The following residential districts (UR, RR, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2, and R-3) are hereby established according to their purpose and the intent of the comprehensive plan. Collectively, these districts are herein this chapter called "residential districts." For zoning districts expected to be served by municipal sanitary sewer and water (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2, and R-3), these districts are herein collectively called "urbanized districts."

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Purpose. The intent of this district is to preserve areas where municipal urban services are planned, as shown on the approved comprehensive plan, but not yet available or when significant infrastructure is planned, but not yet funded and constructed. The large minimum lot area will retain these lands in their natural state or as agricultural uses until sanitary sewer, water, streets, and other public infrastructure is available and new development occurs. This will allow orderly development to occur. The purpose of this district is to provide a holding zone until a landowner/developer makes application for development, at which time the city may rezone the affected property consistent with its designation in the comprehensive plan, provided that the development does not result in the premature extension of public utilities, facilities, and services.

(b)

Application. This district shall be applied to properties within the MUSA as shown on the current comprehensive plan where sanitary sewer and water infrastructure is not currently available. The city council shall consider the comprehensive plan's staging plan when rezoning property to one of the urbanized districts.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Purpose. The intent of this district is to accommodate single-family dwelling units outside of the metropolitan urban service area. All lots located within the Rural Residential District are intended be served with individual septic systems and wells.

(b)

Application. This district shall be applied to properties outside the MUSA as shown on the current comprehensive plan guided rural developing where municipal sanitary sewer and water infrastructure is not planned.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of this urbanized district is to accommodate single-family dwelling units on suitable land and shall be serviced by sanitary sewer and municipal water.

(b)

Application. This district shall be applied to properties guided low density residential within the MUSA as shown on the current comprehensive plan where sanitary sewer and water infrastructure is available.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of this urbanized district is to accommodate single-family dwelling units on suitable land and shall be serviced by sanitary sewer and municipal water.

(b)

Application. This district shall be applied to properties guided low density residential within the MUSA as shown on the current comprehensive plan where sanitary sewer and water infrastructure is available.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of this urbanized district is to accommodate detached residential dwelling units on suitable land and shall be serviced by sanitary sewer and municipal water.

(b)

Application. This district shall be applied to properties guided low density or medium density residential within the MUSA as shown on the current comprehensive plan where sanitary sewer and water infrastructure is available.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of this urbanized district is to accommodate detached and attached dwelling units on suitable land and shall be serviced by sanitary sewer and municipal water.

(b)

Application. This district shall be applied to properties guided low or medium density residential within the MUSA as shown on the current comprehensive plan where sanitary sewer and water infrastructure is available.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of this urbanized district is to accommodate a variety of residential dwelling unit types on suitable land and shall be serviced by sanitary sewer and municipal water.

(b)

Application. This district shall be applied to properties guided high density residential within the MUSA as shown on the current comprehensive plan where sanitary sewer and water infrastructure is available.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

The following subchapter establishes a listing of the permitted, conditional, principal, accessory, and temporary uses for the residential zoning districts. The uses have been allocated to the individual districts to allow reasonable use of properties in a manner that is compatible with the purpose of each residential zoning district, the overall purpose of this chapter, and the comprehensive plan. Whenever in any zoning district a use is neither specifically permitted or denied, the use shall be considered prohibited.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

Permitted and conditional principal uses are listed in the following table for each of the districts in this section. Additional performance standards for the uses are found in the noted section.

P = Permitted Use, C = Conditional Use, NP = Use Not Permitted

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

Permitted and conditional accessory uses are listed in the following table for each of the districts in this section. Additional performance standards for the uses are found in the noted section. All accessory uses must be accompanied by a primary use on a parcel. No accessory building shall be constructed on any lot prior to the time of construction of the principal building:

P = Permitted Use, C = Conditional Use, NP = Use Not Permitted

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023; Ord. No. 24-10, § 2, 7-23-2024; Ord. No. 25-08, § 2, 9-23-2025)

The following uses are considered temporary in nature and accessory to an established primary use listed in section 106-421. If a date range is given, that use is only allowed during that time period. Additional performance standards for the uses are found in section 106-425:

P = Permitted Use, C = Conditional Use, NP = Use Not Permitted

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

Some permitted and conditional uses listed in sections 106-421, 106-422, and 106-423 are further regulated based on the standards below.

