This chapter identifies yard, lot area, building size, building type and height requirements in each zoning district. (Prior Code § 20-17-1)

Except for elderly (senior citizen) housing, each multiple-family dwelling site shall contain at least seven hundred fifty (750) square feet of "usable open space" as defined in section 11-2-2 of this title for each dwelling unit contained therein. (Prior Code § 20-17-2)

   A.   Allowable Increases: Except in the Wild and Scenic Recreational River District, building, antenna and antenna support structure heights in excess of those standards contained in the district provisions and any other sections of this title may be allowed through a conditional use permit; provided, that:

      1.   Demonstrated need is established for the increase in height, and said increase will not violate the intent and character of the zoning district in which the structure is located.

      2.   The site is capable of accommodating the increased structure size.

      3.   The potential increased intensity and size of use does not cause an increase in traffic volumes beyond the capacity of the surrounding streets.

      4.   Public utilities and services are adequate.

      5.   For each additional story over the district limitation or for each additional ten feet (10') above the maximum allowed per district, front and side yard setback requirements shall be increased by ten percent (10%).

      6.   The construction does not limit solar access to abutting and/or neighboring properties.

      7.   The provisions of subsection 11-4-2F of this title are considered and satisfactorily met.

   B.   Exceptions: Except in the Wild and Scenic Recreational River District, the building height limits established for the respective zoning districts shall not apply to the following:

      1.   Belfries.

      2.   Chimneys or flues.

      3.   Church spires.

      4.   Cooling towers.

      5.   Cupolas and domes which do not contain usable floor space.

      6.   Elevator penthouses.

      7.   Flagpoles.

      8.   Monuments and statues, public and semipublic only.

      9.   Parapet walls extending not more than three feet (3') above the limiting height of the building.

      10.   Poles, towers and other structures for essential services.

      11.   Necessary mechanical and electrical appurtenances.

      12.   Farming buildings.

      13.   Wind energy conversion system towers as regulated by chapter 34 of this title.

      14.   Antennas and antenna support structures as regulated by chapter 33 of this title.

   C.   Restrictions On Projections: No excluded roof equipment or structure element extending beyond the limited height of a building may occupy more than twenty five percent (25%) of the area of such roof nor exceed ten feet (10') unless otherwise noted. (Prior Code § 20-17-3)

Buildings in all zoning districts shall maintain a high standard for exterior architecture to ensure a high quality of development and land use compatibility that contribute positively to community image in regard to material quality, visual aesthetics, permanence and stability and to prevent use of materials that are unsightly, deteriorate rapidly, or cause urban blight.

   A.   General Provisions:

      1.   General Design Concept: Building and/or project designs shall utilize materials, colors, or details to meet the intent of these architectural standards.

      2.   Design Elements: Projects may be required to utilize building ornamentation features, including, but not limited to: columns, arches, parapets, cornices, friezes, canopies, moldings, dentils, corbels, quoins, rustication, vaults, domes, and cupolas.

      3.   Corporate Identity: The intent and purpose of these architectural standards supersede corporate identity designs. When a corporate identity design does not meet the intent and purpose of the architectural standards, the corporate identity design shall be limited to the area immediately adjacent to the main entry but shall otherwise be consistent with the intent of this section.

   B.   Exterior Building Finishes:

      1.   Grade Categories: For the purpose of this subsection, materials shall be divided into grade A, grade B, grade C, grade D, and grade E categories as follows:

         a.    Grade A:

            (1)    Brick, brick face, or custom masonry units (CMU) having a brick like appearance.

            (2)    Glass.

            (3)   Masonry veneer.

            (4)    Natural or artificial stone.

         b.    Grade B:

            (1)   Architectural panels with simulated wood or other natural material finish.

            (2)    Fiber-cement exterior siding (limited to vertical seam or board/batten style for commercial, industrial uses).

            (3)    Precast concrete panels having an exposed aggregate, light sandblast, acid etch, form liner, tooled, natural stone veneer, brick face and/or cast stone type finish with integral color or stain exceeding ASTM G154.

            (4)    Specialty concrete block such as textured, burnished block or rock faced block with integral color or stain exceeding ASTM G154.

            (5)    Stucco.

         c.    Grade C:

            (1)   Exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS).

