Forest Lake City Zoning Code
ZONING DISTRICT
REGULATIONS
§ 153.064 ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
(A) General zoning district provisions.
(1) Establishment. In order to classify, regulate, and restrict the location of trade and industry and the location of buildings designated for specific uses, to regulate and limit the height and bulk of buildings hereafter erected or altered, to regulate and limit the intensity of the use of lot areas, and to regulate and determine the areas of yards, recreation, and open space within and surrounding the buildings, the city is divided into zoning districts. The use, height, and area regulations shall be uniform in each district. The districts shall be known as:
(a) Residential.
C Conservancy
A Agriculture
RR Rural Residential
SF Single-Family
MXR-1 Mixed Single-Family and Townhouse
MXR-2 Mixed Single and Two-Family
MXR-3 Mixed Residential
MF Multiple-Family
(b) Commercial.
NC Neighborhood Commercial Business
B-1 Broadway Business
B-2 Highway Commercial Business
B-3 Limited Industrial Business
(c) Mixed Use.
MU-1 Downtown Mixed Use
MU-2 General Mixed Use
(d) Industrial.
I Industrial
BP Business Park
(e) Overlay.
AP Agriculture Preserve Overlay District
PUD Planned Unit Development Overlay District
Rural Open Space Housing Cluster Planned Unit
(f) Development Overlay District.
SOD Shoreland Overlay District
AOD Airport Overlay District
(3) Annexations. All territory hereafter annexed to the city which is not shown on the Zoning Map shall automatically upon annexation be classified within a nonconforming district and shall be subject to all regulations, notations, references, and conditions as are applicable to the district until such time that a determination may be made as to the proper district classification for the territory and an amendment can be made to that effect.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.065 COMPREHENSIVE USE TABLE.
Note: The Comprehensive Use Table is available in PDF for ease of use and printing. Click HERE for the document.
(Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.066 CONSERVANCY (C) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The Conservancy (C) District is intended to provide special regulatory protection for those areas that contain valuable natural resources or other similar resources; to foster, preserve, and promote sensitive development; to preserve areas that are not suitable for intensive agricultural production or development due to wetlands, woodlands, steep slopes, scenic views, bedrock formations, and/or other physical features of unique natural and biological characteristics.
(B) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the C District:
(1) Agricultural use;
(2) Dwelling, single-family detached;
(3) Plant nurseries, wholesale;
(4) Recreation, public;
(5) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(C) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the C District are allowed only when it is an accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Agriculture business;
(2) Detached accessory structure;
(3) Daycare facility, unlicensed - serving 6 or fewer persons;
(4) Kennel, private - 3 pets or fewer;
(5) Pasture;
(6) Residential facility, licensed - serving 6 or fewer persons;
(7) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the city.
(D) Certificate of compliance. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are uses in the C District that require approval by a certificate of compliance as set forth in and regulated by § 153.029.
(1) Principal uses.
(a) Agriculture building.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Accessory apartment within a single-family detached dwelling.
(b) Agriculture building.
(c) Daycare facility, licensed - serving 7 to 14 persons.
(d) Home occupations.
(e) Horse training facilities, private.
(f) Kennel, private - more than 3 pets.
(g) Residential facility, licensed - serving 7 to 10 persons.
(h) Solar energy systems, either roof or ground-mounted (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT);
(i) Towers (see § 153.092).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the C District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034.)
(1) Principal uses.
(a) Essential services, utility substation.
(b) Towers (see § 153.092).
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Bed and breakfast inn.
(b) Daycare facility, licensed - serving more than 14 persons.
(c) Feed lots.
(d) Horse training facilities, commercial.
(e) Kennel, commercial.
(f) Residential facility, licensed - serving more than 10 persons.
(3) Similar uses. Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(4) New wireless support structures and small wireless facilities located within the public right-of-way and meeting the requirements of Chapter 98, and subject to the conditions found in § 153.092(PP).
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the C District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Dwelling, temporary during construction.
(2) Dwelling, temporary care facility.
(3) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, and height requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in a C District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot area: 20 acres;
(b) Lot width: 300 feet at road right-of-way.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) Principal structure.
1. Front yard:
a. Arterials, as designated in the Comprehensive Plan: 75 feet from the right-of-way line or 150 feet from the centerline of the street, whichever is greater;
b. Collector street: 50 feet from the public right-of-way;
c. Local street: 40 feet from the public right-of-way;
d. Existing Private street: 40 feet from edge of road.
2. Side yard: 20 feet.
3. Side street: same as front yard.
4. Rear yard: 50 feet.
(b) Detached accessory structure.
1. Front yard: must meet principal building setbacks; however, if located between the principal structure and a road, a 100 foot setback is required.
2. Side yard: 20 feet.
3. Side street: same as front yard.
4. Rear yard: 50 feet.
(3) Building height. All buildings shall be limited to a maximum height of 35 feet.
(a) Principal structures shall not exceed 3 stories or 35 feet.
(b) Detached accessory structures shall not exceed 2 stories or 25 feet.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 549, passed 5-22-2006; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 676, passed 7-9-2018; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.067 AGRICULTURE (A) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The Agriculture (A) District is intended to preserve areas for interim or permanent agricultural use; preserve the rural character of outlying areas of the city; to allow a mix of large lot residential development and agriculturally related uses in areas of the city not yet served by public sewer; and to broaden the choice of residential living styles within the city.
(B) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the A District:
(1) Agricultural use;
(2) Dwelling, single-family detached;
(3) Plant nursery, wholesale;
(4) Recreation, public;
(5) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(C) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following permitted accessory uses in the A District are allowed only when it is an accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Accessory structures;
(2) Agricultural business;
(3) Daycare facility, unlicensed - serving 6 or fewer persons;
(4) Kennel, private - 3 pets or fewer;
(5) Pasture;
(6) Residential facility, licensed - serving 6 or fewer persons;
(7) Accessory dwelling.
(D) Certificate of compliance. Subject to the applicable provision of this chapter, the following are uses in the A District that require approval by a certificate of compliance as set forth in and regulated by § 153.029.
(1) Principal uses.
(a) Agriculture building.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Accessory apartment within a single-family detached dwelling;
(b) Agriculture building;
(c) Daycare facility, licensed - serving 7 to 14 persons;
(d) Home occupations;
(e) Horse training facilities, private;
(f) Kennel, private - more than 3 pets;
(g) Residential facility, licensed - serving 7 to 10 persons;
(h) Solar energy systems, either roof or ground-mounted (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT);
(i) Towers (see § 153.092).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the A District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034).
(1) Principal uses.
(a) Cemetery;
(b) Essential services, governmental buildings and storage;
(c) Essential services, utility substation;
(d) Garden supply store and nursery yard;
(e) Mining;
(f) Place of worship;
(g) Recreation, commercial;
(i) Tower (see § 153.092);
(j) Yard waste facility.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Columbarium - accessory to place of worship;
(b) Bed and breakfast inn;
(c) Daycare facility, licensed - serving more than 14 persons;
(d) Feedlot;
(e) Horse training facilities, commercial;
(f) Kennel, commercial;
(g) Residential facility, licensed - serving more than 10 persons;
(h) Veterinary, large animal.
(3) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(4) New wireless support structures and small wireless facilities located within the public right-of-way and meeting the requirements of Chapter 98, and subject to the conditions found in § 153.092(PP).
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the A District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Dwelling, temporary during construction.
(2) Dwelling, temporary care facility.
(3) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, and height requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in an A District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot area:
1. 10 acres: (Sections 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, and 36);
2. 20 acres: (Sections 28, 31, 32, and 33 - except for parcel geocode 3303221440003, parcel geocode 3303221410004, and parcel geocode 3303221440002);
3. See Comprehensive Land Use Plan for additional information regarding information on section location and land use.
(b) Lot width: 300 feet.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) Principal structure.
1. Front yard:
a. Arterial, as designated in the Comprehensive Plan: 75 feet from the right-of-way line or 150 feet from the centerline of the street, whichever is greater;
b. Collector street: 50 feet from the public right-of-way;
c. Local street: 40 feet from the public right-of-way;
d. Existing private street: 40 feet from edge of road.
2. Side yard: 20 feet.
3. Side street: same as front yard.
4. Rear yard: 50 feet.
(b) Detached accessory structure.
1. Front yard: must meet principal building setbacks; however, if located between the principal structure and a road, a 100-foot setback is required. See § 153.131 for requirements relating to exterior designs and color.
2. Side yard: 20 feet.
3. Side street: same as front yard.
4. Rear yard: 50 feet.
(3) Building height.
(a) Principal structure: maximum height of 3 stories or 35 feet.
(b) Detached accessory structure: maximum height of 1 story or 20 feet.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 549, passed 5-22-2006; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 676, passed 7-9-2018; Am. Ord. 719, passed --; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.068 RURAL RESIDENTIAL (RR) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The Rural Residential (RR) District is intended to provide areas for low density housing in rural areas of the city; to allow a mix of large lot residential development and agriculturally related uses in areas of the city not served by public sewer; and to broaden the choice of residential living styles in the city.
(B) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the RR District:
(1) Agricultural use;
(2) Dwelling, single-family detached;
(3) Plant nursery, wholesale;
(4) Recreation, public;
(5) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(C) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the RR District are allowed only when it is an accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Agricultural business;
(2) Accessory structures;
(3) Day care facility, unlicensed - serving 6 or fewer persons;
(4) Kennel, private - 3 or fewer pets;
(5) Pasture;
(6) Residential facility, licensed - serving 6 or fewer persons;
(7) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the city.
(D) Certificate of compliance. Subject to the applicable provision of this chapter, the following are uses in the RR District that require approval by a certificate of compliance as set forth in and regulated by § 153.029.
(1) Principal uses.
(a) Agriculture building.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Accessory apartment within a single-family dwelling;
(b) Agricultural building;
(c) Day care facility, licensed - serving 7 to 14 persons;
(d) Home occupations;
(e) Horse training facilities, private;
(f) Kennel, private - more than 3 pets;
(g) Residential facility, licensed - serving 7 to 10 persons;
(h) Solar energy systems, either roof or ground mounted (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT).
(i) Tower (see § 153.092).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the RR District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034).
(1) Principal uses.
(a) Cemetery;
(b) Essential services, governmental buildings and storage;
(c) Essential services, utility substations;
(d) Mining;
(e) Place of worship;
(f) Recreation, commercial;
(g) School;
(h) Yard waste facility.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Bed and breakfast inn;
(b) Columbarium - accessory to place of worship;
(c) Day care facility, licensed - serving more than 14 persons;
(d) Feedlot;
(e) Garden supply store and nursery yard;
(f) Horse training facilities, commercial;
(g) Kennel, commercial;
(h) Residential facility, licensed - serving more than 10 persons;
(i) Towers (see § 153.092);
(j) Accessory structure on adjacent non-riparian lot.
(3) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(4) New wireless support structures and small wireless facilities located within the public right-of-way and meeting the requirements of Chapter 98, and subject to the conditions found in § 153.092(PP).
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the RR District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Dwelling, temporary during construction.
(2) Dwelling, temporary care facility.
(3) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, and height requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in an RR District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot area: 5 acres; except for RR zoned properties located south of Shields Lake, west of Ingersoll Avenue, north of 200th Street and east of Harrow Avenue North all new lot divisions shall be a minimum of 10 acres due to potential of future sewered development within this area.
(b) Lot width: 300 feet.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) Principal structure.
1. Front yard:
a. Arterials, as designated in the Comprehensive Plan: 75 feet from the right-of-way line or 150 feet from the centerline of the street, whichever is greater;
b. Collector street: 50 feet from the public right-of-way;
c. Local street: 40 feet from the public right-of-way;
d. Existing private street: 40 feet from edge of road.
2. Side yard: 20 feet.
3. Side street: same as front yard.
4. Rear yard: 50 feet.
(b) Detached accessory structure.
1. Front yard: must meet principal building setbacks; however, if located between the principal structure and a road, a 100-foot setback is required. See § 153.131 for requirements relating to exterior design and color.
2. Side yard: 20 feet.
3. Side street: same as front yard.
4. Rear yard: 50 feet.
(3) Building height.
(a) Principal structure: maximum height of 3 stories or 35 feet;
(b) Detached accessory structure: maximum height of 1 story or 20 feet.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 549, passed 5-22-2006; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 670, passed 12-4-2017; Am. Ord. 676, passed 7-9-2018; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.069 SINGLE-FAMILY (SF) RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The Single-Family (SF) Residential District is intended to provide permanent areas for low density medium and large lot single-family urban development; to broaden the choice of residential living styles in the city; to establish areas for the development of single-family detached housing in areas of the city within public sewer; and to restrict encroachment of incompatible uses.
(B) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the SF District:
(1) Dwelling, single-family detached;
(2) Recreation, public.