(1)

Accessory dwelling units (ADU). When permitted, attached and detached accessory dwelling units have the following requirements:

a.

Number. No more than one ADU shall be allowed per one existing single-family residential property.

b.

Owner occupancy. The principal dwelling or the ADU must be owner-occupied.

c.

Accessory buildings. The ADU must comply with all other accessory building requirements set forth in this section.

d.

Architecture. The exterior finish of the ADU must match that of the principal structure.

e.

Maximum size. The maximum size of an ADU cannot exceed 800 square feet of habitable space. If in the Shoreland Overlay, the maximum site of a detached ADU cannot exceed 700 square feet.

f.

Home occupations. The ADU cannot be used for any portion of a Level-II home occupation.

g.

Setbacks. The detached ADU setbacks must meet the setback requirements for a principal dwelling.

h.

Minimum lot size. Detached ADU's are allowed on properties with a minimum of one acre in size. See section 106-943 for additional lot area standards within Shoreland Overlay.

i.

Attached ADU's are allowed on properties with a minimum of 80-foot lot width.

j.

Height. The detached ADU may not exceed a height of 22 feet, or the height of the principal structure, whichever is less. ADUs in the Shoreland Overlay District are limited to 15 feet in height.

k.

Address. The ADU must retain the same address as the principal structure.

l.

Parking. Additional parking for the ADU is not required if off-street parking requirements for the principal structure are met.

m.

Utilities. Accessory dwelling units must share utilities with the principal structure.

n.

Foundation. Accessory dwelling units must have a permanent foundation.

o.

Ownership. Accessory dwelling units may not be sold separately from the primary residence, and cannot be created with a new tax parcel.

p.

In multi-family, assisted living, memory care, or nursing home structures, ADUs as one-bedroom guest suites are permitted at the rate of one ADU per 50 apartment units and shall not count towards density calculations.

(2)

Home occupations.

a.

Intent. Home occupations shall be allowed to exist in the residential zoning districts in accordance with certain criteria established to protect the peace, quiet, and domestic tranquility in all residential neighborhoods. It is the intent of this section that the property owner shall have a vested interest in the business, as the city does not desire to create business incubators for lease within the residential districts.

b.

Use table. The following use table lists allowed and prohibited uses for home-based businesses:

c.

General provisions.

1.

Permit. A home occupation will not be required to obtain a type-II home occupation permit if it:

i.

Is an allowed business use as outlined in subsection b.;

ii.

Meets all general provisions outlined in subsection c.; and

iii.

Does not meet the criteria necessitating a type-II home occupation permit outlined in subsection d.

2.

Ownership. Home occupation and operations are restricted to the property where the owner of the home occupation resides, has title, or holds rental lease.

3.

Number. No more than one business is allowed per residential property.

4.

Employees. One employee that is not a resident of the dwelling is allowed.

5.

Principal structure. All business operations must be internal to the dwelling, and entrance to the home occupation shall be gained from within the principal structure. No home occupation activity shall be allowed within a detached accessory building or garage without a type-II home occupation permit.

i.

Exception: Photography studios may be located within the principal structure, accessory structures, landscape features, or in the yard without a type-II home occupation permit.

6.

Size. The area of the home occupation cannot exceed the allowable square footage amounts for the applicable lot size established the table in section 106-450.

7.

Parking space reserved. At least 400 square feet of indoor garage/parking space must be reserved for personal vehicles or equipment, in either attached or detached garage space.

8.

Signage. A sign not exceeding two square feet in size may be displayed if affixed flat against the wall of either the dwelling or accessory building where the home occupation is being conducted. The sign shall be non-illuminated and shall not have dynamic display capabilities.

9.

Exterior. There shall be no other exterior evidence of the existence of a home occupation, including outdoor storage of materials or commercial vehicles.

10.

Vehicles and on-site parking. One passenger vehicle associated with the business is allowed. The number of persons permitted on the site at any given time shall be limited so as not to create a parking demand in excess of that which can be accommodated on driveway(s) and/or parking pads on the site of the home occupation.

11.