            (2)    Glass block.

            (3)    Opaque panels.

            (4)    Ornamental metal.

            (5)    Wood; provided, that the surfaces are finished for exterior use or the wood is of proven durability for exterior use, such as cedar, redwood or cypress.

         d.    Grade D:

            (1)    Smooth as cast concrete block with integral color or stain exceeding ASTM G154.

            (2)    Smooth scored concrete block with integral color or stain exceeding ASTM G154.

            (3)    Smooth as cast concrete panels with integral color or stain exceeding ASTM G154.

            (4)    Architecturally precast concrete panels having a smooth as cast finish with integral color or stain exceeding ASTM G154.

         e.    Grade E:

            (1)    Aluminum siding.

            (2)    Steel siding.

            (3)    Vinyl siding.

      2.   Color:

         a.   For the purpose of this chapter, exterior finish materials requiring integral color shall not include natural gray.

         b.   Brick, stone and/or integral color concrete exteriors shall not be painted during the life of the exterior materials.

      3.   Foundations:

         a.   Building foundations not exceeding one foot (1') and other such portions of a building’s facade below the elevation of the first floor need not comply with the requirements for the primary facade treatment or materials.

         b.   Structures in excess of one hundred fifty (150) square feet shall be constructed with continuous structural load bearing perimeter foundations except industrial uses within the I-3 Zoning District and pole buildings as expressly defined and permitted in accordance with this title.

      4.   Exposed Roof Materials:

         a.   Exposed roof materials shall be similar to, or an architectural equivalent of, a three hundred (300) pound or better asphalt or fiberglass shingle, wooden shingle, standing seam metal roof or better.

         b.   The back of parapets that are visible shall be finished with materials and colors compatible with the front of the parapet.

      5.   Accessory Structures:

      a.   Except in A-1 and A-2 Districts, all accessory buildings in excess of one hundred twenty (120) square feet that are accessory to residential dwelling units shall be constructed with a design and exterior building materials consistent with the general character of the principal structure on the lot.

         b.   Accessory buildings for nonresidential uses, including those allowed in the residential districts, shall be of a similar character, design, and facade as the principal structure.

      6.   Other Building Types And Construction:

         a.   Except as allowed for buildings used for agricultural purposes as defined by this title, no galvanized or unfinished steel or unfinished aluminum buildings (walls or roofs), except those specifically intended to have a corrosive designed finish such as COR-TEN steel shall be permitted in any zoning district.

         b.   Except for buildings used for agricultural purposes as defined by this title, pole buildings shall not be allowed as a principal building or structure.

      7.   Calculation:

         a.   The material shall comprise at least five percent (5%) of the exterior wall to be considered in the calculations of exterior materials required by this chapter.

         b.   Garage doors, window trim, flashing accent items and the like shall not constitute required materials that make up the exterior finish of a building for the purposes of this section.

   C.   Residential Uses:

      1.   Exterior Finish: The primary exterior building finish for residential uses shall consist of grade A, B, C, D and/or E materials.

      2.   Detached Townhomes, Two-Family And Townhouses:

         a.   The exterior of detached townhome and two-family dwelling units shall include a variation in building materials which are to be distributed throughout the building elevations and coordinated into the architectural design of the structure to create an architecturally balanced appearance.

         b.   A minimum of twenty five percent (25%) of the area of the front elevation of a structure, including the sides of an attached garage forward of the dwelling unit, shall have an exterior finish of brick, stucco and/or natural or artificial stone.

         c.   Except for brick, stucco, natural or artificial stone, or cement or wood fiber board, no single elevation shall have more than twenty five percent (25%) of one type of exterior finish.

         d.   For developments with more than three (3) principal buildings, the developer shall specify a minimum of four (4) color packages for siding, trim, and shutters with no color package used for more than thirty percent (30%) of the exterior finish for the total number of dwelling units.

      3.   Multiple-Family Buildings:

         a.    A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the combined area of all elevations of a principal building shall have an exterior finish of brick, brick face, brick CMU, masonry veneer, and/or natural or artificial stones.

         b.    Except for brick, brick face, brick CMU, stucco, masonry veneer, natural or artificial stone, rock face block, or cement or wood fiber board, no single elevation shall have more than twenty five percent (25%) of one type of exterior finish.

