Garages shall be accessed through a vehicular entrance door with an opening not less than
seven feet wide and seven feet high. A garage shall be no less than eight feet wide and sixteen
feet long, measured as the continuous clear space between the insides of the interior walls or
wall framing if unfinished.
(2) Attached and detached garages and carports are subject to the following standard:
(i) Garages and carports shall have a floor constructed of poured concrete in accordance with
standards approved by the city engineer and building official.
(3) 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.
(j) 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 dwellings shall be included in the residential density calculation for the
zoning district in which it is located;
(3) 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;
(4) 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.
(5) 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, section 327.30, subdivision 3 (b).
106
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 NC C TC I AP Allowable
Duration (per
site)
Permit
Required
Use-Specific
Standards in
Section:
Construction Dumpster
P 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 P 270 days per site
per calendar year
Zoning
Certificate
(Type 1
Review) [2]
515.27,
subdivision 4
Outdoor sales [1]
- - -
P
P P P - 270 days per site
per calendar year
Zoning
Certificate
(Type 1
Review)
515.27,
subdivision 5
Portable Storage Container P 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 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 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:
108
(2) The sales area does not exceed 40% of the gross floor area of the principal use excluding
basement storage areas, 20% of the area of the property, or 6,000 square feet, whichever is
less;
(b) Vehicle fuel sales. The sales and display of merchandise is limited to the walkway adjacent to
the building, but a minimum of five feet of the walkway shall be clear of merchandise to allow
for safe pedestrian movement;
(c) Tent or sidewalk sales on private property. Tent or sidewalk sales on private property are
subject to the following standards:
(1) A minimum of five feet of the sidewalk shall be clear of merchandise to allow for safe
pedestrian movement;
(2) The property shall contain an area that will support the proposed temporary sale of products
without encroaching into or creating a negative impact on existing vegetated areas, open
space, landscaping, or traffic movements. Tents shall not be located in the public right-of-
way;
(3) The applicant shall demonstrate that adequate off-street parking is provided for patrons. If
applicable, consideration shall be given to the parking needs of other occupants on the same
property; and
(4) Hours of operation for the sale are limited to between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. and merchandise
shall only be displayed during that time; and
(5) Tents shall be maintained in good repair. Any tent that is potentially dangerous or in
disrepair shall be removed or repaired.
(d) Seasonal agricultural sales. Seasonal agricultural sales are subject to the following standards:
(1) Location.
(i) The property contains an area that will support the proposed temporary sale of products
without encroaching into or creating a negative impact on existing vegetated areas,
open space, landscaping, or traffic movements;
(ii) The applicant shall demonstrate that adequate off-street parking is provided for the
duration of the sale. If applicable, consideration shall be given to the parking needs of
other occupants on the same property; and
(iii)The sale of goods shall not occur within the public right-of-way.
(2) Hours of operation. The hours of operation of the seasonal sale of agricultural products
shall be between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., or the same hours of operation as
the principal use on the same lot, whichever is more restrictive. If the principal use is not
open on Saturdays or Sundays, seasonal sale of agricultural products may occur between
the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Subd. 6. Portable storage containers. Portable storage containers are subject to the following
standards:
(a) If the container is located in the public right-of-way, the container shall comply with the
requirements of the Crystal city code, chapter VIII; and
114
(9) The mean height between the eaves and highest point on gable, hip or gambrel roof.
The location of average grade shall be determined by the zoning administrator and shall not be
artificially raised to gain additional building height.
Figure 15: Illustration of height measurement
(c) FAA requirements. Height requirements shall meet the requirements of the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA).
(1) Notice to the Federal Aviation Administration using FAA form 7460-1 is required prior to
the following:
(i) Any construction or alteration of more than 200 feet in height; and
(ii) Any construction or alteration of greater height than the imaginary surface extending
outward and upward at a slope of 100 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 20,000 feet
from the nearest point of the nearest runway of the Crystal Airport.
Subd. 6. Permitted encroachments into setback and height requirements. Structures or structural
features may extend beyond the wall of the structure and into a required setback and height requirement in
compliance with Table 6.
Table 6: Permitted Encroachments [1]
R-1 R-2 R-3 NC Commercial TC Industrial AP
Permitted Setback Encroachments [2]
Accessibility
ramps
May encroach into
any setback, but
cannot be located in
the public right-of-
way
May encroach
into any
setback, but
cannot be
located in the
public right-of-
way
May
encroach
into any
setback, but
cannot be
located in
the public
right-of-way
May
encroach into
any setback,
but cannot be
located in the
public right-
of-way
May
encroach into
any setback,
but cannot be
located in the
public right-
of-way
May
encroach
into any
setback,
but cannot
be located
in the
public
right-of-
way
May
encroach
into any
setback,
but cannot
be located
in the
public
right-of-
way
May
encro
into
setba
but c
be lo
in th
publi
right
way
115
Table 6: Permitted Encroachments [1]
R-1 R-2 R-3 NC Commercial TC Industrial AP
Air conditioning
or heating
equipment
2 feet in the side
yard, but cannot be
closer than 10 feet
to the living quarters
of a dwelling on
adjacent property
2 feet in the
side yard, but
cannot be
closer than 10
feet to the
living quarters
of a dwelling
on adjacent
property
2 feet in the
side yard,
but cannot
be closer
than 10 feet
to the living
quarters of a
dwelling on
adjacent
property
2 feet in the
side yard, but
cannot be
closer than
10 feet to the
living
quarters of a
dwelling on
adjacent
property
2 feet in the
side yard, but
cannot be
closer than
10 feet to the
living
quarters of a
dwelling on
adjacent
property
Not
Applicable
2 feet in
the side
yard, but
cannot be
closer
than 10
feet to the
living
quarters of
a dwelling
on
adjacent
property
Not
Appl
Attached decks or
open porches
Front/rear:10 feet
for attached decks or
open porches in the
front or rear yard of
one or two family
dwellings, provided
that no more than
240 SF of the deck
or porch encroaches
into the 30 foot
required setback
Front/rear:10
feet for
attached decks
or open
porches in the
front
or rear yard of
one or two
family
dwellings,
provided that
no more than
240 SF of the
deck or porch
encroaches
into the 30 foot
required
setback
Front/rear:
10 feet for
attached
decks or
open
porches in
the front
or rear yard
of one or
two family
dwellings,
provided
that no more
than 240 SF
of the deck
or porch
encroaches
into the 30
foot required
setback
Front/rear:
10 feet for
attached
decks or open
porches in
the front or
rear yard of
multiple
family
dwellings,
provided that
no more than
240 SF of the
deck or porch
encroaches
into the 30
foot required
setback.
