Cottage Grove City Zoning Code

   A.   Purpose: The R-1 rural residential district represents those areas without public utilities that are suitable for residential development. These areas are designated as rural residential in the City’s comprehensive plan. It is the intent that low densities be maintained in order to permit efficient re-subdivision of lots to urban densities at such future time that public utilities become available.

   B.   Permitted Uses: The following are permitted uses in the R-1 District:

      1.   One (1) single-family detached dwelling.

      2.   Agriculture and agricultural related buildings.

      3.   Structures and essential services for local, county, state, or federal government or public utility purposes, except those requiring administrative permits or Conditional Use Permits.

      4.   Public parks, trails, scientific areas, playgrounds, and directly related buildings and structures.

      5.   Small wireless facilities located in the public right-of-way.

      6.   A state licensed residential facility serving six (6) or fewer persons, a licensed day care facility serving twelve (12) or fewer persons, and a group family day care facility licensed under Minnesota Rules Parts 9502.3015 to 9502.0445 to serve fourteen (14) or fewer children, except a residential facility whose primary purpose is to treat juveniles who have violated criminal statutes relating to sex offenses or have been adjudicated delinquent on the basis of conduct in violation of criminal statutes relating to sex offenses shall not be permitted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 462.357, subdivision 7.

   C.   Permitted Accessory Uses: The following are permitted accessory uses in the R-1 District:

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures as regulated by City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Accessory uses incidental and customary to the uses listed as permitted, conditional, interim, and uses by administrative permit in this Section.

      3.   Accessory apartments.

      4.   Home occupations as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-3.

      5.   Keeping of animals as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-15 and Title 5, Chapter 4.

      6.   Signs as regulated by City Code.

      7.   Produce Stand.

   D.   Conditional Uses: The following are conditional uses allowed in the R-1 District and require a Conditional Use Permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated in City Code Section 11-2-8. Additional specific standards and criteria may be cited below for respective conditional uses. No structure or land shall be used for one (1) or more of the following uses except by Conditional Use Permit:

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures requiring a Conditional Use Permit as provided in City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Telecommunication tower, as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-14.

      3.   Places of worship and religious institutions.

      4.   Cemeteries and/or memorial gardens.

      5.   Licensed home-based daycare facilities serving up to sixteen (16) persons.

      6.   Licensed group daycare/nursery school in a religious institution, community center, or academic institution.

      7.   Educational facilities including but not limited to, public and private elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools, provided that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line abutting an R district.

      8.   Commercial greenhouses, provided, that all outside storage is fenced in such a manner so as to screen the stored material from view when observed from the public street or an adjoining lot.

      9.   Commercial horse stables, dog kennels, dog training facilities, boarding stables and similar uses, on parcels of ten (10) acres or more and which shall not be located within three hundred feet (300') of a dwelling other than the dwelling on the property in question.

      10.   Home occupations as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-3.

      11.   Limited commercial ventures conducted at historic properties as regulated in City Code Section 2-2-6.

      12.    Tax exempt clubs and lodges.

      13.   Golf course.

   E.   Interim Uses: The following are interim uses allowed in the R-3 District and require an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by City Code Section 11-2-9. Additional specific standards and criteria may be cited below for respective uses.

      1.   Farmers Market.

   F.   Administrative Conditional Uses: Subject to application provisions of this Chapter, performance and processing standards established by this Title, the following are uses allowed in the R-1 District by conditional administrative permit as may be issued by the Zoning Administrator.

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures requiring a conditional administrative permit as provided in City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Communication / Cellular antenna as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-14.

      3.   Public utility and public service structures, including electrical transmission lines and substations, gas regulator stations, communications equipment buildings, pumping stations or reservoirs.

      4.   Essential services and structures, provided that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line abutting an R district.

   G.   Development Standards: The following minimum requirements shall be observed, subject to the additional requirements, exceptions and modifications set forth in this Title:

(amd. Ord. 1081, 5-1-2024)

   A.   Purpose: The R-2 residential estate district is intended to represent areas well suited to high value housing of very low densities. These areas will provide a permanent, semirural lifestyle on land for which this is considered the highest and best use. This area may be served by public utilities in the future.

   B.   Permitted Uses: The following are permitted uses in the R-2 District:

      1.   One (1) single-family detached dwelling.

      2.   Agriculture and agricultural related buildings on lots greater than five (5) acres.

      3.   Structures and essential services for local, county, state, or federal government or public utility purposes, except those requiring administrative permits or Conditional Use Permits.

