The Zoning Code is the set of rules that identifies how individual properties within the City can be used. It also sets standards for how buildings may be developed or changed. The Zoning Code is structured by dividing the City into districts and then identifying what can occur in each district. The Zoning Map shows where the City’s zoning districts are located.
The Zoning Code also has standards that apply to all districts, such as parking, landscaping, screening, signage, etc. State law requires that the Zoning Code’s regulations are consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
We Want to hear from You
Share your thoughts and comments about the 2024 proposed land usage code text amendments.
Zoning Code Text Amendments – First Reading
Chapters 150, 151, 152, and 153 of the City’s Zoning Code are scheduled for a first reading at the June 24, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting.
The City Council Agenda Packet, including Agenda Item 6.1: Zoning Code Test Amendments (Chapters 150, 151, 152, and 153); First Reading, can be found via this link:
Agenda Item 6.1: ZCU First Reading
MRCCA Open House Thank You!
City Planning staff appreciate that residents took the time to attend the Open House for the MRCCA Ordinance on April 24, and for sharing specific suggestions for changes. Staff heard three main concerns from attendees:
Variance Criteria: The DNR’s model ordinance includes criteria for considering variances that supplement the statutory three-factor test that is required for the approval of a variance. It was requested that these additional criteria not be included. The language is in line with the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Plan established in Chapter 12 of the Brooklyn Park 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Planning staff find the inclusion of the additional requirements to be helpful in consideration of future variance requests, as all variances must comply with the Comprehensive Plan. Staff will continue to recommend to the council that these remain in the MRCCA ordinance to ensure appropriate consideration of variance requests.
Lateral Expansion: Another resident request was to ask the DNR to allow for lateral expansion of existing structures located within the Shoreline Impact Zone (SIZ) or Bluff Impact Zone (BIZ) without a variance. When discussing this with the DNR, staff were informed that they will not approve any flexibility within the ordinance, and that variances for the lateral expansions must be required.
Grants: Staff heard that it is very important to property owners along the river that the City continue to pursue grant opportunities to fund protection efforts of this valuable natural resource. These efforts are not impacted by the adoption of the ordinance, and City Staff will continue to seek these opportunities.
Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Proposed Text Amendment
In 2017, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law requiring all cities within the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) to adopt updated regulations protecting the river. In February, the City of Brooklyn Park plans to adopt these standards into the Zoning Ordinance to comply with state law.
Proposed Text Amendment:
Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Proposed Text Amendment
Staff Report for February 14, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting:
2024.02.14 – MRCCA Staff Report
February 14, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Result:
MOTION CAVIN, SECOND TURNER TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 152 OF THE BROOKLYN PARK CODE OF ORDINANCES PERTAINING TO THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER CORRIDOR CRITICAL AREA.
FURTHER DISCUSSION: COMMISSION CHAIR CAVIN COMMENTED THAT THE COMMISSION WOULD ALSO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ALLOW ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION WITH IMPACTED RESIDENTS BEFORE FINAL APPROVAL OCCURS.
MOTION CARRIED 4 – 2 (CAVIN, FRASER, TURNER, AND UDOMAH IN FAVOR AND KIEKOW AND WAKO OPPOSED).
Crystal Airport Joint Airport Zoning Board (JAZB) Proposed Text Amendment
In 2019 the Minnesota State Legislature passed a law requiring the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) to update zoning rules around its airports, including Crystal Airport. In 2023, property owners received notification from the MAC regarding the proposed updated ordinance with an opportunity to testify at a public hearing before the Crystal Airport Joint Airport Zoning Board (JAZB). On November 8, 2023, the JAZB adopted the ordinance, following some changes in response to public comment.
Proposed Text Amendment:
(JAZB) Proposed Text Amendment
Staff Report for February 14, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting:
2024.02.14 – JAZB Staff Report
February 14, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Result:
MOTION UDOMAH, SECOND FRASER TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 152 OF THE BROOKLYN PARK CODE OF ORDINANCES PERTAINING TO THE AIRPORT OVERLAY DISTRICT.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chapter 150 – Signs
The Sign Code was amended to comply with changes made to the Comprehensive Plan through the new land use designations and the anticipated adoption of new zoning districts. Technical changes for consistency throughout the Land Use title were also made. The City’s Attorney is currently reviewing the text against current case law and additional changes may be required.