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Appl
Awnings Front: 3 feet
Side: 2 feet
Rear: 3feet
Corner side: 2 feet
Front: 3 feet
Side: 2 feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner side: 2
feet
Front: 3 feet
Side: 2 feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner side:
2 feet
Front: 3 feet
Side: 2 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner side:
2 feet
Front: 3 feet
Side: 2 feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner side:
2 feet
Front/corner
side: May
be located
up to the
property
line
Front: 3
feet
Side: 2
feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner
side: 2
feet
Fron
feet
Side
Rear
Corn
side:
116
Table 6: Permitted Encroachments [1]
R-1 R-2 R-3 NC Commercial TC Industrial AP
Building
projections or
bumpouts,
May encroach 5 feet
in the front setback
and 10 feet in the
rear setback if the
conditions in Note
3, below, are met
May encroach
5 feet in the
front setback
and 10 feet in
the rear
setback if the
conditions in
Note 3, below,
are met
May
encroach 5
feet in the
front setback
and 10 feet
in the rear
setback if
the
conditions in
Note 3,
below, are
met
Not
applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Appl
Chimneys May encroach 2 feet
into any setback
May encroach
2 feet into any
setback
May
encroach 2
feet into any
setback
May
encroach 2
feet into any
setback
May
encroach 2
feet into any
setback
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Appl
Detached decks
and patios
10 feet for detached
decks or patios in
the front yard for
one and two family
dwellings, provided
that no more than
240 SF of the deck
or patio encroaches
into the 30 foot
required setback
10feet for
detached decks
or patios in the
front yard for
one and two
family
dwellings,
provided that
no more than
240 SF of the
deck or patio
encroaches
into the 30 foot
required
setback
10 feet for
detached
decks or
patios in the
front yard
for one and
two family
dwellings,
provided
that no more
than 240 SF
of the deck
or patio
encroaches
into the 30
foot required
setback
10 feet for
detached
decks or
patios in the
front yard for
multiple
family
dwellings,
provided that
no more than
240 SF of the
deck or patio
encroaches
into the 30
foot required
setback
Not
Applicable
Front/corner
side:
Patios may
be located
up to the
property
line
Not
Applicable
Not
Appl
Eaves or
overhangs
May encroach 2 feet
into any setback
May encroach
2 feet into any
setback
May
encroach 2
feet into any
setback
May
encroach 2
feet into any
setback
May
encroach 2
feet into any
setback
May
encroach 2
feet into
any
setback,
but cannot
be located
in public
right-of-
way
May
encroach
2 feet into
any
setback
May
encro
feet i
any s
Egress windows
[4]
May encroach 3 feet
into any setback
May encroach
3 feet into any
setback
May
encroach 3
feet into any
setback
May
encroach 3
feet into any
setback
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Appl
117
Table 6: Permitted Encroachments [1]
R-1 R-2 R-3 NC Commercial TC Industrial AP
Landings Landings cannot
exceed 4 feet by 4
feet, together with
necessary steps to
reach grade
Landings
cannot exceed
6 feet by 6
feet, together
with necessary
steps to reach
grade
Landings
cannot
exceed 6
feet by 6
feet,
together
with
necessary
steps to
reach grade
Landings
cannot
exceed 6 feet
by 6 feet,
together with
necessary
steps to reach
grade
Landings
cannot
exceed 6 feet
by 6 feet,
together with
necessary
steps to reach
grade
Cannot
encroach
into public
right-of-
way
Landings
cannot
exceed 6
feet by 6
feet,
together
with
necessary
steps to
reach
grade
Land
cann
exce
feet b
feet,
toget
with
nece
steps
reach
Satellite dishes May encroach 2 feet
into any setback
May encroach
2 feet into any
setback
May
encroach 2
feet into any
setback
May
encroach 2
feet into any
setback
May
encroach 2
feet into any
setback
May
encroach 2
feet into
any setback
May
encroach
2 feet into
any
setback
May
encro
feet i
any s
Treehouses 20 feet for
treehouses in the
front yard for one
and two family
dwellings
20 feet for
treehouses in
the front yard
for one and
two family
dwellings
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Appl
Permitted Height Encroachments
Chimneys Not to exceed 5 feet
above the highest
point of the roof
Not to exceed
5 feet above
the highest
point of the
roof
Not to
exceed 5
feet above
the highest
point of the
roof
Not to exceed
5 feet above
the highest
point of the
roof
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Appl
Spires or steeples
for religious
institutions
As determined by
the City Council in
CUP review
As determined
by the City
Council in
CUP review
As
determined
by the City
Council in
CUP review
As
determined
by the City
Council in
CUP review
As
determined
by the City
Council in
CUP review
Not
Applicable
As
determined
by the
City
Council in
CUP
review
Not
Appl
118
Table 6: Permitted Encroachments [1]
R-1 R-2 R-3 NC Commercial TC Industrial AP
NOTES:
[1] Encroachments are permitted as shown in the table, but in no instance shall encroachments be allowed in a platted or dedicate
easement.
[2] Unless otherwise described, the numerical dimensions listed in this table are the linear dimensions allowed for the setback
encroachment. For example, in the R-1 district, awnings may be three feet closer to the front property line than the required
setback for the dwelling.
[3] Front setback: Building projections or bumpouts to the front of the principal building are allowed, subject to these conditions
Each addition shall not exceed 24 feet in width, and the cumulative width of all additions shall not exceed 50% of the width
principal building; 2) Each addition’s encroachment into the 30 foot required front setback shall not exceed 80 square feet, a
cumulative encroachment of all additions shall not exceed 100 square feet.
Rear setback: Building projections or bumpouts to the rear of the principal building are allowed, subject to these conditions:
The encroachment occupies no more than 300 square feet of the area within the rear setback; 2) The width of the encroachm
no more than 50%% of the lot width measured at the rear setback line; 3) The property owner removes any existing accessor
buildings from the rear yard; 4) The property owner signs and has notarized a written statement to the city acknowledging th
accessory buildings may be built or placed in the rear yard and this statement will be recorded against the property.
[4] If an egress window is constructed as part of the foundation of the dwelling, the egress window shall meet the required setba
for the dwelling.
520.03. Site development standards.
Subd. 1. Purpose. The purpose of these site development standards is to further the purpose of this
UDC and the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan. Furthermore these standards are intended to
establish appropriate lot dimensions and setbacks within each zoning district and provide for appropriate
scale of structures.
Subd. 2. Site development standards.
(a) Site development standards for principal buildings. Table 7 are the regulations for residential
densities, setbacks, number of principal buildings, lot dimensions, building height, and green
space for placing principal buildings in the city’s zoning districts.
(b) Site development standards for accessory structures. Table 8 are the setback and height
requirements for placing accessory structures in the city’s zoning districts.