Deliveries. The occupation cannot be serviced by deliveries from vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 20,000 pounds.

12.

Nuisance prevention. The business must not create noise, odors, vibration, smoke, air pollution, liquid or solid wastes, heat, glare, dust, or other adverse influences that will in any way have an objectionable effect upon adjacent or nearby property. In order to guarantee that a home occupation, once authorized, will not become a nuisance to the neighbors or otherwise violate these regulations, the city staff or city council may impose reasonable conditions necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of residents of the city.

13.

Non-conforming uses. Any existing home occupation that is discontinued for a period of more than 30 days, or is in violation of the provisions, under which it was initially established, shall be brought into conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

d.

Standards for home occupations that require a type-II home occupation permit.

1.

Allowed use. The home occupation must be an allowed use from the list in subsection b.

2.

Employees. A maximum of two non-resident employees is allowed.

3.

Vehicle. Outside parking of two commercial vehicles used for business transportation.

4.

Accessory Structure. Use of an accessory structure is allowed, but cannot exceed 800 square feet of the structure space.

(3)

Licensed residential facilities. Licensed residential facilities are limited to six residents per dwelling unit. This requirement applies to unlicensed supportive living facilities.

(4)

Model homes, temporary real estate offices, and construction trailers/field offices. This section allows for the provision of model homes, temporary real estate offices, and temporary construction trailers/field offices in new residential subdivisions or development without adversely affecting the character of surrounding residential neighborhoods and properties or creating a general nuisance. As these uses represent a unique temporary commercial use, special consideration must be given to the peculiar problems associated with them and special standards must be applied to ensure reasonable compatibility with their surrounding environment. All model homes, temporary real estate offices, and construction trailers/field offices must comply with the following special requirements:

a.

Temporary parking facilities shall be provided for model homes, temporary real estate offices, and construction trailers/field offices. At least four parking spaces must be provided. The overall design, drainage, and surfacing of the temporary parking facility shall be subject to the approval of the zoning administrator.

b.

The model home or temporary real estate office are permitted only until all the other lots in the subdivision have active building permits. Construction trailers/field offices are permitted until all buildings within the project have a certificate of occupancy.

c.

The applicant for a model home may be required to submit a cash bond to guarantee the conversion of the model home to living space in a timely manner if alterations to the site have occurred such as the provision of paved parking, removal of lighting, and similar uses. Such conversion includes, but is not limited to, the provision of landscaping, turf restoration and the removal of parking lots, signage, and lighting.

d.

At no time may a model home, temporary real estate office, or construction trailer/field office be used as living quarters.

(5)

Multiple family dwellings. Multiple family dwelling buildings intended for general occupancy (excluding senior living) shall have the following requirements:

a.

Unit types. All buildings shall have a mix of three or more different unit types. In no case shall a building be comprised of more than 60 percent one-bedroom units and no more than 20 percent efficiency or studio units.

b.

Controlled access entry systems are required for all multiple family dwelling buildings including accesses between enclosed parking and the rest of the building.

(6)

Patios and decks.

a.

Side and rear setbacks: Five feet.

b.

Front setback: Ten feet less than the front yard setback for principal structures in each zoning district.

(7)

Principal structures within the MUSA reserve district constructed after the adoption date of this chapter:

a.

All principal structures shall be orientated in such a way where access can be modified from an existing arterial or collector roadway to a new local street anticipated with any future subdivision on the property.

b.

All structures shall be designed for eventual connection to city services.

(8)

Religious institutions.

a.

In any residential district, a religious institution must be located along an arterial roadway or at the intersection of two collector roadways as defined by the existing functional classification map in the comprehensive plan. Vehicular access to the site must be from either the collector or arterial roadway or a designated frontage road.

b.

Dwelling units. Dwelling units are allowed as an accessory use as a residence for clergy, staff, or mission of the institution.

(9)

Temporary portable storage containers.

a.

One temporary portable storage container is allowed per dwelling unit for a maximum of 30 consecutive days in a calendar year, unless in conjunction with an active building permit.

b.

The storage container must be located on the driveway of the dwelling unit it is serving. An alternate location may be approved by the zoning administrator.

