Fridley City Zoning Code

1. General Provisions

(a) An accessory dwelling unit will only be permitted on a lot with a detached single-family dwelling. No accessory dwelling unit will be permitted upon a lot on which more than one residential dwelling is located.

(b) There must be no more than one accessory dwelling unit permitted per lot.

(c) The accessory dwelling unit must not be sold or conveyed independently of the principal residential dwelling and may not be on a separate tax parcel. A parcel with a principal structure and an ADU may not be subdivided through any means including, but not limited to, filing of a plat, a waiver of platting, lot split, a common interest community plat, or a registered land survey.

(d) Either the ADU or the principal dwelling must be occupied by the property owner. There must be a restriction recorded against the property requiring owner occupancy with respect to at least one of the units. A rental license for the non-owner-occupied unit is required.

(e) The accessory dwelling unit must contain a minimum of 250 square feet of habitable space and a maximum of two bedrooms

(f) The exterior appearance of the accessory dwelling unit must be architecturally compatible with principal structure’s siding, color schemes, roofing materials, roof type and roof pitch.

(g) The accessory dwelling unit must have a separate address from the principal structure and must be identified with address numbers assigned by the City.

(h) Accessory dwelling units in combination with their associated principal structure must conform to Zoning Code requirements for single family dwellings, including but not limited to setback, height, impervious surface, curb cut and driveway, and accessory structure standards. At the time of permitting, the accessory dwelling unit must meet current Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and Fire Code provisions including that there must be fire or emergency vehicle access to the accessory dwelling unit.

(i) The home and the accessory dwelling unit together must have adequate off-street parking for any use on the lot. Parking spaces may be garage spaces or paved outside parking spaces.

2. Accessory Dwelling Unit, attached

(a) An accessory dwelling unit must be no more than 50% of the finished square footage of the principal structure. Notwithstanding this provision, if the accessory dwelling unit is completely located on a single floor of a preexisting structure, the Community Development Director or their designee may allow increased size in order to efficiently use all floor area on a single floor.

(b) An attached Accessory Dwelling Unit must have a separate, locking door.

3. Accessory Dwelling Unit, detached

(a) A detached accessory dwelling unit must be no more than 50% of the finished square footage of the principal structure.

(b) A detached accessory dwelling unit must have a water and sewer connection to directly to the respective utility main within the public right of way, or if direct connection is impractical, to the existing water and sewer connection at a location on the service to the principal structure. Utility service must be in conformance with building codes and utility provider requirements.

(c) Any exterior stairway which accesses an accessory dwelling unit above the first floor must be located in a way to minimize visibility from the street and, to the extent possible, from neighboring property.

(d) Balconies and decks above the ground floor must not face an interior side yard or an interior rear yard not abutting an alley. Rooftop decks for an accessory dwelling unit are not allowed.

(e) Detached accessory dwelling units must also comply with the following additional requirements:

(1) For construction of a new detached building, the accessory dwelling unit must be separated from the principal structure by a minimum of five feet; and

(2) The accessory dwelling unit must be located on a frost-protected foundation.

(f) Accessory dwelling units that are detached from the principal structure must comply with the regulations for accessory structures set forth in the Accessory Use- Specific Standards Chapter with the following exceptions:

(1) Detached accessory dwelling units must be located a minimum of 10 feet from any side or rear lot line.

(2) An accessory dwelling unit constructed above a detached garage must not exceed 21 feet in total height. Detached accessory dwelling units not constructed above a garage must comply with the applicable height limit for accessory structures in the district where they are located.

(3) The footprint of an accessory dwelling unit constructed above a detached garage will not be included in the maximum allowable square footage for accessory structures as specified in this Chapter.

1. This use must be accessory to a motor vehicle sales or rental principal use.

2. There must be no outdoor storage on site, including inoperable or salvage vehicles, unless otherwise approved through a conditional use permit.

3. All repairs, service activities, and the storage of parts and machines must be completed within an enclosed building.

4. All vehicles waiting for repair must be stored within an enclosed building or in designated off-street parking spaces.

5. Overnight parking of vehicles must be inside the building and/or in the side or rear yard, secured and screened from the public right-of-way.

6. Any required buffer or screening area must be constructed to screen headlight beams of motor vehicles on the property from beaming onto adjacent property.

