SITE PLAN REVIEW STANDARDS

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances tit. 20, ch. 550, art. V

in effect

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.500 Purpose.

550.500. - Purpose. Site plan review standards are established to promote development that is compatible with nearby properties, development patterns, natural features and plans adopted by the city council, to minimize pedestrian and vehicular conflict, to reinforce public spaces, to promote public safety, and to visually enhance development. The regulations recognize the unique character of land and development throughout the city and the need for flexibility in site plan review.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.510 Buildings and uses subject to site plan review.

550.510. - Buildings and uses subject to site plan review. (a) In general. Table 550-1, Buildings and Uses Subject to Site Plan Review, lists all buildings and uses subject to site plan review. The site plan review requirements of this article shall apply to the establishment or expansion of any building, principal use or freestanding accessory parking garage listed on the table, except as otherwise provided by this section. Site plan review shall not be required where the property has received site plan approval and is in full compliance with such approval, and the establishment or expansion of the use does not alter the approved site plan. Any person with a legal or equitable interest in a property may choose to voluntarily file an application for site plan review for any building or use not listed in Table 550-1, Buildings and Uses Subject to Site Plan Review. Voluntary applications shall be subject to administrative site plan review. (b) Downtown districts. Any building containing fifty thousand (50,000) square feet or more of gross floor area located in the downtown districts shall be exempt from the general landscaping and screening requirements. The parking and loading landscaping and screening requirements shall apply. Table 550-1 Buildings and Uses Subject to Site Plan Review Any new principal nonresidential or mixed-use building. The site plan review application may be reviewed administratively if both of the following apply: (1) The project or proposal does not include any other land use application requiring a public hearing. (2) The building contains less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of gross floor area. Any addition to a nonresidential or mixed-use building that would increase its gross floor area by two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet or more. The site plan review application may be reviewed administratively if each of the following apply: (1) The project or proposal does not include any other land use application requiring a public hearing. (2) The building addition contains less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of gross floor area. 1 Any building or use containing four (4) or more new or additional dwelling units or rooming units. 2 The site plan review application may be reviewed administratively if both of the following apply: (1) The project or proposal does not include any other land use application requiring a public hearing. (2) The proposal includes fewer than twenty (20) new or additional dwelling units or rooming units. Alternatively, any number of new or additional dwelling units or rooming units shall qualify for administrative review when established within an existing building's floor area originally constructed for or historically used primarily for nonresidential uses. Any use that includes the intensification, expansion, or reconstruction of a legal nonconforming drive-through facility. Freestanding accessory parking garages containing thirty (30) or more new or additional parking spaces 3 Principal parking facilities containing ten (10) or more new or additional parking spaces 4 Public services and utilities uses. Recycling facility. Transportation, vehicle services, and parking uses, except as otherwise required for principal parking facilities above. Any new single-, two-, or three-family dwellings The site plan review application shall be reviewed administratively and shall be subject to the standards of Section 550.790, Site plan review for single-, two-, and three-family dwellings. 1 Additions that total two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet or more in any three (3) year period shall be subject to site plan review. 2 Additions that total four (4) or more dwelling or rooming units in any three (3) year period shall be subject to site plan review and additions that total twenty (20) or more dwelling or rooming units in any three (3) year period shall require a public hearing and shall not be eligible for administrative review. 3 Additions that total thirty (30) or more parking spaces in any three (3) year period shall be subject to site plan review. 4 Additions that total ten (10) or more parking spaces in any three (3) year period shall be subject to site plan review. (Ord. No. 2024-033, § 1, 9-19-24)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.520 Application for site plan review.

550.520. - Application for site plan review. The application procedures and review criteria for site plan review applications are specified in section 525.210. The zoning administrator shall determine whether the application will be reviewed through a public hearing or administratively pursuant to Table 550-1, Buildings and Uses Subject to Site Plan Review.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.530 Alternative compliance.

550.530. - Alternative compliance. The city planning commission or zoning administrator may approve alternatives to any site plan review requirement upon finding any of the following and as required elsewhere in this article: (1) The alternative meets the intent of this article and the site plan includes amenities or improvements that address any adverse effects of the alternative. Site amenities may include but are not limited to additional open space, additional landscaping and screening, green roof, decorative pavers, ornamental metal fencing, architectural enhancements, transit facilities, bicycle facilities, preservation of natural features, restoration of previously damaged natural environment, rehabilitation of existing structures that have been locally designated or have been determined to be eligible to be locally designated as historic structures, and design which is similar in form, scale and materials to existing structures on the site and to surrounding development. (2) Strict adherence to the requirements is impractical because of site location or conditions and the proposed alternative meets the intent of this article. (3) The proposed alternative is consistent with applicable development plans or development objectives adopted by the city council and meets the intent of this article.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.540 Conditions and guarantees for site plan review.

