The purpose of the Office District (O) is to provide an area for commercial offices and uses that are compatible with commercial offices. A full range of public services and facilities shall be available in O areas.

(Amended by Ord. No. 2002-02, 01/22/02)

The following are permitted uses in the O District:

Subd. 1.

Banks, credit unions and other financial institutions (excluding currency exchanges) without drive-up tellers.

Subd. 2.

Beauty salons and day spas.

Subd. 3.

Candy, ice cream, popcorn, nuts, frozen desserts, and soft drink sales.

Subd. 4.

Convenience grocery markets (without prepared food or motor fuel sales).

Subd. 5.

Copy/printing services (excludes printing presses and publishing facilities).

Subd. 6.

Dry cleaning pick up and laundry pick up stations including incidental repair but not including processing.

Subd. 7.

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

Subd. 8.

Funeral homes and mortuaries.

Subd. 9.

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

Subd. 10.

Offices, administrative/commercial.

Subd. 11.

Offices/clinics for medical, dental, or chiropractic services.

Subd. 12.

Pet grooming.

Subd. 13

Private clubs (may serve food and beverages).

Subd. 14.

Religious institutions such as churches, chapels, temples, synagogues, mosques limited to worship and directly related social events.

Subd. 15.

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

Subd. 16.

Sexually oriented businesses - accessory (as regulated by Section 21195 of this Chapter).

Subd. 17.

Shoe repair.

Subd. 18.

Tailoring services.

Subd. 19.

Tanning salons.

Subd. 20.

Therapeutic massage.

Subd. 21.

Tutoring/learning centers.

Subd. 22.

Veterinary clinics and related indoor kennel.

(Amended by Ord. No. 98-27, 08/19/98; Ord. No. 2000-06, 02/29/00; Ord. No. 2002-02, 01/22/02; Ord. No. 2005-01, 01/11/05; Ord. No. 2006-04, 02/07/06; Ord. No. 2008-09, 03/25/08; Ord. No. 2009-07, 05/12/09; Amended by Ord. No. 2011-05, 02/22/11; Ord. No. 2011-22, 07/26/11; Ord. No. 2013-11, 04/23/13; Ord. No. 2014-12, 02/25/14; Amended by Ord. No. 2016-11, 04/26/16; Ord. No. 2022-10, § 32, 8/16/2022; Ord. No. 2024-09 § 11, 3/26/2024)

The following are permitted accessory uses in the O District:

Subd. 1.

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

Subd. 2.

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

Subd. 3.

Fences, as regulated by Section 21130 of this Chapter.

Subd. 4.

Lower-potency hemp edible (LPHE) products as accessory sales to an allowed retail use, as licensed by the State and registered with the City of Plymouth.

Subd. 5.

Off-street parking and off-street loading as regulated by Section 21135 of this Chapter, but not including parking of semi-trailers or semi-trailer trucks.

Subd. 6.

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

Subd. 7.

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

Subd. 8.

Scoreboards for public parks and public or private schools, provided that:

(a)

One scoreboard not exceeding 16 feet in height or 150 square feet in surface area is allowed per playing field, not including fields used only for practice.

(b)

One scoreboard not exceeding 32 feet in height or 550 square feet in area is allowed per park or school, provided that the information on the scoreboard is not visible from any adjacent public rights-of-way and provided that the scoreboard does not contain a video display panel.

(c)

No commercial speech shall be permitted on a scoreboard, except that an organization sponsoring the scoreboard may include identifying information within the area allowed for the scoreboard in a combined amount not to exceed 30 percent of the total scoreboard area.

Subd. 9.

Signs, as regulated by Section 21155 of this Chapter.

(Amended by Ord. No. 2002-02, 01/22/02; Ord. No. 2008-09, 03/25/08; Ord. No. 2011-22, 07/26/11; Ord. No. 2013-11, 04/23/13; Ord. No. 2024-22, § 33, 9/24/2024; Ord. No. 2025-02, §§ 54, 55, 3/25/2025)

The following are conditional uses allowed in the O 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 Sections 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.

Banks, credit unions and other financial institutions (excluding currency exchanges) with drive-up tellers, provided the drive-up teller area complies with the performance standards stipulated in Section 21120.04, Subd. 3 of this Chapter.

Subd. 3.

Buildings in excess of height limitations as specified in Section 21450.13 of this Chapter, provided that:

(a)

For each additional five feet 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. 4.

Convenience grocery markets with prepared food and/or motor fuel sales (no vehicle service or repair), provided that:

(a)

Convenience/deli food is of the take-out type only and that no provision for seating or consumption on the premises is provided. Furthermore, that the enclosed area devoted to such activity, use and merchandise shall not exceed 15 percent of the gross floor area.

