Zoning: It’s probably not the first thing you think about when planning a home renovation, and we bet it’s not what you’re looking forward to most. However, it’s an important step in many major home improvement projects.
What is the purpose of zoning laws? In this blog, we’ll explore why you need to follow zoning regulations, how to access local information, and what rules you need to follow for home renovations. Planning and zoning laws can be complex, but at James Barton Design-Build, we have decades of experience navigating regulations in the Twin Cities, and our team is here to help.
What are Zoning Laws?
Zoning laws are regulations that outline how land can be used and developed in different areas. Land is zoned for specific purposes such as residential homes, commercial property, manufacturing, agriculture, and other designations. These rules are in place to manage growth, preserve property values, and benefit the community as a whole.
Zoning rules regulate things such as:
- How the land is used. Thanks to zoning laws, a manufacturing company can’t build a factory in a residential neighborhood.
- Whether buildings can be expanded. The local planning commission has rules governing the modification of existing structures.
- The size and shape of buildings. Depending on how your property is zoned, you may have limitations on the size of your home and the portion of the land it can occupy.
- Property enhancements. Even something as simple as building a fence or adding a deck will require zoning approval.
What Zoning Is Not
Although there’s some overlap, it’s easy to confuse zoning with other regulations, such as building codes or HOA rules.
- Zoning rules specify how land is used, what you can build on it, and how you can modify it.
- Building codes focus on the construction of your home itself, ensuring it’s safe and major components like plumbing, electrical work, and mechanical structures meet certain standards.
- HOA rules are enforced by private organizations within neighborhoods or communities. While they deal with similar regulations to zoning, they tend to be more granular and focus on aesthetics, such as landscaping, siding color, and yard decor.
What are the Zoning Laws in My Area?
When it comes to zoning laws, Twin Cities suburbs each have their own regulations. That’s because Minnesota planning and zoning regulations are enforced at the county or municipal level rather than the state level.
Did You Know? Under Minn. Stat. § 15.99, subd. 2., a 60-Day Rule specifies that agencies have 60 days to approve or deny a land-use related application. This ensures a timely response is given. If a ruling is not made within 60 days, the matter is automatically deemed approved.
If you’re asking, “What are the zoning laws for my property?” it’s best to start with your local municipality. Finding this information can be challenging, so we compiled this table with links to local Twin Cities zoning departments.
| Afton | Edina | Prior Lake |
| Apple Valley | Inver Grove Heights | Rosemount |
| Chanhassen | Lakeville | Savage |
| Eagan | Minneapolis | St. Paul |
| Eden Prairie | Minnetonka | Wayzata |
If your city isn’t listed above, do an online search for your city name plus “Planning Commission” or “Planning & Zoning Department.” This will typically bring you to the correct location.
Regardless of where you live, your local planning department will typically have resources such as:
- Zoning maps.
- Floodplain and wetland maps.
- Downloadable applications.
- Links to the city code or charter.
What Projects Require Zoning Approval?
Not all projects need to have a zoning permit, but if you’re making major modifications to the size or structure of your home or your land, chances are you will need approval. Projects that typically need to go through the zoning department include:
- Adding a deck or expanding an existing one.
- Significant changes to your landscaping, such as adding steps or altering the property’s grading.
- New construction or home additions, including bump-out additions.
- Building an accessory structure, such as a pool house or outdoor kitchen.
- Adding a retaining wall or fence, or replacing an existing one.
- Replacing or expanding your driveway or sidewalk.
- Changing the use of an existing space, such as converting a garage into a gym or bedroom.
Projects located near wetlands may also require zoning approval if they impact the ecosystem. This is important to keep in mind if you live near a lake or river in Minnesota.
Note: Adding a deck, patio, or home addition usually requires you to get an updated site survey. The price ranges depending on the complexity of the surveying work. It’s a good idea to budget for around $2,000, but you can usually ask surveyors for a quote.
Plan Your Next Home Renovation with James Barton Design-Build
Local zoning laws can be a pain to deal with, but skipping these regulations will only create more problems in the long run. Make sure you get your project done correctly with an experienced contractor who knows how the system works.
When it comes to home remodeling, additions, and landscaping upgrades in the Twin Cities, you can trust JBDB to exceed your expectations. With three decades of experience and satisfied customers all over the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, we’re here to turn your home renovation ideas into a reality.
If you’re unsure of how to navigate zoning rules for your project or want to start discussing ideas, give JBDB a call at (952) 431-1670 or fill out our contact form. We’re here to help you with every stage of your home renovation project!