(10)

Daycare centers. Daycare centers are allowed as an accessory use only within a structure primarily for religious institution.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023; Ord. No. 24-10, § 2, 7-23-2024; Ord. No. 25-08, § 2, 9-23-2025)

Pursuant to authority granted by Minn. Stats. § 462.3593, subd. 9, the City of Ramsey opts-out of the requirements of Minn. Stats. § 462.3593, which defines and regulates temporary family health care dwellings.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Minimum and maximum dimensional standards for lots and the principal structures for each of the residential districts are established in the following table:

(b)

Maximum setback. All principal structures on lots zoned R-1A, R-1B, and R-1C shall be constructed no greater than ten feet more than the minimum setback for the respective districts, except where adjacent structures existing as of July 1, 2002, have a different setback from that required herein, the front yard setback shall conform to the prevailing setback of adjacent structures. If adjacent structures have different setbacks from one another, the minimum front yard shall be the average of the two adjacent structures.

(c)

For lots in the R-2 district created for attached or detached townhomes, the lot area equivalent shall be calculated as an average of the areas of the privately-owned lots and any association-maintained common areas.

(d)

Accessibility ramps are exempt from the front yard setback requirements of each district.

(e)

Density/use transitioning and buffering. Add 35 feet to the minimum lot depth or width and to the principal structure setback (side or rear) to accommodate screening requirements found in section 106-475 when:

(1)

Adjacent to an RR-, B-, or I-zoned property; or

(2)

When an R-2- or R-3-zoned property is adjacent to an RR-, R-1A-, R-1B-, or R-1C-zoned property;

(3)

Adjacent to a P-zoned property.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2, 4-8-2025)

The following standards are required for all accessory structures on residential properties.

(1)

Height.

a.

Urbanized districts. The height of a detached accessory buildings shall not exceed the height of the principal structure or 24 feet, whichever is less. The height of an attached accessory structure shall not exceed the height of the principal structure.

b.

Rural residential or MUSA reserve district. The height of a detached accessory building in the front or side yard shall not exceed the height of the principal structure or 24 feet, whichever is less. The height of an attached accessory structure shall not exceed the height of the principal structure. If a detached structure is in the rear yard, the height of the accessory structure cannot exceed 30 feet.

(2)

Architectural requirements. The exterior materials used on the detached accessory buildings must generally match those of the principal building on the subject property including same or similar colors, soffit, fascia and eave overhang.

(3)

Setbacks.

a.

Side and rear setbacks: Five feet.

b.

Front setback: No closer to the street than the edge of the principal structure.

c.

Side setback adjacent to right-of-way: the same minimum side yard setback to right-of-way requirement as the principal structure for that zoning district.

d.

Exception: Detached accessory building may be located in front of the principal building while maintaining setbacks for principal structures in that zoning district when:

1.

On RR lots two acres or greater in area, or

2.

When located riparian lots in the wild and scenic, critical area, or shoreland overlay districts.

(4)

Quantity and area requirements. All accessory buildings, with the exception of attached garages, shall be included when calculating the maximum square footage of accessory building space allowed on a property. All accessory buildings, excluding attached garages, shall be included when determining the total number of accessory buildings on a property.

Accessory structure area and quantity requirements for all residential districts:

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023; Ord. No. 24-10, § 2, 7-23-2024; Ord. No. 25-08, § 2, 9-23-2025)

(a)

Garages required. All single-family and townhome units must have a garage, either attached or detached, of at least 400 square feet in area.

(b)

Required quantity of parking spaces. For uses not listed below, a parking justification report shall be submitted to the zoning administrator explaining the anticipated parking needs based on the number of residents, employees, customers, and visitors.

(1)

Detached single-family, attached two-family, townhome (attached or detached), and licensed residential facility uses must provide two off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit. Driveways may be used as parking spaces.

(2)

Multiple-family dwelling uses must provide 1.5 off-street parking spaces per unit in a parking lot or structure conforming to the design standards in section 106-560.

(3)

Senior living and assisted living uses must provide one off-street parking space per unit in a parking lot or structure conforming to the design standards in section 106-560.

(4)

Religious institutions as required in section 106-560.

(c)

In any residential district, outside parking of any motor vehicle(s) and/or recreational equipment is subject to the following standards:

(1)

Number of items.

a.