(b)

The storage, preparation and serving of food items are subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator who shall provide specific written sanitary requirements based upon the applicable State and County regulations.

(c)

That the proximate area and location of space devoted to non-automotive merchandise sales shall be specified in the application and in the conditional use permit. Outdoor display of merchandise shall be allowed by administrative permit, pursuant to Section 21450.11, Subd. 5 of this Chapter.

(d)

The off-street loading space(s) and building access for delivery of goods shall be separate from customer parking and entrances and shall not cause conflicts with customer vehicles and pedestrian movements.

(e)

Hours of operation: The hours of operation for a convenience grocery market shall be limited to 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., unless extended by the Council as part of the conditional use permit. Unless otherwise limited or prohibited by the Council as part of the conditional use permit, the hours of operation for pay-at-the-pump motor fuel sales may be 24 hours per day.

(f)

Motor fuel facilities shall be installed in accordance with State and City standards. Additionally, adequate space shall be provided to access gas pumps and to allow maneuverability around the pumps. Underground fuel storage tanks are to be positioned to allow adequate access by motor fuel transports and unloading operations which do not conflict with circulation, access and other activities on the site. Fuel pumps shall be installed on pump islands.

(g)

A protective canopy located over pump islands may be an accessory structure on the property and may be located 20 feet or more from the front lot line, provided adequate visibility both on and off site is maintained.

(h)

All canopy lighting for motor fuel station pump islands shall be recessed or fully shielded. Luminaires for pump islands shall comply with Section 21105.06 of this Chapter.

(i)

Litter Control. The operation shall be responsible for litter control within 300 feet of the premises and litter control is to occur on a daily basis. Trash receptacles must be provided at a convenient location on site to facilitate litter control.

Subd. 5.

Day care facilities as a principal or accessory use, provided the use complies with Section 21150 of this Chapter.

Subd. 6.

Educational facilities including, and limited to, public and private nursery, elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools.

Subd. 7.

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

Subd. 8.

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, provided that equipment is completely enclosed in a permanent structure with no outside storage.

Subd. 9.

Extended stay hotels without restaurants provided that:

(a)

More than 50 percent of the rooms shall have cooking facilities.

(b)

Accessory restaurants, reception halls, cocktail lounges, and conference centers shall be prohibited.

(c)

All signage shall be compatible with surrounding residential and business uses.

Subd. 10.

Scoreboard (limit of one) for a public park or a public or private school that either: 1) exceeds 32 feet in height or 550 square feet in surface area, or 2) contains a video display panel, provided that:

(a)

Any such scoreboard shall not exceed 50 feet in height or 950 square feet in surface area.

(b)

No other scoreboard at the park or school shall exceed 150 square feet in surface area.

(c)

No commercial speech shall be permitted on the scoreboard, except that commercial messages may be displayed during City- or school-sponsored events on the athletic field served by the scoreboard. These events shall not include practices or classes held on the field. Organizations sponsoring the scoreboard may include identifying information within the area allowed for the scoreboard in a combined amount not to exceed 30 percent of the total scoreboard area.

(d)

The information and commercial speech on the scoreboard shall not be visible from adjacent public streets.

Subd. 11.

Special event and catering restaurants, provided that:

(a)

No drive-through window service shall be provided.

(b)

The storage, preparation, and serving of food items are subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator who shall provide specific written sanitary requirements based upon applicable State and County regulations.

(c)

The use will not conflict with existing or potential neighboring uses.

(d)

The use will not adversely impact the existing level of service on streets and intersections.

(Amended by Ord. No. 99-15, 05/18/99; Ord. No. 2001-06, 02/13/01; Ord. No. 2002-02, 01/22/02; Ord. No. 2004-02, 01/13/04; Ord. No. 2006-04, 02/07/06; Ord. No. 2008-09, 03/25/08; Ord. No. 2009-07, 05/12/09; Ord. No. 2010-01, 02/23/10; Ord. No. 2013-11, 04/23/13; Ord. No. 2013-27, 10/22/13; Ord. No. 2014-12, 02/25/14; Ord. No. 2016-11, 04/26/16; Ord. No. 2022-10, § 33, 8/16/2022)

Subject to applicable provisions of this Section, the following are interim uses in the O District and are further governed by Section 21020 of this Chapter.

Subd. 1.

Temporary classroom structures for use by public or private schools.

(Amended by Ord. No. 2002-02, 01/22/02; Ord. No. 2019-01, 02/12/19; Ord. No. 2024-09, § 12, 3/26/2024; Ord. No. 2025-02, § 56, 3/25/2025)

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 O 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.