(C) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the SF District are allowed only when it is an accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Detached accessory structures;
(2) Day care facility, unlicensed - serving 6 or fewer persons;
(3) Kennel, private - 3 pets or fewer;
(4) Residential facility, licensed - serving 6 or fewer persons;
(5) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the city;
(6) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(D) Certificate of compliance. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are uses in the SF District that require approval with a certificate of compliance as set forth in and regulated by § 153.029.
(1) Accessory uses.
(a) Accessory apartment within a single-family dwelling;
(b) Day care facility, licensed - serving 7 to 14 persons;
(c) Home occupations;
(d) Residential facility, licensed - serving 7 to 10 persons.
(e) Solar energy systems, either roof or ground mounted (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the SF District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034).
(1) Principal uses.
(a) Cemetery.
(b) Day care facility, licensed - serving more than 14 persons.
(c) Essential services, governmental buildings and storage.
(d) Essential services, utility substation.
(e) Place of worship.
(f) Recreation, commercial.
(g) Residential facility, licensed - serving more than 10 persons.
(h) School.
(i) Yard waste facility.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Bed and breakfast inn;
(b) Columbarium - accessory to place of worship;
(c) Accessory structure on adjacent non-riparian lot.
(3) Similar uses. Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(4) New wireless support structures and small wireless facilities located within the public right-of-way and meeting the requirements of Chapter 98, and subject to the conditions found in § 153.092(PP).
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the SF District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Dwelling, temporary during construction.
(2) Dwelling, temporary care facility.
(3) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, and height requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in an SF District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot area.
1. Without sewer and water: 10 acres;
2. With sewer only: 25,000 square feet;
3. With sewer and water: 15,000 square feet.
4. With sewer and water: 7,500 square feet for a new lot of record, constructed according to affordable housing goals as stated in the Comprehensive Plan and meeting inclusionary housing requirements in § 153.115. Such lot size reduction shall not be permitted within the Shoreland Overlay Zone.
(b) Lot width.
1. Without sewer and water: 300 feet at the public right-of-way;
2. With sewer only: 100 feet at the required front yard setback;
3. With sewer and water: 80 feet at the required front yard setback.
4. With sewer and water: 60 feet at the required front yard setback for a new lot of record, constructed according to affordable housing goals as stated in the Comprehensive Plan and meeting inclusionary housing requirements in § 153.115. Such lot width reduction shall not be permitted within the Shoreland Overlay Zone.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) Principal structure.
1. Front yard:
a. Arterials, as designated in the Comprehensive Plan: 75 feet from the right-of-way line or 150 feet from the centerline of the street, whichever is greater;
b. Local/collector street: 30 feet from the public right-of-way;
c. Private street: 30 feet from the edge of road.
2. Side yard: 10 feet.
3. Side street: 25 feet.
4. Rear yard: 30 feet.
(b) Detached accessory structure.
1. Front yard: 30 feet and cannot be located between the principal structure and the street.
2. Side street: 25 feet and cannot be located between the principal structure and the street.
3. Side yard: 10 feet.
4. Rear yard: 10 feet.
(3) Building height.
(a) Principal structures: shall be limited to a maximum height of 35 feet or 3 stories, whichever is less.
(b) Accessory structures: shall be limited to 1 story with a maximum sidewall height of 10 feet, measured from the floor surface to the underside of the ceiling member.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 549, passed 5-22-2006; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 670, passed 12-4-2017; Am. Ord. 676, passed 7-9-2018; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.070 MIXED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (MXR-1).
(A) Purpose. The Mixed Single-Family Residential District (MXR-1) is intended to allow for both single-family detached dwellings and single-family attached dwellings, permitting up to 8 units per building with each unit having a separate entrance, while maintaining a low-medium density. In any given subdivision with city sewer or water services, the mix of detached and attached housing units shall reflect a minimum of 60% detached single-family dwellings and a maximum of 40% single-family attached dwellings. No single-family attached dwellings will be permitted in areas without city sewer and water. A conventional subdivision of traditional single-family housing units is also allowed.
(B) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the MXR-1 District:
(1) Dwelling, single-family detached.
(2) Dwelling, single-family attached - 8 units per building maximum with each unit having a separate entrance.
(3) Public parks.
(4) A state licensed residential facility serving 6 or fewer persons, a licensed day care facility serving 12 or fewer persons, and a group family day care facility licensed under Minn. Rules, parts 9502.3015 to 9502.0445 to serve 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 M.S. § 462.357, subd. 7 as amended.
(C) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the MXR-1 District are allowed only when it is an accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot; all accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Accessory apartment (single-family detached lots only);
(2) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9));
(3) Detached accessory structures (detached single-family lots only);
(4) Home occupations;
(5) Kennel, private – 3 or fewer pets;
(6) Solar energy systems, either roof or ground-mounted (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT).
(D) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the MXR-1 District and require a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034.
(1) Day care facility, licensed - serving more than 14 persons;
(2) Essential services, governmental buildings and storage;
(3) Essential services, utility substation;
(4) Kennel, private - 3 pets or more;
(5) Place of worship;
(6) Recreation, commercial;
(7) School.
(E) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the MXR-1 District and require an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035.
(1) Towers (see § 153.092).
(2) Topsoil removal.
(3) Agricultural uses.
(F) Minimum lot requirements.
With Sewer and Water
|
Without Sewer or City Water
|
With Sewer and Water
|
Without Sewer or City Water
| |
Lot size | ||
Dwelling, Single Family Detached | 7,500 square feet | 10 acres |
Dwelling, Single Family Attached | 5,000 square feet | N/A |
Lot width* | ||
Dwelling, Single Family Detached | 65 feet | 300 feet |
Dwelling, Single Family Attached | N/A | N/A |
*As measured at front yard setback line | ||
(G) Minimum setback requirements.
Principal Structure, Dwelling
|
Accessory Structure, Attached | Accessory Structure, Detached |
Principal Structure, Dwelling
|
Accessory Structure, Attached | Accessory Structure, Detached | |
Front yard | |||
Arterials | 75 feet from right-of- way or 150 feet from centerline, whichever is greater | 75 feet from right-of- way or 150 feet from centerline, whichever is greater | 75 feet from right-of- way or 150 feet from centerline, whichever is greater |
Local/collector | 25 feet from right-of-way | 30 feet from right-of- way | 30 feet* |
Private | 25 feet from edge of road | 30 feet from edge of road | 28 feet* |
Side yard | |||
Interior | 7.5 feet** | 7.5 feet** | 10 feet |
Exterior | 25 feet | 25 feet | N/A |
Rear yard | 30 feet | 30 feet | 10 feet |
*Unless as permitted in an overlay district, detached accessory structure may not be located between the principal structure and the street. | |||
**A minimum of 15 feet must be maintain between two principal structures separated by common area. | |||
(H) Maximum building height.
(1) Principal structures shall be limited to a maximum height of 35 feet or 3 stories, whichever is less.
(2) Detached accessory structures shall be limited to one story with a maximum sidewall height of 10 feet, measured from the floor surface to the underside of the ceiling member.
(Ord. 720, passed --; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.071 MIXED RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE AND TWO-FAMILY (MXR-2) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The Mixed Residential, Single and Two-Family (MXR-2) District is intended to establish areas for the development of a mixture of single and two-family housing; to restrict encroachment on incompatible uses; to broaden the choice of residential living styles in the city; and to promote quality development.
(B) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the MXR-2 District:
(1) Dwelling, single-family detached;
(2) Dwelling, duplex or two-family;
(3) Recreation, public.
(C) Accessory uses. Subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the MXR-2 District are allowed only when it is an accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Detached accessory structures (detached single-family only);
(2) Day care facility, unlicensed - serving 6 or fewer persons;
(3) Kennel, private - 3 or fewer pets;
(4) Residential facility, licensed - serving 6 or fewer persons;
(5) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the city;
(6) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(D) Certificate of compliance. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are uses in the MXR-2 District that require approval with a certificate of compliance as set forth in and regulated by § 153.029.
(1) Accessory uses.
(a) Accessory apartment - single-family detached lots only;
(b) Day care facility, licensed - serving 7 to 14 persons;
(c) Home occupations;
(d) Residential facility, licensed - serving 7 to 10 persons;
(e) Solar energy systems, either roof or ground-mounted (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the MXR-2 District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034).
(1) Principal uses.
(a) Bed and breakfast inn;
(b) Essential services, governmental buildings and storage;
(c) Essential services, utility substation;
(d) Place of worship;
(e) School.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Columbarium - accessory to place of worship;
(b) Day care facility, licensed - serving more than 14 persons;
(c) Residential facility, licensed - serving more than 10 persons.
(3) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(4) New wireless support structures and small wireless facilities located within the public right-of-way and meeting the requirements of Chapter 98, and subject to the conditions found in § 153.092(PP).
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the MXR-2 District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Uses as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, and height requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in an MXR-2 District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot area.
1. Dwelling, detached single-family: 12,500 square feet;
2. Dwelling, detached single-family: 7,500 square feet for a new lot of record, constructed according to affordable housing goals as stated in the Comprehensive Plan and meeting inclusionary housing requirements in § 153.115. Such lot reduction shall not be permitted within the Shoreland Overlay Zone.
3. Two-family or duplex dwelling: 16,000 square feet.
(b) Lot width, single-family or two-family.
1. Eighty feet at the required front setback.
2. Sixty feet at the required front yard setback for a new lot of record, constructed according to affordable housing goals as stated in the Comprehensive Plan and meeting inclusionary housing requirements in § 153.115. Such lot reduction shall not be permitted within the Shoreland Overlay Zone.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) Principal structure.
1. Front yard:
a. Arterials, as designated in the Comprehensive Plan: 75 feet from the right-of-way line or 150 feet from the centerline of the street, whichever is greater;
b. Local/collector street: 30 feet from the public right-of-way;
c. Existing private street: 30 feet from edge of road.
2. Side Yard: 10 feet.
3. Side street: 25 feet.
4. Rear yard: 30 feet.
(b) Detached accessory structure.
1. Front yard: 30 feet and cannot be located between the principal structure and the street.
2. Side street: 25 feet and cannot be located between the principal structure and the street.
3. Side yard: 10 feet.
4. Rear yard: 10 feet.
(3) Building height.
(a) Principal structures: shall be limited to a maximum height of 3 stories or 35 feet, whichever is less.
(b) Detached accessory structures: shall be limited to 1 story with a maximum sidewall height of 10 feet, measured from the floor surface to the underside of the ceiling member.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 549, passed 5-22-2006; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 676, passed 7-9-2018; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.072 MIXED RESIDENTIAL (MXR-3) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The Mixed Residential (MXR-3) District is intended to provide areas offering a variety of housing types, including single-family attached and detached dwellings and multi-family structures to retain the environment and character of less intensive styles of multiple-family residence areas by establishing building and lot area requirements; to broaden the choice of residential living styles in the city; and to promote quality development by following a thorough application, review, and approval process.
(B) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the MXR-3 District:
(1) Dwelling, single-family detached;
(2) Dwelling, single-family attached - 8 units per building maximum with each unit having a separate entrance;
(3) Recreation, public.
(C) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the MXR-3 District are allowed only when it is an accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Detached accessory structures (detached single-family and dwelling apartment only);
(2) Day care facility, licensed - serving 6 or fewer persons;
(3) Kennel, private - 3 or fewer pets (single-family detached lots only);
(4) Residential facility, licensed - serving 6 or fewer persons;
(5) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use, as determined by the city;
(6) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(D) Certificate of compliance. Subject to the applicable provision of this chapter, the following are uses in the MXR-3 District that require approval with a certificate of compliance as set forth in and regulated by § 153.029.
(1) Accessory uses.
(a) Accessory apartment (single-family detached dwellings only);
(b) Day care facility, licensed - serving 7 to 14 persons;
(c) Home occupations (single-family detached dwellings only);
(d) Residential facility, licensed - serving 7 to 10 persons;
(e) Solar energy systems, either roof or ground-mounted (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the MXR-3 District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034).
(1) Principal uses.
(a) Dwelling, apartment/condominium;
(b) Essential services, governmental buildings and storage;
(c) Essential services, utility substation;
(d) Place of worship;
(e) School.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Columbarium - accessory to place of worship;
(b) Day care facility, licensed - serving more than 14 persons;
(c) Residential facility, licensed - serving more than 10 persons.
(3) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(4) New wireless support structures and small wireless facilities located within the public right-of-way and meeting the requirements of Chapter 98, and subject to the conditions found in § 153.092(PP).
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the MXR-3 District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Agricultural uses;
(2) Uses as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, and height requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in an MXR-3 District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications as set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot area.
1. Detached single-family: 9,000 square feet;
2. Attached townhouse: 7,500 square feet per unit, or no minimum lot size if common site area owned and maintained by a homeowner’s association.
3. Apartment/condominium dwelling: 43,560 square feet or 1 acre;
(b) Lot width.