550.540. - Conditions and guarantees for site plan review. (a) In general. The city planning commission or zoning administrator may impose such conditions on any proposed site plan and require such guarantees as it deems reasonable and necessary to protect the public interest and to ensure compliance with the standards and purposes of this zoning ordinance and the applicable policies of the comprehensive plan. (b) Performance bond or letter of credit. The city planning commission or zoning administrator may require a performance bond or letter of credit to be supplied by the applicant guaranteeing completion of required site improvements as a condition of site plan approval. The amount of such bond shall be set at one hundred twenty-five (125) percent of the estimated cost of the improvements. (c) Inclusionary housing. Approval of a site plan review application for any building or use subject to the inclusionary housing requirements of Article VI, Inclusionary Housing in this chapter, shall be conditioned upon compliance with the inclusionary housing requirements specified in the city's Unified Housing Policy in effect on the date a complete site plan review application is submitted.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.550 Changes in approved site plan.

550.550. - Changes in approved site plan. (a) Minor changes. The zoning administrator may authorize minor changes to an approved site plan upon determining each of the following: (1) The proposed changes would not represent a substantial redesign of the project and are consistent with the intent of this article and the findings made by the city planning commission or zoning administrator in connection with the approval of the site plan. (2) The proposed changes would not create the need for additional alternative compliance or land use applications not previously considered and approved by the city planning commission or zoning administrator. (3) Where the proposed changes would result in additional building bulk, the increase would not exceed ten (10) percent of the gross floor area of the approved increase, or an additional two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet, whichever is less. A proposed reduction of floor area compared to the approved site plan may also be considered a substantial change based on criteria (1) and (2) above. (4) Compared to the approved plan, the changes would not increase the proposed building height greater than five (5) feet or five (5) percent, whichever is less. (5) Additional building bulk or height shall not be considered a minor change if the approved building bulk or height was authorized through a variance or conditional use permit to exceed maximum floor area or height limitations. (b) Other changes. Changes to the site plan or components of the site plan other than minor changes shall require amendment to the site plan. The requirements for application and approval of a site plan amendment shall be the same as the requirements for original application and approval. However, an amendment to an approved site plan filed within two (2) years of approval shall be subject to a reduced application fee as authorized by Chapter 525, Administration and Procedures.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.560 Building placement.

550.560. - Building placement. (a) In general. The placement of buildings shall reinforce the street wall, maximize natural surveillance and visibility, and facilitate pedestrian access and circulation. The first floor of buildings shall be located not more than fifteen (15) feet from the front lot line, except where a greater yard is required by this zoning ordinance. In the case of a corner lot, the building wall abutting each street shall be located not more than fifteen (15) feet from the lot line, except where a greater yard is required by this zoning ordinance. The area between the building and the lot line shall include amenities such as landscaping, tables and seating, but shall not include vehicle parking. (b) Exceptions. The city planning commission or zoning administrator may approve alternatives to these requirements, subject to section 550.530, provided that where applicable, any adverse effects shall be mitigated by a decorative fence, masonry wall, or planted materials that reinforce the street wall. (Ord. No. 2025-023, § 56, 5-15-2025)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.570 Building walls.

550.570. - Building walls. (a) In larger buildings, architectural elements, including recesses or projections, windows and entries, shall be emphasized to divide the building into smaller identifiable sections. Blank, uninterrupted walls that do not include windows, entries, recesses or projections, or other architectural elements, shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in length. (b) Generally, buildings with a simple palette of high-quality materials are preferred. Buildings shall not include more than three (3) exterior materials on each elevation. This excludes windows, doors, and foundation materials. (c) The appearance and materials of the rear and side walls shall be similar to and compatible with the front of the building. Generally, the primary exterior material(s) incorporated on the front of the building must be incorporated on all sides. (d) Material changes should occur at architectural intersections such as recesses, setbacks, or massing changes. Material changes should be articulated through transitional detailing such as substantial trim, coursing, or reveal. (e) Following approval of a site plan review application, modification to exterior building materials may be considered a minor change under section 550.550 of this ordinance where the zoning administrator finds that the change will not result in lower-quality, less durable materials. (Ord. No. 2023-061, § 1, 11-16-23)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.580 Entrances.