Table 7: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Principal Buildings
R1 R2 R3 NC Commercial TC Industrial
Permitted Residential Density
Permitted Residential
Density
No more
than 6
units per
acre (gross)
6 to 16 units
per acre
(gross)
16 to 40
units per
acre (gross)
16 to 40 units per
acre (gross) Not Applicable
25 to 80
units per
acre
(gross)
Not
Applicable
Minimum Building Setbacks [1]
Front 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet
10 feet
10 feet
1 foot
minimum
10 foot
maximum
10 feet
119
Table 7: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Principal Buildings
R1 R2 R3 NC Commercial TC Industrial
Side 5 feet 10 feet 15 feet
10 feet 10 feet
0 foot
minimum
10 feet
Rear 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet
10 feet 10 feet
5 foot
minimum
10 feet
Corner Side 10 feet [2] 30 feet 30 feet
10 feet
10 feet
2 foot
minimum
12 foot
maximum
10 feet
Number of Principal Buildings
Maximum number of
principal buildings per
property
One One One
One One
Not
Applicable One
Minimum Lot Area
One-family Detached
Dwelling 6,000 SF 6,000 SF Not
Applicable
Not Applicable Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Two-Family Dwelling 10,0009,00
0 SF 10,000 SF 10,000 SF
Not Applicable Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Other Residential Uses Not
Applicable 10,000 SF 20,000 SF
10,000 SF Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Non-Residential Uses
[3]
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
10,000 SF
20,000 SF
Not
Applicable 20,000 SF
Minimum Lot Depth
One-family Detached
Dwelling 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet
Not Applicable Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Two-Family Dwelling 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet
Not Applicable Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Other Residential Uses Not
Applicable 100 feet 100 feet
100 feet Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Non-Residential Uses
[3] 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet
100 feet
120 feet
Not
Applicable 120 feet
Minimum Lot Width
120
Table 7: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Principal Buildings
R1 R2 R3 NC Commercial TC Industrial
One-family Detached
Dwelling 50 feet 50 feet Not
Applicable
Not Applicable Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Two-Family Dwelling 80 75 feet 80 feet Not
Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Other Residential Uses Not
Applicable 100 feet 100 feet
100 feet
Not Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Non-Residential Uses
[3] 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet
100 feet
100 feet
Not
Applicable 100 feet
Maximum Building Height
One-family Detached
Dwelling
2 stories or
32 feet,
whichever
is less
2 stories or
32 feet,
whichever is
less
Not
Applicable
Not Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Two-Family Dwelling
2 stories or
32 feet,
whichever
is less
2 stories or
32 feet,
whichever is
less
2 stories or
32 feet,
whichever is
less
Not Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Other Residential Uses Not
Applicable
3 stories or
40 feet,
whichever is
less
5 stories
or 60 feet,
whichever is
less
3 stories, or 40
feet, whichever is
less
Not
Applicable
5 stories or
60 feet,
whichever
is less
Not
Applicable
Non-Residential Uses
[3]
2 stories
or 32 feet,
whichever
is less
3 stories or
40 feet,
whichever is
less
5 stories
or 60 feet,
whichever is
less
3 stories, or 40
feet, whichever is
less 5 stories
or 60 feet,
whichever is less
5 stories or
60 feet,
whichever
is less
5 stories
or 60 feet,
whichever
is less
Minimum Green Space [4]
One and Two-Family
Detached Dwellings
See note
[5] below
See note
[5] below
See note
[5] below
Not Applicable Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable Not
Applicable
Other Uses 30% 25% 20%
15%
15% 10% 10%
121
Table 7: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Principal Buildings
R1 R2 R3 NC Commercial TC Industrial
NOTES:
[1] Setbacks for some principal uses are regulated by the Use-Specific Standards found in Table 3.
[2] If the vehicle entrance for an attached garage faces a street or alley, the garage shall be at least 20 feet from the
property line.
[3] For the purposes of Table 7, specialized care facilities shall be defined as non-residential uses.
[4] The minimum green space requirement is expressed as a percentage of the property that shall be free from any
surfaces.
[5] In residential zoning districts, the minimum green space requirement applies only to the rear yard of one and
dwellings. The requirement is expressed as a percentage of the rear yard that is free of any impervious surfaces:
1. Rear yard of 5,001 SF or greater: 50%
2. Rear yard of between 4,501 and 5,000 SF: 45%
3. Rear yard of between 4,001 and 4,500 SF: 40%
4. Rear yard of between 3,501 and 4,000 SF: 35%
5. Rear yard of between 3,000 and 3,500 SF: 30%
6. Rear yard of less than 3,000 SF: 25%.
Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure
Type R1 R2 R3 NC Commercial TC Industrial
Minimum Structure Setbacks
Accessory dwelling
units, detached
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building [2]
Side: 5 feet
[3]
Rear: 5 feet
[3]
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building [2]
Side: 5 feet
[3]
Rear: 5 feet
[3]
Corner
side: 10
feet
Not
Applicable
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to the
street than the
principal
building [2]
Side: 5 feet
[3]
Rear: 5 feet
[3]
Corner side:
10 feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Amateur radio towers See note
[1], below
See note
[1], below
See note [1],
below
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
122
Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure
Type R1 R2 R3 NC Commercial TC Industrial
Attached Decks and open
porches
Front: 30
feet
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 30
feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet
Side: 15
feet
Rear: 30
feet
Corner
side: 30
feet
Front: 30
feet
Side: 15 feet
Rear: 30 feet
Corner side:
30 feet
Front: 10 feet
Side: 10 feet
Rear: 15 feet
Corner side:
10 feet
Front: 30 feet
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner
side: 30
feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Clothesline Poles Front: Not
allowed
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: Not
allowed
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Commercial Storage
Buildings
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Front: 30 feet
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 30
feet
Not
Applicable
Front: 30
feet
Side: 10 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner side:
30 feet
Detached decks Front: 30
feet
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet
Side: 5 feet
Rear: 5 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet
Side: 5
feet
Rear: 5
feet
Corner side:
10 feet
Front: 10 feet
Side: 10 feet
Rear: 15 feet
Corner side:
10 feet
Front: 30 feet
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 10 feet
Corner
side: 15
feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
123
Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure
Type R1 R2 R3 NC Commercial TC Industrial
Detached garages or
carports
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building [2]
Side: 5 feet
[3]
Rear: 5 feet
[3] , [4]
Corner
side: 10
feet [4]
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building
Side: 5 feet
[3]
Rear: 5 feet
[3], [4]
Corner
side: 10
feet [4]
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to the
street than
the principal
building
Side: 10 feet
Rear: 10 feet
Corner side:
10 feet [4]
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to the
street than the
principal
building
Side: 10 feet
Rear: 10 feet
Corner side:
10 feet [4]
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street than
the principal
building
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 10 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet [4]
Not
Applicable
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to the
street than
the principal
building
Side: 10 feet
Rear: 10 feet
Corner side:
10 feet [4]
Flagpoles Cannot be
closer than
5 feet to
any
property
line
Cannot be
closer than