      4.   Public Parks, trails, scientific areas, playgrounds, and directly related buildings and structures.

      5.   Small wireless facilities located in the public right-of-way.

      6.   A state licensed residential facility serving six (6) or fewer persons, a licensed day care facility serving twelve (12) or fewer persons, and a group family day care facility licensed under Minnesota Rules Parts 9502.3015 to 9502.0445 to serve fourteen (14) or fewer children, except a residential facility whose primary purpose is to treat juveniles who have violated criminal statutes relating to sex offenses or have been adjudicated delinquent on the basis of conduct in violation of criminal statutes relating to sex offenses shall not be permitted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 462.357, subdivision 7.

   C.   Permitted Accessory Uses: The following are permitted accessory uses in the R-2 District:

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures as regulated by City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Accessory uses incidental and customary to the uses listed as permitted, conditional, interim, and uses by administrative permit in this Section.

      3.   Accessory apartments.

      4.   Home occupations as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-3.

      5.   Keeping of animals as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-15 and Title 5, Chapter 4.

      6.   Signs as regulated by City Code.

   D.   Conditional Uses: The following are conditional uses allowed in the R-2 District and require a Conditional Use Permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated in City Code Section 11-2-8. Additional specific standards and criteria may be cited below for respective conditional uses. No structure or land shall be used for one (1) or more of the following uses except by Conditional Use Permit:

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures requiring a Conditional Use Permit as provided in City Code Section 11-3-5

      2.   Telecommunication tower, as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-14.

      3.   Licensed home-based daycare facilities serving thirteen (13) to sixteen (16) persons.

      4.   Licensed group daycare/nursery school in a religious institution, community center, or academic institution.

      5.   Educational facilities including but not limited to, public and private elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools, provided that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line abutting an R district.

      6.   Commercial horse stables, dog kennels, boarding stables and similar uses on parcels of ten (10) acres or more, which shall not be located within three hundred feet (300') of a dwelling other than the dwelling on the property in question.

      7.   Small wireless facilities as regulated in City Code Title 7, Chapter 6.

      8.   Golf courses and country clubs, which may include a restaurant, on-sale liquor license, assembly, and accessory retailing; tennis clubs, and swimming pools serving more than 1 family. The principal structure for any of the above listed uses shall be one hundred feet (100') or more from any abutting lot in an R district, and accessory structures shall be a minimum of fifty feet (50') from any lot line.

      9.   Home occupations as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-3.

      10.   Places of worship and religious institutions.

   E.   Interim Uses: The following are interim uses allowed in the R-2 District and require an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by City Code Section 11-2-9. Additional specific standards and criteria may be cited below for respective uses.

      1.   Farmers Market.

   F.   Administrative Conditional Uses: Subject to application provisions of this Chapter, performance and processing standards established by this Title, the following are uses allowed in the R-2 District by conditional administrative permit as may be issued by the Community Development Director.

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures requiring a conditional administrative permit as provided in City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Communication / Cellular antennas as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-14.

      3.   Public utility and public service structures, including electrical transmission lines and substations, gas regulator stations, communications equipment buildings, pumping stations or reservoirs.

      4.   Essential services and structures, provided that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line abutting an R district.

   G.   Development Standards: The following minimum requirements shall be observed, subject to the additional requirements, exceptions and modifications set forth in this Title:

(amd. Ord. 1081, 5-1-2024)

   A.   Purpose: The R-3 single-family residential district is intended to preserve the character of existing single-family neighborhoods and provide for additional development of single-family detached residential neighborhoods.

   B.   Permitted Uses: The following uses are permitted in the R-3 residential district:

      1.   Single-family detached dwellings.

      2.   Structures and essential services for local, county, state, or federal government or public utility purposes, except those requiring administrative permits or Conditional Use Permits, provided, that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line.

      3.   Public Parks, trails, scientific areas, playgrounds, and directly related buildings and structures.

      4.   Small wireless facilities located in the public right-of-way.

      5.   A state licensed residential facility serving six (6) or fewer persons, a licensed day care facility serving twelve (12) or fewer persons, and a group family day care facility licensed under Minnesota Rules Parts 9502.3015 to 9502.0445 to serve fourteen (14) or fewer children, except a residential facility whose primary purpose is to treat juveniles who have violated criminal statutes relating to sex offenses or have been adjudicated delinquent on the basis of conduct in violation of criminal statutes relating to sex offenses shall not be permitted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 462.357, subdivision 7.

