Sandstone City Zoning Code
TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL
DISTRICT
§ 163.020 PURPOSE.
This designation strongly reflects the current pattern of residential use in the city. The district primarily includes single-family detached units, but also allows for single-family attached dwellings and multiple-family housing. This core residential area also supports institutional and public uses. Densities of four to six dwelling units per acre are common and anticipated to continue into future development of these lands. In some areas, it may be appropriate to develop multi-family housing at densities greater than six units per acre. Some portions of this district may be appropriate for lot splits, subdivision redevelopment or infill development. There are some areas of the residential district where limited commercial uses such as small retail (“corner stores”) or offices are appropriate with special use permits.
(Prior Code, § 515.11) (Ord. 02-03, passed 10-16-2002; Ord. 20210120, passed 1-20-2021)
§ 163.021 PERMITTED USES.
(A) Single-family residential;
(B) Two-family residential;
(C) Essential services; and
(D) State-licensed residential facilities, housing with services establishments serving six or fewer persons, licensed day care facilities serving 12 or fewer persons, and group family day care facilities licensed to serve 14 or fewer children, all as defined and permitted by M.S. § 462.357, subd. 7, as it may be amended from time to time, are considered a single-family residential use.
(Prior Code, § 515.11) (Ord. 02-03, passed 10-16-2002; Ord. 2011-01, passed 2-16-2011; Ord. 20210120, passed 1-20-2021; Ord. 20250219-01, passed 2-19-2025)
§ 163.022 PERMITTED ACCESSORY USES.
(A) Private garages, parking spaces and carports for licensed and operating passenger cars and trucks, not to exceed a gross vehicle weight of 12,000 pounds, as regulated by this chapter. For the purpose of this chapter, the GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT is defined as the weight according to the manufacturer’s specifications or the weight for which the vehicle is licensed, whichever is less. Private garages are intended for use to store the private passenger vehicles of the family or families resident upon the premises, and in which no business service or industry is carried on.
(1) The space can be rented to non-residents of the property for private passenger vehicles or non-commercial vehicles, trailers or equipment if sufficient off-street parking in full compliance with this chapter is provided elsewhere on the property.
(2) The garage may not be used for the storage of more than one commercial vehicle not exceeding 12,000 pounds gross vehicle weight and 22 feet in length and eight feet in height owned or operated by a resident of the dwelling unit. Truck tractors, semi-trailers, semi-tractors or tractor-trailers may not be stored in residential districts;
(B) Non-commercial greenhouses and conservatories;
(C) Swimming pools, tennis courts and other recreational facilities which are operated for the enjoyment and convenience of the residents of the principal use and their guests;
(D) Tool houses, sheds and similar buildings for storage of domestic supplies and non-commercial recreational equipment;
(E) Boarding or renting of rooms to not more than one person;
(F) Garage sales. The infrequent temporary display and sale of general household goods, used clothing, appliances and other personal property; provided, the exchange or sale of merchandise is conducted within the principal structure or an accessory structure. Items for sale may not include personal property purchased for the purpose of resale. The number of garage sales on an individual’s premises may not exceed four per year, and each sale is limited to a three-day duration, with hours of operation between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. All garage sales shall end at 10:00 p.m.;
(G) Rooftop solar; and
(H) Ground-mount solar.
(Prior Code, § 515.11) (Ord. 02-03, passed 10-16-2002; Ord. 2011-01, passed 2-16-2011; Ord. 2013-03, passed 10-16-2013; Ord. 20210120, passed 1-20-2021)
§ 163.023 INTERIM USES.
The following uses may be permitted upon the issuance of an interim use permit:
(A) Home occupation, Type 1;
(B) Home occupation, Type 2;
(C) Home occupation, Type 3;
(D) Home occupation, Type 4;
(E) Vacation rentals; and
(F) Small engine and related equipment repair; non-motor fuel repair shops, including appliances, computers and the like as an accessory use (secondary to the residential use).
(Prior Code, § 515.11) (Ord. 02-03, passed 10-16-2002; Ord. 2011-01, passed 2-16-2011; Ord. 20210120, passed 1-20-2021; Ord. 20250219-01, passed 2-19-2025)
§ 163.024 CONDITIONAL USES.