Discussion Item for February 28, 2024 Planning Commission Work Session:
Discussion Item C.1.A: Chapter 150 – Signs
Staff Report for March 13, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting:
Agenda Item 5.1: Chapter 150 – Signs
March 13, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Result:
MOTION FRASER, SECOND UDOMAH TO RECOMMEND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE #2024-__ AMENDING CHAPTER 150 OF THE BROOKLYN PARK CODE FOR CONSISTENCY WITH THE BROOKLYN PARK 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chapter 152 – Zoning Code Articles 1 – Administration and 2 – Zoning Districts
Articles 1 and 2 of Zoning Code (Chapter 152) were amended to comply with the changes made to the Comprehensive Plan through the new land use designations and the adoption of new zoning districts. Technical changes for consistency throughout the Land Use title were also made.
Discussion Item for February 28, 2024 Planning Commission Work Session:
Discussion Item C.1.D: Chapter 152 – Zoning Code – Articles 1 – Administration and 2 – Zoning Districts
Staff Report for March 13, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting:
Agenda Item 5.4 – Chapter 152 – Zoning Code – Articles 1 – Administration and 2 – Zoning Districts
March 13, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Result:
MOTION WAKO, SECOND UDOMAH TO RECOMMEND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE #2024-__ AMENDING CHAPTER 152 OF THE BROOKLYN PARK CODE FOR CONSISTENCY WITH THE BROOKLYN PARK 204O COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.\
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chapter 152 – Zoning Code Article 3 – Land Use Performance Standards
The proposed amendments comply with the changes made to the Comprehensive Plan through the new land use designations and the adoption of new zoning districts. Technical changes for consistency throughout the Land Use title are also made.
Discussion Item for March 27, 2024 Planning Commission Work Session:
Discussion Item C.1.A: Chapter 152 – Zoning Code – Article 3 Land Use Performance Standards
Staff Report for April 10, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting:
Agenda Item 6.6 – Chapter 152 – Zoning Code – Article 3 Land Use Performance Standards
April 10, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Result:
MOTION BORER, SECOND UDOMAH TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 152 OF THE BROOKLYN PARK CODE FOR CONSISTENCY WITH THE BROOKLYN PARK 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chapter 152 – Zoning Code Article 3 – Land Use Development Standards
The proposed amendments comply with the changes made to the Comprehensive Plan through the new land use designations and the adoption of new zoning districts. Technical changes for consistency throughout the Land Use title are also made.
Discussion Item for April 24, 2024 Planning Commission Work Session:
Discussion Item C.1.A: Chapter 152 – Zoning Code – Article 3 Land Use Development Standards
Staff Report for May 8, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting:
Agenda Item 5.2: Chapter 152 – Zoning Code – Article 3 Land Use Development Standards
May 8, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Result:
MOTION TURNER, SECOND BORER, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 152 OF THE BROOKLYN PARK CODE FOR CONSISTENCY WITH THE BROOKLYN PARK 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
FURTHER DISCUSSION: COMMISSIONER WAKO THANKED STAFF FOR THEIR HARD WORK.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chapter 153 – Stormwater Management
The Stormwater Management Code (Chapter 153) was amended for consistency throughout the Land Use title as well as changes made to reflect the current process.
Discussion Item for February 28, 2024 Planning Commission Work Session:
Discussion Item C.1.C: Chapter 153 – Stormwater Management
Staff Report for March 13, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting:
Agenda Item 5.3: Chapter 153 – Stormwater Management
March 13, 2024 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Result:
MOTION UDOMAH, SECOND WAKO TO RECOMMEND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE #2024-__ AMENDING CHAPTER 153 OF THE BROOKLYN PARK CODE FOR CONSISTENCY WITH THE BROOKLYN PARK 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.