7. All automotive parts, petroleum products, anti-freeze, and hazardous materials must be disposed of in accordance with local and state regulations.

8. Business must obtain an annual business license to operate.

9. There must be facilities on site for customers to wait while their vehicle is serviced.

1. This use must be supplemental to and for the convenience of persons employed within an office or industrial building.

2. The maximum gross floor area occupied by such uses must not exceed 20% of the total gross floor area of the building.

3. The parking supply must be in compliance with the requirements of the Off-Street Parking Chapter and be sufficient to support full occupancy of the building. Parking requirements will be determined by the City for each tenant prior to occupancy.

4. The building owner and/or agent is responsible for informing any prospective tenant that the property is zoned for industrial use.

1. General Requirements

(a) No accessory structure is permitted on any lot prior to the construction of the principal building.

(b) An accessory structure is considered attached to the principal building if it is connected to the principal building by a covered passageway. Attached accessory structures must meet principal use-specific standards, principal structure setbacks and dimensional requirements.

(c) Any garage, whether attached to, tucked under or detached from the principal dwelling is considered to be an accessory structure.

(d) Accessory structures must be architecturally compatible with the existing principal structure through siding, color schemes, roofing materials, roof type and roof pitch.

(e) All accessory structures must be permanently attached to a foundation or held in place with approved tie-downs.

(f) Unless otherwise herein specified, no accessory structure is allowed to exceed the size or the height of the principal structure.

2. Detached Accessory Structure Placement

(a) In all districts, detached accessory structures are permitted only in the side and rear yard only, subject to the following restrictions:

(1) Accessory structures must not be any closer than three feet to any lot line or any adjacent building on the site.

(2) Any accessory structure on a corner lot where the garage door faces the side street must be setback 25 feet from the side street property line, unless otherwise noted within a zoning district’s regulations (see Figure 1).

(3) In a corner side yard, an accessory structure must be located behind the front of the principal structure.

Figure 1

3. Maximum Accessory Structure Size

(a) The size limits in this Section do not apply to lots containing residential uses with three or more units where detached accessory structures may be required to provide enclosed parking spaces listed in the Off-Street Parking Chapter, maintenance buildings or structures containing common amenities.

(b) For residential lots 15,000 square feet or less in area:

(1) All residential lots are permitted to have one garage, either attached or detached from the residence. No more than two additional detached accessory structures are allowed per lot.

(2) The maximum total square footage footprint of all accessory structures is 1,500 square feet.

(3) Each individual accessory structure must be smaller in size than the footprint of the principal structure excluding any attached garage.

(c) For residential lots greater than 15,000 square feet in area:

(1) All residential lots are permitted to have one garage, either attached or detached from the residence. No more than three additional detached accessory structures are allowed per lot.

(2) The maximum total square footage footprint of all accessory structures is 2,000 square feet.

(3) Each individual accessory structure must be smaller in size than the footprint of the principal structure excluding any attached garage.

(d) Properties within the Pre-1955 Residential Lots Overlay Zoning District that are 4,000 square feet or less in area shall be limited to a total detached accessory structure size of 500 square feet per property, in addition to any applicable district standards in the Residential Zoning Districts Chapter.

(e) For any non-residential lot, a maximum of one detached accessory structure for the storage of goods or equipment is permitted. This structure may be no more than 500 square feet in area.

4. Any accessory structure proposed exceeding the requirements (in square footage or number of buildings) must obtain a Conditional Use Permit.

1. See the Principal Use-Specific Standards Chapter for regulations.

1. Daycare centers are only allowed as accessory uses in public or institutional uses such as places of worship or schools, and must follow the standards in the Principal Use-Specific Standards Chapter.

1. Vehicle stacking and circulation patterns must not interfere with required parking or travel along a public right of way

2. A drive-through establishment may be limited in proximity as deemed appropriate by the City Council so as not to unreasonably interfere with adjacent and nearby uses.

3. Unreasonable Traffic Volume. No Drive-through establishment is allowed to be located on a site if the probable result of such location would be to unreasonably increase traffic volume on nearby streets.

4. Size of Lot. No drive-in business or drive-up window is allowed to be located on a lot of less than 24,000 square feet.