1. Detached single-family: 60 feet;
2. Multiple-family dwelling: 100 feet.
3. Attached townhouse: no established minimum.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) Principal structure.
1. Front yard:
a. Arterials, as designated in the Comprehensive Plan: 75 feet from the right-of-way line or 150 feet from the centerline of the street, whichever is greater;
b. Collector street: 30 feet from the public right-of-way;
c. Local street: 30 feet from the public right-of-way;
d. Existing private street: 30 feet from the back of the curb or edge of pavement;
e. Internal: 20 feet between attached or multi-family principal structures separated by common area.
2. Side yard:
a. Single-family dwelling: 10 feet (unless abutting a side street 25 feet);
b. Attached townhome: 10 feet;
c. Multiple-family dwelling: 30 feet.
3. Side street:
a. Single-family dwelling: 25 feet;
b. Attached townhome: 25 feet;
c. Multiple-family dwelling: 20 feet.
4. Rear yard: 30 feet.
5. Internal: 20 feet between principal structures.
(b) Detached accessory structure.
1. Front yard: 30 feet and cannot be located between the principal structure and the street.
2. Side street: 25 feet and cannot be located between the principal structure and the street.
3. Side yard: 10 feet.
4. Rear yard: 10 feet.
(3) Building height.
(a) Principal structures: shall be limited to a maximum height of:
1. Single-family detached: 35 feet;
2. Attached townhome: 35 feet or 3 stories, whichever is less;
3. Apartment and condominiums (stacked units): 45 feet or 3 stories, whichever is less.
(b) Detached accessory structures: shall be limited to 1 story with a maximum sidewall height of 10 feet measured from the floor surface to the underside of the ceiling member.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 549, passed 5-22-2006; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 676, passed 7-9-2018; Am. Ord. 694, passed 2-10-2020; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.073 MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (MF) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The Multiple-Family Residential (MF) District is intended to establish areas for the development of multiple dwelling structures with a maximum density of 15 units per net acre; to maintain a residential character in areas with a high density, multiple-family development; to broaden the choice of residential living styles in the city; to set limitations on housing development density; and to promote quality development by following a thorough application, review, and approval process.
(B) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the MF District:
(1) Dwelling, multiple-family (apartment, condominium, cooperative);
(2) Dwelling, single-family, existing prior to the date of adoption of this chapter. All setback requirements for principal structures and detached accessory structures shall comply with the standards in the MXR-1 District;
(3) Recreation, public.
(C) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the MF District are allowed only when it is an accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Detached accessory structure;
(2) Detached accessory structure, existing single-family shall comply with the standards in the MXR-1 District.
(3) Day care facility, licensed - serving 6 or fewer persons in an existing single-family dwelling only;
(4) Residential facility, licensed - serving 6 or fewer persons in an existing single-family dwelling only;
(5) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the city;
(6) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(D) Certificate of compliance.
(1) Subject to applicable provision of this chapter, the following are uses in the MF District that require approval with a certificate of compliance as set forth in and regulated by § 153.029.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Day care facility, licensed - serving 7 to 14 persons in an existing single-family dwelling only;
(b) Home occupations in an existing single-family dwelling only unless otherwise approved by the city and property owner;
(c) Residential facility, licensed - serving 7 to 10 persons in an existing single-family dwelling only;
(d) Solar energy systems, either roof or ground mounted (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the MF District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034).
(1) Principal uses.
(a) Essential services, governmental buildings and storage;
(b) Essential services, utility substations;
(c) Manufactured home park;
(d) Nursing home.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Day care facility, licensed - serving more than 14 persons in an existing single-family home only;
(b) Residential facility, licensed - serving more than 10 persons in an existing single-family home only.
(3) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the MF District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Uses as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, and height requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in an MF District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot area: 43,560 square feet (or 1 acre);
(b) Lot width: 100 feet.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) Principal structure.
1. Front yard:
a. Arterials as designated in the Comprehensive Plan: 75 feet from the right-of-way line or 150 feet from the centerline of the street, whichever is greater;
b. Collector street: 30 feet from the public right-of-way;
c. Local street: 30 feet from the public right-of-way;
d. Existing private street: 30 feet from the back of curb or edge of pavement.
2. Side yard: 30 feet.
3. Rear yard: 30 feet.
4. Internal: 20 feet between principal structures.
(b) Accessory structure.
1. Front yard: 30 feet and cannot be located between the principal structure and the street.
2. Side yard: 10 feet.
3. Rear yard: 10 feet.
(3) Maximum height.
(a) Principal structure: shall be limited to a maximum height of 4 stories and 45 feet, whichever is less.
(b) Accessory structures: shall be limited to 1 story with a maximum sidewall height of 10 feet, measured from the floor surface to the underside of the ceiling member.
(H) Design standards for Townhome and Multiple-Family Structures.
(1) Design requirements: row style, multi-story (not stacked) or 1 level attached.
(2) Design character. A high quality of building design is an important way to bring larger buildings into a traditional neighborhood scale. In addition, site design, landscaping, and pedestrian amenities will help to create a comfortable, livable district and a shared sense of ownership among residents.
(a) Subdivision requests. Building elevations and floor plans shall be furnished with subdivision requests illustrating exterior building material and colors to demonstrate compliance with this section. Building floor plans shall identify the interior storage space within each unit.
(b) Decks or porches. Provision shall be made for possible decks, porches, or additions as part of the initial dwelling unit building plans. The unit lot shall be configured and sized to include decks or porches.
(c) Minimum overhang. In case of a gable roof, a minimum 12 inch soffit shall be required.
(d) Exterior building finish. The exterior of attached/townhome dwelling units shall include a variation in building materials which are to be distributed throughout the building facades and coordinated into the architectural design of the structure to create an architecturally balanced appearance. In addition, attached/townhome dwelling structures shall comply with the following requirements:
1. A minimum of 25% of the combined area of all building facades of a structure shall have an exterior finish of brick, stucco, and/or natural or artificial stone.
2. Except for brick, stucco, and/or natural or artificial stone, no single building facade shall have more than 75% of 1 type of exterior finish.
3. Except for brick, stucco, and/or natural or artificial stone, no townhome dwelling structure shall have more than 60% of all building facades of 1 type of exterior finish.
4. For the purpose of this section and material calculations:
a. The area of the building facade shall not include area devoted to windows, entrance doors, garage doors, or roof areas.
b. Variations in texture or style (i.e., lap siding versus shake shingle siding) shall be considered as different materials meeting the requirements of this section.
c. Integral colored split face (rock face) concrete block shall not qualify for meeting the brick, stucco, and/or natural or artificial stone material requirements.
d. Multiple unit buildings in proximity to each other shall not look alike in terms of color of siding, accent and roofing materials. The building under consideration will be compared to 2 homes on 2 lots on either side of it and to the 3 homes directly facing it.
e. Outside storage shall be allowed only in designated areas which are screened in accordance with § 153.128 of this chapter and under the ownership of the property owners’ association subject to other applicable provisions of this chapter.
(3) Building design and materials, multi-family (stacked).
(a) Design character: The scale of multi-family dwellings makes the buildings highly visible and it is critical to incorporate high quality architecture. All buildings shall be designed to accomplish the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. Building materials shall be attractive in appearance, durable, and of a quality that is both compatible with adjacent structures and consistent with the city’s standards for the district in which it is located. All buildings shall be of good aesthetic and architectural quality, as demonstrated by the inclusion of elements such as accent materials, entrance and window treatments, contrasting colors, irregular building shapes and rooflines, or other architectural features in the overall architectural concept.
(b) A minimum of 50% of the combined area of all building facades of a structure shall contain the following permitted major exterior materials: face brick (glazed or unglazed), clay faced tile, and/or stone masonry (granite, limestone, marble, slate, sandstone, or quartzite).
(c) Accent materials may include: finished texture stucco (cement or synthetic), exterior finished wood siding (painted, stained, or weather sealed), exterior finished metal siding (not including sheet metal of any kind), exterior finished vinyl siding or fiber cement siding in lap or panel design (color impregnated or painted). Panel seam lines shall be architecturally integrated into the building design so that they are not visible. Seam lines can either be filled, covered with accent material or some other method to make seam lines invisible. Accenting materials and design shall be included on all facades.
(d) All building and roofing materials shall meet current accepted industry standards and tolerances, and shall be subject to review and approval by the city for quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The applicant shall submit to the city product samples, color building elevations, and associated drawings which illustrate the construction techniques to be used in the installation of such materials.
(e) If complementary building styles, materials, and color schemes are proposed for a development, the developer shall submit to the city a plan showing the distribution of the styles, materials, and colors throughout the development.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.074 MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR DESIGN: APPLICABLE TO ALL COMMERCIAL/BUSINESS DISTRICTS (NC, B-1, B-2).
To ensure attractive commercial/business development, the following design standards shall apply to all commercial/business development in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Broadway Business (B-1), and Highway Business (B-2) Districts.
(A) Visual interest and building materials.
(1) All new building fronts and refacing of existing buildings shall include a minimum of 3 of the following elements:
(a) Architectural detailing, such as cornice, awning, parapet, or columns;
(b) A visually pleasing primary front entrance that, in addition to doors, shall be accented a minimum of 150 square feet around the door entrance for single-occupancy buildings and a minimum of 300 square feet total for the front of multi-tenant buildings (this area shall be counted as 1 element). Entrances shall be clearly articulated and obvious from the street;
(c) A minimum of 30% window coverage on each front that faces a street or similar based on requirements in § 153.193(E)(1);
(d) Contrasting, yet complementary material colors;
(e) A combination of horizontal and vertical design features;
(f) Irregular building shapes;
(g) Other architectural features in the overall architectural concept.
(2) No wall shall exceed 50 feet in length without at least 1 visual interest element, such as windows, horizontal and vertical facade articulation, contrasting material colors, vertical or horizontal patterns.
(3) Accent materials. Accent materials shall be wrapped around walls visible to public view. Accent material shall consist of materials comparable in grade and quality to the primary exterior material. Such materials may include glass and prefinished decorative metal. Fiber cement may also be used as accent materials for the trim, soffit, and/or fascia.
(4) Major exterior materials of all walls including face brick, stone, glass, stucco, synthetic stucco, fiber cement vertical panel siding, architectural concrete, and precast panels shall be acceptable as the major exterior wall surface when they are incorporated into an overall design of the building. No more than 25% of any exterior wall on a building shall be fiber cement siding, wood, or metal accent material.
(5) Fiber cement seam lines shall be architecturally integrated into the building design so that they are not visible. Seam lines can be filled, covered by other accent material or other method thereby making the seam lines invisible. Color impregnated decorative block shall also be allowed as a major exterior wall material and shall be required to be sealed. All materials shall be color impregnated except for architectural concrete precast panel systems (only within the B-2 District) and fiber cement siding which may be painted.
(6) Restricted exterior materials. Unadorned pre-stressed concrete panels, whether smooth or raked, non-decorative concrete block, sheet metal or unfinished metal, and/or galvanized or unfinished aluminum surfaces (walls or roofs) shall not be used as exterior materials. This restriction shall apply to all principal structures and to all accessory buildings.
(7) Roofs. Roofs which are exposed or an integral part of the building aesthetics shall be constructed only of commercial grade shingles, wood shingles, standing seam metal, slate, tile, or copper. Flat roofs, which are generally parallel with the first floor elevation, are not subject to these material limitations.
(B) Screening.
(1) Rooftop mechanical equipment. The view of all rooftop equipment and related piping, ducting, electrical and mechanical utilities on buildings shall be screened from the ground level view of abutting streets. Screening may include parapet walls, penthouses, or other architecturally integrated elements. Wood fencing or chain link with slats shall not be used for screening. A cross-sectional drawing shall be provided that illustrates the sight lines from the ground level view.
(2) Ground mechanical equipment. Ground mechanical equipment shall be 100% screened from contiguous properties and adjacent streets by opaque landscaping, or a screen wall shall be provided that is compatible with the architectural treatment of the principal structure.
(3) Screening adjoining residential use. Wherever a commercial or non-residential use abuts, or is across the street from an R Residential District, a berm, fence, or screening comprised of compact evergreen trees or hedge or combination thereof, not less than 80% opaque at time of installation and not less than 6 feet in height, except adjacent to a street where it shall be not less than 3 feet and not more than 4 feet in height shall be erected or installed and maintained. The light from automobile headlights and other sources shall be 100% screened whenever it may be directed onto adjacent residential windows. All screening shall comply with § 153.128 of this chapter.
(4) Trash enclosure service structure. All trash, recyclable materials, and trash and recyclable materials handling equipment and compactors shall meet the requirements of § 153.187 and shall be screened from public view. All trash enclosure service structures shall be constructed of the same materials as the principal building.
(C) Pedestrian environment. Pedestrian connections to the surrounding neighborhood shall be incorporated into all commercial development.