5 feet to
any
property
line
Cannot be
closer than 5
feet to any
property line
Cannot be
closer than 5
feet to any
property line
Cannot be
closer than 5
feet to any
property line
Cannot be
closer than 5
feet to any
property line
Cannot be
closer than 5
feet to any
property line
Gazebos 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: 3
feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner side:
10 feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
124
Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure
Type R1 R2 R3 NC Commercial TC Industrial
Micro-unit dwellings 30 feet
from a
property
line along a
public
street
10 feet
from any
other
property
line
30 feet
from a
property
line along a
public
street
10 feet
from any
other
property
line
30 feet from
a property
line along a
public street
10 feet from
any other
property line
30 feet from a
property line
along a public
street
10 feet from
any other
property line
30 feet from a
property line
along a public
street
10 feet from
any other
property line
Not
Applicable
30 feet from
a property
line along a
public street
10 feet from
any other
property line
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
Applicable
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: 5 feet
Side: 5 feet
Rear: 15 feet
Corner side: 5
feet
Front: 30 feet
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 3
feet
Corner
side: 30
feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
125
Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure
Type R1 R2 R3 NC Commercial TC Industrial
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: 10 feet
Corner side:
30 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
Solar energy systems See note
[5], below
See note
[5], below
See note [5],
below
See note [5]
below
See note [5],
below
See note [5],
below
See note [5],
below
Swimming pools, hot
tubs and spas
Front: Not
allowed
Side: 5 feet
Rear: 5 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: Not
allowed
Side: 5 feet
Rear: 5 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: Not
allowed
Side: 10 feet
Rear: 10 feet
Corner side:
15 feet
Not
Applicable
Front: Not
allowed
Side: 10
feet
Rear: 10 feet
Corner
side: 15
feet
Front: Not
allowed
Side: 10 feet
Rear: 10 feet
Corner side:
20 feet
Not
Applicable
Tennis or other
recreational courts
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building
Side: 5 feet
Rear: 5 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building
Side: 5 feet
Rear: 5 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to the
street than
the principal
building
Side: 5
feet
Rear: 5
feet
Corner side:
10 feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
126
Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure
Type R1 R2 R3 NC Commercial TC Industrial
Treehouses Front: 30
feet
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet
Side: 3 feet
Rear: 3 feet
Corner
side: 10
feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Workshops Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building [2]
Side: 5 feet
[3]
Rear: 5 feet
[3]
Corner
side: 10
feet
Front: 30
feet, but
cannot be
closer to
the street
than the
principal
building
Side: 5 feet
[3]
Rear: 5 feet
[3]
Corner
side: 10
feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Maximum Structure Height
Accessory dwelling
units, detached
22 feet 22 feet Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Amateur radio towers Tower
not to
exceed
75 feet
Tower
not to
exceed
75 feet
Tower
not to
exceed
75 feet
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Tower
not to
exceed
75 feet
Tower
not to
exceed
75 feet
Commercial storage
buildings
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
20 feet 20 feet
Detached accessory
buildings [6]
15 feet 15 feet 15 feet Not
Applicable
15 feet 15 feet
Essential services (such
as poles or towers)
As
determined
by the city
engineer
As
determined
by the city
engineer
As determined
by the city
engineer
As
determined
by the city
engineer
As
determined
by the city
engineer
As determined
by the city
engineer
As determined
by the city
engineer
Fences See
subsection
520.09
See
subsection
520.09
See
subsection
520.09
See
subsection
520.09
Not
Applicable
See
subsection
520.09
See
subsection
520.09
Flagpoles 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet
127
Table 8: Zoning District Site Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure
Type R1 R2 R3 NC Commercial TC Industrial
Satellite dishes Not to
exceed 4
feet above
the roof
Not to
exceed 4
feet above
the roof
Not to
exceed 4
feet
above
the roof
Not to exceed
4 feet above
the roof
Not to exceed
4 feet above
the roof
Not to
exceed 4
feet
above
the roof
Not to
exceed 4
feet
above
the roof
Solar energy systems Building
mounted:
Shall not
exceed the
maximum
allowed
building
height
Freestanding:
20 feet
when
oriented at
maximum
tilt
Building
mounted:
Shall not
exceed the
maximum
allowed
building
height
Freestanding:
20 feet
when
oriented at
maximum
tilt
Building
mounted:
Shall not
exceed the
maximum
allowed
building
height
Freestanding:
20 feet when
oriented at
maximum
tilt
Building
mounted:
Shall not
exceed the
maximum
allowed
building
height
Building
mounted:
Shall not
exceed the
maximum
allowed
building
height
Building
mounted:
Shall not
exceed the
maximum
allowed
building
height
Freestanding:
20 feet when
oriented at
maximum
tilt
Building
mounted:
Shall not
exceed the
maximum
allowed
building
height
Freestanding:
20 feet when
oriented at
maximum
tilt
Television and Radio
Antennae
Not to
exceed 12
feet above
the roof
Not to
exceed 12
feet above
the roof
Not to
exceed 12
feet above
the roof
Not to exceed
12 feet above
the roof
Not to exceed
12 feet above
the roof
Not to
exceed 12
feet above
the roof
Not to
exceed 12
feet above
the roof
NOTES:
[1] The tower shall be located only in the rear yard, and set back at least 15 feet from any property line. However, necessa
wires, anchors, and wires of less than 1/4 inch may be set back at least 3 feet from any rear or interior side property li
[2] On interior lots abutting directly on Twin Lake, a detached accessory garage, carport, shed, accessory dwelling unit, o
workshop may be erected within the front setback area provided it does not encroach into the required front, side or c
side setback.
[3] Garages, carports, accessory dwelling units, or workshops in the side or rear yard may be located as close as 3 feet to t
property line provided that no part of the building, including eaves and foundation, is within the 3 foot area and does
encroach into a platted or dedicated easement.
[4] If the vehicle entrance for a detached garage or carport faces a street or alley, the garage or carport shall be at least 20
from the corner side or rear property line.
[5] For building-mounted solar energy systems, the collector surface and mounting devices shall not extend beyond the re
setbacks on which the building is mounted. For freestanding solar energy systems, the system may not extend into th
following setbacks when oriented at minimum design tilt:
Front: 30 feet, but cannot be located closer to the street than the principal building; Side: 5 feet; Rear: 5 feet; Corner si
feet.
[6] For the purposes of this maximum height requirement, detached accessory buildings are defined as carports, detached
garages, gazebos, noncommercial greenhouses, sheds and workshops.
Some of these structures may not be allowed in every zoning district.
128
520.05 Architectural design standards for principal buildings.
Subd. 1. Intent. It is not the intent of the city to unduly restrict design freedom when reviewing
project architecture in connection with a site plan for a principal building. However, it is in the best interest
of the city to promote high standards of architectural design and compatibility with surrounding structures
and neighborhoods.
Subd. 2. Exterior design and materials. Except for warehouse and industrial buildings that are
adequately screened from view, the following are not allowed for building exteriors:
(a) Blank walls;
(b) Unadorned prestressed concrete panels;
(c) Concrete block; and
(d) Unfinished metal and corrugated metal., except for airplane hangars at the Crystal Airport
which may have a corrugated metal exterior.