5. Electronic Devices. Electronic devices such as loudspeakers or devices, and similar instruments, must not be located within 50 feet of any adjacent lot line regardless of use or zoning district.

6. Snow Storage. Adequate area must be designed for snow storage such that clear visibility must be afforded from the property to any public street.

7. Screening. Suitable screening must be erected along all property lines except those which are also public right-of-way lines.

8. Access. Access must be to public streets from at least two points on the subject premises. A divided entry with a center island may meet the requirements of this provision (See Figure 2).

Figure 2

1. Standards in the Off-Street Parking Chapter apply, in accordance with the use.

1. A farmers’ market may be located accessory to an institutional or commercial use.

2. A farmers Market must meet the requirements for a City-issued Farmers Market permit per the requirements of this Title , in addition to the following standards:

(a) Must be a member of the Minnesota Farmers Market Association or other similar recognized association of farmers markets and meet all of their respective requirements;

(b) Must identify a market manager that facilitates the requirements of the City;

(c) Must have General Liability insurance including Products and Completed Operations coverage with a minimum Limit of Liability of $1,500,000 per occurrence;

(d) Must have applied for and received all required county and state licenses and have complied with all applicable City of Fridley regulations and city codes;

(e) A majority of the products sold must be grown or produced in Minnesota;

(f) The sale of live animals and alcoholic beverages is prohibited;

(g) The location of the event must have written authorization from the property owner;

(h) An established schedule must be submitted as to the dates and times of the market;

(i) Any temporary structure used for the farmers market must be erected and removed on the day of the event;

(j) A site plan must be submitted showing tent and vendor locations, vehicle circulation and parking prior to commencement of event. Site plan to be approved by the Community Development Director;

(k) A Zoning Permit Application must be completed, approved and on file with the Community Development Director prior to commencement of event; providing proof that all above requirements are being met;

(l) The City reserves their right to revoke any Zoning Permit issued for failure of compliance with the above requirements. The City will process any such permit revocation according to the procedures listed in the Procedures Chapter All State Building and Fire Code requirements must be met, including but not limited to, the requirements for assembly use are met for indoor markets.

1. No more than three garage sales of no more than three consecutive days per sales event may be conducted on a property in a 12-month period.

2. Sales are conducted on the owner's property; multiple family sales must be held on the property of one of the participants.

1. A helicopter landing pad must be carried on entirely within the principal structure.

1. Home occupations must be carried on entirely within the principal structure.

2. Home occupations are not permitted within a detached or attached accessory building or garage.

3. The entrance to the space devoted to such occupation must be within the dwelling. There must be no separate entrance into the business area.

4. Employees are restricted to occupants of the dwelling and a maximum of one non-occupant employee.

5. There must be no internal or external alterations which involve construction features not customarily found in dwellings.

6. Mechanical equipment that is not customarily found in a home may not be installed within the dwelling.

7. Exterior storage of equipment or materials used in the home occupation is prohibited.

8. Parking of commercial vehicles must follow regulations set forth in the Vehicle Parking Chapter of Fridley City Code.

9. There must be no additional exterior indication of the home occupation, including advertising and/or displays of any kind other than the permitted signage set forth in the Signs Chapter.

10. Parking needs for the home occupation must not exceed more than two off-street parking spaces at any given time in addition to the spaces required by the occupants.

11. A home occupation involving teaching is limited to four or fewer students at any given time.

12. Prohibited activities:

(a) Over the counter retail sales are prohibited except for articles incidental to a permitted commercial service such as shampoo sold by a barber and sales conducted by mail or the internet;

(b) Motor vehicle service or repair of any vehicles other than those registered to residents of the property;

(c) A commercial food service requiring a State license or inspection by a government entity other than the City;

(d) Activities that generate significant amounts of customer traffic to the premises, in excess of 10 vehicles per day;

(e) Activities that generate significant amounts of truck traffic to the premises in excess of three deliveries or pick-ups per week. Deliveries and pick-ups by semi-truck/trailer are prohibited.

(f) A massage therapy business is prohibited.

(g) The rental of guest rooms to more than two persons per dwelling unit.