Six items are allowed for outdoor storage and parking on parcels less than one acre in size.

b.

Eight items are allowed for outdoor storage and parking on parcels between one and 1.99 acres in size.

c.

Ten items are allowed for outdoor storage and parking on parcels between two and 4.99 acres in size.

d.

Twelve items are allowed for outdoor storage and parking on parcels five acres or greater in size.

e.

Items stored or parked separate from other items shall count as one item each; multiple items stored or parked on a trailer, for instance, count as one item. (Example: two snowmobiles and an empty trailer on the ground are three items; two snowmobiles on a trailer are one item).

f.

Items that will count towards the number restriction include, but are not limited to, the following examples: Trailers, motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, campers, boats, canoes, snowmobiles, jet-skis, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts, motocross bikes, motorcycles, fish houses, bobcats, skid steers, and self-propelled vehicles.

g.

Exceptions: Items that will not count towards the number restriction include those items typically seen as accessory to a residential use, up to four each. Examples would be lawnmowers, garden tractors and attachments, bicycles, wheelbarrows, play structures, stepladders, and other items used for routine home and lawn maintenance.

(2)

Location and setbacks. No setback requirements.

(3)

Surfacing.

a.

Inside the metropolitan urban service area (MUSA).

1.

Currently licensed and operable motor vehicles, the primary purpose of which is for private transportation or recreational use may be parked.

i.

In the front yard if on a driveway.

ii.

In the side or rear yard provided it is parked on a residential parking surface that consists of a continuous hard surface of either bituminous pavement, concrete, or driveway-rated pavers.

2.

Equipment, for which the primary purpose is private or personal/recreational use may be parked.

i.

In the front yard if on a driveway.

ii.

In the side yard on a residential parking surface of a continuous hard surface of either bituminous pavement, concrete, or driveway-rated pavers.

iii.

In the rear yard on an unimproved surface.

b.

Outside the metropolitan urban service area (MUSA).

1.

Currently licensed and operable motor vehicles, the primary purpose of which is for private transportation or recreational use may be parked.

i.

In the front yard if on a driveway.

ii.

In the side or rear yard provided it is parked on a residential parking surface that consists of either bituminous pavement, concrete, driveway-rated pavers, or prepared gravel/Class V/crushed concrete/conbit of at least two inches in depth that is applied to the entire area beneath the motor vehicle and extending 12 inches around the perimeter of the motor vehicle.

2.

Equipment, for which the primary purpose is private or personal/recreational use may be parked.

i.

In the front yard if on a driveway.

ii.

In the side yard on a residential parking surface of bituminous pavement, concrete, driveway-rated pavers, or a prepared gravel/Class V/crushed concrete/conbit of at least two inches in depth, that is applied to the entire area beneath the equipment and extending 12 inches around the perimeter of the equipment.

iii.

In the rear yard on an unimproved surface.

c.

An alternative surface, such as pervious pavement, may be considered with appropriate base and approval of the zoning administrator.

(4)

The material for the prepared parking surface must be at least two inches in depth under the entire motor vehicle or equipment and extend 12 inches beyond the perimeter of the motor vehicle or equipment.

(5)

At no time shall a motor vehicle or equipment be parked such that any portion of the motor vehicle or equipment extends into a sidewalk or trail.

(d)

Commercial use motor vehicles and equipment may be parked outside for short-term periods, defined as eight hours or less in one 24-hour period, or for longer periods under the following conditions:

(1)

Inside the MUSA:

a.

Said items shall be screened to a degree of 75 percent at ground level view from the public right-of-way and adjacent properties.

b.

Said items shall be parked only in the side or rear yard of the subject property and said items shall be parked on a residential parking surface that consists of bituminous pavement or concrete.

c.

Commercial use motor vehicles and equipment intended to be parked outside that cannot meet criteria established in subsections (C)(1)a and b above, but can provide for alternatives to same, shall be required to obtain an interim use permit or home occupation permit, where applicable.

d.

Commercial use motor vehicles and equipment shall count towards the total number of allowable items that may be stored outside as defined in this section.

(2)

Outside the MUSA:

a.