(1) Pedestrian amenities shall be included in places where people typically gather, including but not limited to, transit stops, building entrances, street corners, or abutting bike or pedestrian trail connections. These spaces must include at least 2 of the following:
(a) Patterned materials on walkways (on-site);
(b) Bicycle racks;
(c) Trash receptacles (decorative);
(d) Pedestrian lighting;
(e) Fountains, sculptures, mobiles, kiosks, or banners;
(f) Flower boxes or container landscaping.
(2) Sidewalk connections shall be provided to and through the development to existing and planned trails, sidewalks, and adjacent properties, where access exists or reasonable connections are possible. Clear internal pedestrian circulation routes shall be provided on the site.
(D) Parking and vehicular circulation. Parking areas in all commercial districts shall be subject to the following design standards and requirements in § 153.123:
(1) Parking orientation shall minimize visual and noise impacts on adjacent properties.
(2) To the maximum extent feasible, parking shall be located behind or to the side of a building in a landscaped parking area and screened from view from public rights-of-way through landscaping, berms, or low walls. Structured parking, integrated with the building’s architectural design, is encouraged.
(3) Parking areas shall be safe and convenient for both the movement of vehicles and customers.
(4) Vehicle circulation on-site shall be clearly organized to facilitate movement into and throughout parking areas.
(5) On corner lots, parking shall not be located on the corner.
(6) Service access areas shall be located in the rear of the property, outside of view from public rights-of-way. Buildings within a development should share services areas to the extent practical.
(7) Circulation and parking for service areas shall be designed to minimize disruption to the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(8) Development sites where uses require multiple deliveries shall provide separate customer and service access drives where possible.
(E) Exterior storage. All exterior storage of material and equipment related to, located on, and used by any business shall be stored within a building or screened, as required herein, so as not to be visible from streets, highways, or neighboring property, with the exception of the following:
(1) Merchandise being displayed for sale or rental;
(2) Materials and equipment currently being used for construction on the premises;
(3) Merchandise located on service station pump islands and along the front length of the building.
(F) Neighborhood Commercial design standards. In addition to the minimum design standards applicable to all commercial districts, Neighborhood Commercial Districts shall also be subject to the following standards to reflect the character of the Neighborhood Commercial District. The design standards are explained in further detail and illustrated in the Forest Lake Commercial Design Manual.
(1) Building design. New buildings adjacent to existing buildings or residential neighborhoods shall appear to have similar scale and design elements as the neighboring buildings at a residential scale and character. Buildings fronts shall include 3 of the following elements:
(a) Articulation of facades into house-size segments;
(b) Residential scale building modules similar to adjacent buildings;
(c) Similar facade proportions to those on neighboring buildings;
(d) Residential scale building components such as porches, patios, decks, columns and balconies;
(e) A roof configuration which reflects traditional residential structures and is pitched such as gable, hip, or shed;
(f) Display windows a minimum of 6 feet in height shall exist along at least 50% of the linear length of the building front.
(a) Incorporate unique and significant existing trees into the landscape design. See § 153.196.
(b) Use a wide variety of plants in informal arrangements.
(c) Landscaping shall be arranged and grouped to signify key site locations, such as building and site entrances, walkways, and around monuments.
(d) Use layering to promote informality with a variety of plants with differing mature heights.
(e) Use of plants or trees that have seasonal color.
(3) Lighting. In addition to the lighting requirements presented in § 153.130, lighting in the NC District shall be subject to the following regulations:
(a) Decorative style lighting a maximum of 14 feet in height shall be used to illuminate all site areas except for parking areas.
(b) Shoe-box style lighting shall only be permitted in parking areas.
(c) Decorative lighting appropriate to this district is illustrated in the Commercial Design Manual.
(d) Lighting fixtures shall be compatible with the architecture of the building.
(e) Wall mounted lighting shall be used on building fronts to illuminate entry points and highlight architectural features.
(4) Signage. In addition to the sign requirements presented in § 153.162, signs in the NC District shall also be subject to the following requirements:
(a) To reduce visual sign clutter, signage shall be distinct and minimal.
(b) Monument sign bases shall be constructed of similar materials, style, and color as that of the principal building.
(c) Signage shall be designed in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of this chapter and as illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(G) Broadway Business (B-1) District design standards. In addition to the minimum design standards applicable to all commercial/business districts, the Broadway Business District shall also be subject to the following standards to reflect the character of the district. The design standards are explained in further detail and illustrated in the Forest Lake Commercial Design Manual.
(1) Site layout.
(a) Orient and consolidate structures to complement existing, adjacent development and to create a coordinated and visually attractive commercial district setting.
(b) Site planning shall respect the relationship of the site to existing and proposed buildings and streets.
(c) Buildings with frontage on a primary street shall orient front facades to parallel the primary street.
(d) Align the building front facade with adjacent buildings to promote visual continuity from the public right-of-way, unless site or use constraints are prohibitive.
(e) Buildings shall have a clearly defined primary pedestrian entrance at street level.
(f) Parking orientation shall minimize visual and noise impacts on adjacent properties.
(g) To the maximum extent feasible, parking shall be located behind or to the side of a building in a landscaped parking area and screened from view from public rights-of-way and adjacent residential districts.
(h) On corner lots, parking shall not be located on the corner.
(2) Building design. Bay widths of more than 24 feet shall be designed with architectural detailing to achieve an appearance of bay widths of no more than 24 feet. Building articulation, column spacing, width of window bays, placement of windows, and variation in roof height lines and setback and similar design can be used to achieve this requirement.
(a) Use predominately native materials and well-adapted plant species to create an attractive environment along the edges of each development parcel.
(b) Use landscaping to buffer objectionable views, to break up the apparent size and monotony of parking areas, and to screen service areas and ground mechanical equipment. Parking shall be screened from the public right-of-way through landscaping, berms, or low walls.
(c) Window boxes, hanging flower baskets, and planters shall be used to identify primary entrances.
(4) Lighting. In addition to the lighting requirements presented in § 153.130, lighting in the B-1 District shall be subject to the following regulations:
(a) Decorative style lighting a maximum of 14 feet in height shall be used to illuminate all site areas except for parking areas.
(b) Shoe-box style lighting shall only be permitted in parking areas.
(c) Decorative lighting appropriate to this district is illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(d) Lighting fixtures shall be compatible with the architecture of the building.
(e) Wall mounted lighting shall be used on building fronts to illuminate entry points and highlight architectural features.
(5) Signage. In addition to the sign requirements presented in §§ 153.162 et seq., signs in the B-1 District shall also be subject to the following requirements:
(a) To reduce visual sign clutter, signage shall be distinct and minimal.
(b) Monument sign bases shall be constructed of similar materials, style, and color as that of the principal building.
(c) Signage shall be designed in a manner that is consistent with code requirements and as illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(H) Highway Business (B-2) District design standards. In addition to the minimum design standards applicable to all commercial/business districts, the B-2 District shall also be subject to the following standards to reflect the character of the district. The design standards are explained in further detail and illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(1) Site layout.
(a) Building entries shall face the primary street adjacent to the project and face the parking areas serving the site.
(b) Decorative and/or landscaped cart corrals should be placed throughout the parking lot so that parking spaces are not used to store shopping carts.
(c) Multiple entries to the site should be consolidated.
(d) The majority of parking shall be located in the front and side of the lot. Employee parking and loading shall be in the rear.
(2) Lighting. In addition to the lighting requirements presented in § 153.130, lighting in the B-2 District shall be subject to the following regulations:
(a) Decorative style lighting a maximum of 14 feet in height shall be used to illuminate all site areas except for parking areas.
(b) Shoe-box style lighting shall only be permitted in parking areas.
(c) Decorative lighting appropriate to this district is illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(d) Lighting fixtures shall be compatible with the architecture of the building.
(e) Wall mounted lighting shall be used on building fronts to illuminate entry points and highlight architectural features.
(3) Signage. In addition to the sign requirements presented in §§ 153.162 et seq., signs in the B-2 District shall also be subject to the following requirements:
(a) To reduce visual sign clutter, signage shall be distinct and minimal.
(b) Monument sign bases shall be constructed of similar materials, style, and color as that of the principal building.
(c) Signage shall be designed in a manner that is consistent with code requirements and as illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(I) Limited Industrial (B-3) District design standards. In addition to the minimum design standards applicable to all commercial/business districts, the Limited Industrial Business District shall also be subject to the following standards to reflect the character of the district. The design standards are explained in further detail and illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(1) Site layout.
(a) Building entries shall face the primary street adjacent to the project. An additional entry should face the parking lot.
(b) The majority of parking shall be located on the side of buildings or in front. Employee parking and loading shall be in the rear.
(c) Landscaped cart corrals should be placed throughout the project so that parking spaces are not used to store shopping carts.
(d) Multiple entries to the site should be consolidated.
(2) Lighting. In addition to the lighting requirements presented in § 153.130, lighting in the B-3 District shall be subject to the following regulations:
(a) Decorative style lighting a maximum of 14 feet in height shall be used to illuminate all site areas except for parking areas.
(b) Shoe-box style lighting shall only be permitted in parking areas.
(c) Decorative lighting appropriate to this district is illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(d) Lighting fixtures shall be compatible with the architecture of the building.
(e) Wall mounted lighting shall be used on building fronts to illuminate entry points and highlight architectural features.
(3) Signage. In addition to the sign requirements presented in §§ 153.162 et seq., signs in the B-3 District shall also be subject to the following requirements:
(a) To reduce visual sign clutter, signage shall be distinct and minimal.
(b) Monument sign bases shall be constructed of similar materials, style, and color as that of the principal building.
(c) Signage shall be designed in a manner that is consistent with the code requirements and as illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(J) Compliance.
(1) All new construction shall fully comply with the requirements in § 153.074.
(2) Complete building face lift combined with a building addition shall fully comply with the requirements in § 153.074.
(3) Other existing building and site improvements shall comply with the standards in § 153.054.
(Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 658, passed 7-25-2016; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.076 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (NC) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The purpose of the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) District is to allow single multi-use commercial buildings containing convenience retail and service commercial uses at major intersections on small neighborhood scale sites where public sewer is available and sites are designated in the City of Forest Lake Comprehensive Plan. The district is intended to accommodate the basic needs of neighborhoods that would not otherwise have convenient access to retail areas in the city.
(B) Design character. The character of this district shall reflect the character of surrounding residential neighborhoods. Building scale, setback, and design should be consistent with existing neighborhoods. Because this district is intended to serve surrounding residential areas, pedestrian connectivity to existing neighborhoods is also important. Design in this district should foster a welcoming pedestrian environment through pedestrian scale buildings, street furniture, and pedestrian and bike facilities.
(C) Permitted uses. Subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the NC District:
(1) Retail sales and service;
(2) Multi-tenant structures;
(3) Medical uses;
(4) Office;
(5) Restaurant (full service or fast food);
(6) School, specialty;
(7) Brewery;
(8) Micro distillery;
(9) Taproom.
(D) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the NC District are allowed only when they are accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the provisions set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Outdoor seating accessory to a restaurant;
(2) Trash enclosure service structure;
(3) Attached smoking facility associated with a principal use;
(4) Agricultural seasonal sale;
(5) Roof-mounted solar energy systems (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT);
(6) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the city;
(7) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the NC District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034):
(1) Day care facility, licensed;
(2) Essential services, governmental building and storage, and utility substations;
(3) Motor vehicle, service station;
(4) Motor vehicle, wash;
(5) Veterinary;
(6) Permitted uses with a drive-thru;
(7) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the NC District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Uses as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, and height. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in an NC District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot area: 43,560 square feet (or 1 acre) for multi-tenant structures;
(b) Lot area: 25,000 square feet for freestanding structures;
(c) Lot width: 150 feet.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) Principal structure.
1. Front yard:
a. Arterials, as designated on the Comprehensive Plan: 75 feet from the right-of-way line or 150 feet from the centerline of the street, whichever is greater;
b. Collector street: 40 feet from the public right-of-way;
c. Local street: 30 feet from the public right-of-way.
2. Side yard: 30 feet.
3. Rear yard: 30 feet.
4. Building height: all buildings shall be limited to 1 story with a maximum height of 30 feet.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 646, passed 9-14-2015; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.077 BROADWAY BUSINESS (B-1) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The Broadway Business (B-1) District is intended to establish areas for the location and development of professional offices, administrative offices, limited neighborhood and community-oriented retail, and health care services and facilities which are expected to develop with a high level of amenities such as landscaping and architectural controls; to encourage a complex of compatible and mutually supportive health care services and facilities; to allow a transitional reuse of existing buildings until market conditions warrant redevelopment; to enhance redevelopment potential by prohibiting uses that would impede redevelopment; to capitalize on the high volume of traffic and potential customers; to ensure an appropriate physical relationship with the surrounding neighborhood, including acceptable traffic operations on local streets; and to provide a district which is related to and may reasonably adjoin high density or other residential districts.
