The city updated the zoning ordinance that was last overhauled in 1992. The first phase revised the residential districts, which are now called neighborhood zoning districts, and was adopted by the city council on March 3, 2025.

The purpose of this zoning code update-phase 2 is to review the remainin 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.

The new zoning ordinance is divided into ten articles, each article represents specific topics.

For your convenience, each article listed below is a link that will open a pdf of that article.

Article I Introductory Provisions.  Article I establishes the technical aspects of how the zoning ordinance is structured, interpreted, and enforced. 

Article II General Zoning Provisions.  Article II establishes the zoning districts and map. It also includes simple regulations that apply to all zoning districts such as the traffic visibility triangle and exceptions to building height and yards.

Article III Neighborhood Base Districts. Article III was the focus of the Zoning Code Update-Phase 1 which was adopted by the city council in 2025. Article III covers the Neighborhood zoning districts and will have some formatting amendments as part of the Zoning Code Update-Phase 2 to accommodate the changes made to the remaining nine articles. No substantiative changes are being made to Article III.

Article IV Non-Neighborhood Base Districts.  Article IV establishes which uses are allowed in the proposed Mixed-Use, Business, Industrial, and Park and Open Space zoning districts. It also establishes the development standards such as minimum required yards, maximum allowed  height, etc.

Article V Planned Unit Developments.  Article V is where all the current planned unit developments can be found.

Article VI Overlay Districts.  Article VI is where the Floodplain, Travel Demand Management, and Historic Walker Lake overlay zoning districts can be found. 

Article VII Use Specific Standards.  Some land uses are allowed with standards (conditions) that are unique to a specific land use. Article VII is a list of these land uses and the standards associated with them.

Article VIII Development Standards.  Article VIII is a list of performance standards and all of the regulations associated with them. These performance standards include parking, landscaping, fences, architectural, lighting, and signage,

Article IX Procedures.  Article IX establishes common application procedures and requirements. This includes how to apply for a conditional use permit, planned unit development, variance and other applications. 

Article X Definitions.  Article X contains the definitions for common terms used in the ordinance and descriptions of the land uses listed in the zoning districts. 

At the August 3, 2026 city council meeting, the council approved the new zoning map. The new map makes the following changes:

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.

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

There are no more outreach sessions scheduled. if you wish to learn more, please reach out to Gary Morrison, zoning administrator by email or phone.

• Call: 952-924-2592 or email: gmorrison@stlouisparkmn.gov.

Please note that timelines posted on this page are subject to change as a result of public comment or other unforeseen event. Check back for updates to the timeline, or sign up to get updates emailed to you. 

Ordinance posted. The proposed ordinance has been posted on this project page, and can be viewed in the expandable menu above labeled "View the draft zoning ordinance"

Pubic comments/questions. The public comment period has been completed. There are no more outreach sessions scheduled.

Public hearing. The planning commission conducted the public hearing on June 17, 2026. No more public hearings are scheduled.

City council action. The city council approved the first reading on July 20, 2026, and the second reading on August 3, 2026. The ordinance will become official on August 28, 2026.

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.

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.