(h) The sale, lease, trade or other transfer of firearms or ammunition by a firearms dealer. Firearms dealers existing on or before July 1, 2025, and in all other respects in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance, will be permitted to continue as nonconforming uses in accordance with the section in the Procedures Chapter governing Nonconforming Uses and Structures.

(i) Headquarters or dispatch centers where persons come to the site and are dispatched to other locations.

(j) Any cannabis business is prohibited.

1. The use must comply with the requirements of the Animal Control Chapter of the Code.

1. Mobile Food Units must comply with the Mobile Food Units Chapter of the Code.

1. Where appropriate and applicable, an outdoor patio is permitted in a location which is the furthest away from any adjacent residential zone or use. In no instance will an outdoor patio be located closer than 25 feet from a property legally used, zoned, or guided for residential use.

2. Hours of operation of an outdoor patio that lies adjacent to a property legally used, zoned, or guided for residential use will be limited to no later than 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 p.m. weekends.

3. Outdoor dining areas may be incorporated into the front and side yard setbacks up to five feet from the property line, leaving six feet for the sidewalk.

4. The dining area must be designed with safety protections that reasonably attempt to prevent vehicles from encroaching into the dining area.

5. Store locations that serve alcohol must apply for a patio endorsement on their liquor license pursuant to the Principal Use-Specific Standards Chapter.

1. Outdoor display for a business may take place with an approved zoning permit, in accordance with the Procedures Chapter, on the same property on which the business is located.

2. Temporary Displays – Contiguous to the Principal Structure

(a) Only items associated with the principal use may be displayed.

(b) The merchandise must be displayed adjacent to the principal structure in a manner that does not impede pedestrian or vehicular circulation or obstruct required parking spaces.

(c) The merchandise must not be displayed in the boulevard or on any landscaped area.

(d) If a tent or sign is to be used, structures must comply with applicable permit requirements.

3. Temporary Displays – Freestanding

(a) Only items associated with the principal use may be displayed.

(b) The merchandise must be in an area approved on a zoning permit, in a manner that does not impede pedestrian or vehicular circulation or required parking spaces.

(c) The merchandise must not be displayed in the boulevard or on any landscaped area.

(d) If a tent or sign is to be used, structures must comply with applicable permit requirements.

1. A zoning permit, following the procedures in the Procedures Chapter, is required for any sales which are not adjacent to the principal building and for accessory outdoor food sales which are not associated with a mobile food unit.

2. Outdoor sales areas are to be located on a paved surface immediately adjacent to and within the dimensions of the building frontage and must not extend beyond the building edge.

3. The outdoor sales area must not interfere with pedestrian walkways, doorways, parking stalls, drive aisles (including access for emergency services). Five feet is the minimum width required to maintain pedestrian access.

4. Prior to conducting food sales activities, a license must be obtained from all appropriate agencies, including, but not limited to, the Anoka County Health Department, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the City of Fridley, in accordance with the requirements of the Mobile Food Units Chapter of the Code.

1. The outdoor storage area is limited to a maximum size equal to 50% of the principal building’s footprint. This area must be as designated on a site plan approved with the CUP and must be located in the side or the rear yard.

2. The materials and equipment kept in the designated outdoor storage area must be fully screened so as to not be visible from:

(a) A property zoned, guided, or occupied for residential use adjacent to the use.

(b) A public park adjacent to the use.

(c) A public right-of-way, including railroad right-of-way, adjacent to the use.

(d) Any commercial use adjacent to the use.

3. Screening of the outdoor storage area must be achieved through a combination of masonry walls, fencing, berming, and landscaping in accordance with the Screening Chapter.

4. Materials and equipment stored outside must not exceed 12 feet in height.

5. The outdoor storage area must be a city-approved hard surface and bound on the perimeter by curb and gutter.

6. Limited outdoor storage does not permit the outside storage of semi-trucks, semi-trailers, or heavy construction equipment (off-highway equipment or on-highway equipment over 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight).

7. Hazardous chemicals and materials are prohibited from being stored outside.

8. The outdoor storage must not affect the required amount of parking stalls needed on site.

9. The location and types of materials to be stored are to be reviewed by the Fire Marshal.

1. The sacred community, and any micro-units constructed within it, must meet all the requirements of Minnesota Statute (M.S.) § 327.30, as may be amended. This includes the requirement that any sacred community not located on the grounds of a religious institution’s primary worship location must be located on a contiguous parcel to that of the primary worship location.

