The village districts encompass the Lake Elmo Village Planning Area. The village districts provide for an area of compact development including a mix of uses made mutually compatible through a combination of careful planning and urban design and coordinated public and private investment. The mixture of uses and level of density and intensity is intended to support the level of public infrastructure planned for the area.

1. V-LDR Village Low Density Residential. The purpose of the V-LDR zoning district is to provide opportunity for lower density residential development within the Village Planning Area and to create a transition and connectivity between the heart of the Old Village and surrounding rural areas. Appropriate housing types in this area may include single-family detached housing. Residential development within areas zoned V-LDR will occur at a density of 1.5 to 3.00 units per acre.
2. V-MDR Village Medium Density Residential. The purpose of the V-MDR is to provide an area for greater variety in housing stock and bring more people closer to living within easy access of Old Village destinations and amenities. The district shall consist primarily of higher density, single-family detached housing. Single-family attached, duplexes, and townhomes/villa housing types shall not exceed 25% of the development. Residential development within areas zoned V-MDR will occur at a density of 3.01 to 8 units per acre.
3. V-HDR Village High Density Residential. The purpose of the V-HDR is to provide an area for a variety of higher density housing types in the Village Planning Area and to bring a higher concentration of people closer to Old Village destinations and amenities. This area is intended to provide for opportunities for more housing at a wider range of price points and to provide lifecycle housing in Lake Elmo. Appropriate housing types in this area may include multi-family dwellings. First floor non-residential uses may be appropriate. Residential development within areas zoned V-HDR will occur at a density of 8.01 to 12 units per acre.
4. VMX Village Mixed-Use District. This district is intended to continue the traditional mixed-use development that has occurred in the Old Village by allowing retail, service, office, civic and public uses as well as residential units. 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. Development within areas zoned VMX will occur at a density of 5 - 10 units per acre. Senior congregate care facilities may exceed this density maximum with a range not to exceed a total of 16 units per acre, provided the facility can satisfy all zoning and applicable conditional use permit review criteria. The placement of building edges and treatment of building, parking, landscaping, and pedestrian spaces is essential to creating the pedestrian friendly environment envisioned for the VMX district.

Table 11-1 lists all permitted and conditional uses allowed in the village districts. "P" indicates a permitted use, "C" a conditional use. Uses not so indicated shall be considered prohibited. Cross-references listed in the table under "Standards" indicate the location within this section of specific development standards that apply to the listed use.

1. Combinations of uses. The following use types may be combined on a single parcel:
   1. Principal and accessory uses may be combined on a single parcel.
   2. Permitted or conditional uses allowed within the district may be combined on a single parcel, provided that a unified and integrated site plan is approved. If one or both of the uses is/are conditional, the entire development must be approved as a conditional use.
2. Combination of uses, VMX district.
   1. A mixed-use building that combines permitted or conditionally permitted uses may be developed meeting the form standards of this subchapter.
3. Non-Residential Uses.
   
   1. On property zoned V-HDR, allowed non-residential uses shall be located on the street level (first floor) only. Such use shall have its primary entrance from the front or side of the building.
      

Table 11-1: Permitted and Conditional Uses, Village Districts

¹ Retail Trade in the VMX District includes all uses and activities defined as Retail Trade in LEC 105.12.110(b) (5) with the exception of building supplies sales and warehouse club sales.

² Uses shall only be located on lots fronting Stillwater Boulevard North/CSAH 14 or Manning Avenue/CSAH 15.

³ In the V-MDR district, single-family attached, duplexes, and townhomes/villa housing types may be permitted, as part of a PUD, but shall not exceed 25% of the development.

Lot area and setback requirements shall be as specified in Table 11-2, Lot Dimension and Setback Requirements.

Table 11-2: Lot Dimension and Setback Requirements, Villages Districts

1. Averaging of lot area. When lots are clustered within a development to provide common open space, the open space may be used to calculate an average density per lot to determine compliance with the individual lot area requirements.
2. Lot dimension reductions. Other reductions in dimensional standards may be considered as part of a planned unit development if these reductions provide for common open space within a development.

Development of land within the village districts shall follow established standards for traffic circulation, landscape design, and other considerations as specified in the Lake Elmo City Code (LEC). Traditional Neighborhood Development principles shall be followed.

