The purpose of the Multiple Family Dwelling District 5 (RMF-5) is to provide for high-density, apartment-style, rental and condominium housing and directly related complementary uses. Densities in this area will exceed the City's multiple family density goal of ten units per acre and provide housing that can be more easily served by transit. A full range of public services and facilities shall be available to RMF-5 areas.

The following are permitted uses in the RMF-5 District:

Subd. 1.

Apartment buildings.

Subd. 2.

Essential services not including structures, except those requiring administrative permits or conditional use permits pursuant to Section 21160 of this Chapter.

Subd. 3.

Governmental and public utility (essential service) buildings and structures, including public works type facilities, excluding outdoor storage.

Subd. 4.

Homeowner association owned and maintained amenity lots and their related improvements.

Subd. 5.

Open space, public or private.

Subd. 6.

Parks, trails, docks, playgrounds, and directly related buildings and structures; City of Plymouth only.

Subd. 7.

Residential care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and similar facilities (excludes hospitals, sanitariums or similar institutions).

Subd. 8.

Residential facilities licensed by the State, serving 16 or fewer persons.

(Amended by Ord. No. 2012-05, 02/28/12; Ord. No. 2014-12, 02/25/14; Ord. No. 2022-10, § 31, 8/16/2022)

The following are permitted accessory uses in the RMF-5 District:

Subd. 1.

Accessory buildings and structures, as regulated by Section 21120 of this Chapter.

Subd. 2.

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

Subd. 3.

Administrative offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, and food preparation and service areas, the uses of which are incidental and directly related to the primary use.

Subd. 4.

Day care facilities licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9502.0300 to 9502.0445 serving 14 or fewer persons in a residential dwelling unit, or as otherwise permitted by law.

Subd. 5.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, as regulated by Section 21120.02. Subd. 10 of this Chapter.

Subd. 6.

Fences, as regulated by Section 21130 of this Chapter.

Subd. 7.

Home occupations and home offices, as regulated by Section 21145 of this Chapter.

Subd. 8.

Keeping of animals subject to Section 21170 of this Chapter.

Subd. 9.

Off-street parking and off-street loading, as regulated by Sections 21105.11 and 21135 of this Chapter.

Subd. 10.

Play and recreational facilities, only accessory to an existing principal permitted use on the same lot and which are operated for the enjoyment and convenience of the residents of the principal use and their occasional guests, except as otherwise permitted.

Subd. 11.

Radio and televisions receiving antennas including single satellite dish TVROs one meter or less in diameter, short-wave radio dispatching antennas, or those necessary for the operation of household electronic equipment including federally licensed amateur radio stations, as regulated by Section 21175 of this Chapter.

Subd. 12.

Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems, as regulated by Section 21174 of this Chapter.

Subd. 13.

Signs, as regulated by Section 21155 of this Chapter.

(Amended by Ord. No. 2011-22, 07/26/11; Ord. No. 2012-05, 02/28/12; Ord. No. 2024-22, § 31, 9/24/2024; Ord. No. 2025-02, § 52, 3/25/2025)

The following are conditional uses allowed in the RMF-5 District and require a conditional use permit based upon procedures set forth in and regulated by Section 21015 of this Chapter. Additionally, besides the specific standards and criteria which may be cited below for respective conditional uses, each request for a conditional use permit shall be evaluated based upon the standards and criteria set forth in Section 21015.02, Subd. 5 and 21015.04 of this Chapter.

Subd. 1.

Antennas not located upon an existing structure or existing tower, as regulated by Section 21175 of this Chapter.

Subd. 2.

Buildings in excess of height limitations as specified in Section 21395.13 of this Chapter, provided that:

(a)

For each additional one foot in height above the maximum building height specified in this district, the front and side yard setback requirements shall be increased by one foot.

(b)

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

Subd. 3.

Essential services requiring a conditional use permit pursuant to Section 21160 of this Chapter.

Subd. 4.

Essential service structures (as defined by Section 21005 of this Chapter) that exceed five feet in height or 20 square feet in area, necessary for the health, safety and general welfare of the City, excluding public works type facilities and uses, provided that equipment is completely enclosed in a permanent structure with no outside storage.

Subd. 5.

Residential facilities licensed by the State, serving more than sixteen (16) persons.