2. On an annual basis, a certification must be provided which demonstrates that the sacred community meets all requirements of M.S. § 327.30, including that the residents meet the eligibility requirements.

1. A rental license will be required for all short-term vacation rentals.

2. The maximum number of overnight guests will be limited to two times the number of bedrooms rented plus one.

3. Sufficient parking must be accommodated on the property and meet the minimum residential parking requirements in the Off-Street Parking Chapter; no on-street parking is allowed.

4. The property owner must register with the city, their name, property address, primary phone number, email, and supply a secondary contact and telephone number of the local representative or managing agent for the property that can be reached at anytime.

5. A list of all current and prior stays in each short-term vacation rental must be maintained. The owner or registered agent must make the list available to City staff and/or law enforcement upon request.

6. The owner must disclose in writing to their guests the rules and regulations

(a) The name, phone number and address of the owner, operating lessee or managing agent/representative;

(b) The maximum number of guests allowed at the property;

(c) The maximum number of vehicles allowed at the property and where they are to be parked;

(d) City nuisance ordinances require that noise levels be reduced between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. and that this will be enforced by the Fridley Police Department; and

(e) Property rules related to use of outdoor features, such as decks, patios, grills, recreational fires, saunas and other recreational facilities.

7. The property must be maintained and free of nuisance. The owner must ensure that appropriate recycling and solid waste containers are available for use by guests and must not be stored in public view.

1. A conditional use permit is required for all ground-mounted solar energy systems and solar carports. Building-integrated and roof-mounted solar energy systems are permitted by right so long as the standards in this Section are met.

2. Setbacks.

(a) Solar energy systems must meet the accessory structure setback requirements for the underlying zoning district.

3. Visibility.

(a) Building-integrated and roof-mounted solar energy systems are limited to the following height when oriented at maximum tilt:

(1) No more than 10 inches above a pitched roof.

(2) No more than six feet above a flat roof.

(b) Where visible from the public right-of-way, ground-mounted solar energy systems must not exceed 15 feet in height when oriented at maximum tilt.

(c) Solar carports must not exceed:

4. 20 feet in non-residential districts.

5. The height of the principal structure or 20 feet, whichever is lower, in residential districts.

(a) All solar energy systems using a reflector to enhance solar production must minimize glare from the reflector affecting nearby properties.

6. Lot coverage.

(a) The total collector area of a ground-mounted solar energy system must not exceed half the building footprint of the principal structure unless specifically authorized by the Conditional Use Permit. This provision does not apply to solar carports.

7. Landscaping

(a) Solar energy systems must be integrated onsite to minimize impact to existing landscaping and continue to meet requirements in the Landscaping Chapter. Large-scale removal of mature trees on the site is discouraged. City may set additional restrictions on tree clearing or require mitigation for cleared trees.

8. Abandoned or Unused Systems.

(a) Abandoned or Unused Solar Energy Systems must be removed within 90 days of the cessation of operations unless an extension is approved by the Community Development Director. If an extension is not approved, such Solar Energy Systems will be considered a public nuisance. Such nuisances may be abated according to the procedures established in the Abatement of Exterior Nuisances Chapter of the Code.

9. Permit required.

(a) All solar energy systems require a solar electrical permit and building permit.

(b) Applications for building-integrated and roof-mounted solar energy systems must be accompanied by scaled horizontal and vertical elevation drawings, an electrical plan, and roof engineering plan. The drawings must show the location of the system on the building.

(c) A site plan must be provided for solar energy systems that require a conditional use permit. In addition to the materials required for a solar permit in provision (b) above, the following information must be provided with the site plan application:

(1) Height, setbacks, lot coverage, and visibility standards as described by this section.

(2) Any screening or fencing plans;

(3) Drainage plan that complies with the requirements in the Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Chapter;

(4) Ground cover plan; and

(5) Other requirements as requested by the Community Development Director in accordance with the Procedures Chapter.

1. Equipment and associated facilities for generating electric power or devices for converting wind energy to electrical energy will be regulated according to M.S. § 216E.

1. All standards must comply with the Telecommunications and Wireless Facilities Overlay Zoning District requirements.