1. The Lake Elmo Design Guidelines and Standards shall govern site design and building design.
   
2. Circulation.
   1. New access points to County State Aid Highway 14 may be refused or restricted to right-in, right-out movement if alternatives exist. Internal connections shall be provided between parking areas on adjacent properties wherever feasible.
   2. The number and width of curb cuts shall be minimized. To promote pedestrian circulation, existing continuous curb cuts shall be reduced to widths necessary for vehicular traffic, and unnecessary or abandoned curb cuts shall be removed as parcels are developed.
3. Screening of existing residential structures. When a new more intensive residential or non-residential development is proposed adjacent to an existing single-family residential structure, screening shall be provided in accordance with LEC 105.12.480 (f). The city may require buffering or screening above and beyond this section in cases where the required screening will not provide an adequate separation between the uses.
4. Sidewalks and/or trails. Where cul-de-sacs are permitted by the city, sidewalks or trails are required to connect the bulb of the cul-de-sac with the nearest through-road or trail.
5. Lake Elmo Theming Study. Elements of the Lake Elmo Theming Study not herein described must be incorporated in to development within village districts where applicable.
6. Alley design. Alleys shall be privately owned and maintained by the homeowners' association but shall be accessible to the public. Snow removal and grass cutting may be assigned to the abutting homeowner.
   1. Alley dimensions. The easement width shall be a minimum of 32 feet. The roadway width shall be a minimum of 16 feet. The area between the property line and the edge of road shall be a minimum of 8 feet or half of the road width, whichever is greater and shall be provided on both sides of the road. Alley design shall be approved by the engineering department to ensure that adequate area is provided.

Development of land within the village districts shall follow established standards for traffic circulation, landscape design, and other considerations as specified by the Lake Elmo City Code (LEC). The following standards apply to specific uses.

1. Residential units
   1. Single-family detached dwellings.
      1. No parking shall be located in the front yard or between the front facade and the street except on a permitted driveway.
      2. Primary entrances are required to be along the front facade.
      3. Dwelling units shall be at least 24 feet in width, at least 960 square feet in area, and be placed on a permanent foundation.
      4. In districts outside of V-LDR: Parking for single-family detached units is encouraged to be accessible from a rear yard alley.
         
         1. If a driveway through the front yard, along the side of the building is proposed, required parking shall be located in the rear yard or in an attached garage located behind the habitable area.
            
         2. Front loaded garages are not permitted.
            
      5. Unless otherwise specified in this article, single-family detached dwellings in the VMX and V-HDR shall adhere to the V-MDR district setbacks.
         
   2. Secondary dwellings. Restricted to lots occupied by single-family detached dwellings and must meet the standards for secondary dwellings in residential districts, LEC 105.12.740(c) and, in the VMX, must be located within the primary structure. LEC 105.12.740(c)(4) shall not apply. In all districts except V-LDR, the minimum lot area shall meet the standard for two-family dwellings.
   3. Single-family attached and two-family dwellings.
      1. The primary entrance to each unit shall be located on the facade fronting a public street.
      2. Common open space for use by all residents or private open space adjacent to each unit shall be provided. Such open space shall comprise of a minimum of 300 square feet in the V-HDR and VMX, and 500 square feet per unit in the V-MDR.
      3. Unless otherwise specified in this article, single-family attached dwellings in the VMX and V-HDR shall adhere to the MDR district setbacks.
      4. No parking shall be located in the front yard or between the front facade and the street.
         
      5. Parking for single-family attached and two-family units is encouraged to be accessible from a rear yard alley.
         
         1. If a driveway through the front yard, along the side of the building is proposed, only one driveway per building shall be approved. Required parking shall be located in the rear yard.
            
      6. Front loaded garages are not permitted.
         
   4. Multifamily dwelling units.
      1. Dwelling units within a mixed-use building are restricted to the upper floors or rear or side ground floors.
      2. Setback standards for multifamily dwellings not within a mixed-use development shall be determined through the conditional use process.
      3. Common open space for use by all residents or private open space adjacent to each unit shall be provided. Such open space shall comprise of a minimum of 300 square feet per unit in the V-MDR and 200 square feet per unit in the V-HDR.
         
      4. No parking shall be located in the front yard or between the front facade and the street. Parking for multi-family dwelling units is encouraged to be accessible from a rear yard alley. Parking shall be located below grade or in the rear or interior side yard.
         