550.580. - Entrances. Buildings shall be oriented so that at least one (1) principal entrance faces the public street rather than the interior of the site. In the case of a corner lot, the principal entrance shall face the front lot line or a goods and services corridor. Principal entrances shall be clearly defined and emphasized through the use of architectural features or other details that express the importance of the entrance. Multiple entrances are encouraged. (Ord. No. 2025-023, § 57, 5-15-2025)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.590 Windows.

550.590. - Windows. (a) In general. Minimum window area at the first floor or ground level shall be measured between two (2) and ten (10) feet above the adjacent grade. Minimum window area on walls above the first floor shall be measured between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor above, except that window area on the topmost story shall be measured on that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling. Windows are required on any portion of wall that extends more than six (6) feet above the adjacent grade. (b) Residential uses. Twenty (20) percent of the walls on the first floor and ten (10) percent of the walls on each floor above the first that face a public street, public sidewalk, or public pathway, shall be windows. Ten (10) percent of the walls on each floor facing an on-site parking lot shall be windows, provided the parking lot is not located between the building and a public street, public sidewalk or public pathway. (c) Nonresidential uses. Thirty (30) percent of the walls on the first floor and ten (10) percent of the walls on each floor above the first that face a public street, public sidewalk, or public pathway, shall be windows. The required window area shall increase to forty (40) percent on the first-floor wall facing a public street designated as a goods and services corridor. Ten (10) percent of the walls on each floor facing an on-site parking lot shall be windows, provided the parking lot is not located between the building and a public street, public sidewalk, or public pathway. Required windows shall be as follows: (1) Windows shall be vertical in proportion. (2) Windows shall be distributed in a more or less even manner. (3) The bottom of any window used to satisfy the ground floor window requirement may not be more than four (4) feet above the adjacent grade. (4) First floor or ground floor windows shall have clear or lightly tinted glass with a visible light transmittance ratio of six-tenths (0.6) or higher. (5) First floor or ground floor windows shall allow views into and out of the building at eye level. Shelving, mechanical equipment or other similar fixtures shall not block views into and out of the building in the area between four (4) and seven (7) feet above the adjacent grade. However, window area in excess of the minimum required area shall not be required to allow views into and out of the building. (6) In multiple tenant buildings, each individual ground level tenant space that faces a public street, public sidewalk, or public pathway, shall comply with the minimum window requirements of this section.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.600 Ground floor active functions.

550.600. - Ground floor active functions. Except for production and processing uses in production districts, the first floor or ground level of buildings shall be designed to accommodate active functions by ensuring that parking, loading, storage, or mechanical equipment rooms are limited to no more than thirty (30) percent of the linear building frontage along each wall facing a public street, public sidewalk, or public pathway.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.610 Roof lines.

550.610. - Roof lines. The form and pitch of roof lines shall be similar to that of surrounding buildings. (Ord. No. 2025-023, § 58, 5-15-2025)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.620 Parking garages.

550.620. - Parking garages. (a) Design. In addition to compliance with the other standards of this article, parking garages shall comply with the following: (1) In the downtown districts, requirements for active uses between the ground floor of principal and accessory parking garages and any public sidewalk, as required by Chapter 530, Zoning Districts, shall apply. In all other districts, parking garages shall comply with provisions of this article requiring active functions on the ground floor. (2) Above the ground floor, in any structure that includes a principal or accessory parking garage, parking and loading shall be limited to no more than thirty (30) percent of the linear frontage of each floor facing a public street, public sidewalk, or public pathway. (3) Vehicles and internal garage lighting shall be screened as viewed from the public right-of-way and nearby properties. (4) Where two (2) or more levels of parking are provided above ground, the top level of parking garages shall be enclosed or screened as viewed from above. (5) All garage elevations shall use exterior materials to cover and diminish the visibility of any sloping floor. (6) Design features that facilitate future conversion of parking garages to other uses, including flat floors, are encouraged. (b) Floor area in downtown districts. The combined, above-grade floor area of principal and accessory parking garages in the downtown districts shall not exceed the gross floor area of all other uses located on the same zoning lot.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.630 Alternatives to building design standards.