   D.   Commercial, Office, Mixed Use, And Institutional Uses: The exterior of commercial, office, mixed use and institutional buildings shall include a variation in building materials and forms to be distributed throughout the facade and coordinated into the design of the structure to create an architecturally balanced appearance and shall comply with the following requirements: (Prior Code § 20-17-4)

   1.   B-1, B-2, B-3, and M-1 Districts:

      a.   The exterior building finish shall be composed of at least sixty five percent (65%) grade A materials; not more than thirty five percent (35%) grade B materials and not more than ten percent (10%) grade C materials. (Prior Code § 20-17-4; amd. 2018 Code)

      b.   All elevations of the principal and accessory structures are to have essentially the same or coordinated harmonious exterior finish treatment. (Prior Code § 20-17-4)

   2.   B-4 District And All Institutional Uses Regardless Of Zoning District:

      a.   For any elevation facing a public right-of-way, the exterior building finish shall be composed of at least sixty five percent (65%) grade A materials and/or integral color architecturally precast concrete panels with a form liner, tooled, natural stone veneer, brick face and/or cast stone type finish, not more than thirty five percent (35%) other grade B materials and not more than ten percent (10%) grade C materials. (Prior Code § 20-17-4; amd. 2018 Code)

      b.   For all other elevations, the exterior building finish shall be composed of a minimum of ninety percent (90%) grade A and grade B materials and not more than ten percent (10%) grade C materials.

   E.   Industrial Uses:

      1.   Within I-1 And I-2 Districts:

         a.   The exterior building finish for principal and accessory buildings shall consist of a minimum of seventy five percent (75%) grade A and B materials together with a maximum of twenty five percent (25%) grade C and D materials.

         b.   Not more than one exterior wall designed for removal to allow future building expansion shown on a site plan as meeting all applicable lot requirements may be allowed to use grade D materials notwithstanding other applicable provisions of this section provided that, the wall does not face a public street.

      2.   Within I-3 District: The primary exterior building finish for buildings shall consist of grade A, B, C, and D materials and/or steel or aluminum curtain wall panels.

   F.   Exceptions: Exceptions to the provisions of this section are allowed subject to the following:

      1.   The use is an essential service as defined in section 11-2-2 of this title; or

      2.   The building or structure is a public works or utility facility within an INS District, City of Otsego only.

      3.   Remodeling or maintenance that does not increase the gross floor area of a building or structure existing as of February 11, 2013, shall be regulated by chapter 15 of this title and may utilize the same or any higher grade materials.

      4.   Upon approval of a conditional use permit based on a finding by the City Council that the applicant has demonstrated that the following criteria are met:

         a. The proposed building design and materials are compatible and in harmony with other structures within the disrict.

         b. The proposed building design and materials are compatible and in harmony with other structures within the district. (Prior Code § 20-17-4; amd. Ord. 2019-21, 10-28-19; Ord. 2023-06, 6-12-2023; Ord. 2025-04, 5-27-2025)

No lot, yard or other open space shall be reduced in area or dimension so as to make such lot, yard or open space less than the minimum required by this title. No required open space provided about any building or structure shall be included as part of any open space required for another structure.

   A.   The following shall not be considered as encroachments on yard setback requirements:

      1.   Accessory structures as governed by this title are permitted in rear yards.

      2.   Awnings, balconies, chimneys, flues, leaders, pilasters, lintels, ornamental features, sills, cornices, buttresses, eaves, gutters and the like may project not more than two and one-half feet (21/2') over or half the distance of the required side yard, whichever is less.

      3.   Walks or steps for negotiating ground slopes, retaining walls, uncovered porches, decks, stoops, hedges and natural growth, paved terraces, paved areas or similar features, provided they do not extend above the height of the ground floor level of the principal structure or not more than a distance of three feet (3') into any required yard except a rear yard.

      4.   Structures used ornamentally, for gardening, or for private recreation purposes, and structures for essential services, all accessory to and customarily incidental to the principal use, are permitted in yards and courts, and solar energy systems not included in the floor area of the building are permitted in side yards; provided, that a side yard strip three feet (3') in width adjoining the side line of the lot shall be unobstructed by any structure or feature, except a fence or retaining wall.