520.07. Exterior lighting.
Subd. 1. Standards. Exterior lighting is subject to the following standards:
(a) Any exterior lighting that is used to illuminate an off-street parking area, sign or other structure
shall be hooded or controlled in some manner so as to deflect light away from any adjoining
residential property or from public streets;
(b) Exterior lighting which casts light on a public street shall not exceed one foot candle at the
property line abutting the street and lighting which casts light on residential property shall not
exceed 0.4 foot candle at the property line abutting that residential property; and
(c) Bare light bulbs shall not be permitted if they can be viewed from adjacent property or the
public right-of-way.
520.09. Fences and retaining walls.
Subd. 1. Fence requirements.
(a) Height requirements.
(1) Measurement of fence height. The height of a fence shall be measured as follows:
(i) Fence height is measured from the average grade to the tallest part of the fence,
including posts;
(ii) In cases where the fence is located on sloped grade, the fence height shall be measured
separately for each segment between posts; and
(iii) In the case of grade being changed where the fence is to be located, such as when fill
is added or berm is created, the maximum fence height shall be measured from the
grade at the principal structure or the property line, whichever is closer to the proposed
fence.
134
subject to erosion where solid sod, erosion reducing net, or suitable mulch shall be
used.
(iii) Ground cover may be supplemented with decorative rocks, pebbles, sand, or similar
materials, when used for decorative purposes.
(3) Trees.
(i) Trees in public rights-of-way. The requirements for planting trees in the public right-
of-way are found in the Crystal city code, chapter VIII.
(ii) Tree roots. Trees of species whose roots are known to cause damage to public roadways
or other public improvements shall not be planted closer than 15 feet to such public
improvements.
(4) Earth berms.
(i) Berms shall be physical barriers which block or screen a view in a manner similar to a
hedge, fence or wall.
(ii) Berms shall be constructed with proper and adequate plant material to prevent erosion.
Where berms are to be mowed, the maximum permitted slope is 3:1 (See Figure 20).
Figure 20: Illustration of a permitted berm slope.
(d) Maintenance of landscaped areas.
(1) All landscaping (e.g., ground cover, hedges, lawns, shrubs, and trees) shall be maintained
in a healthful and thriving condition at all times; and
(2) The landscaping shall regularly be kept clean and free of debris, litter, and weeds.
Subd. 5. Tree preservation and replacement requirements.
(a) Tree inventory required. As part of a submittal application for site plan review, conditional use
permit, or a subdivision, the applicant shall submit a tree inventory, unless the applicant can
demonstrate that there are no existing trees with a DBH of 12 inches or more on the property.
The inventory shall be taken and reported by a qualified arborist, nurseryman, horticulturist, or
landscape architect who is licensed, certified, registered or otherwise qualified in the State of
Minnesota and shall depict the following:
(1) Lot lines of the parcel(s) involved;
(2) The exact location, health, type, and size of all trees with a DBH of 12 inches or more; and
(3) Recommendations of which trees, or stands of trees, should be retained and protected.
(b) Tree protection removal requirements. To the maximum extent possible, the city desires to
retain healthy larger trees as part of its urban forest. To achieve that objective, trees with a
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DBH of 12 inches or more shall be retained, or replaced according to the requirements of
subdivision 5(c) of this subsection, . with the following exceptions:The following trees may be
removed without replacement:
(1) Trees with a DBH of less than 12 inches.
(1)(2) Trees that are dead or dying based on an analysis and report by a qualified arborist;
(2)(3) Trees that are determined by the city engineer to be an immediate nuisance or threat
to an existing or proposed structure, underground utility, or to the public health, safety, or
welfare;
(3)(4) Trees that are not on the city’s list of approved tree species as established in
subdivision 4 of this subsection, or tree species that may be prohibited by the city;
(4)(5) Trees located on publicly owned land, within public rights-of-way, or within
easements; and
(5)(6) Trees that are an obstacle to access to the lot or an obstacle to locating the proposed
principal building or use and no viable alternative exists for relocating such access,
building or use.
(c) Tree replacement requirements.
(1) If a tree with a DBH of 12 inches or more is eligible for removal removed according to the
requirements of this subsection, replacement trees shall be provided in accordance with
Table 10. A tree will be considered removed if 30 percent or more of the trunk diameter is
injured.
Table 10: Replacement Tree Requirements
Caliper of Original Tree Replacement Trees Required
12 to 17 inches DBH One replacement tree for each protected tree removed
18 to 23 inches DBH Three replacement trees for each protected tree removed
24 to 35inches DBH Six replacement tree for each protected tree removed
36 to 47 inches DBH Ten replacement trees for each protected tree removed
48+ inches DBH Twelve replacement trees for each protected tree removed
(2) Each replacement tree shall have a minimum DBH of at least two inches.
(d) Tree protection requirements. The following are the requirements for those trees that are to be
preserved on the site during construction.
(1) Paving or soil compaction prohibited. The area within the critical root zone (as defined as
five feet beyond the drip line) of any protected tree shall not be subject to paving or soil
compaction.
(2) Owner’s responsibility. During site development, the property owner or developer shall be
responsible for the erection of any and all barriers necessary to protect any existing or
installed trees from damage both during and after construction.
(3) Tree protection fencing.
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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 containers. Except for one and two family dwellings, outdoor waste enclosures 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 and at
least five feet from any side or rear yard property line;
(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) Unless required by a private utility company, Groundground-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, roof-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.
(1) Use of building walls, parapets, and/or roof systems (See Figure 24)
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recommendations of the American Planning Association (APA), the Urban Land Institute
(ULI) and/or the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE).
(3) The zoning administrator’s decision regarding parking requirements for a specific use is
appealable to the board of appeals and adjustments as provided in the Crystal city code,
subsection 510.35.
Subd. 5. Tandem parking. The use of tandem parking (when one space is located directly behind
another) is allowed; however, the parking spaces that will be blocked, or potentially blocked by other
vehicles shall not count toward the requirements of this subsection. One and two-family dwelling units shall
be exempt from this requirement.
Subd. 6. Off-street parking space requirements.
(a) Table 11 defines the number of parking spaces required for each use within the city.
(b) The applicant may vary from the required number of parking spaces as provided in subdivision
8 of this section.
(c) Within the TC district, no off-street parking spaces are required for non-residential
development. Residential development shall provide a minimum of one space per unit, plus
one space per ten units for visitor parking.