(B) Design character. Due to the high visibility of this area, the character of this district shall reflect well-designed and attractive businesses. Development in this district shall be unified through building architecture and landscaping. The design character of this district shall also take into account the relationship of the site to surrounding residential areas and the retail area surrounding the interchange at I-35. Development shall be designed to provide for appropriate transitions and connections to surrounding residential areas and to the more dense pedestrian oriented Downtown Mixed Use District and the less dense auto-oriented Highway Business District. Pedestrian connections within this district will be essential.
(C) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the B-1 District:
(1) Existing auto repair and service (minor) at the time of adoption of this chapter;
(2) Medical uses;
(3) Office;
(4) Retail/office/multi-tenant structure;
(5) Retail sales and services;
(6) School, specialty;
(7) Restaurant, fast food (no drive-thru);
(8) Restaurant, full service (no drive-thru);
(9) Veterinary clinic (with no outdoor kennels);
(10) Brewery;
(11) Micro distillery;
(12) Taproom.
(D) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the B-1 District are allowed only when they are accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the provisions set forth herein and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Outdoor seating accessory to a restaurant;
(2) Trash enclosure service structure;
(3) Attached smoking facility associated with the principal use;
(4) Agricultural seasonal sale;
(5) Roof mounted solar energy systems (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT);
(6) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the city;
(7) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the B-1 District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034):
(1) Club or lodge;
(2) Day care facility, licensed;
(3) Funeral home;
(4) Place of worship and any columbarium constructed in connection therewith;
(5) Permitted uses with drive-thru facilities;
(6) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the B-1 District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Uses as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, coverage, and height requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in a B-1 District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot size: 22,500 square feet.
(b) Lot width: 150 feet.
(c) Lot depth: 200 feet, or the depth of the district for lots abutting Broadway.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) Front:
1. Arterials, as designated in the Comprehensive Plan: 20 feet from the public right-of-way;
2. Collector: 20 feet from the public right-of-way;
3. Local: 20 feet from the public right-of-way.
(b) Side: 5 feet (or if abutting a street, 20 feet, or if abutting a residential district, 35 feet).
(c) Rear: 5 feet (if abutting a residential district, 35 feet).
(3) Building height. All buildings shall be limited to 2 stories with a maximum height of 35 feet.
(4) Maximum lot coverage. The total impervious surface shall not exceed 80%.
(Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 646, passed 9-14-2015; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.078 HIGHWAY BUSINESS (B-2) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The Highway Business (B-2) District is intended to accommodate an adequate supply of businesses and services that primarily serve the community and regional needs; to keep retail and service businesses that are oriented to motorists in close proximity to thoroughfares and access from regional highways in areas that are appropriately designated on the Comprehensive Plan; and to encourage grouping of compatible and mutually supportive business uses and services.
(B) Design character. Design standards within this district are intended to support a high standard of development and design that portrays a positive visual image and minimizes the effects of traffic congestion, noise, odor, and glare from surrounding uses. Given the area’s proximity to the interstate and the auto-oriented uses permitted in this district, development will be primarily auto-oriented. However, pedestrian access and safety will still be achieved through design features within the district and to provide connections to surrounding areas. High quality design is required in this area because of its highly visible location.
(C) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the B-2 District:
(1) Club or lodge;
(2) Day care facility, licensed;
(3) Funeral home;
(4) Garden supply stores and nursery yards;
(5) Health/recreation facility;
(6) Hotel;
(7) Medical uses;
(8) Motel;
(9) Motor vehicle - convenience store, part sales, repair (major), repair (minor), service station, new auto dealership licensed, used auto dealership licensed, wash;
(10) Office;
(11) Plant nursery, commercial and wholesale;
(12) Restaurant - fast food and full service (with or without drive-thru);
(13) Retail/office/multi-tenant structure;
(14) Retail sales and services;
(15) School, specialty;
(16) Truck stop;
(17) Wholesale office and showroom;
(18) Brewery;
(19) Micro distillery;
(20) Taproom.
(D) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the B-2 District are allowed only when it is an accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Outdoor seating accessory to a restaurant;
(2) Trash enclosure service structure;
(3) Attached smoking facility associated with principal use;
(4) Agricultural seasonal sale;
(5) Roof-mounted solar energy systems (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT);
(6) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the city;
(7) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the B-2 District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034):
(1) Essential services, governmental buildings and storage, utility substations;
(2) Kennel, commercial;
(3) Light manufacturing;
(4) Nursing home;
(5) Open sales lot;
(6) Place of worship and any columbarium constructed in connection therewith;
(7) Recreation, commercial;
(8) School;
(9) Self-service storage;
(10) Veterinary;
(11) Warehousing and distribution;
(12) Towers (see § 153.092);
(13) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the B-2 District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Place of worship leasing space;
(2) School facility leasing space;
(3) Agricultural uses;
(4) Uses as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, height, and coverage requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in a B-2 District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot size: 25,000 square feet;
(b) Lot width: 100 feet.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) Front: 40 feet;
(b) Side: No setback is required unless abutting a residential district; a setback of 35 feet shall then be required;
(c) Rear: No setback is required unless abutting a residential district; a setback of 35 feet shall then be required.
(3) Building height. All buildings shall be limited to no more than 3 stories with a maximum building height of 45 feet.
(4) Maximum lot coverage. The total impervious surface shall not exceed 80%.
(Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 646, passed 9-14-2015; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 694, passed 2-10-2020; Am. Ord. 702, passed 2-22-2021; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.079 LIMITED INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS (B-3) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. Limited Industrial Business (B-3) District is to provide a district that supports a mix of industrial and commercial development.
(B) Design character. The overall character of the Limited Industrial Business (B-3) District is intended to have a low impact manufacturing/warehouse character. Industrial uses in this district shall be limited to those that can compatibly exist adjacent to both lower intensity business uses and high intensity manufacturing uses and can have limited amounts of truck traffic in comparison to high intensity industrial districts. Because this district abuts residential neighborhoods, B-3 uses are regulated in height, lot coverage, setbacks, landscaping, loading, and use type, so as to facilitate compatibility between these uses and residential development.
(C) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the B-3 District:
(1) Club or lodge;
(2) Day care facility, licensed;
(3) Funeral home;
(4) Garden supply stores and nursery yards;
(5) Health/recreation facility;
(6) Hotel;
(7) Medical uses;
(8) Motel;
(9) Motor vehicle - convenience store, part sales, repair (major), repair (minor), service station, new auto dealership licensed, used auto dealership licensed, wash;
(10) Office;
(11) Plant nursery, commercial and wholesale;
(12) Restaurant, fast food (with or without drive-thru);
(13) Restaurant, full service (with or without drive-thru);
(14) Retail/office/multi-tenant structure;
(15) Retail sales and services;
(16) School, specialty;
(17) Truck stop;
(18) Wholesale office and showroom;
(19) Essential services, governmental buildings and storage, utility substations;
(20) Light manufacturing;
(21) Open sales lot;
(22) Recreation, commercial;
(23) Self-service storage;
(24) Veterinary;
(25) Warehousing and distribution;
(26) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council;
(27) Brewery;
(28) Micro distillery;
(29) Taproom.
(D) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the B-3 District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Place of worship leasing space;
(2) School facility leasing space;
(3) Uses as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(E) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the B-3 District are allowed only when it is accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Essential services, governmental buildings and storage, utility substations;
(2) Attached smoking facility associated with principal use;
(3) Trash enclosure service structure;
(4) Agricultural seasonal sales;
(5) Roof-mounted solar energy systems, roof systems (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT);
(6) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the city;
(7) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(F) Conditional uses.
(1) Place of worship and any columbarium constructed therewith;
(2) Kennel, commercial;
(3) School, specialty;
(4) Towers (see § 153.092);
(5) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, height, and coverage requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in a B-3 District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot size: 25,000 square feet;
(b) Lot width: 100 feet.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) Front: 40 feet;
(b) Side: No setback is required unless abutting a residential district; a setback of 35 feet shall then be required;
(c) Rear: No setback is required unless abutting a residential district; a setback of 35 feet shall then be required.
(3) Building height. All buildings shall be limited to a maximum height of 45 feet or 4 stories, whichever is less.
(4) Maximum lot coverage. The total impervious surface shall not exceed 80%.
(Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 646, passed 9-14-2015; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 702, passed 2-22-2021; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.080 MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR DESIGN: APPLICABLE TO ALL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS (I, BP) AND THE B-3 DISTRICT.
To ensure attractive commercial development, the city has a set of industrial design standards applicable to all industrial development and to development in the B-3 Limited Industrial Business District. This is applicable to following districts: Industrial (I), Business Park (BP), and Limited Industrial Business (B-3).
(A) Visual interest and building materials.
(1) All new building fronts and refacing of an existing building, shall include a minimum of 3 of the following elements:
(a) Accent materials;
(b) A visually pleasing front entry that, in addition to doors, shall be accented a minimum of 150 square feet around the door entrance for single-occupancy buildings and a minimum of 300 square feet total for the front of multi-tenant buildings (this area shall be counted as 1 element);
(c) Twenty-five percent window coverage on each front that faces a street;
(d) Contrasting, yet complementary material colors;
(e) A combination of horizontal and vertical design features;
(f) Irregular building shapes; or
(g) Other architectural features in the overall architectural concept.
(2) No wall shall exceed 75 feet in length without at least 1 visual interest element, such as a window, horizontal or vertical facade articulation, contrasting materials colors, or vertical or horizontal patterns.
(3) Accent materials. Accent materials shall be wrapped around walls visible from public view. Accent material shall consist of materials comparable in grade and quality to the primary exterior material. Such materials may include glass and prefinished decorative metal. Fiber cement trim, soffit, and fascia may be used as accent materials.
(4) Major exterior materials of all walls including face brick, stone, glass, stucco, synthetic stucco, fiber cement vertical panel siding, architectural concrete, and precast panels shall be acceptable as the major exterior wall surface when they are incorporated into an overall design of the building. No more than 25% of any exterior wall on a building shall be fiber cement siding, wood, or metal accent material.
(5) Fiber cement seam lines shall be architecturally integrated into the building design so that they are not visible. Seam lines can be filled, covered by other accent material or other method thereby making the seam lines invisible. Color impregnated decorative block shall also be allowed as a major exterior wall material, and shall be required to be sealed. All materials shall be color impregnated except for allowing architectural concrete precast panel systems (only within the I District) and fiber cement siding to be painted.
(6) Restricted exterior materials. Unadorned pre-stressed concrete panels, whether smooth or raked, non-decorative concrete block, sheet metal, unfinished metal, and/or galvanized or unfinished aluminum surfaces (walls or roofs) shall not be used as exterior materials. This restriction shall apply to all principal structures and to all accessory buildings.
(7) Roofs. Roofs which are exposed or an integral part of the building aesthetics shall be constructed only of commercial grade shingles, wood shingles, standing seam metal, slate, tile, or copper. Flat roofs, which are generally parallel with the first floor elevation, are not subject to these material limitations.
(B) Screening.
(1) Rooftop mechanical equipment. The view of all rooftop equipment and related piping, ducting, electrical and mechanical utilities abutting a street on buildings shall be screened from the ground level view. Screening may include parapet walls, penthouses, or other architecturally integrated elements. Wood fencing or chain link with slats shall not be used for screening. A cross-sectional drawing shall be provided that illustrates the sight lines from the ground level view.
(2) Ground mechanical equipment. Ground mechanical equipment shall be 100% screened from contiguous properties and adjacent streets by opaque landscaping, or a screen wall shall be provided to be compatible with the architectural treatment of the principal structure.
(3) Screening adjoining residential use. Wherever an industrial, commercial, or business park use abuts, or is across the street from a residential district, a berm, fence, or screening comprised of compact evergreen trees or hedge or combination thereof, not less than 80% opaque at time of installation, nor less than 6 feet in height, except adjacent to a street where it shall be not less than 3 feet nor more than 4 feet in height shall be erected or installed and maintained. The light from automobile headlights and other sources shall be 100% screened whenever it may be directed onto adjacent residential window. All screening shall comply with § 153.128 of this chapter.
(4) Trash enclosure service structure. All trash, recyclable materials, and trash and recyclable materials handling equipment and compactors shall be screened from public view. Any trash enclosure shall be constructed of the same materials as the principal building.
(C) Parking and vehicular circulation. Parking areas in all industrial districts shall be subject to the following design standards:
(1) Parking orientation shall minimize visual and noise impacts on adjacent properties.
(2) To the maximum extent feasible, parking shall be located behind or to the side of a building in a landscaped parking area and screened from view from public rights-of-way through landscaping, berms, or low walls.
(3) Structured parking, integrated with the building’s architectural design, is encouraged.
(4) Parking areas shall be safe and convenient for both the movement of vehicles and customers.
(5) On corner lots, parking shall not be located on the corner.
(6) Vehicle circulation on-site shall be clearly organized to facilitate movement into and throughout parking areas.
