Planning Applications

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Planning applications are required for new development, redevelopment, certain land uses and projects that do not meet zoning code requirements.

If you are in the early stages of a project or are unsure how to begin, please contact planning staff at 952-939-8290. Staff can provide guidance and help direct you to the appropriate next steps.

After preparing basic project details, such as a description of the proposal or property information, you may submit a planning application inquiry above to receive feedback from staff before submitting a formal application.

If you are prepared to move forward and have all the required materials, you can submit a formal planning application.

While the most common application types are listed below, additional applications are outlined in the zoning ordinance.

Conditional use permit (CUP)

Expansion permit

Master development plan (MDP)

Rezoning

Site and building plan review

Variance

A variance permits an exception to a zoning standard. In Minnesota, variances apply only to measurable standards, such as setbacks, height, or parking requirements. By law, a variance can be granted only when “practical difficulties” exist. Practical difficulties include:

The property owner proposes a reasonable use not allowed by the city’s zoning ordinance;
The circumstances are due to unique physical characteristics of the property, not the landowner’s actions or intended use. According to state law, financial considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties; and
Granting the variance will not change the character of the neighborhood.