550.630. - Alternatives to building design standards. The city planning commission or zoning administrator may approve alternatives to the building design requirements, subject to section 550.530, provided that the security of the surrounding area is considered and that any adverse effects are mitigated through the use of wall enhancements or architectural features, including display windows, that create visual interest.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.640 Pedestrian access.

550.640. - Pedestrian access. Clear and well-lighted walkways shall connect building entrances to the adjacent public sidewalk and to any parking facilities located on the site. Such walkways shall be a minimum of four (4) feet in width.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.650 Transit access.

550.650. - Transit access. Where transit shelters are provided, such shelters shall be well lighted and weather protected, and shall be placed in locations that promote security through natural surveillance and visibility.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.660 Vehicular access.

550.660. - 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.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.670 Residential developments without off-street parking or loading.

550.670. - Residential developments without off-street parking or loading. Where a newly constructed development with four (4) or more residential units provides zero (0) off-street parking or loading spaces, at least one (1) temporary drop-off and pick-space shall be provided and shall be clearly labeled as such. An accessible route shall be provided between the drop-off and pick-up space and the building. This provision shall not mandate a vehicle curb cut to a street where a curb cut would not otherwise be provided. (Ord. No. 2025-023, § 58, 5-15-2025)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.680 General landscaping and screening.

550.680. - General landscaping and screening. (a) Required landscaping. Overall composition and location of landscaped areas shall complement the scale of the development and its surroundings. In general, larger, well-placed contiguous planting areas shall be preferred to smaller, disconnected areas. Not less than twenty (20) percent of the site not occupied by buildings including all required landscaped yards shall be landscaped as follows (for purposes of this provision, a canopy or service area canopy shall not be considered a building): (1) Not less than one (1) canopy tree for each five hundred (500) square feet, or fraction thereof. (2) Not less than one (1) shrub for each one hundred (100) square feet, or fraction thereof. (3) The remainder of the landscaped area shall be covered with turf grass, native grasses or other perennial flowering plants, vines, shrubs or trees. [image omitted; see the official code] General Landscaping: Plan/Elevation (b) Required screening. Where screening is required by this zoning ordinance, such screening shall be six (6) feet in height, unless otherwise specified, except in required front yards where such screening shall be three (3) feet in height. Required screening shall be at least ninety-five (95) percent opaque throughout the year, unless otherwise specified. All screening shall be subject to the regulations of Article X, Fences in this chapter. Required screening shall be satisfied by one (1) or a combination of the following: (1) A decorative fence. [image omitted; see the official code] Required Screening: Decorative fence (2) A masonry wall. [image omitted; see the official code] Required Screening: Masonry wall (3) A hedge. [image omitted; see the official code] Required Screening: Hedge (c) Required landscaped yard and screening. Where both a landscaped yard and screening is required by this zoning ordinance, such required landscaped yard shall be satisfied by one (1) of the following: (1) Along a rear or interior side lot line, locate the required landscaped yard inside or outside the required screen. [image omitted; see the official code] Required Landscaped Yard and Screening: Yard outside the required screen (2) Along a public street, public sidewalk or public pathway, locate the required landscaped yard outside the required screen unless such screen is highly decorative and is less than sixty (60) percent opaque, such as a wrought iron fence. [image omitted; see the official code] Required Landscaped Yard and Screening: Yard inside or outside the required screen

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.690 Parking and loading landscaping and screening.