Table 11: Parking Spaces by Use
Use Type
Minimum
Maximum
Residential Use Category
Accessory
dwelling units
1 space per unit in addition to the
number of spaces required for the
principal building on the property
Not Applicable
Bed and
breakfast
establishments
2 spaces for the owner/occupant
of the dwelling, at least one of
which must be enclosed in a
garage, plus 1 space per guest
sleeping room
Not Applicable
Dwellings, one
and two family
2 spaces per dwelling unit, one of
which must be enclosed in a
garage
Not applicable
Dwellings,
multiple-family
2 spaces per dwelling unit, one of
which must be enclosed in a
garage [1]
Not applicable
Specialized care
facilities
4 spaces, plus 1 space per 5 beds Not applicable
Commercial Use Category
Banquet halls or
event centers
See Public, Institutional, or
Recreational Use Category
Bowling alleys 4 spaces, plus 4 spaces for each
lane
Not applicable
Funeral Homes 4 spaces, plus no less than 1 space
per 3 seats in the main assembly
4 spaces, plus no more than 1
space per 2 seats in the main
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(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. This setback may be reduced to five feet to the
property line and four feet to the back of the curb if a permanent screen fence of at least 4.5
feet in height is installed to screen the parking lot from the residential dwellings.
(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;
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(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) A maximum of 20 percent of spaces in any single parking lot may be dedicated to
compact parking spaces;
(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;
(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
(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. If a driveway or parking lot
is constructed of paving units, the following standards are required:
(i) Pavers shall be made of brick, concrete, stone or similar material and shall
have a minimum thickness of 2 3/8 inches for one and two-family
residential dwellings and 3 1/8 inches for multiple-family dwellings and
nonresidential buildings.
(ii) After initial excavation and compaction of the exposed earth, the driveway
or parking lot shall be backfilled with six inches of class 5 granular base
and a bedding of sand of no more than 1 ½ inches.
(iii) Paving units shall be spaced at no more than ¼ inches apart.
(iv) After the pavers are in place, dry sand shall be scattered over the area and
swept into the cracks between the paving units as necessary until all voids
are filled.
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Section 525
Subdivision of land
525.01. Basic subdivision requirements. The city hereby adopts subdivision regulations, the authority of
which is provided for in Minnesota Statutes, section 462.358. The city finds that regulation of the
subdivision of real property in the city is necessary for the following purposes:
(a) To insure the orderly, economic, and safe development of land in the city;
(b) To insure the adequate and timely provision of urban services and facilities; and
(c) To protect and promote the public health, safety, and welfare.
Subd. 1. Subdivision approval.
(a) Required. Subdivision approval, in compliance with the provisions of this section, shall occur
as follows:
(1) Lot consolidations as provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 510.23;
(2) Subdivisions as provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 510.25; and
(3) Those properties for which Minnesota condominium law, Minnesota Statutes, chapter 515
applies. Development or division of ownership under Minnesota condominium law,
Minnesota Statutes chapter 515, but only if it includes a land division into two or more lots.
(b) Exemption. Subdivision approval is not required for adjacent parcel land conveyances as
provided in the Crystal city code, subsection 510.21.
(c) Restrictions.
(1) No lot, parcel, or tract created after the effective date of this UDC shall be issued a building
permit unless the lot, parcel, or tract has been created in compliance with this UDC.
(2) No building permits shall be issued for a habitable structure proposed to be located on an
outlot.
(3) Land will not be subdivided if the city council determines that the land is unsuitable for
development because of flood hazard unless corrective measures consistent with those
found in the Crystal city code, subsection 515.09 can be feasibly accomplished.
(4) A proposed subdivision of land will not be considered by the city unless past due special
assessments thereon have been paid in full or arrangements for their payment satisfactory
to the city have been made.
525.03. Development agreement required.
Subd. 1. Purpose. It is the purpose of this subsection to ensure that a subdivider follows the
conditions of approval and properly installs the basic improvements required in a plat. Whenever a
subdivision includes any public improvements or other conditions of approval, the subdivider shall enter
into a development agreement with the city, setting forth the conditions under which the subdivision has
been approved.
Subd. 2. Required improvements.
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Subd. 5. Street names. If applicable, street names shall be a continuation of the names of previously
constructed streets. The city shall have final authority to designate street names in order to avoid confusion
to the traveling public.
Subd. ____. Grading. Property grading shall meet the requirements of the Crystal city
code section 415.
Subd. 6. Easements. Easements shall be dedicated on the plat instrument for the required use.
Subd. 7. Debris and waste. No cut trees, diseased trees, timber, debris, earth, rocks, stones, soil,
junk, rubbish or other waste materials of any kind shall be buried in any land, or left or deposited on any
lot or street at the time of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, and removal of those items and materials
shall be required prior to issuance of any certificate of occupancy in a subdivision. No items and materials
as described in the preceding sentence shall be left or deposited in any area of the subdivision at the time
of expiration of the development agreement or dedication of public improvements, whichever occurs
sooner.
Subd. 8. Open space and natural features.
(a) Natural features (including significant trees, creeks, and similar features) shall be preserved
and incorporated into proposed development to the greatest extent feasible.
(b) Development on hillsides shall generally follow the natural terrain contour. Stepped building
pads, larger lot sizes, and setbacks shall be used to preserve the general shape of natural land
forms and to minimize grade differentials with adjacent streets and with adjoining properties.
Subd. 9. Lot and block design.
(i) Lot dimensions.
(1) All lot dimensions shall comply with the standards of the applicable zoning district in this
UDC. Depth and width of properties reserved or laid out for residential or commercial
purposes shall be adequate to provide for the off-street parking and loading facilities that
may be required for the type of use contemplated, as established in this UDC.
(2) No subdivision shall be designed to leave unsubdivided islands, strips or parcels, or
property unsuitable for subdividing, which is not either accepted by the city or other
appropriate entity for public use, or maintained, as common area within the development.
(ii) Lot arrangement. The lot arrangement shall be such that there will be no foreseeable
difficulties, for reasons of topography or other conditions, in securing building permits to
build on all lots in compliance with this UDC. In addition, all lots shall abut and have direct
access to an improved public street.
(iii) Street frontage required. Each proposed parcel shall have frontage on a public street. The
frontage width shall be the lot width required by the applicable zoning district.
(iv) Side lot lines. Side lines of lots shall be substantially at right angles to street lines and
substantially radial to curved street lines, unless an alternative layout will result in a better
street or lot plan.
(v) Corner lots. Corner lots shall be of sufficient width and depth to comply with the required
minimum building setback from both streets, as established in this UDC.
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Subd. 3. Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited:
(a) Any sign, signal, marking or device which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles any
official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or emergency vehicle signal, or which
attempts to direct the movement of traffic or which hides from view or interferes with the
effectiveness of any official traffic-control device or any railroad sign or signal;
(b) All off-premise signs;
(c) Signs painted, attached or in any other manner affixed to trees, rocks, or similar natural
surfaces, or attached to public utility poles, bridges, towers, or similar public structures;
(d) Signs placed in the public right-of-way, other than the following:
(i) Governmental signs;
(ii) Courtesy bench signs allowed with an obstruction permit as regulated by the Crystal city
code, chapter VIII;
(iii) Signs placed in public right-of-way that are maintained by the owner or occupant of
residential property abutting said right-of-way. Each sign is limited to 30 inches in height
and six square feet in area, and the cumulative area of all signs is limited to 0.5 square
feet of sign area per lineal foot of frontage on the right-of-way; and
(iv) Sandwich board signs are permitted in the public right-of-way but shall not interfere with
public use of the sidewalk or right-of-way. The city’s public works director has authority
to determine if a sign is interfering.