      5.   In rear yards, recreational and laundry drying equipment, arbors, and trellises, detached outdoor living rooms, and air conditioning or heating equipment, provided they are at a distance of five feet (5') from the rear lot line.

      6.   Open work fire balconies and fire escapes may extend not more than three feet (3') into a required yard.

      7.   Add-on entryways to residential dwellings constructed prior to January 1, 1992, may encroach into the required front yard setback not more than five feet (5') and shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in total size.

   B.   Where adjacent structures have front yard setbacks different from those required, the minimum front yard setback shall be no less than the average setback of the two (2) adjacent principal structures. If only one adjacent lot is occupied by a structure, the minimum front yard shall be the average of the adjacent principal structure and the district minimum setback, but in no case shall a setback greater than the minimum established for the respective zoning district be required. (Prior Code § 20-17-5)

   A.   Single-Family Dwelling Units: Except as otherwise specified in the zoning district provisions or allowed as a conditional use permit, single-family homes as classified below shall have the following minimum floor areas per unit.

      1.   Two (2) bedroom: Nine hundred forty (940) square feet aboveground.

      2.   Three (3) bedroom: One thousand forty (1,040) square feet aboveground.

   B.   Multiple Dwelling Units: Except for elderly housing or as allowed by conditional use permit, living units classified as multiple dwelling shall have the following minimum floor areas per unit:

      1.   Efficiency units: Five hundred (500) square feet.

      2.   One bedroom units: Seven hundred (700) square feet.

      3.   More than one bedroom units: An additional eighty (80) square feet for each additional bedroom.

   C.   Elderly (Senior Citizen) Housing: Living units classified as elderly (senior citizen) housing units, except as allowed by conditional use permit, shall have the following minimum floor areas per unit:

      1.   Efficiency units: Four hundred forty (440) square feet.

      2.   One bedroom: Five hundred twenty (520) square feet.

   D.   Two-Family Dwellings, Quadraminiums, Townhouses And Manor Homes: Except as otherwise specified in the zoning district provisions or allowed as a conditional use permit, two-family dwellings, quadraminiums, townhouses and manor homes, as classified below, shall have the minimum floor area per one bedroom unit:

      1.   Two-family dwellings: Six hundred fifty (650) square feet first floor above grade, plus one hundred (100) additional square feet for each additional bedroom.

      2.   Quadraminiums, townhouses and manor homes: Six hundred (600) square feet first floor above grade, plus one hundred (100) additional square feet for each additional bedroom. (Prior Code § 20-17-6)

Except for elderly (senior citizen) housing, the number of efficiency apartments in a multiple dwelling shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total number of apartments. In the case of elderly (senior citizen) housing, efficiency apartments shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the total number of apartments. (Prior Code § 20-17-7)

Commercial and industrial buildings (principal structure) which are to be less than one thousand (1,000) square feet of floor area may only be allowed upon approval of a conditional use permit as provided in chapter 4 of this title. (Prior Code § 20-17-8)

The lot area per unit requirement for single-family, two-family, townhouses, apartments and planned unit developments shall be calculated on the basis of the total area on the lot or in the project and as controlled by an individual and joint ownership.

   A.   Single- and two-family uses shall be as specified in the respective zoning districts subject to the following:

      1.   A-1, A-2, R-1 and R-2 District lots and lots of record and preliminary platted lots having legal standing on May 26, 2009: Except as may be otherwise required by this title, the lot area shall be measured as the area of a horizontal plane within the lot lines.

      2.   Lots of record in the R-C, R-3, R-4A, R-4, R-5, R-6 and R-7 Districts established after May 26, 2009: Except as may be otherwise allowed by this title, the lot area shall be measured as the area of a horizontal plane within the lot lines excluding stormwater basins, drainageways, wetlands, required wetland buffers, water bodies, public rights-of-way, regional drainage and utility easements, and slopes steeper than three to one (3:1).

   B.   Townhouse and similar independent unit entry: Structure platted in as base/unit lots, five thousand (5,000) square feet.