Said items shall be screened to a degree of 50 percent at ground level view from the public right-of-way and adjacent properties.

b.

Said items shall be parked only in the side or rear yard of the subject property and said items shall be parked on a residential parking surface that consists of bituminous pavement, concrete, or Class V with a minimum of a two-inch base.

c.

Commercial use motor vehicles and equipment intended to be parked outside that cannot meet criteria established in subsection (c)(2)a and b above, but can provide for alternatives to same, shall be required to obtain an interim use permit or home occupation permit, where applicable.

d.

Commercial use motor vehicles and equipment shall count towards the total number of allowable items that may be stored outside as defined in this section.

(e)

Active agricultural motor vehicles and equipment necessary to sustain agricultural uses are allowed and not required to be parked on a prepared surface nor screened.

(f)

Private and/or commercial use motor vehicles and equipment shall not be parked on a parcel unless said personal property is owned or leased by a person residing on the parcel, or owned or leased by the employer of a person residing on the parcel. The Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles registration records shall be used to determine the owner of registered vehicles and/or equipment and said owner's address.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023; Ord. No. 24-14, § 2, 11-26-2024; Ord. No. 25-08, § 2, 9-23-2025)

The "GF Game Fair Parking Overlay District," is established as shown on the official zoning map accompanying this chapter. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 106-460 to the contrary, Game Fair parking on residentially zoned property may be permitted in required side and front yards only during the period of the annual "Game Fair" event conducted by Armstrong Kennels.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

When required.

(1)

A driveway shall be required for all attached accessory buildings with a doorway opening meeting or exceeding eight feet wide by seven feet tall.

(2)

If a detached accessory building serves as the primary garage, a driveway shall be installed.

(b)

Surface materials.

(1)

Urbanized districts. Driveway materials shall consist of concrete, bituminous, or driveway-rated pavers for a continuous hard surface.

(2)

Rural residential or MUSA reserve districts. Driveway materials shall consist of concrete, bituminous, driveway-rated pavers, or a minimum two-inch Class-V gravel.

(c)

Location and setbacks. No setback requirements.

(d)

Driveway widths shall not exceed 30 feet at the street, through the public right-of-way, and the first five feet of the adjacent yard to the right-of-way where the driveway is accessing.

(e)

No more than 50 percent of a front yard may be covered by a driveway.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023; Ord. No. 24-14, § 2, 11-26-2024)

(a)

Outdoor waste receptacles serving single- and two-family dwellings and licensed residential facilities must be placed against the structure.

(b)

Waste receptacles serving townhomes, multi-family, or non-residential uses must be located within an interior trash room, a garage, or an exterior waste enclosure designed of masonry construction and opaque gates compatible with the building's architecture.

(c)

Exception. Waste receptacles may be placed outside of these regulations from 5:00 pm the night before collection and the day of collection.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Intent. The City of Ramsey recognizes the advantages that landscaping and screening can provide, including enhanced health, safety, aesthetic, ecological and economic value. The intent of this section is to:

(1)

Enhance the quality of life within the city;

(2)

Enhance aesthetic view of development(s) from public roads;

(3)

Maintain and enhance property values;

(4)

Aid in both physical and mental human health;

(5)

Improve air quality and buffer against noise, glare, and heat;

(6)

Reduce the potential for crime and violence;

(7)

Improve energy efficiency;

(8)

Add visual interest to blank building facades and soften appearance of hardscaping and buildings with accent plantings;

(9)

Complement adjacent land uses;

(10)

Improve the visual quality and continuity within and between developments;

(11)

Reduce stormwater runoff;

(12)

Encourage the establishment and/or restoration of native landscapes.

(b)

Goals and objectives. Landscaping for any project is intended to achieve the following goals and objectives:

(1)

Provide immediate aesthetic enhancements to a development site while also taking into account space and input needs of plantings well into the future;

(2)

Encourage a healthy environment and landscape in the future;

(3)

Ensure a diverse mixture of species to protect against future pests and pathogens;

(4)

Encourage native landscapes in suitable locations with appropriate management plans.

(c)

Landscaping requirements.