   C.   Permitted Accessory Uses: The following uses are permitted accessory uses in the R-3 residential district:

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures as regulated by City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Accessory uses incidental and customary to the uses listed as permitted, conditional, interim, and uses by administrative permit in this Title.

      3.   Accessory apartments.

      4.   Home occupations as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-3.

      5.   Keeping of animals as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-15 and Title 5, Chapter 4.

      6.   Signs as regulated by City Code.

      7.   Private swimming pools, recreational courts and play apparatus intended for and used by the occupants of the property on which they are located.

      8.   Buildings or trailers for purposes of construction or sales on the premises for a period of time not to exceed construction.

   D.   Conditional Uses: The following are conditional uses allowed in the R-3 District and require a Conditional Use Permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated in City Code Section 11-2-8. Additional specific standards and criteria may be cited below for respective conditional uses. No structure or land shall be used for one (1) or more of the following uses except by Conditional Use Permit:

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures requiring a Conditional Use Permit as provided in City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Telecommunication towers, as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-14.

      3.   Licensed home-based daycare facilities serving thirteen (13) to sixteen (16) persons.

      4.   Licensed group daycare/nursery school in a religious institution, community center, or academic institution.

      5.   Educational facilities including but not limited to, public and private elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools, provided that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50) of any lot line abutting an R district.

      6.   Places of worship and religious institutions.

      7.   Cemeteries.

      8.   Small wireless facilities as regulated in City Code Title 7, Chapter 6.

      9.   Golf courses and country clubs, which may include a restaurant, on-sale liquor license, assembly, and accessory retailing; tennis clubs, and swimming pools serving more than one (1) family. The principal structure for any of the above listed uses shall be one hundred feet (100') or more from any abutting lot in an R district, and accessory structures shall be a minimum of fifty feet (50') from any lot line.

      10.   Home occupations as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-3.

      11.   Limited commercial ventures conducted at “historic properties” as regulated in City Code Section 2-2-6.

   E.   Interim Uses: The following are interim uses allowed in the R-3 District and require an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by City Code Section 11-2-9. Additional specific standards and criteria may be cited below for respective uses.

      1.   Farmers Market.

   F.   Administrative Conditional Uses: Subject to application provisions of this Chapter, performance and processing standards established by this Title, the following are uses allowed in the R-3 District by conditional administrative permit as may be issued by the Community Development Director.

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures requiring an administrative permit as provided in City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Communication / Cellular antennas as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-14.

      3.   Public utility and public service structures, including electrical transmission lines and substations, gas regulator stations, communications equipment buildings, pumping stations or reservoirs.

      4.   Essential services and structures, provided that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line abutting an R district.

      5.   Buildings or trailers for purposes of construction or sales on the premises for a period of time not to exceed construction.

   G.   Development Standards: Minimum Requirements: The following minimum requirements shall be observed, subject to the additional requirements, exceptions and modifications set forth in this Title:

(amd. Ord. 1081, 5-1-2024)

   A.   Purpose: The purpose of the R-4 District is to provide transitional areas that will allow a mixing of single-family detached and single family attached dwellings on smaller lots where property is adjacent to a minor or major collector street and/or where property is adjacent to higher intensity development or land use. Directly related, complementary uses are also appropriate. A full range of public services and facilities shall be available to R-4 areas.

   B.   Permitted Uses: The following uses are permitted in the R-4 residential district:

      1.   Single-family detached dwellings.

      2.   Multi-family dwellings.

      3.   Structures and essential services for local, county, state, or federal government or public utility purposes, except those requiring administrative permits or Conditional Use Permits, provided, that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line.

      4.   A state licensed residential facility serving six (6) or fewer persons, a licensed day care facility serving twelve (12) or fewer persons, and a group family day care facility licensed under Minnesota Rules Parts 9502.3015 to 9502.0445 to serve fourteen (14) or fewer children, except a residential facility whose primary purpose is to treat juveniles who have violated criminal statutes relating to sex offenses or have been adjudicated delinquent on the basis of conduct in violation of criminal statutes relating to sex offenses shall not be permitted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 462.357, subdivision 7.

      5.   Public Parks, trails, scientific areas, playgrounds, and directly related buildings and structures.

      6.   Small wireless facilities located in the public right-of-way.

   C.   Permitted Accessory Uses: The following uses are permitted accessory uses in the R-4 residential district:

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures as regulated by City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Accessory uses incidental and customary to the uses listed as permitted, conditional, interim, and uses by administrative permit in this Title.