   C.   Multiple-family:

      1.   Residential Districts: Two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet.

      2.   Mixed Use Districts: One thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet.

   D.   Elderly housing: One thousand (1,000) square feet.

(Prior Code § 20-17-9; amd. Ord. 2025-04, 5-27-2025)

   A.   Single Townhouse Dwelling Units: No single townhouse structure shall contain more than eight (8) dwelling units.

   B.   Townhouse Minimum Unit Lot Frontage: Minimum unit lot frontage for townhouses shall not be less than twenty feet (20').

   C.   Subdivision Of Two-Family Double Bungalows, Townhouse Or Quadraminium Lots: The subdivision of base lots containing two- family dwellings, townhouses, or quadraminiums to permit individual private ownership of a single dwelling within such a structure is acceptable upon the approval by the City Council. Approval of a subdivision request is contingent on the following requirements:

      1.   Two-family, townhouses, and quadraminiums intended for owner occupancy shall be subdivided on an individual unit lot basis according to the provisions of chapter 36, "Planned Unit Developments", of this title. (Prior Code § 20-17-10)

      2.   Prior to subdivision, such units shall fully comply with applicable provisions of the Minnesota State Building Code. (Prior Code § 20-17-10; amd. 2018 Code)

      3.   Prior to a two-family double bungalow dwelling, townhouse, or quadraminium subdivision, the base lot must meet all the requirements of the zoning district.

      4.   There shall be no more than one principal structure on a base lot in all residential districts. The principal structure on a unit lot created in a two-family, townhouse or quadraminium subdivision will be the portion of the attached dwelling existing or constructed on the platted unit lot.

      5.   Permitted accessory uses as defined by the zoning districts are acceptable, provided they meet all the zoning requirements.

      6.   A property maintenance agreement must be arranged by the applicant and submitted to the City Attorney for review and subject to the Attorney's approval. The agreement shall ensure the maintenance and upkeep of the structure and lots to meet minimum City standards. The agreement is to be filed with the Wright County Recorder's Office as a deed restriction against the title of each unit lot.

      7.   Separate public utility service shall be provided to each subdivided unit and shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer.

      8.   The subdivision is to be platted and recorded in conformance to requirements of the subdivision ordinance of the City.

   D.   Subdivision Of Multiple-Family, Two-Family Duplex Dwellings, Manor Homes And Other Such Units:

      1.   The subdivision is to be platted and recorded in conformance with the requirements of the subdivision ordinance of the City as applicable.

      2.   The subdivision shall comply with applicable cooperative or condominium laws of the State of Minnesota. (Prior Code § 20-17-10)

   A.   All single-family detached homes except in the R-MH District; in legally approved mobile home subdivisions; and in manufactured home parks as may be allowed in the R-5, R-6 and R-7 Districts, shall: (Prior Code § 20-17-11)

      1.   Be constructed upon a continuous perimeter foundation that meets the requirements of the Minnesota State Building Code. (Prior Code § 20-17-11; amd. 2018 Code)

      2.   Not be less than thirty feet (30') in length and not less than twenty four feet (24') in width over that entire minimum length. Width measurements shall not take account of overhang and other projections beyond the principal walls. Dwellings shall also meet the minimum floor area requirements as set out in this title.

      3.   Have a minimum roof overhang of one foot (1').

      4.   Have an earth covered, composition, shingled or tiled roof.

      5.   Receive a building permit. The application for a building permit, in addition to other information required, shall indicate the height, size, design and the appearance of all elevations of the proposed building and a description of the construction materials proposed to be used. The exterior architectural design of a proposed dwelling may not be so at variance with, nor so similar to, the exterior architectural design of any structure or structures already constructed or in the course of construction in the immediate neighborhood, nor so at variance with the character of the surrounding neighborhood as to cause a significant depreciation in the property values of the neighborhood or adversely affect the public health, safety or general welfare. (Prior Code § 20-17-11)

      6.   Meet the requirements of the Minnesota State Building Code or the applicable Manufactured Housing Code. (Prior Code § 20-17-11; amd. 2018 Code)

   B.   All single-family dwellings within the R-MH Zoning District shall be governed by chapter 69 of this title.

   C.   All single-family homes within an approved mobile home subdivision and manufactured home parks as provided in the R-5, R-6 and R-7 Zoning Districts shall comply with the Guidelines for Manufactured Housing Installation, International Conference of Building Officials, 1983, as amended. (Prior Code § 20-17-11)