550.690. - Parking and loading landscaping and screening. (a) In general. Parking and loading facilities, and all other areas upon which motor vehicles may be located, including but not limited to drive-through facilities, pump island service areas and stacking spaces, shall comply with the standards of this chapter and the applicable regulations of this zoning ordinance. Where this section requires a landscaped yard, such yard shall remain unobstructed from the ground level to the sky, except that fencing shall be allowed. (b) Parking and loading fronting along a public street, public sidewalk or public pathway. Parking and loading facilities, and all other areas upon which motor vehicles may be located fronting along a public street, public sidewalk or public pathway shall comply with the following standards: (1) A landscaped yard at least seven (7) feet wide shall be provided along the public street, sidewalk or pathway, except where a greater yard is required. If a parking facility contains over one hundred (100) parking spaces, the minimum required landscaped yard shall be increased to nine (9) feet in width. (2) Screening consisting of either a masonry wall, fence, berm or hedge or combination thereof that forms a screen three (3) feet in height and not less than sixty (60) percent opaque shall be provided, except that where areas are devoted principally to the parking or loading of trucks or commercial vehicles of more than fifteen thousand (15,000) pounds screening six (6) feet in height and not less than sixty (60) percent opaque shall be required. (3) Not less than one (1) tree shall be provided for each twenty-five (25) linear feet or fraction thereof of parking or loading area lot frontage. (c) Parking and loading abutting or across an alley from an urban neighborhood or residential mixed-use district, or any permitted or conditional residential use. Parking and loading facilities and all other areas upon which motor vehicles may be located that abut or are across an alley from an urban neighborhood or residential mixed-use district or a permitted or conditional residential use shall comply with the following standards: (1) A landscaped yard at least seven (7) feet wide shall be provided along the property line or alley, except where a greater yard is required. If a parking facility contains over one hundred (100) parking spaces, the minimum required landscaped yard shall be increased to nine (9) feet in width. (2) Screening at least ninety-five (95) percent opaque shall be provided as specified in section 550.680(b). (d) Interior landscaping of parking lots. The corners of parking lots where rows of parking spaces leave areas unavailable for parking or vehicular circulation shall be landscaped as specified for a required landscaped yard. Such spaces may include architectural features such as benches, kiosks or bicycle parking. (e) Distance to trees. In parking lots of ten (10) spaces or more, no parking space shall be located more than fifty (50) feet from the center of an on-site deciduous tree. Tree islands located within the interior of a parking lot shall have a minimum width of seven (7) feet in any direction.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.700 Landscaping of other areas.

550.700. - Landscaping of other areas. All other areas not governed by sections 550.680 and 550.690 and not occupied by buildings, parking and loading facilities or driveways, shall be covered with turf grass, native grasses or other perennial flowering plants, vines, shrubs, trees or edible landscaping. Wood mulch, other organic mulches and landscape rock may be used in planting beds and in maintenance strips adjacent to a building, but are not a suitable alternative to plant cover. Areas wider than two (2) feet with wood mulch, other organic mulches or landscape rock shall contain plantings spaced not less than two (2) feet apart or as specified per the planting instructions. Landscape rock that is easily disturbed shall be at least five (5) feet or more from a public sidewalk or a shared property line.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.710 Ecological function.

550.710. - Ecological function. In its review of landscaped areas, the city planning commission shall include consideration of the following: (1) Interception and filtration of precipitation and stormwater through maximizing multiple-layered vegetative cover. (2) Reduction of reflectance and urban heat island effects through increasing canopy cover. (3) Conservation of energy through strategic shading and the use of windbreaks. (4) Selection and placement of plant materials to limit required maintenance of landscaped areas. (5) Preservation or restoration of natural amenities.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.720 Plant material standards.

550.720. - Plant material standards. Landscape species shall be indigenous or proven adaptable to the climate, but shall not be invasive on native species. Plant materials shall comply with the following standards: (1) All required trees shall be a minimum of two and one-half (2.5) inches caliper in size, except cluster or multiple trunk specimens, which shall be a minimum of one (1) inch caliper in size. (2) All required shrubs shall be a minimum of one (1) gallon container size. (3) All landscape materials shall be tolerant of specific site conditions, including but not limited to heat, cold, drought and salt. (4) Landscape materials that are used for screening shall be of a size that allows growth to the desired height and opacity within two (2) years.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.730 Installation and maintenance of landscape materials.

550.730. - Installation and maintenance of landscape materials. Installation and maintenance of all landscape materials shall comply with the following standards: (1) Areas to be landscaped shall be prepared and improved as specified by current Minnesota Department of Transportation standards for soil preparation and drainage. (2) All landscape materials shall be installed to current industry standards. (3) Maintenance and replacement of landscape materials shall be the responsibility of the applicant or property owner including the maintenance of any trees planted in the public right-of-way. An adequate water supply shall be indicated in the site plan. Landscape maintenance should incorporate environmentally sound management practices, including the following: a. The use of water and energy efficient systems such as drip irrigation. b. Pruning primarily for plant health and replacing dead materials annually. c. Anticipating and allowing plant community succession.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.740 Alternatives to landscaping and screening requirements.

