The purpose of this zoning code update is to review the following sections of the zoning ordinance:

• The zoning districts pertaining to commercial, office, industrial, business park, mixed-use, planned unit development, and park and open space. This review will look at:
  • The uses allowed in each district
  • The manner in which the uses are approved. Administratively (permitted, permitted with standards, and accessory uses), or requiring city council approval (conditional use permit)
  • Standards to be applied to specific uses
  • Dimensional standards such as setbacks, height limits, etc. 

• The performance standards section of the zoning ordinance, which includes regulations pertaining to:
  • Parking
  • Signage
  • Lighting
  • Landscaping
  • Architectural standards

• Administrative procedures for approving certain land use activities such as:
  • Planned unit developments
  • Conditional use permits
  • Variances
  • Amendments
  • Special permits
  • Enforcement
  • Exceptions to yard requirements
  • Fence regulations
  • Exceptions to height requirements
  • Temporary uses
  • Home occupations

While this list is extensive, there are other aspects of the code that are essentially administrative or less substantive than the items on this list. Contact the zoning administrator if you have any questions about something on the list, or a subject you don't see on the list.

At the July 16, 2025 planning commission study session, the commission discussed a draft zoning map that proposes the following changes for the non-neighborhood zoning districts:

1. Remove the office zoning district.

2. Reduce the size of the C-2 zoning district

3. Create a third Mixed-Use district.

a. Rename the current MX-2 district (Historic WalkerLake area) to MX-1.

b. Rename the current MX-1 district to MX-2

c. Create the MX-3 district to cover primarily the transit areas and the West End area.

4. Replace the Business Park district properties with MX zoning.

5. Replace the C-1 zoning district with MX-1.

The proposed map is subject to change as we continue to review the uses and standards of each zoning district. Please review the proposed zoning map and respond to Gary Morrison, zoning administrator with any questions or comments that you have.  

Click here to view a PDF of the proposed zoning map.

There will be opportunities throughout the process to learn more about the zoning code update and provide input. Below is a schedule of currently scheduled events and meetings. Check back for updates to this schedule as it will change throughout the summer and fall.

Contact the city

• Sign up for updates.
  • Click on the "Sign up for updates" button on the project webpage.
• Reach out to the zoning administrator at any time if you have questions about the zoning code update.
  • Gary Morrison, zoning administrator. 952.924.2592 or gmorrison@stlouisparkmn.gov

Zoning code update–- phase 2 survey

• Thank you for participating in the survey. See the link above for the results of the survey.

Planning commission meetings

• July 16, 2025 – study session
• Sept. 3, 2025 – study session
• Oct. 8, 2025 – study session
• Dec. 3, 2025 –study session

The review of the zoning code sections covered in the phase 2 review have been split into groups to be reviewed at specific times during the year. Below is an approximate schedule as to when these groups will be reviewed. Please note that the schedule is subject to review depending upon input received during the review process. Click here to open the timeline in a separate window.

Why is this important?

The zoning ordinance hasn't undergone a comprehensive review since 1990. While there have been some minor amendments throughout the year, the city determined that it is time to complete a more comprehensive review to ensure that the ordinance is consistent with the city's strategic priorities and the current needs of the community.

What type of engagement will there be with the community?

The city will continually update the project webpage and story map. Additionally, there will be a survey made available in the early summer to solicit input on specific topics. There will also be open house opportunities during the summer. Check back frequently for these opportunities or sign up for updates to be informed of the next engagement opportunity.

Who should I contact if I have questions about this project?

Our project team is happy to answer any questions! If you have further questions about the project, you can call or email the project manager, Gary Morrison, at 952.924.2592 or gmorrison@stlouisparkmn.gov.