Subd. 6.

Residential shelters, in accordance with Section 21190.02 of this Chapter.

Subd. 7.

Single satellite dish TVROs greater than one meter in diameter, as regulated by Section 21175 of this Chapter.

Subject to applicable provisions of this Section, performance standards established by this Chapter, and processing requirements of Section 21025, the following are uses allowed in the RMF-5 District by administrative permit as may be issued by the Zoning Administrator:

Subd. 1.

Antennas located upon an existing structure or existing tower, as regulated by Section 21175 of this Chapter.

Subd. 2.

Essential services requiring a permit as provided by Section 21160 of this Chapter.

Subd. 3.

Essential service structures (as defined by Section 21005 of this Chapter) that do not exceed five feet in height or 20 square feet in area, necessary for the health, safety and general welfare of the City, excluding public works type facilities and uses, provided that:

(a)

Equipment is completely enclosed in a permanent structure with no outside storage.

(b)

Landscaping is provided to screen any such structure.

Subd. 4.

Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems, as regulated by Section 21174 of this Chapter.

Subd. 5.

Model homes, temporary, as regulated by Section 21165 of this Chapter.

Subd. 6.

Outside, above ground storage facilities for fuels used for heating purposes; and outdoor generators. Such features shall be subject to approval by administrative permit, provided the following criteria are met:

(a)

The design, construction, and location of any such features shall comply with State and City codes including appropriate National Fire Protection Association standards, Minnesota State Fire Code requirements, and manufacturer's specifications.

(b)

An accurate site plan for the development based upon a certified survey shall be submitted showing, to scale, the location of such features including any fencing and landscaping related to safety or screening.

(c)

To assure that fire hose streams can be directed onto such features with minimal obstruction, solid wall enclosures shall not be used.

(d)

Such features shall be located so as not to obstruct approved parking spaces, drive aisles, fire lanes, utility easements, or required building ingress or egress points.

(e)

No signage shall be permitted, other than required safety information, product identification, product hazards, and operation instructions. For the purpose of this Section, "signage" includes words, graphics, logos, and symbols.

Subd. 7.

Real estate offices, temporary, as regulated by Section 21165 of this Chapter.

Subd. 8.

Retail commercial activities and personal services, provided that:

(a)

The retail activity and personal services are located within a structure whose principal use is an elderly dwelling (senior citizen) or a residential care facility.

(b)

Personal services are limited to those uses and activities which are allowed as a permitted or permitted accessory use within the C-1 District.

(c)

The retail activity and personal services shall not occupy more than 15 percent of the gross floor area of the building.

(d)

No sign identifying the name of the business shall be visible from the outside of the building.

(e)

No signs or posters of any type advertising products for sale or services shall be visible from the outside of the building.

Subd. 9.

Temporary structures, as regulated by Section 21167 of this Chapter.

(Amended by Ord. No. 2012-05, 02/28/12; Ord. No. 2024-22, § 32, 9/24/2024; Ord. No. 2025-02, § 53, 3/25/2025)

The following requirements shall be observed in the RMF-5 District subject to additional requirements, exceptions and modifications set forth in this Chapter:

(Amended by Ord. No. 2019-01, 02/12/19)

The following special design and performance standards shall be observed in the RMF-5 district, subject to the additional requirements, exceptions and modifications set forth in this Chapter:

Subd. 1.

Architectural Design:

(a)

All sides of buildings shall have an equal appearance in terms of materials and general design.

(b)

The architectural appearance, including building character, permanence, massing, density and composition, scale, and construction materials shall meet or exceed that required in Section 21115.07.

(c)

Trash and recycling storage areas shall be designed internal to the principal building.

(d)

Buildings shall comply with the following list of allowable and prohibited materials

(1)

Allowable Materials.

a.

Durable materials.

b.

Brick, stone, or similar products.

c.

Metals with matt finish.

d.

Transparent glass.

e.

Stucco or similar products.

f.

Cement board products, color treated.

(2)

Prohibited Materials.

a.

Non-durable siding materials such as plywood, corrugated metal or fiberglass, or other materials that decay rapidly when exposed to the elements.

b.

Wood, except as accent materials or in elements that are integrated with other allowed materials.

c.

Mirrored glass.

(Amended by Ord. No. 2011-08, 04/12/11)