      3.   Accessory apartments.

      4.   Home occupations as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-3.

      5.   Daycare facility licensed under Minnesota Rules Parts 9502.0315 to 9502.0445, serving fourteen (14) or fewer children.

      6.   Keeping of animals as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-15 and Title 5, Chapter 4.

      7.   Signs as regulated by City Code.

      8.   Buildings or trailers for purposes of construction or sales on the premises for a period of time not to exceed construction.

      9.   Private swimming pools, recreational courts and play apparatus intended for and used by the occupants of the property on which they are located.

   D.   Conditional Uses: The following are conditional uses allowed in the R-4 District and require a Conditional Use Permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated in City Code Section 11-2-8. Additional specific standards and criteria may be cited below for respective conditional uses. No structure or land shall be used for one (1) or more of the following uses except by Conditional Use Permit:

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures requiring a Conditional Use Permit as provided in City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Antennas not located upon an existing structure or existing tower, as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-14.

      3.   State licensed residential facility serving seven (7) to sixteen (16) persons or a licensed day care facility serving thirteen (13) to sixteen (16) persons.

      4.   Licensed group daycare/nursery school in a religious institution, community center, or academic institution.

      5.   Educational facilities including but not limited to, public and private elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools, provided that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line abutting an R district.

      6.   Cemeteries.

      7.   Places of worship and religious institutions.

      8.   Essential services requiring a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to City Code Section 11-2-8.

      9.   Home occupations as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-3.

   E.   Administrative Conditional Uses: Subject to application provisions of this Chapter, performance and processing standards established by this Title, the following are uses allowed in the R-4 District by conditional administrative permit as may be issued by the Community Development Director.

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures requiring an administrative permit as provided in City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Communication / Cellular antenna as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-14.

      3.   Public utility and public service structures, including electrical transmission lines and substations, gas regulator stations, communications equipment buildings, pumping stations or reservoirs.

      4.   Essential services and structures, provided that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line abutting an R district.

   F.   Development Standards:

      1.   Single-Family Detached Dwellings: The following minimum requirements shall be observed, subject to the additional requirements, exceptions and modifications as set forth in this Title:

 

      2.   Attached Dwellings: Exceptions to rigid lot width requirements shall be granted for attached units subject to approval of a site plan pursuant to City Code Section 11-2-4 in compliance with the development standards of this District. The following minimum requirements shall be observed, subject to the additional requirements, exceptions and modifications as set forth in this Title:

 

 

(amd. Ord. 1081, 5-1-2024; Ord. 1100, 4-16-2025; Ord. 1113, 4-15-2026)

   A.   Purpose: The purpose of the R-5 District is to promote the development of higher density, primarily attached housing and directly related, complementary uses. Densities will help the City meet its multiple family density goals. A full range of public services and facilities shall be available to R-5 areas.

   B.   Permitted Uses: The following uses are permitted in the R-5 residential district:

      1.   Multi-family dwellings.

      2.   Structures and essential services for local, county, state, or federal government or public utility purposes, except those requiring administrative permits or Conditional Use Permits, provided, that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line.

      3.   Public parks, trails, scientific areas, playgrounds, and directly related buildings and structures.

      4.   Small wireless facilities located in the public right-of-way.

      5.   Memory care facilities and/or nursing homes.

      6.   Hospitals for human care; provided, that all structures except fences shall be located one hundred feet (100') or more from the lot line.

   C.   Permitted Accessory Uses: The following uses are permitted accessory uses in the R-5 residential district:

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures as regulated by City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Accessory uses incidental and customary to the uses listed as permitted, conditional, interim, and uses by administrative permit in this Title.

      3.   Home occupations as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-3.

      4.   Signs as regulated by City Code.

      5.   Buildings or trailers for purposes of construction or sales on the premises for a period of time not to exceed construction.

      6.   Private swimming pools, recreational courts and play apparatus intended for and used by the occupants of the property on which they are located and maintained by the community’s homeowners association.

   D.   Conditional Uses: The following are conditional uses allowed in the R-5 District and require a Conditional Use Permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated in City Code Section 11-2-8. Additional specific standards and criteria may be cited below for respective conditional uses. No structure or land shall be used for one (1) or more of the following uses except by Conditional Use Permit:

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures requiring a Conditional Use Permit as provided in City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Antennas not located upon an existing structure or existing tower, as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-14.