(1)

Topsoil and ground cover. All exposed ground areas, including boulevards and areas not devoted to off-street parking, driveways, sidewalks, trails, patios or other such impervious improvements, shall be landscaped with turf, shrubs, trees, native grasses and wildflowers and/or other ornamental landscape materials within six months of the date of issuance of the certificate of occupancy.

a.

Topsoil. In all zoning districts, a minimum of four inches of topsoil shall be applied across all exposed ground areas to the edge of improved streets, sidewalks, driveways and other impervious surfaces, excluding natural areas that are left undisturbed, whenever a building permit is issued for the construction of a principal building. Alternatives to the import of topsoil, such as compost or other soil amendments known to improve soil water holding capacity may be permitted, but only with the prior approval of the city engineer.

b.

Required ground cover. In all urbanized zoning districts all portions of a site not covered by structures, concrete, or asphalt, but excluding natural areas that are left undisturbed, shall be finished with sod and plantings, up to the edge of improved streets and other impervious surfaces in adjacent rights-of way. Any alternative to the sod requirement shall require city council approval. The remainder of a yard may be established with sod, seed, natural ground cover and/or native grasses and wildflowers.

(2)

Irrigation. If a landscape irrigation system is provided, the system shall be equipped with the following:

a.

Technology that inhibits or interrupts operation of the irrigation system during periods of sufficient moisture (rain sensor).

b.

One or more water efficient technologies. This could include, but is not limited to, WaterSense labeled weather-based irrigation controllers, soil moisture sensors, and/or evapotranspiration (ET) sensors.

(3)

Existing trees. A reasonable attempt shall be made to preserve as many existing trees as is practicable and incorporate them into a development. For each healthy significant tree retained on site and not identified on the city's list of prohibited trees, one overstory tree, or the equivalent canopy square footage, can be deducted from the minimum planting requirements.

(4)

Planting types. Acceptable planting types shall be determined by the Ramsey Tree Book. The complement of trees fulfilling the landscaping requirements shall not be less than 25 percent deciduous and not less than 25 percent coniferous. Not more than 25 percent of the required plantings shall consist of ornamental or understory trees. Projects should attempt to limit the planting of any one genus to no more than 20 percent of the total plantings.

(5)

Planting requirements for the R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, and RR districts.

a.

In the R-1C district, alternative planting locations, such as the backyard or common areas, will be considered if there is not sufficient space in the boulevard due to other improvements such as driveways, streetlights, hydrants, etc.

(6)

Planting requirements for the R-2 and R-3 districts.

a.

If the housing product is a detached style, the plantings shall consist of at least one tree per 50 feet of street frontage, planted in the boulevard.

1.

Alternative planting locations, such as the backyard or common areas, will be considered if there is not sufficient space in the boulevard due to other improvements such as driveway, streetlights, hydrants, etc.

b.

If the housing product is an attached style, the number of plantings shall be determined based on canopy cover. To fulfill the planting requirements, a combination of trees and shrubs shall meet or exceed the minimum required canopy cover square footage.

c.

The minimum canopy cover required shall be calculated as follows:

1.

Determine ratio of impervious area (including stormwater ponds) to entire site.

2.

Multiply the impervious area/site area ratio by the square footage of the pervious area to calculate the required canopy cover square footage for the project area.

3.

The following formula shall be utilized to determine the average canopy cover of a species: [(minimum + maximum spread) ÷ 4] ² × π × (0.65 for preferred species or 0.50 for acceptable species, as identified in the Ramsey Tree Book).

d.

Minimum size of plantings. Required trees and shrubs shall meet or exceed the following size standards:

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Rooftop HVAC and other mechanical units must be screened from views from the property lines using the following means:

(1)

Proper placement on the roof.

(2)

An integrated screen panel that is architecturally compatible with the building.

(3)

Parapet heights sufficient for screening the views.

(b)

Ground-mounted HVAC and other mechanical units for all structures other than single-family, two-family, and townhomes must be screened from views from the property lines using the following means:

(1)

Privacy fencing.

(2)

An integrated screen panel that is architecturally compatible with the building.

(3)

Landscaped berms.

(3)

Density/use buffering and transitioning. Within the additional lot depth/width area described in section 106-430, the following options are required when different residential uses abut each other or residential uses abut an existing or planned non-residential use.