(e) A sign, including unshielded display lighting, that obstructs or distracts the vision of drivers or
pedestrians, or detracts from the visibility of any official traffic control device;
(f) A sign that contains, imitates, interferes with, obscures or causes confusion with an official
traffic sign or signal, except for private, on premise directional signs;
(g) Abandoned signs;
(h) Roof signs; and
(i) Vehicle signs.
Subd. 4. Substitution clause. The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by these sign
regulations may substitute noncommercial copy in lieu of any other commercial or non-commercial copy.
This substitution of copy may be made without any additional approval or permitting. The purpose of this
provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech, or
favoring of any particular non-commercial message over any other non-commercial message. This
provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary.
530.05. Sign design standards.
Subd. 1. Computations. The following principles shall control the computation of sign area and
sign height:
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Subd. 3. Height. The top of a sign, including its superstructure, if any, shall be no higher than the
roof of the building to which such sign may be attached; except that the height of any changeable sign
which is attached to or an integral part of a functional structure, such as a water tower, smoke stack, radio
or TV transmitting tower, beacon or similar structure shall be no higher than such structure. Signs, including
any superstructure standing or erected free of any building or other structure, shall not exceed an overall
height of 25 feetfor a specific sign type from ground level and shall be located on land in an area which is
landscaped or if such land is part of an approved parking area, it shall be surfaced or paved as required in
this UDC.
Subd. 4. Illumination. External illumination for signs shall be so constructed and maintained that
the source of light meets the requirements of the Crystal city code, subsection 520.07.
Subd. 5. Intersections. A sign or sign structure shall comply with the visibility requirements in the
Crystal city code, chapter VIII.
530.07. Maintenance and repair.
Subd. 1. Maintenance. Every sign shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural
condition at all times, including the replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning and other
acts required for the maintenance of the sign.
Subd. 2. Repairs.
(a) Any sign located in the city which may now be or hereafter become out of order, rotten or
unsafe, and every sign which shall hereafter be erected, altered, resurfaced, reconstructed or
moved contrary to the provisions of this subsection, shall be removed or otherwise properly
secured in accordance with the terms of this subsection by the owners thereof or by the owners
of the grounds on which said sign shall stand, upon written notice by the city. No rotten or
other unsafe sign shall be repaired or rebuilt except in accordance with the provisions of this
subsection and upon a permit issued by the city.
(b) In the event of the failure of the owner or person, company or corporation having control of
any sign, or the owner of the ground on which the sign is located, to remove or repair said sign
within 60 days after the use is terminated, a written notice shall be given and the sign may be
removed by the city at the expense of the owner or manager of the sign, or the owner of the
ground upon which the sign stands.
530.09. Allowed sign types.
(a) Table 14 lists the sign types allowed within each zoning district. The symbols and headings
used in the table are defined as follows:
(1) A “P” in a cell indicates a sign type that is allowed in the zoning district with an approved
sign permit application;
(2) An “A” in a cell indicates a sign type that is allowed in the zoning district, but is exempt
from obtaining a sign permit;
(3) A cell with a “-“ indicates a sign type that is not allowed in the zoning district; and
(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.
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Table: 14: Signs allowed by zoning district
Sign Type
Zoning District
Sign Specific
Standards
R-1 R-2 R-3 NC C TC I AP
Canopy, Marquee, and
Fixed Awnings
P P P P P P P P 530.11, subdivision 1
Electronically controlled
readerboard
P P P P P - P P 530.11, subdivision 2
Electric
P P P P P P P P
Freestanding
- - - - P - P P 530.11, subdivision 3
Governmental A A A A A A A A
Monument
P P P P P P P P 530.11, subdivision 4
Multiple Tenant - - - P P P P - 530.11, subdivision 6
Off-Premise
- - - - - - - -
Projecting
- - - P P P P P 530.11, subdivision 5
Roof
- - - - - - - -
Rotating
- - - - - - - -
Sandwich board - - - P P P - - 530.11, subdivision 7
Shimmering - - - - P - P P
Temporary
P P P P P P P P 530.11, subdivision 8
Small
A A A P A A A A
Wall
P 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,
but are allowed for all building types in the commercial and industrial districts. Canopy, marquee, and
fixed awning signs are subject to the following standards:
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(a) An awning, canopy or marquee may not project into the public right-of-way nearer than 30
inches to the street curb or curb line;
(b) The bottom of awning signs shall be no less than eight feet above the sidewalk or grade at any
point;
(c) Awnings, canopy or marquees projecting into the required yards may not be enclosed except
with a transparent material permitting through vision;
(d) Awnings, canopies or marquees built over the public right-of-way must be included in a
liability insurance policy holding the city free of all responsibility; and
(e) Canopies and marquees are a part of the building structure but the area of canopies and
marquees may not be used in the computation of total wall area.
Subd. 2. Electronically or electrically controlled readerboards. Electronically or electrically
controlled readerboards are permitted provided that the sign:
(a) Displays a given copy or graphic image for a minimum of three seconds within the readerboard
frame if having lamps of a single color, or for a minimum of sixty seconds if having lamps of
more than one color;
(b) Is included in an otherwise permitted and conforming wall, free-standing or monument sign,
and the area of the readerboard may not exceed 50% of the total area of the sign face in which
it is integrated, or 50 square feet, whichever is less, and only one readerboard per premise is
allowed;
(c) Displays a static message with no fade, dissolve, scrolling, blinking, flashing, spinning or
zooming action; and
(d) Does not cast light on any public street in excess of one foot candle at the lot line along said
street, or in excess of 0.4 foot candle at the lot line of any residential property.
Subd. 3. Freestanding or pylon signs. Freestanding or pylon signs are subject to the following
standards:
(a) Freestanding or pylon signs shall meet the requirements in Table 15; and
(b) An electronically controlled reader board is allowed as part of a freestanding or pylon sign.
184
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 use,
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
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(b) Freestanding signs. Where allowed, one freestanding sign shall be permitted for each multiple-
tenant building.
(c) Canopies and awnings. The design of canopies shall be in keeping with the overall building
design in terms of location, size, and color. No canopies with visible wall hangers shall be
permitted. Signage on canopies may be substituted for allowed building signage and shall be
limited to 25% of the canopy area.
Subd. 7. Sandwich board signs. Sandwich board signs are subject to the following standards:
(a) Signs shall not exceed six square feet in size;
(b) One sign is allowed per property. Within the TC district, one sign is allowed per business; and
(c) Signs shall only be displayed during business operating hours.