      3.   State licensed residential facility serving seven (7) to sixteen (16) persons or a licensed day care facility serving thirteen (13) to sixteen (16) persons.

      4.   Places of worship and religious institutions.

      5.   Residential shelters.

      6.   Essential services requiring a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to City Code Section 11-2-8.

      7.   Home occupations as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-3.

      8.   Educational facilities including but not limited to, public and private elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools, provided that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line abutting an R district.

   E.   Administrative Conditional Uses: Subject to application provisions of this Chapter, performance and processing standards established by this Title, the following are uses allowed in the R-5 District by conditional administrative permit as may be issued by the Community Development Director.

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures requiring an administrative permit as provided in City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Communication / Cellular antennas as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-14.

      3.   Public utility and public service structures, including electrical transmission lines and substations, gas regulator stations, communications equipment buildings, pumping stations or reservoirs.

      4.   Essential services and structures, provided that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line abutting an R district.

   F.   Development Standards: The following minimum requirements shall be observed, subject to the additional requirements, exceptions and modifications as set forth in this Title:

(amd. Ord. 1081, 5-1-2024)

   A.   Purpose: The purpose of the R-6 District is to provide for high-density, apartment-style, rental and condominium housing and directly related complementary uses. A full range of public services and facilities shall be available to R-6 areas.

   B.   Permitted Uses: The following uses are permitted in the R-6 residential district:

      1.   Multi-family dwellings including apartments and condominiums.

      2.   Structures and essential services for local, county, state, or federal government or public utility purposes, except those requiring administrative permits or Conditional Use Permits, provided, that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line.

      3.   Public parks, trails, scientific areas, playgrounds, and directly related buildings and structures.

      4.   Small wireless facilities located in the public right-of-way.

      5.   Memory care facilities and/or nursing homes.

      6.   Hospitals for human care; provided, that all structures except fences shall be located one hundred feet (100') or more from the lot line.

   C.   Permitted Accessory Uses: The following uses are permitted accessory uses in the R-6 residential district:

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures as regulated by City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Accessory uses incidental and customary to the uses listed as permitted, conditional, interim, and uses by administrative permit in this Title.

      3.   Home occupations as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-3.

      4.   Signs as regulated by City Code.

      5.   Buildings or trailers for purposes of construction or sales on the premises for a period of time not to exceed construction.

      6.   Private swimming pools, recreational courts and play apparatus intended for and used by the occupants of the property on which they are located and maintained by the community’s homeowners association.

   D.   Conditional Uses: The following are conditional uses allowed in the R-6 District and require a Conditional Use Permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated in City Code Section 11-2-8. Additional specific standards and criteria may be cited below for respective conditional uses. No structure or land shall be used for one (1) or more of the following uses except by Conditional Use Permit:

      1.   Antennas not located upon an existing structure or existing tower, as regulated in City Code Section 11-4-14.

      2.   State licensed residential facility serving seven (7) to sixteen (16) persons or a licensed day care facility serving thirteen (13) to sixteen (16) persons.

      3.   Places of worship and religious institutions.

      4.   Residential shelters.

      5.   Small wireless facilities as regulated in City Code Title 7, Chapter 6.

      6.   Essential services requiring a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to City Code Section 11-2-8.

      7.   Home occupations as regulated in City Code Section 11-4-3.

      8.   Educational facilities including but not limited to, public and private elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools, provided that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line abutting an R district.

   E.   Administrative Conditional Uses: Subject to application provisions of this Chapter, performance and processing standards established by this Title, the following are uses allowed in the R-6 District by conditional administrative permit as may be issued by the Community Development Director.

      1.   Accessory buildings and structures requiring an administrative permit as provided in City Code Section 11-3-5.

      2.   Communication / Cellular towers as regulated by City Code Section 11-4-14.

      3.   Public utility and public service structures, including electrical transmission lines and substations, gas regulator stations, communications equipment buildings, pumping stations or reservoirs.

      4.   Essential services and structures, provided that no building shall be located within fifty feet (50') of any lot line abutting an R district.

   F.   Development Standards: The following minimum requirements shall be observed, subject to the additional requirements, exceptions and modifications as set forth in this Title, however exceptions to rigid lot area, width and depth requirements shall be granted for attached units subject to approval of a site plan pursuant to City Code Section 11-2-4 in compliance with the development standards of this District.

(amd. Ord. 1081, 5-1-2024; Ord. 1100, 4-16-2025)