(1)

A continuous six-foot privacy fence with two-inch caliper overstory trees planted every 20 feet, roughly evenly spaced.

(2)

A vegetative buffer containing four two-inch caliper overstory, four six-foot evergreen, and four 1.5-inch understory trees planted per 100 feet of property boundary on both sides of a berm with a maximum slope of 4:1.

(3)

If this area is used for stormwater management, both sides of the basin shall be lined with two-inch caliper overstory trees at the rate of one tree per 20 feet, roughly evenly spaced and large shrubs at the rate of one per three feet. The side of the basin closest to a non-residential use shall add one 6-foot evergreen tree per 40 feet, roughly evenly spaced.

(4)

Other options may be approved by the city council based on site and adjacent site conditions and existing vegetation.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Single-family homes, two-family structures exterior building materials. The type of building materials used on exterior walls on all structures shall be face brick; natural stone; stucco; aluminum, steel, vinyl siding; wood; or other compatible residential materials.

(b)

Townhomes, rowhomes, multi-family buildings. The purpose of this subsection is to encourage the development of high-quality, diverse multiple-dwelling structures in the city while permitting flexibility in the development process.

(1)

General standards. The requirements in this subsection apply to the front facades of all multiple-dwelling structures, as defined under permitted uses in this subsection.

a.

The type of building materials used on exterior walls of all townhomes, rowhomes, and multi-family structures shall be face brick; natural stone; stucco; aluminum, steel, or vinyl siding; wood; or other compatible residential materials that may be approved by the city council. Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) material is prohibited. The front exterior building finish of multiple-family buildings shall consist of a minimum of 35 percent face brick, natural stone, or stucco (excluding window and door area in the calculation). This requirement shall also apply to the side of a building when it faces a public street.

b.

Multiple-dwelling developments that face county highways, state highways, or MSA roads shall vary structure orientation.

c.

A minimum of three colors shall be used for each multiple-dwelling building. Elements that may count towards this requirement include siding, trim, doors, and garage doors. A color palette shall be included as a part of the building elevation submittal at the time of development review.

d.

All multiple-dwelling structures shall include at least two of the following architectural elements:

1.

Articulated/cantilevered facade.

2.

Dormers.

3.

Articulated roofline.

4.

Projected or inset windows.

5.

Balconies, porches, or decks.

6.

Other elements as approved by the city council.

(c)

Accessory buildings. Exterior building materials for detached accessory buildings shall be generally consistent with the exterior finish of the principal building and finished with vinyl lap siding, aluminum or metal lap siding, architectural metal panels, textured wood (painted), and/or masonry. Prefabricated molded plastic storage sheds shall be permissible.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Height. Fencing or walls (except retaining walls) located in the front yard shall not exceed four feet in height. Fencing or walls located in the side or rear yard shall not exceed eight feet in height.

(b)

Materials and construction. Fences shall be constructed in a workmanlike manner and of substantial material reasonably suited for its intended purpose. Fencing material shall consist only of wood, chain link, wrought iron, maintenance free vinyl, aluminum, or steel. Any other material must be approved by the zoning administrator prior to installation.

(1)

No boards, planks, or panels shall be larger than 12 inches in width.

(2)

Chain link fences shall be constructed such that no barbed ends shall be at the top.

(3)

Fence framing must face inward on the fence owner's lot.

(4)

Chain link fencing for multi-family, townhome, or non-residential uses must be black or brown vinyl coated.

(c)

Agricultural uses.

(1)

Fences may be constructed of barbless wire or have the capability to carry an electric charge to accommodate agricultural activities and the raising of livestock and animals as defined by chapter 10, Animals. Lots of record as of July 1, 2002, within the MUSA that are currently used for agricultural activities or the raising of livestock and animals also qualify under this provision.

(2)

Electric fences must be set back a minimum of three feet from property lines and must be posted as being electric. Electric fences are only allowed in conjunction with an agricultural use in the RR or MR districts.

(d)

Location. Fencing must be located on the fence owner's lot and it is the responsibility of the fence owner to accurately locate property boundaries.

(1)

For corner lots, no fence shall be located within the vision clearance triangle.

(Ord. No. 23-14, § 3, 11-14-2023)