(7) Service access areas shall be located in the rear of the property, outside of view from public rights-of-ways. Buildings within a development should share services areas to the extent practical.
(8) Circulation and parking for service areas shall be designed to minimize disruption to the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(9) Development sites where uses require multiple deliveries shall provide separate customer and service access drives where possible.
(D) Exterior storage. All exterior storage of material and equipment related to, located on, and used by any business shall be stored within a building or fully screened, as required herein, so as not to be visible from streets, highways, or neighboring property, except for the following:
(1) Materials and equipment currently being used for construction on the premises.
(E) Loading and service areas. All external loading and service areas accessory to industrial buildings must be completely screened from the ground level view from contiguous residential or commercial properties and adjacent streets, except at access points. Whenever an industrial use abuts a residential district, there shall be no loading docks on any building elevation that is either directly facing or oriented towards a single-family residence.
(F) Industrial District and Limited Industrial Business District design standards. In addition to the minimum design standards applicable to all industrial districts, the Industrial (I) and B-3 Districts shall also be subject to the following standards to reflect the character of the districts. The design standards are explained in further detail and illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Manual.
(1) Site layout. Whenever such developments abut residential districts, their interior road patterns shall be arranged in such a way as to route service vehicle traffic away from residential neighborhoods.
(2) Lighting. In addition to the lighting requirements presented in § 153.130, lighting in the I and B-3 Districts shall be subject to the following regulations:
(a) Decorative style lighting a maximum of 14 feet in height shall be used to illuminate all site areas except for parking areas.
(b) Shoe-box style lighting shall only be permitted in parking areas.
(c) Decorative poles and fixtures shall be consistent with the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(d) Lighting fixtures shall be compatible with the architecture of the building.
(e) Wall mounted lighting shall be used on building fronts to illuminate entry points and highlight architectural features.
(3) Signage. In addition to the sign requirements presented in §§ 153.162 et seq., signs in the I and B-3 Districts shall also be subject to the following requirements:
(a) To reduce visual sign clutter, signage shall be distinct and minimal.
(b) Monument sign bases shall be constructed of similar materials, style, and color as that of the principal building.
(c) Signage shall be designed in a manner that is consistent with the code requirements and as illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(G) Compliance.
(1) All new construction shall fully comply with the requirements in § 153.074.
(2) Complete building face lift combined with a building addition shall fully comply with the requirements in § 153.074.
(3) Other existing building and site improvements shall comply with the standards in § 153.054.
(H) Business Park design standards. In addition to the minimum design standards applicable to all industrial districts, the Business Park (BP) District shall also be subject to the following standards to reflect the character of the district. The design standards are explained in further detail and illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(1) Site layout.
(a) Orient and consolidate structures to complement existing, adjacent development and to create a coordinated and visually attractive business park setting.
(b) Site planning shall respect the relationship of the site to existing and proposed buildings and streets.
(c) Buildings with frontage on a primary street shall orient front facades to parallel the primary street.
(d) Buildings shall have a clearly defined primary pedestrian entrance at street level.
(e) Where feasible, the development shall be arranged to preserve and integrate natural environmental features into the site design.
(2) Building design.
(a) A minimum of 30% of the ground level facade shall be transparent.
(b) Visual continuity shall be created by designing buildings to exhibit complementary height and massing to adjacent buildings.
(c) Buildings shall be designed in an architectural style and constructed of materials that are compatible, and complementary to surrounding buildings in the Business Park District.
(a) Use predominately native materials and well-adapted plant species to create an attractive environment along the edges of each development parcel.
(b) Use landscaping to buffer objectionable views and to break up the apparent size and monotony of parking areas.
(c) Landscaping shall be clustered into features areas, such as corners, entryways, buffer zones, and screening rather than distributed thinly throughout the site.
(4) Lighting. In addition to the lighting requirements presented in § 153.130, lighting in the BP District shall be subject to the following regulations:
(a) Decorative style lighting a maximum of 14 feet in height shall be used to illuminate all site areas except for parking areas.
(b) Shoe-box style lighting shall only be permitted in parking areas.
(c) Decorative lighting appropriate to this district is illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(d) Lighting fixtures shall be compatible with the architecture of the building.
(e) Wall mounted lighting shall be used on building fronts to illuminate entry points and highlight architectural features.
(5) Signage. In addition to the sign requirements presented in §§ 153.162 et seq., signs in the BP District shall also be subject to the following requirements:
(a) To reduce visual sign clutter, signage shall be distinct and minimal.
(b) Monument sign bases shall be constructed of similar materials, style, and color as that of the principal building.
(c) Signage shall be designed in a manner that is consistent with code requirements and as illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 658, passed 7-25-2016; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.082 INDUSTRIAL (I) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The Industrial (I) District is intended to provide an area where industrial, business service, and office uses may locate to provide a range of employment opportunities; to attract new development that will present a positive image to the community; and to provide locations with traffic management capabilities that can adequately handle the traffic generated within the district without disrupting traffic flows on nearby thoroughfares.
(B) Design character. The overall design character of the Industrial (I) District is to present the least amount of impact on adjacent, less intensive land uses and to display a positive community image. Given the area’s proximity to the interstate and heavy industrial activity and truck traffic in these areas, development will be primarily auto-oriented. High quality design is required in this area because of its highly visible location.
(C) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the I District:
(1) Industrial condominium/multi-tenant structure;
(2) Manufacturing;
(3) Medical;
(4) Office;
(5) Public airport and related facilities;
(6) Public compost facility;
(7) Recreation-public;
(8) Research and technology center;
(9) Warehousing and distribution;
(10) Wholesaling.
(D) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the I District are allowed only when it is accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Trash enclosure service structure;
(2) Attached smoking facility associated with principal use;
(3) Roof-mounted solar energy systems (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT);
(4) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the I District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034):
(1) Detached accessory structure;
(2) Essential services, governmental buildings and storage, utility substations;
(3) Kennel, commercial;
(4) Recreation, commercial;
(5) Recycling center;
(6) Transportation/motor freight terminal;
(7) Towers (see § 153.092);
(8) Contractor’s yard in accordance with the performance standards listed in § 153.092(SS).
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the I District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Place of worship leasing space;
(2) School facility leasing space.
(G) Lot size, setback, and height requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in an I (Industrial) District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
With sewer and water | Without sewer or city water | |
Lot size: | ||
1 acre | 1 acre | 10 acres |
Lot width* | 150 feet | 300 feet |
* As measured at front yard setback line | ||
(2) Minimum setback requirements.
Principal structure | Accessory structure, detached |
Principal structure | Accessory structure, detached | |
Front yard: | ||
Arterial street | 75 feet from right-of-way or 150 feet from centerline, whichever is greater | 75 feet from right-of-way or 150 feet from centerline, whichever is greater |
Local/collect or street | 30 feet from the public right-of-way | 30 feet |
Side yard: | ||
Interior | 10 feet | 10 feet |
Abutting a side street | 20 feet | 30 feet |
Abutting a residential district | 35 feet | 35 feet |
Rear yard: | 20 feet | 20 feet |
When abutting a residential district | 60 feet | 60 feet |
(3) Building height. All buildings shall be limited to a maximum height of 45 feet except for those properties in the Airport Overlay Zone.
(H) Airport Requirements. Properties within the Airport Overlay District shall comply with the requirements in § 153.090. Additional standards may be enforced by the Airport Commission for building design.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 602, passed 11-8-2010; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 726, passed 8-28-2023; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.083 BUSINESS PARK (BP) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The purpose of the Business Park (BP) District is to:
(1) Reserve larger areas for multi-use buildings, offices, wholesale showrooms, light manufacturing, research and development, training, limited retail uses, and uses accessory to conducting business within a coordinated, well-defined campus environment;
(2) Protect business from incompatible and unrelated land uses intruding into the work environment;
(3) Create an area to provide opportunities for higher technology business and other industries that may benefit from the accommodation of both office and light industrial uses on-site with internal and external amenities to benefit employees;
(4) Provide for accessible business park opportunities near major highways and future transit corridors;
(5) Preserve and utilize natural environmental features for office sites that are located next to or overlook public open space and trail uses, woodlands, and wetlands.
(B) Design character. Development in this district shall establish and maintain high standards of site design, spatial relationships, proportions, building architecture, and landscape design that will create a high quality environment attractive to major employers. The design character of this district will be characterized by a high level of design, site amenities such as trails or open space, storm water management, and other modern techniques used to create a high-end office and industrial park.
(C) Permitted uses. Subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted uses in the BP District:
(1) Offices;
(2) Agricultural uses and operation as allowed in the AG Zoning District, in existence as of January 1, 2009;
(3) Cafeterias not open to the general public;
(4) Coffee shops, cafeterias, medical facilities, and athletic/fitness facilities if located within the principal structure;
(5) Government offices/facilities;
(6) Technical, vocational, business and college/university satellite facilities/schools;
(7) Travel agencies;
(8) Research and development;
(9) Data processing;
(10) Wholesale showroom;
(11) Warehousing used in conjunction with offices or manufacturing facilities;
(12) Retail sales, incidental to manufacturing of products produced on the site not to exceed 25% of the gross square footage of the first floor;
(13) Telecommuting center;
(14) Commercial printing;
(15) Manufacturing;
(16) Higher technology business uses including, but not limited to: the manufacturing, or assembly, of medical devices and equipment, telecommunications equipment, pharmaceuticals, computer or electronic products and software, aeronautical equipment or components;
(17) Public utilities and essential government services;
(18) Recreation, public;
(19) Medical facility within principal building;
(20) Athletic/fitness facility within principal building;
(21) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and the City Council;
(22) Brewery;
(23) Micro distillery;
(24) Taproom.
(D) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following accessory uses in the BP District are allowed only when they are accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.131 of this chapter.
(1) Exterior employee break areas;
(2) Bicycle and public or private transit shelters;
(3) Trash enclosure service structure;
(4) Information kiosks;
(5) Gate security detached building;
(6) Commercial overnight delivery drop box;
(7) Attached smoking facility associated with principal use;
(8) Solar energy systems, either roof or ground-mounted (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT);
(9) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the city;
(10) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the BP District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034 of this chapter).
(1) Restaurant, fast food (no drive-thru);
(2) Restaurant, full service (no drive-thru);
(3) Day care, freestanding;
(4) Health and fitness centers, freestanding;
(5) Financial institutions and banks with drive-thru facilities;
(6) Health care facilities;
(7) Park and ride lots and transit hubs;
(8) Full service hotels;
(9) Radio and tv studios, sound stages, multi-media, post production studio and support facilities and equipment;
(10) Towers (see § 153.092);
(11) Outdoor storage tanks and equipment for products that are used in conjunction with the primary use;
(12) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and the City Council.
(F) Interim uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the BP District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.035).
(1) Place of worship leasing space.
(2) School facility leasing space.
(3) Uses as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, height, and coverage requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in a BP District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot size: 1 acre.
(b) Lot width: 150 feet.
(c) Front:
1. Arterials, as designated in the Comprehensive Plan: 75 feet from the right-of-way line or 150 feet from the centerline of the street, whichever is greater;
2. Collector: 30 feet from the public right-of-way;
3. Local: 30 feet from the public right-of-way.
(d) Side:
1. Ten feet;
2. Abutting a street: 20 feet;
3. Abutting a residential district: 35 feet.
(e) Rear: 20 feet (or if abutting a residential district, 60 feet).
(2) Building height: maximum height is 6 stories or 65 feet.
(3) Maximum impervious: 65%.
(H) Expansion of legally established nonconforming residential uses. Legally established nonconforming single family and duplex residential uses may be expanded with a building permit. Such permitted expansions shall include the construction of detached accessory structures which shall comply with the applicable procedures and performance standards for detached accessory structures in this section.
(Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 646, passed 9-14-2015; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 669, passed 12-4-2017; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.084 DOWNTOWN MIXED USE (MU-1) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The purpose of the Downtown Mixed Use District is to establish a strong identity for downtown Forest Lake and provide for high density, compact mixed use development. The intent of the city is to preserve and enhance the downtown appearance with storefronts adjacent to the sidewalks and parking in the rear or side of the buildings. The city desires to encourage urban living options by allowing a full range of mixed uses within the downtown.
(B) Design character. This district is characterized by a mix of older commercial and residential buildings and newer high density housing and retail buildings. New development in this district shall create a unifying identity and transition between different uses through high quality design, pedestrian amenities, compact development, and connections to public spaces.
(C) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted in the Downtown Mixed Use District.
(1) Bank (no drive-thru);
(2) Club or lodge;
(3) Dwelling, multiple-family (apartment, condominium, cooperative, townhouse) when located above the street level floor; at a minimum density of 10 units and a maximum density of 15 units per acre;
(4) Museums/art galleries;
(5) Offices, public parking facilities and structures;
(6) Public studios or performance theaters;
(7) Recreation, public;
(8) Restaurant, full service (no drive-thru);
(9) Retail/office/multi-tenant structure;
(10) Retail sales and services;
(11) School, specialty;
(12) Tavern or bar;
(13) Brewery;
(14) Micro distillery;
(15) Taproom;
(16) Medical uses.