Subd. 8. Temporary signs. Except for those signs specifically exempt in the Crystal city code
subsection 530.03, subdivision 2, the The temporary use of banners, pennants, balloon signs, portable signs
and similar devices requires a permit. The permit is valid for seven consecutive days. Not more than six
permits for each property, or if applicable each tenant in a multiple tenant building, may be granted in a 12-
month period. The permit must be prominently displayed at the principal use in the same manner required
for building permits. Temporary signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in area and eight feet in height abd
shall conform to the same relevant location and dimension requirements in the Crystal city code section
530.03, subdivision 3as permanent signs.
(a) Non-commercial speech signs. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these sign
requirements, all signs of any size containing non-commercial speech may be posted from
August 1 in any general election year until ten days following the general election and 13 weeks
prior to any special election until ten days following the special election.
Subd. 9. Wall signs.
(a) Wall signs in residential districts. In the residential districts, wall signs are allowed for multiple
family dwellings, or institutional or commercial uses, subject to the following standards:
(1) Wall signs are only permitted on walls fronting on a public street or facing other property
used for institutional, commercial or industrial purposes.
(2) No more than one sign is permitted on each wall.
(3) No wall sign shall exceed 10% of the wall area or 75 square feet in area, whichever is less.
(4) Wall signs for home business are allowed according to the requirements in the Crystal city
code, subsection 515.23.
(b) Wall signs in commercial and industrial districts. In the commercial and industrial districts,
wall signs are subject to the following standards:
(1) Wall signs shall meet the requirements in Table 18;
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Table: 18: Wall Signs
Sign Type Number
Allowed
Area
Wall Maximum
of 2 wall or
projecting
signs per
wall
Up to 10% of the wall area
to which it is affixed when
combined with projecting
signs
(2) 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; and
(3) A wall sign may be displayed on the side or rear of a building facing a yard not abutting
on a street under the following conditions:
(i) The sign is visible from a public roadway on which the building abuts;
(ii) The side or rear yard on the side of the building to be signed must meet district setback
requirements;
(iii) The sign(s) may not be larger in area than the largest sign permitted elsewhere on the
building; and
(iv) If the side or rear yard on the side of the building to be signed abuts a park property
or a residential use, any lighting of sign must be shielded in accordance with the
Crystal city code, subsection 520.07.
Subd. 10. Signs containing non-commercial speech.
(a) Substitution clause. The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by these sign regulations may
substitute non-commercial copy in lieu of any commercial or non-commercial copy. This substitution of
copy may be made without any additional approval or permitting. The purpose of this provision is to
prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech, or favoring of any
particular non-commercial message over any other non-commercial message. This provision prevails
over any more specific provision to the contrary.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of these sign requirements, all signs of any size containing
non-commercial speech may be posted from August 1 in any general election year until ten days
following the general election and 13 weeks prior to any special election until ten days following the
special election.
(c) Signs containing non-commercial speech that are posted outside the time limits in subdivision 10
(2) of this subsection shall not exceed 50 square feet in area and eight feet in height and shall conform to
the relevant locational requirements in the Crystal city code subsection 530.03, subdivision 3.
Parking Comparison Table
Land Use Crystal* Fridley** New Brighton New Hope Richfield *** West St. Paul Brooklyn Center Bloomington Roseville***
Retail Minimum 1 space per 500 SF 1 space per 300 SF 3 per 1,000 SF of gross floor area 1 space per 200 SF 5 spaces per 1,000 SF Range of 1 space per 200-300 SF based on total floor area
None 1 space per 180 SF 1 space per 325 SF
Maximum 1 space per 250
SF
None 10% over the
minimum
None See note None If less than 10,000 SF, 3
spaces per 1,000 SF; If
over 10,000, 4 spaces for
1,000 SF.
None See note
Office Minimum 1 space per 500
SF
1 space per
300 SF
3.5 per 1,000 SF of
gross floor area
1 space per 300 SF Range of 1 space
per 275-350 SF
based on total floor
area
1 space per 200 SF
if have less than
6,000 SF; 1 space
per 250 SF if have
less than 6,000 SF
None 1 space per 285 SF Range of 1 space
per 250-325 SF
based on total floor
area
Maximum 1 space per 250 SF None 10% over the minimum None See note None 3 spaces for each 1,000 SF None See note
Personal Services
Minimum
1 space per 500
SF
1 space per
300 SF
5 per 1,000 SF of
gross floor area
1 space per 300 SF 1 space per 250 SF Range of 1 space
per 200-300 SF
based on total floor
area
None 1 space per 240 SF 1 space per 300 SF
Maximum 1 space per 250 SF None 10% over the minimum None See note 1 space per 200 SF None See note
Multiple Family
Minimum
2 spaces per
unit
1.5 spaces for
a 1 bedroom,
plus 0.5
spaces for
each additional
bedroom per
unit
1.85 spaces per unit 1.25 spaces per
unit
Same as Crystal 1.5 spaces per unit
for under 3-
bedrooms, two
spaces for 3+
bedrooms.
None 1.6 spaces per unit
for under 2-
bedrooms, two
spaces for 2+
bedrooms.
1 space per
bedroom, plus .25
spaces for each unit
for visitor parking
Maximum None None None None See note None 2 spaces per unit None See note
Restaurants (sit-
down) Minimum
1 space per 100
SF
1 space for
every 4 person
of the
maximum
occupancy
15 spaces per 1,000
SF of gross floor
area
1 space for 40 SF
of dining plus 1
space for 80 SF of
kitchen
10 spaces per 1,000
SF of gross floor
area
1 space per 125 SF None 1 space per 3 seats 1 space per 3 seats
under maximum
design capacity
Maximum
1 space per 50
SF
None 10% over the
minimum
None None 2 space for every four
seats, plus one space for
each employee on the
average maximum shift
None See Note
Warehouses
Minimum
1 space per
3,000 SF
1 space per
2,000 SF
1 space per 1,000
SF, plus 1 per
employee
1 space for 300 SF
of office; 1 space
for each 1,500 SF
of warehouse
None 1 space per 2,000
SF(over 15,000 SF)
None 1 space per 1,000
SF, plus1 space for
each 2,500 SF of
outdoor storage
area
1 space per 2,000
SF
Maximum
1 space per
1,000 SF
None 10% over the
minimum
None None None None See note
Dwellings, one
and two family
2 spaces, one of
which shall be
enclosed
2 enclosed
spaces per
dwelling unit
Single-family: 2
spaces (none
required to be
enclosed)
Two-family: Same
as Crystal
Single family:
Same as Crystal,
except homes over
2,200 SF shall
have an additional
enclosed space
Two family: 2.5
spaces, one of
which must be
enclosed
Same as Crystal Single family: At
least 1 enclosed
space Two
family: 1.5 spaces,
one of which must
be enclosed
2 spaces per unit (none
required to be enclosed)
Same as Crystal Same as Crystal
* A base of 4 spaces is also required
** Standards proposed to be adopted in April, 2025
*** Richfield and Roseville has parking maximums based on the size of the parking lot
Attachment B