   5. All other residential uses, VMX district. Setbacks for all other residential uses within the village districts not specifically outlined in this section shall be determined by either LEC 105.12.830 or through the conditional use process.
2. Nonresidential uses.
   1. Setbacks, generally. The front yard setback of a new nonresidential building within the VMX district shall maintain the prevailing front yard setback of that block, or a maximum setback of 20 feet, whichever is less.
   2. Repair and maintenance shop. No outdoor storage is permitted unless fully screened from public view.
   3. Trade shop. Exterior materials storage must be totally screened from view from adjacent public streets and adjacent residential properties by a wall of the principal structure or a screen wall constructed of the same materials as the principal structure.
   4. Veterinary services.
      1. All activities must be conducted within an enclosed building.
      2. Specific veterinary practices shall be limited to veterinary medicine, surgery, dentistry, and related service for small domestic household pets.
   5. Garden center.
      1. The storage or display of any materials or products shall meet all setback requirements of a structure and shall be maintained in an orderly manner. Screening along the boundaries of adjacent residential properties may be required, meeting the standards of LEC 105.12.470(f).
      2. The storage of any soil, fertilizer or other loose, unpackaged materials shall be contained so as to prevent any effects on adjacent uses.
   6. Automobile maintenance service and automobile parts/supply.
      1. All vehicle repairs shall be conducted in a completely enclosed building.
      2. The storage or display of inoperable or unlicensed vehicles or other equipment shall meet all setback requirements of a structure and shall be totally screened from view from adjacent public streets and adjacent residential properties.
   7. Live-work unit. The purpose of a live-work unit is to provide a transitional use type between a home occupation and a larger commercial enterprise while maintaining a generally residential character in which the work space is subordinate to the residential use and the effects of the work space are compatible with a residential use.
      1. The work space component shall be located on the first floor or basement of the building.
      2. The dwelling unit component shall maintain a separate entrance.
      3. The work space component of the unit shall not exceed 50 percent of the total gross floor area of the unit.
      4. A total of two off-street parking spaces shall be provided for a live-work unit, located to the rear of the unit, or underground/enclosed.
      5. The size and nature of the work space shall be limited so that the building type may be governed by residential building codes.
      6. The business component of the building may include offices, small service establishments, crafts considered accessory to a dwelling unit, limited retailing (by appointment only), or personal services. It may not include a large scale wholesale business, a commercial food service requiring a license, a limousine business or auto service or repair for any vehicles other than those registered to residents of the property.
      7. The business of the live-work unit must be conducted by a person who resides on the same lot. The business shall not employ more than two workers on-site at any one time who live outside of the live-work unit.
   8. Parking facility. Structured parking is permitted as a ground floor use within a mixed-use building, provided that the entrance is located on side or rear facades, not facing the primary abutting street. The primary street-facing facade shall be designed for retail, office or residential use.
   9. Outdoor dining accessory to food services. Outdoor dining is allowed as an accessory use provided that tables do not block the required sidewalk.

Accessory uses are listed in Table 11-1 as permitted or conditional accessory uses. Accessory uses and structures in the village districts shall comply with the following standards and all other applicable regulations of this article:

1. Phasing. No accessory use or structure shall be constructed or established on any lot prior to the time of construction of the principal use to which it is accessory.
2. Incidental to principal use. The accessory use or structure shall be incidental to and customarily associated with the principal use or structure served.
3. Subordinate to principal use. The accessory use or structure shall be subordinate in the area, extent, and purpose to the principal use or structure served.
4. Function. The accessory use or structure shall contribute to the comfort, convenience, or necessity of the occupants of the principal use or structure served.
5. Location. The accessory use or structure shall be located on the same zoning lot as the principal use or structure.
6. Residential accessory structures.
   1. Design compatibility. On parcels used for residential structures within the village districts, the design and construction of any garage, carport, or storage building shall be similar to or compatible with the design and construction of the main building. The exterior building materials, roof style, and colors shall be similar to or compatible with the main building or shall be commonly associated with residential construction.
   2. Attached structures. An accessory structure shall be considered attached, and an integral part of, the principal structure when it is connected by an enclosed passageway. All attached accessory structures shall be subject to the following requirements:
      1. The structure shall meet the required yard setbacks for a principal structure, as established for the zoning district in which it is located.
      2. The structure shall not exceed the height of the principal building to which it is attached.
   3. Attached garages.
      1. In the V-LDR district, attached garages on single-family detached structures are encouraged to be side or rear loaded. In all other districts, attached garages on single-family detached structures are required to be rear loaded. Attached garages on single-family attached, two-family, and multifamily structures shall be rear loaded. If facing the primary street, garages shall be designed using the following techniques, unless specific physical conditions on the lot in question require a different approach:
         1. The front facade of the garage shall be offset from the principal structure by a minimum of two feet from the plane of the public right-of-way.
         2. The width of the attached garage shall not exceed 40 percent of the width of the entire principal building facade (including garage) fronting the primary street.
      2. Attached garages shall not exceed 1,000 square feet in area at the ground floor level except by conditional use permit.
      3. Garage doors or openings shall not exceed eight feet in height.
   4. Detached structures. Detached accessory structures for permitted residential structures in the village districts must be in accordance with the following requirements:
      1. Detached accessory structures shall be located to the side or rear of the principal building, and are not permitted within the required front yard or within a side yard abutting a street.
      2. Detached garages shall not exceed 1,000 square feet at ground floor level and shall not exceed a height of 22 feet or the height of the principal structure, whichever is higher. The maximum size and height may be increased upon approval of a conditional use permit, provided that lot coverage requirements are satisfied.
      3. Detached garages shall be located in rear yard and are encouraged to be rear loaded.
         
      4. Pole barns shall be prohibited.
      5. No more than 30 percent of the rear yard area may be covered by accessory structures.
      6. Garage doors or openings shall not exceed eight feet in height for residential uses.
7. Exterior storage on residential parcels. All materials and equipment shall be stored within a building or be fully screened so as not to be visible from adjoining properties, except for the following:
   1. Laundry drying.
   2. Construction and landscaping materials and equipment currently being used on the premises. Materials kept on the premises for a period exceeding six months shall be screened or stored out of view of the primary street on which the house fronts.
   3. Agricultural equipment and materials, if these are used or intended for use on the premises.
   4. Off-street parking and storage of vehicles and accessory equipment, as regulated in LEC 105.12.410.
   5. Storage of firewood shall be kept at least ten feet from any habitable structure and screened from view of adjacent properties.
   6. Outdoor parking.
8. Temporary sales. Temporary sales, also known as yard or garage sales, are permitted in all residential districts, limited to two per calendar year per residence, not to exceed four days in length for each event.

1. Review of design. For certain development activity, as specified in the Lake Elmo Design Standards Manual, design review is required as part of the approval process. All projects subject to design review shall be reviewed for conformance with the Lake Elmo Design Standards Manual. The Lake Elmo Design Standards Manual shall apply to all properties in the Village Area.
   1. Review authority and process. Design review shall be facilitated and reviewed by the community development department. The community development department shall approve or deny the application. The applicant may appeal the department's decision to the City Council within 30 days of the date of the letter. The appeal shall be in writing and filed with the community development director. Design review shall be incorporated in the established review of the development activity. For those applications under this section that require review by the planning commission (i.e., conditional use permits), the planning commission shall consider the standards in the Lake Elmo Design Standards Manual in its recommendation to the city council.
   2. Review by professional. The City Council or applicant may request review by a design professional of the proposed design or demolition. The City shall designate a design professional to conduct the review and the applicant shall be responsible for the costs incurred.
   3. Development activity defined.
      1. Development activity consists of new construction and redevelopment activities, including remodeling that expands the footprint of a structure, altering, or repairing a structure in a manner that will change the exterior appearance of said structure. Development activity also includes the construction of a new parking lot and installation of signage.
      2. Exempt activities. The following activities shall be exempt from review under this section:
         1. Ordinary repairs and maintenance that will not change the exterior appearance of a structure;
         2. Removal of existing signage without replacement unless said signs are an integral part of the building;
         3. Emergency repairs ordered by the City in order to protect public health and safety;
         4. Exterior alteration, addition, or repair of a structure used as a single-family residence, duplex, or two-family residence;
         5. Temporary signage, installed in accordance with the sign regulations of the city code, or during which time an application for permanent signage is pending under this section;
         6. Maintenance of existing signage advertising an on-site business;
         7. Alterations only to the interior of a structure.