Other uses of the same general character as those listed as a permitted use in this district.

Subd. 6.

Outdoor display (permanent) of seasonal or convenience items (e.g., windshield washer fluid, softener salt) as an accessory use in association with a convenience grocery market with prepared food and/or motor fuel sales, provided that:

(a)

The area so occupied shall not exceed ten percent of the gross floor area of the principal building or 50 square feet, whichever is less.

(b)

No display of merchandise shall occur within the required front, rear, or side yards.

(c)

Such outdoor display of merchandise shall be limited to the area of customer entrances or within pump islands.

(d)

Such outdoor display of merchandise shall not exceed five feet in height.

(e)

Such outdoor display area shall be included in the calculations for parking spaces required for the use and shall not occupy spaces required for parking as regulated by Section 21135 of this Chapter, except as may be exempted for cause by the Zoning Administrator.

Subd. 7.

Outside, above ground storage facilities for fuels used for heating purposes; outdoor generators located 200 feet or more away from residentially guided or zoned property; and outdoor equipment used for dispensing fuels to vehicles or containers used in conjunction with the approved principal use, but not for sale. Such features for new development shall be included with the site plan submitted for review and approval as required by this Chapter, and such features for existing developments shall be subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator and the following criteria:

(a)

The design, construction, and location of any such features must 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 must be located so as not to obstruct approved parking spaces, driving 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.

(f)

Outdoor generators located less than 200 feet from residentially guided or zoned property shall require the approval of a site plan (or site plan amendment) for a major project, pursuant to Section 21045.05 of this Chapter.

Subd. 8.

Satellite schools for post-secondary education or trade schools, provided it is demonstrated that adequate on-site parking would be available for the use.

Subd. 9.

Special Promotional Events (excludes Carnivals) subject to the following criteria:

(a)

Such activity is directed towards the general public and includes grand openings, business events, craft shows, flea markets, mechanical and animal rides, and outdoor display of materials.

(b)

The event shall not exceed the period specified in the administrative permit and in no case shall exceed three consecutive calendar days per event.

(c)

There shall be no more than two special events per calendar year per property. However, each tenant in a multi-tenant building shall be permitted one special event per year.

(d)

The event shall be accessory to or promoting the permitted or conditional use approved for the site.

(e)

Tents, stands, and other similar temporary structures may be used, provided they are clearly identified on the submitted plan and provided that it is determined by the Zoning Administrator that they will not impair the parking capacity, emergency access, or the safe and efficient movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic on or off the site.

(f)

The submitted plan shall clearly demonstrate that adequate off-street parking for the proposed event can and will be provided for the duration of the event. Determination of compliance with this requirement shall be made by the Zoning Administrator who shall consider the nature of the event and the applicable parking requirements of Section 21135. Consideration shall be given to the parking needs and requirements of other occupants in the case of multi-tenant buildings. Parking on public right-of-way and streets is prohibited; except that parking on local streets may be allowed on Saturdays and Sundays only, provided that the petitioner arranges for traffic control by authorized enforcement officers, as approved in writing by the Police Chief, at the petitioner's expense.

(g)

Signage related to the event shall be in compliance with the temporary sign standards of Section 21155 and shall be allowed for the duration of the event. The Zoning Administrator may authorize special signage for purposes of traffic direction and control; the installation and removal of such signage shall be the responsibility of the applicant.

(h)

The approved permit shall be displayed on the premises for the duration of the event.

(i)

All activity related to the event must take place within the time permitted in the administrative permit.

(j)

Not more than one such event shall be allowed per property at any given time.

Subd. 10.

Temporary mobile towers for personal wireless service antennas, as regulated by Section 21175 of this Chapter.

Subd. 11.

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

(Amended by Ord. No. 2001-06, 02/13/01; Ord. No. 2002-02, 01/22/02; Ord. No. 2004-02, 01/13/04; Ord. No. 2006-04, 02/07/06; Ord. No. 2007-05, 01/23/07; Ord. No. 2008-09, 03/25/08; Ord. No. 2009-07, 05/12/09; Ord. No. 2012-05, 02/28/12; Ord. No. 2014-12, 02/25/14; Ord. No. 2019-01, 02/12/19; Ord. No. 2024-22, § 34, 9/24/2024; Ord. No. 2025-02, § 57, 3/25/2025)

The following requirements shall be observed in the O District subject to additional requirements, exceptions and modifications set forth in this Chapter.

(Amended by Ord. No. 99-5, 01/19/99; Ord. No. 2002-02, 01/22/02; Ord. No. 2002-32, 11/26/02; Ord. No. 2009-07, 05/12/09)