The following uses may be permitted upon the issuance of a conditional use permit:
(A) Parks, playgrounds and other recreational uses;
(B) Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and associated medical facilities which are accessory to and located in close proximity to the facilities;
(C) Places of assembly;
(D) Educational and cultural facilities;
(E) Bed and breakfast services;
(F) Towers and antennas (see Chapter 159 of this code of ordinances);
(G) Three- and four-family dwellings;
(H) State-licensed residential facilities serving from seven to 16 persons or licensed day care facilities serving from 13 through 16 persons shall be considered a permitted multi-family residential use as defined and permitted by M.S. § 462.357, subd. 8, as it may be amended from time to time. A conditional use permit may be required; provided that, no conditions shall be imposed which are more restrictive than those imposed on other conditional uses of residential properties, unless necessary to protect the health and safety of the residents of the facility;
(I) Planned unit development (PUD);
(J) Non-motor fuel repair shops, including appliances, computers and the like as a home occupation;
(K) Small retail “corner” stores (such as, small grocery, bakery, barber shop, photography studio, animal grooming);
(L) Professional offices (such as, dental, clinic, chiropractors, architects, artist’s studio); and
(N) Sacred settlements of micro units on religious property.
(1) For the purposes of this section, RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION includes a church, synagogue, mosque, or religious organization organized under M.S. Chapter 315, as may be amended from time to time.
(2) All requirements and minimum standards as provided by Minnesota Statutes as they relate to micro units and restrictions for faith communities that choose to establish a sacred settlement of micro units must be followed.
(3) The Planning Commission may consider additional conditions to impose during the conditional-permit-application process.
(O) Multi-family residential (four units of more).
(Prior Code, § 515.11) (Ord. 02-03, passed 10-16-2002; Ord. 2011-01, passed 2-16-2011; Ord. 2015-04, passed 8-19-2015; Ord. 20210120, passed 1-20-2021; Ord. 20231115-01, passed 11-15-2023; Ord. 20231220-02, passed 12-20-2023)
§ 163.025 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
(A) Minimum parcel size:
(1) Single-family dwellings: 7,000 square feet;
(2) Two-family dwellings: 9,000 square feet; and
(3) Three- and four-family dwellings: 11,000 square feet.
(B) Minimum lot width:
(1) Single-family dwellings: 50 feet;
(2) Two-family dwellings: 80 feet; and
(3) All other uses: 100 feet.
(C) Setbacks:
(1) Front yard setback: 30 feet or in line with adjacent neighboring residential structures, whichever is less;
(2) Rear yard setback:
(a) If facing the property line: 20 feet; and
(b) If parallel to the alley: ten feet.
(3) Side yard setback: ten feet.
(D) Maximum height of structure: 40 feet.
(E) Maximum impervious surface coverage: 35%.
(F) Minimum residential living space for single-family and two-family residences: 900 square feet per unit.
(G) Foundations: buildings must be on permanent foundations.
(H) (1) An impervious surface driveway shall be provided from the curb line to the property line of the lot upon which a dwelling is to be placed or constructed.
(2) The driveway may not be less than 12 feet in width.
(I) Accessory buildings and structures:
(1) Are not allowed in the front yard;
(2) Must not exceed the height of the principal building;
(3) Detached utility sheds or sheds attached to a principal structure by a wall are permitted. If detached, the structures may not be located closer than ten feet from the principal structure;
(4) A concrete slab or other suitable foundation is required;
(5) May not be constructed prior to or in lieu of the principal building;
(6) Side yard setback: five feet, or from a designated setback on a corner lot; and
(7) Rear yard setback: five feet, or from a designated setback on a corner lot.
(J) Where allowed, standards for cannabis businesses are:
(1) A license or endorsement from the State of Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management is required.
(2) Compliance with state license requirements shall be maintained at all times.
(3) A cannabis business shall be located:
(a) At least 500 feet from any day care or residential treatment facility as measured from property line to property line;
(b) At least 500 feet from any attraction within a public park that is regularly used by minors, including a playground or athletic field, measured from the property line of the cannabis business to the attraction; and
(c) At least 1,000 feet from any K-12 school as measured from the property line to the property line.
(Prior Code, § 515.11) (Ord. 02-03, passed 10-16-2002; Ord. 20210120, passed 1-20-2021; Ord. 20250219-01, passed 2-19-2025; Ord. 20250618-01, passed 6-18-2025)
§ 163.026 OTHER REQUIREMENTS.
No more than one temporary storage container may be stored in a side or rear yard; provided that, the side yard storage shall not be adjacent to a street and all setbacks are met. The container may be located on the property for a period not to exceed six months per year, while storage is required for remodeling or other activities relating to the property.
(Prior Code, § 515.11) (Ord. 02-03, passed 10-16-2002; Ord. 20210120, passed 1-20-2021)