Two Harbors City Zoning Code
ARTICLE ONE
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 11.10. HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT.
Subd. 1. Consult the zoning map to identify the base zone district for your property. There are five types of base zone districts: Residential (R), Mixed Use (MU), Commercial (B), Industrial (I), and Parks (P).
Subd. 2. Review the map to see if you are within the Shoreland Overlay Zone District. Section 11.61 in Article 6 outlines the standards related to property within this overlay district. Of note, these minimum standards are set forth by the North Shore Management Board for consistent development along Minnesota’s Lake Superior shoreline.
Subd. 3. Find permitted uses of property. Review the permitted use table in Article 3 to determine whether your proposed use of the property is permitted by right, available as a conditional use or an accessory use, or is prohibited in the base zone district. Article 3 also contains use-specific standards that control how some uses may be developed or operated.
Subd. 4. Review what development standards apply. Review Article 4 to determine what type, size of structure, where it may be constructed on your property, and what other standards will apply to the development. Additional general and district specific development standards may be required as described in Article 5 or Article 6.
Subd. 5. Find what procedures may be required. If your proposed use requires a land use or conditional use permit, you will need to follow the process for obtaining that permit as described in Article 7. If your proposed development requires any other types of approvals (for example, a variance from setback requirements), those procedures are also described in Article 7.
Do not hesitate to contact the Community Development Planner with any questions.
Source: Ordinance No. 123
Effective Date: 07-16-2021
SECTION 11.11. PURPOSE.
This Chapter establishes comprehensive zoning regulations for the City, and provides for their administration, enforcement and amendment, in accordance with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 426.357, as may be amended from time to time, and for the repeal of all ordinances in conflict herewith. The City Council deems it necessary that adequate light, pure air, and safety from fire and other dangers may be secured, that the taxable value of land and buildings throughout the City may be conserved, that congestion in the public streets may be lessened or avoided, that the hazards to persons resulting from the accumulation or runoff of storm or flood waters may be
lessened or avoided, and that the public health, safety, comfort and welfare may be otherwise promoted; and, pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 426.354, establishes the Planning Commission; the Planning Commission has given reasonable consideration to the plans and maps prepared as a part of the comprehensive planning process; and the Planning Commission has further caused to be prepared, reviewed and transmitted to the Council the provisions of this Zoning Chapter.
Source: Ordinance No. 123
Effective Date: 07-16-2021
SECTION 11.12. BOUNDARIES THEREOF.
Subd. 1. The boundaries of these districts are shown upon the map and made a part of this Chapter, which map is designated as the zoning map or district map, which map is on file in the office of the City Clerk. The district map, and all the notations, references and other information shown thereon, are a part of this Chapter and have the same force and effect as if the district map and all the notations, references and other information shown thereon, were all fully set forth or described herein, which district map is made a part of this Chapter by reference.
Subd. 2. All territories that may hereafter be annexed to the City shall be considered as being in the same district classification as that adjoining the area to be annexed.
Subd. 3. Whenever any street, alley or other public way is vacated by official action of the Council, the zoning districts adjoining each side of such street, alley or public way shall be automatically extended to the center of the vacation, and all areas included in the vacation shall then and henceforth be subject to all appropriate regulations of the extended districts.
Subd. 4. Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of districts, as shown on the official zoning or district map, the following rules shall apply:
A. Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines or right-of-way lines of streets, highways or alleys shall be construed to follow such centerlines.
B. Boundaries indicated as approximately following platted lot lines shall be construed as following such lot lines.
C. Boundaries indicated as approximately following City limits shall be construed as following the City limits.
D. Boundaries indicated as following railroad lines shall be construed to be midway between the main tracks.
E. Boundaries indicated as following rivers and streams should be construed to follow the approximate centerline of such river or stream, and in the event of change in such river or stream, should be construed as moving with the actual centerline of such river or stream.
F. Where the street or property layout existing on the ground is at variance with that shown on the official zoning map, or in other circumstances not covered by Subparagraphs A through E, above, the Board of Zoning Appeals shall interpret the district boundaries in accordance with provisions of this Chapter.
Source: Ordinance No. 123
Effective Date: 07-16-2021
SECTION 11.13. COMPLIANCE.
Subd. 1. Except as hereinafter provided:
A. No building shall be erected, converted, enlarged, reconstructed or structurally altered, nor shall any building or land be used except in conformity with the use, height, area, loading and parking regulations in the district in which the building or land is located.
B. The minimum yards and other open spaces, including lot area per family, required by this Chapter for each and every building existing on the effective date of this Chapter, or for any building hereafter erected, shall not be encroached upon or considered as yard or open space requirements for any other buildings; nor shall any lot area be reduced beyond the district regulations of this Chapter.
C. Every building hereafter erected or structurally altered shall be located on a lot as herein defined, and in no case shall there be more than one main building on one lot in any “R” District.
Subd. 2. Building Requirements. No building or other structure shall hereafter be erected or altered that:
A. Exceeds in height.
B. Accommodates or houses a greater number of families.
C. Occupies a greater percentage of lot area.
D. Has narrower or smaller rear yards, front yards, side yards or other open spaces.
E. Is in any other manner contrary to the provisions of this Chapter.
Subd. 3. Dwellings on Any Lot of Record. In any district where dwellings are permitted, a single-family, detached dwelling may be erected on any lot of official record on the effective date of this Chapter, irrespective of its area or width, provided the applicable yard and other open-space requirements are satisfied or modified by the Board of Appeals.
Subd. 4. Permits Required. No person shall use land or structures, or erect or modify a structure, including buildings, fences and structures under 200 square feet, without first receiving any approval or permits required by this chapter, including land use permits, conditional use permits, planned unit developments, and variances.
Source: Ordinance No. 123
Effective Date: 07-16-2021