(D) Accessory uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following permitted accessory uses in the Downtown Mixed Use District are allowed only when it is accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Outdoor seating accessory to a restaurant;
(2) Trash enclosure service structure;
(3) Attached smoking facility associated with a principal use;
(4) Structured parking (private);
(5) Roof-mounted solar energy systems (meeting accessory structure requirements) according to § 153.092(TT);
(6) Public open space plaza, square or related uses;
(7) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the city;
(8) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(E) Conditional uses.
(1) Bed and breakfast inn;
(2) Drive-thru facilities for permitted uses, if provisions for vehicle stacking, vehicle maneuvering, outdoor speaker devices, and other related matters can be shown to be in keeping with the intent and character of the MU-1 District and compatible with surrounding uses;
(3) Dwelling, multiple-family, row house style townhome;
(4) Funeral home;
(5) Hotel;
(6) Marina, public/private;
(7) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(F) Lot size, setback, site design and height requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in the MU-1 District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(1) Minimum lot requirements.
(a) Lot size: No minimum.
(b) Lot width: No minimum.
(2) Setbacks. No setbacks are required unless adjacent to a residential district, where the setback shall be a minimum of 35 feet. Buildings shall be set at the property line to create a traditional downtown environment; however, exception can be made to provide for courtyards, outside seating, or larger entry ways as provided in division (H) below.
(3) Site design.
(a) Building frontage.
1. At least 65% of the street frontage of any lot shall be occupied by building facades at the property line. In addition, on corner lots, a minimum of the first 50 feet of the lot frontage on either side of a street intersection must be occupied by buildings set at the property line. Parking or other space open to the sky is not allowed within this first 50 feet.
2. On lots with more than 1 street frontage (corners), the building shall be located to meet the 65% street frontage requirement on both streets.
3. The building frontage requirement may be met either with an enclosed building or an arcade constructed with a permanent roof of the same materials as the remainder of the building.
4. At least the first and second floor must meet the building frontage requirement. Arcades at street level and terracing of building facades above the second floor are encouraged.
5. Wherever a surface parking area faces a street frontage, such frontage shall be screened with a decorative wall, railing, hedge, or a combination of these elements to a minimum height of 2-1/2 feet and a maximum height of 3-1/2 feet above the level of the parking lot at the build-to line.
(b) Drive-thru or drive-in lanes are not allowed within the build-to-line or in front of any building; but must be located to the side or rear of a building.
(c) To provide linkages to parking and the lakefront, all businesses shall provide a primary entrance at both the front and the rear of the building.
(d) Rear facing windows and doors shall be provided on all structures to promote use of off-street parking lots and create connections to the Hardwood Creek Trail and the lakefront.
(4) Building height. The minimum building height shall be 25 feet or 2 stories while the maximum building height on all buildings shall be 45 feet or 4 stories.
(G) Parking requirements. Parking for residential units in the MU-1 District shall be provided underground and shall be calculated as required under § 153.120. The residential parking spaces shall be specifically reserved for the use of residents and visitors only, separate from any commercial, office or other uses on-site or nearby and shall not be counted as part of any shared parking or joint parking arrangement.
(H) Building design requirements. To maintain the character of the downtown area, the MU-1 District is subject to the following standards to reflect the character of the district. The design standards are explained in further detail and illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirements Manual.
(1) All new building fronts and 100% refacing of existing buildings shall include a minimum of 4 of the following elements:
(a) Architectural detailing, such as cornice, awning, parapet, or columns;
(b) A minimum of 30% window coverage on each front that faces a street;
(c) Contrasting, yet complementary material colors;
(d) A combination of horizontal and vertical design features;
(e) Irregular building shapes;
(f) Horizontal offsets of at least 4 feet in depth;
(g) Vertical offsets in the roofline of at least 4 feet;
(h) Fenestration at the first floor level which is recessed horizontally at least 1 foot into the facade;
(i) Using remaining 35% street frontage (if available based on building design) provide a variation in setback at a minimum of 5 feet to provide open plaza, seating area or expanded building entry;
(j) Other architectural features in the overall architectural concept.
(2) Visual interest and building design.
(a) Buildings may be designed in a variety of styles but must relate to surrounding buildings and the overall downtown character.
(b) Architectural styles, materials, color, and detailing should be used to provide continuity of design elements.
(c) Building massing, scale, and height will be varied within a block.
(d) Bay widths of more than 24 feet shall be designed with architectural detailing to achieve an appearance of bay widths of no more than 24 feet. Building jogs, column spacing, width of window bays, placement of windows and variation in roof height lines, and setback and similar design can be used to achieve this requirement.
(e) Buildings shall be finished in acceptable tones and colors, such as dark earth tones and muted colors. Brighter colors shall be used sparingly only for trim and details.
(f) Multi-story buildings shall have the ground floor distinguished from the upper floors (used to identify separate tenants) by having 1 or more of the following:
1. Awning;
2. Trellis;
3. Arcade;
4. Window lintels;
5. Intermediate cornice line;
6. Brick detailing such as quoins or corbels.
(g) Building fronts. Building fronts shall include a minimum of 2 of the following elements:
1. Recessed entries;
2. Canopies;
3. Window boxes;
4. Narrow (4 feet or less) windows;
5. Recessed or projected windows and transoms.
(h) Building roofs. Acceptable building roof designs include flat, pitched, or curved. Buildings shall include a variety of roof lines within a block. Mansard roofs and mansard style roofs are not permitted except for mansard styled cornices. Building roofs shall incorporate a minimum of 1 of the following elements:
1. Parapets or cornices;
2. Varying building heights;
3. Sloped roofs where the historical character of the original building dictates.
(i) Residential uses on first floors. Whenever residential uses are included on the first floor of a building, the first floor elevations shall be a minimum of 2 feet 6 inches above the sidewalk elevations immediately adjacent to the front of the residential unit to ensure the residential unit is raised from the public space. In addition, each first floor unit must have an individual private entrance at the street level with private courtyard enclosure.
(3) Accent materials. Accent materials shall be wrapped around walls visible from public view. Where a mixed use building is visible from a public road all elevations shall be architecturally treated. Accent material shall consist of materials comparable in grade and quality to the primary exterior material. Such materials may include glass, prefinished decorative metal, and fiber cement trim, soffit, and fascia.
(a) Major exterior materials of all walls including face brick, stone, glass, stucco, synthetic stucco, fiber cement vertical panel siding, architectural concrete, and precast panels shall be acceptable as the major exterior wall surface when they are incorporated into an overall design of the building. Major materials must cover at least 60% of the exterior. Brick shall not be painted.
(b) Fiber cement seam lines shall be architecturally integrated into the building design so that they are not visible. Seam lines can be filled, covered by other accent material or other method thereby making the seam lines invisible. Color impregnated decorative block shall also be allowed as a major exterior wall material and shall be required to be sealed. All materials shall be color impregnated except that architectural concrete precast panel systems and fiber cement siding may be painted.
(c) Restricted exterior materials. Unadorned pre-stressed concrete panels, whether smooth or raked, non-decorative concrete block, sheet metal, unfinished metal, and/or galvanized or unfinished aluminum surfaces (walls or roofs) shall not be used as exterior materials. This restriction shall apply to all principal structures and to all accessory buildings except those accessory buildings not visible from any property line. No more than 25% of any exterior wall on a building shall be fiber cement siding, wood, or metal accent material.
(I) Screening.
(1) Rooftop mechanical. The view of all rooftop equipment and related piping, ducting, electrical and mechanical utilities abutting a street on buildings shall be screened from the ground level view. Screening may include parapet walls, penthouses, or other architecturally integrated elements. Wood fencing or chain link with slats shall not be used for screening. A cross-sectional drawing shall be provided that illustrates the sight lines from the ground level view.
(2) Screening adjoining residential use. Wherever a Mixed Use (MU) District abuts, or is across the street from an Residential (R) District, a berm, fence, or screening consisting of compact evergreen trees or hedge or a combination thereof, not less than 80% opaque at time of installation, nor less than 6 feet in height, except adjacent to a street where it shall be not less than 3 feet nor more than 4 feet in height shall be erected or installed and maintained. All screening shall comply with § 153.128 of this chapter.
(3) Screening adjoining non-residential parking and driveways. Any off-street parking area for business, industrial, or other non-residential use containing more than 6 parking spaces shall be screened as required herein.
(4) Trash enclosure service structure. All trash enclosures or other accessory structures shall be constructed of the same materials and colors as the principal building.
(J) Exterior storage. All exterior storage of material and equipment related to, located on, and used by any business or other non-residential use shall be stored within a building or fully screened, as required herein, so as not to be visible from streets, highways, or neighboring property, with the exception of the following:
(1) Materials and equipment currently being used for construction on the premises.
(K) Landscape design. All landscaping shall comply with §§ 153.134 et seq. of this chapter. Plant materials shall be used to enhance and delineate the existing downtown environment, to enhance the pedestrian environment, and to improve the connection between Lake Street and the lakefront.
(1) Plant materials used shall demonstrate an adaptability to urban conditions, including salt spray, storm water runoff, and reflected pavement glare and heat.
(2) Plant materials shall be free of hazards such as thorns, fruit, or nuts that may pose safety or maintenance concerns for this pedestrian-oriented environment.
(3) Plant materials shall be located so that no impacts occur to overhead or underground utilities, traffic flow and internal circulation, and emergency and maintenance access.
(4) Planting areas should be located and designed to avoid visual interference with public signage and private commercial communication.
(5) Plant materials shall be arranged to provide focal points on the site, and concentrated to signify key site locations such as the primary building entrance, site entrance, around signage and along pedestrian walkways.
(L) Pedestrian environment. Pedestrian connections to the surrounding neighborhood shall be incorporated into Downtown Mixed Use Development.
(1) Pedestrian amenities shall be included in places where people typically gather, including but not limited to, transit stops, building entrances, street corners and abutting bike, or pedestrian trail connections. These spaces must include at least 2 of the following:
(a) Patterned materials on walkways;
(b) Benches;
(c) Decorative trash receptacles;
(d) Drinking fountains;
(e) Pedestrian lighting;
(f) Fountains, sculptures, mobiles, or kiosks;
(g) Street trees, flower boxes, or container landscaping.
(M) Parking. Parking lots and driveways, including alleys, shall be developed with alternative paving materials, colors, or textures to create a sense of separateness from the public street and encourage slower speeds.
(N) Lighting. In addition to the lighting requirements presented in § 153.130, lighting in the Downtown Mixed Use District shall be used to increase visibility, security, and aesthetic appeal of nighttime landscapes. Light fixtures will be used to unify the downtown area.
(1) Lighting fixtures shall be compatible with the architecture of the building.
(2) Shoe-box style lighting shall only be permitted in parking areas (private).
(3) Wall mounted lighting shall be used on building fronts to illuminate entry points and highlight architectural features.
(O) Signage. In addition to the signage requirements presented in §§ 153.162 et seq., signage in the Downtown Mixed Use District shall:
(1) Be distinct and minimal to reduce visual sign clutter;
(2) Be designed in a manner that is consistent with other signage in the district to reflect a unified district character.
(P) Compliance.
(1) All new construction shall fully comply with the requirements in § 153.074.
(2) Complete building face lift combined with a building addition shall fully comply with the requirements in § 153.074.
(3) Other existing building and site improvements shall comply with the standards in § 153.054.
(Q) Expansion of legally established nonconforming residential uses. Legally established nonconforming single family and duplex residential uses may be expanded with a building permit. Such permitted expansions shall include the construction of detached accessory structures which shall comply with the applicable procedures and performance standards for detached accessory structures in this section.
(Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 646, passed 9-14-2015; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 669, passed 12-4-2017; Am. Ord. 698, passed 11-9-2020; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)
§ 153.085 GENERAL MIXED USE (MU-2) DISTRICT.
(A) Purpose. The purpose of the General Mixed Use (MU-2) District is to provide an area for compact, walkable, mixed use development along key community corridors and to support high quality development and site flexibility due to the unique site conditions in these areas. The mixture of land uses within the district is essential to establishing the level of vitality and intensity needed to support retail and service uses. A combination of retail, office, service, and residential uses are encouraged although not required. Buildings may also be entirely residential. The mix of uses can occur vertically and horizontally. The placement of building and the relationship of the building, parking, landscaping, and pedestrian spaces is essential to creating the pedestrian-friendly environment envisioned for the MU-2 District. The standards in this section are reinforced within the Design Manual through pictures and graphics representing the intent of this section.
