Vehicular access.
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.660
in effect550.660. - Vehicular access.
(a) In general. Vehicular access and circulation shall be designed to minimize conflicts with pedestrian traffic and with surrounding residential uses. Curb cuts for vehicles shall be consolidated wherever possible.
(b) Vehicular access on corner lots. On a corner lot, curb cuts are prohibited along a goods and services corridor. Where a zoning lot is adjacent to two (2) goods and services corridors, a curb cut may be allowed.
(c) Vehicular alley access.
(1) In general. Vehicular alley access shall be prohibited for the following uses when located on a block containing any urban neighborhood or residential mixed-use zoning to minimize impact upon residential properties:
a. Transportation, vehicle services, and parking uses.
b. Any use with a drive-through facility.
c. Any nonresidential use over four thousand (4,000) square feet.
(2) Exceptions. The city planning commission or zoning administrator may approve exceptions to allow alley access where strict adherence is impractical because of site location or conditions and the exception meets the intent of this section. The city planning commission or zoning administrator shall accept input from the fire, police, and public works departments and shall consider, but not be limited to, the following factors when determining whether to approve an exception:
a. The number of residential uses on the block and their use of the alley.
b. The number of commercial uses on the block and their use of the alley.
c. The location of the site on the block and its proximity to the end of the block.
d. Other access to/from the site.
e. The nature of the use and the number of vehicle trips the site is expected to generate.
f. Public safety and crime prevention.
g. The hours and days of operation of the use.
h. Alley design and traffic safety impacts.
(d) Service access. Access for service vehicles shall be provided which does not conflict with pedestrian traffic. Where practical, truck loading areas shall be located away from urban neighborhood or residential mixed-use districts.
(e) Reduction of impervious surface. To the extent possible, site plans shall minimize the use of impervious surfaces. The use of interlocking pavers capable of carrying a wheel load of four thousand (4,000) pounds is encouraged for areas that serve low impact parking needs such as remote parking lots, parking facilities for periodic uses and parking in natural amenity areas.
Source: City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Park and Recreation Board Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=MICOOR_TIT20ZOCO_CH550DEST_ARTVSIPLREST_550.660VEACFetched: 11/2/2026