(B) Design character. The character of the General Mixed Use District shall reflect high quality design due to the high visibility of these areas. Although development in this mixed use district will be more auto-oriented in design than the traditional Downtown Mixed Use District, pedestrian connections and amenities will still be required to provide connections to existing and future planned trails and to provide for safe pedestrian circulation within the site. Landscaping, signage, and architectural details shall be used to unify sites within each of the General Mixed Use areas in Forest Lake.
(C) Permitted uses. Subject to applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are permitted in the General Mixed Use District:
(1) Bank (without drive-thru);
(2) Club or lodge;
(3) Dwelling, multiple-family (apartment, condominium, cooperative, townhouse) at a minimum density of 10 and maximum of 15 units per acre;
(4) Dwelling, multiple-family, row house style townhomes;
(5) Essential services, government buildings;
(6) Existing auto sales, new and used as of the date of the adoption of this chapter;
(7) Existing minor auto repair as of the date of the adoption of this chapter and according to the standards set forth in § 153.074;
(8) Hotel;
(9) Health recreation facility;
(10) Medical uses;
(11) Museums/art galleries;
(12) Movie theatres;
(13) Offices;
(14) Restaurants, full service;
(15) Restaurants, fast food;
(16) Retail/office/multi-tenant structure;
(17) Retail sales and services;
(18) Tavern or bar;
(19) Brewery;
(20) Micro distillery;
(21) Taproom;
(22) Motor vehicle part sales.
(D) Accessory uses. Subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter, the following permitted accessory uses in the General Mixed Use District are allowed only when it is an accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot. All accessory uses must meet the procedures set forth in and regulated by §§ 153.131 et seq.
(1) Outdoor seating accessory to a restaurant;
(2) Public open space plaza, square or other related uses;
(3) Trash enclosure service structure;
(4) Attached smoking facility associated with a principal use;
(5) Structured parking;
(6) Other uses customarily associated with but subordinate to a permitted use as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council;
(7) Amateur radio antenna (subject to the amateur radio antenna standards in § 153.092(JJ)(9)).
(8) On-site removal and installation of minor motor vehicle parts, including batteries, exterior vehicle lights, and windshield wiper blades, and other similarly minor installations that:
(a) Are incidental to a retail sale;
(b) Are not time intensive;
(c) Do not cause obnoxious noise or odor; and
(d) Do not require lifting any part of the vehicle or removing doors or fenders.
(E) Conditional uses. Subject to the applicable provision of this chapter, the following are conditional uses in the General Mixed Use District (requires a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by § 153.034 of this chapter).
(1) Place of worship;
(2) Drive-thru lanes for permitted uses if provisions for vehicle stacking, vehicle maneuvering, outdoor speaker devices, appearance and lighting of outdoor menu boards, and other related matters can be shown to be in keeping with the intent and character of the MU-2 District and compatible with surrounding uses;
(3) Motor fuel stations;
(4) Schools, specialty;
(5) School;
(6) Other uses similar to those permitted in this section as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(F) Interim uses. Subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter, the following are interim uses in the General Mixed Use District (requires an interim use permit based upon procedures set forth and regulated by § 153.035 of this chapter).
(1) Place of worship in leased premises.
(2) Other uses as determined by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(G) Lot size, setback, site design, and height requirements.
(1) Minimum lot size requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed in the MU-2 District subject to additional requirements, exceptions, and modifications set forth in this chapter.
(a) Minimum lot requirements:
1. Lot size: 25,000 square feet.
2. Lot width: 150 feet.
(b) Setbacks:
1. Front: 20 feet from public roadways and 30 feet from Highway 61.
2. Side: No setback is required unless abutting a residential district; a setback of 35 feet shall then be required.
3. Rear: No setback is required unless abutting a residential district; a setback of 35 feet shall then be required.
(H) Site design.
(1) Orient and consolidate structures to complement existing, adjacent development to create a coordinated and visually attractive mixed use setting.
(2) Site planning shall respect the relationship of the site to the existing and proposed buildings and streets and major roadways including Highway 61.
(3) Buildings with frontage on a primary street shall orient front facades parallel to the primary street.
(4) Align the building front facade with adjacent buildings to promote visual continuity from the public right-of-way, unless site or use constraints are prohibitive.
(5) Buildings shall have a clearly defined primary pedestrian entrance at street level.
(6) Wherever a surface parking area faces a street frontage, such frontage shall be screened with a decorative wall, railing, hedge, or a combination of these elements to a minimum height of 2-1/2 feet and a maximum height of 3-1/2 feet above the level of the parking lot at the build-to line.
(7) Drive-thru or drive-in lanes are not allowed within the front of any buildings. They must be located to the side or rear of a building.
(8) Maximum impervious coverage. The total lot coverage shall not exceed 80% impervious.
(I) Building height.
(1) Maximum height on all buildings shall be 45 feet or 4 stories.
(2) Where multiple buildings are proposed on a single site the buildings shall be designed with varying heights while meeting the following minimum standards:
(a) Buildings at the front setback line along Highway 61 shall have a minimum height of 15 feet for 60% of the building length with a maximum height of 25 feet. Buildings set back from Highway 61 (not meeting the minimum front yard setback to Highway 61) shall have a minimum height of 25 feet for 60% of the building length in order to provide visibility.
(J) Parking requirements.
(1) Parking for residential units in the MU-2 District shall be provided underground and shall be calculated as required under § 153.123. The residential parking spaces shall be specifically reserved for the use of residents and visitors only, separate from any commercial, office or other uses on-site or nearby and shall not be counted as part of any shared parking or joint parking arrangement.
(K) Building design requirements. To maintain the character of the downtown area the MU-2 District is subject to the following standards to reflect the character of the district. The design standards are explained in further detail and illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirements Manual.
(1) All new building fronts (single-story or multi-story) and 100% refacing of existing buildings, shall include a minimum of 4 of the following elements:
(a) Architectural detailing, such as cornice, awning, parapet, or columns;
(b) A visually pleasing primary front entrance that, in addition to doors, shall be accented a minimum of 150 square feet around the door entrance for single-occupancy buildings and a minimum of 300 square feet total for the front of multi-tenant buildings (this area shall be counted as 1 element). Entrances shall be clearly articulated and obvious from the street;
(c) A minimum of 30% window coverage on each front that faces a street;
(d) Contrasting, yet complementary material colors;
(e) A combination of horizontal and vertical design features;
(f) Irregular building shapes;
(g) Horizontal offsets of at least 4 feet in depth;
(h) Vertical offsets in the roofline of at least 4 feet;
(i) Fenestration at the first floor level which is recessed horizontally at least 1 foot into the facade;
(j) Other architectural features in the overall architectural concept.
(2) Multi-story buildings shall have the ground floor distinguished from the upper floors by having 1 or more of the following:
(a) Awning;
(b) Trellis;
(c) Arcade;
(d) Window lintels;
(e) Intermediate cornice line;
(f) Brick detailing such as quoins or corbels.
(3) Residential uses on first floors. Whenever residential uses are included on the first floor of a building the first floor elevation shall be a minimum of 2 feet 6 inches above the sidewalk elevations immediately adjacent to the front of the residential unit to ensure the residential unit is raised from the public space. In addition, each first floor unit must have an individual private entrance at the street level with private courtyard enclosure.
(4) Any exterior building wall adjacent to or visible from a public street, public open space or abutting property may not exceed 50 feet in length without significant visual relief consisting of 1 of the following:
(a) The facade shall be divided architecturally by means of significantly different materials or textures;
(b) Horizontal offsets of at least 4 feet in depth;
(c) Vertical offsets in the roofline of at least 4 feet; or
(d) Fenestration at the first floor level that is recessed horizontally at least 1 foot into the facade.
(5) Accent materials. Accent materials shall be wrapped around walls visible from public view. Where a mixed use building is visible from a public road all elevations shall be architecturally treated. Accent material shall consist of materials comparable in grade and quality to the primary exterior material. Such materials may include glass, prefinished decorative metal, and fiber cement trim within soffit and fascia areas.
(6) Major exterior materials of all walls including face brick, stone, glass, stucco, synthetic stucco, fiber cement vertical panel siding, architectural concrete, and precast panels shall be acceptable as the major exterior wall surface when they are incorporated into an overall design of the building. Major materials must cover at least 60% of the exterior.
(7) Fiber cement seam lines shall be architecturally integrated into the building design so that they are not visible. Seam lines can be filled, covered by other accent material or other method thereby making the seam lines invisible. Color impregnated decorative block shall also be allowed as a major exterior wall material and shall be required to be sealed. All materials shall be color impregnated except for architectural concrete precast panel systems and fiber cement siding which may be painted.
(8) Restricted exterior materials. Unadorned pre-stressed concrete panels, whether smooth or raked, non-decorative concrete block, sheet metal, unfinished metal, and/or galvanized and unfinished aluminum surfaces (walls or roofs) shall not be used as exterior materials. This restriction shall apply to all principal structures and to all accessory buildings except those accessory buildings not visible from any property line. No more than 25% of any exterior wall on a building shall be fiber cement siding, wood, or metal accent material.
(9) Building roofs. Mansard or mansard style roofs are not permitted except for mansard style cornices. Acceptable designs include flat, pitched, or curved. Building roof styling shall incorporate a minimum of 1 of the following elements:
(a) Parapets or cornices;
(b) Varying building height and variety of roof lines (while meeting requirements in division (D)).
(L) Screening.
(1) Rooftop mechanical equipment. The view of all rooftop equipment and related piping, ducting, electrical and mechanical utilities abutting a street on buildings shall be screened from the ground level view. Screening may include parapet walls, penthouses, or other architecturally integrated elements. Wood fencing or chain link with slats shall not be used for screening. A cross-sectional drawing shall be provided that illustrates the sight lines from the ground level view.
(2) Screening adjoining residential use. Wherever a Mixed Use (MU) District abuts, or is across the street from an Residential (R) District, a berm, fence, or screening consisting of compact evergreen trees or hedge or a combination thereof, not less than 80% opaque at time of installation, nor less than 6 feet in height, except adjacent to a street where it shall be not less than 3 feet nor more than 4 feet in height shall be erected or installed and maintained. All screening shall comply with § 153.128 of this chapter.
(3) Ground mechanical equipment. Ground mechanical equipment shall be 100% screened from contiguous properties and adjacent streets by opaque landscaping or screen wall compatible with the architectural treatment of the principal structure.
(4) Trash enclosure service structure. All exterior trash enclosures or other accessory structures shall be constructed of the same materials and colors as the principal building.
(M) Exterior storage. All exterior storage of material and equipment related to, located on, and used by any business or other non-residential use shall be stored within a building or fully screened so as not to be visible from streets, highways, or neighboring property, with the exception of the following:
(1) Merchandise being displayed for sale or rental as of the adoption of this section;
(2) Materials and equipment currently being used for construction on the premises;
(3) Merchandise located on service station pump islands.
(N) Lighting. In addition to the lighting requirements presented in § 153.130, lighting in the MU-2 District shall also be subject to the following requirements:
(1) Decorative style lighting a maximum of 14 feet in height shall be used to illuminate all site areas except for parking areas.
(2) Shoe-box style lighting shall only be permitted in parking areas.
(3) Lighting fixtures shall be compatible with the architecture of the building.
(4) Wall mounted lighting shall be used on building fronts to illuminate entry points and highlight architectural features.
(O) Landscape design. In addition to the landscape requirements presented in § 153.134, plant materials shall be used to create a unified and attractive mixed use environment.
(1) Planting areas should be located and designed to avoid visual interference with public signage and private commercial communication.
(2) Plant materials shall be arranged to provide focal points on the site, and concentrated to signify key site locations such as the primary building entrance, site entrance, around signage, along pedestrian walkways, and along the perimeter of the building.
(P) Signage. In addition to the sign requirements presented in §§ 153.162 et seq., signs in the MU-2 District shall also be subject to the following requirements:
(1) To reduce visual sign clutter, signage shall be distinct and minimal.
(2) Monument sign bases shall be constructed of similar materials, style, and color as that of the principal building.
(3) Signage shall be designed in a manner consistent with this chapter, and as illustrated in the Forest Lake Design Requirement Manual.
(Q) Compliance.
(1) All new construction shall fully comply with the requirements in § 153.074.
(2) A complete building face lift combined with a building addition shall fully comply with the requirements in § 153.074.
(3) Other existing building and site improvements shall comply with the standards in § 153.054.
(R) Expansion of legally established nonconforming residential uses. Legally established nonconforming single family and duplex residential uses may be expanded with a building permit. Such permitted expansions shall include the construction of detached accessory structures which shall comply with the applicable procedures and performance standards for detached accessory structures in this section.
(Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 598, passed 7-26-2010; Am. Ord. 628, passed 5-13-2013; Am. Ord. 646, passed 9-14-2015; Am. Ord. 651, passed 3-14-2016; Am. Ord. 669, passed 12-4-2017; Am. Ord. 702, passed 2-22-2021; Am. Ord. 736, passed 4-22-2024)