550.740. - Alternatives to landscaping and screening requirements. The city planning commission may approve the substitution or reduction of landscaped plant materials, landscaped area or other landscaping or screening standards, subject to section 550.530, provided one (1) or more of the following exists: (1) The proposal will allow a site plan of exceptional design that includes amenities such as public seating, an outdoor plaza or transit shelter that will enhance the area or that is more consistent with the design of the site or the surrounding area. (2) The proposal will allow a site plan that is more consistent with the character of the area. (3) Existing plant materials, walls, fences or the topography of the site and its surroundings make the required landscaping or screening less necessary. (4) The required landscaping or screening will hinder truck access and service necessary to the operation of the use. (5) The required landscaping and screening may obstruct views of traffic or reduce natural surveillance of the site.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.750 Concrete curbs and wheel stops.

550.750. - Concrete curbs and wheel stops. All parking lots and driveways shall be designed with wheel stops or discontinuous curbing to provide on-site retention and filtration of stormwater. Where on-site retention and filtration is not practical, the parking lot shall be defined by six (6) inch by six (6) inch continuous concrete curb.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.760 Site context.

550.760. - Site context. (a) In general. To the extent practical, site plans shall minimize the blocking of views of important elements of the city such as parks and greenways, significant buildings and water bodies. (b) Shadowing. To the extent practical, buildings shall be located and arranged to minimize shadowing on public spaces and adjacent properties. A shadow analysis may be required that demonstrates the impact that the proposed building would have on shadowing of public spaces and adjacent properties. (c) Wind. To the extent practical, buildings shall be designed to minimize the generation of wind currents at ground level.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.770 Crime prevention through environmental design.

550.770. - Crime prevention through environmental design. Site plans shall employ best practices to increase natural surveillance and visibility, to control and guide movement on the site, and to distinguish between public and non-public spaces. Site plans shall include the following crime prevention design elements: (1) Natural surveillance and visibility. Design the site, landscaping, and buildings to promote natural observation and maximize the opportunities for people to observe adjacent spaces and public sidewalks. (2) Lighting levels. Provide lighting on site, at all building entrances, and along walkways that maintains a minimum acceptable level of security while not creating glare or excessive lighting of the site. (3) Territorial reinforcement and space delineation. Locate landscaping, sidewalks, lighting, fencing and building features to clearly guide pedestrian movement on or through the site and to control and restrict people to appropriate locations. (4) Natural access control. Locate entrances, exits, signs, fencing, landscaping, and lighting to distinguish between public and private areas, control access, and to guide people coming to and going from the site.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.780 Historic preservation.

550.780. - Historic preservation. To the extent practical, site plans shall include the rehabilitation and integration of locally designated historic structures or structures that have been determined to be eligible to be locally designated as historic structures. Where rehabilitation is not feasible, the development shall include the reuse of significant features of historic buildings.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.790 Site plan review for single-, two-, and three-family dwellings.

550.790. - Site plan review for single-, two-, and three-family dwellings. (a) Design standards. New single-, two-, and three-family dwellings shall comply with the applicable regulations of this zoning ordinance, including but not limited to the standards of Article III, General Residential Standards in this chapter, related to front entrance, window area, and walkway requirements, and limitations on attached garages facing the front lot line. In addition, the zoning administrator shall ensure that such uses obtain a minimum of seventeen (17) points from Table 550-2, Single-, Two-, and Three-Family Dwellings. Table 550-2 Standards for Single-, Two-, and Three-Family Dwellings Points | Design Standard 6 | The exterior building materials are masonry, brick, stone, stucco, wood, cement-based siding, and/or glass. 4 | The height of the structure is within one-half (½) story of the predominant height of residential buildings within one hundred (100) feet of the site. 4 | The total diameter of trees retained or planted equals not less than three (3) inches per one thousand (1,000) square feet of total lot area, or fraction thereof. The diameter of each tree shall be at least two and one-half (2.5) inches. Tree diameter shall be measured at four (4) feet above grade. 3 | Not less than twenty (20) percent of the walls on each floor that face a public street, not including walls on half stories, are windows. 3 | Not less than one (1) off-street parking space per dwelling unit is provided in an enclosed structure that is detached from the principal structure and is located entirely in the rear forty (40) feet or twenty (20) percent of the lot, whichever is greater, and the accessory structure is not less than twenty (20) feet from any habitable portion of the principal structure. 3 | The structure includes a basement as defined by the building code. 2 | Not less than ten (10) percent of the walls on each floor that face a rear or interior side lot line, not including walls on half stories, are windows. 1 | Not less than one (1) Level 2 or greater electric vehicle charging station, as defined in 1 | Chapter 555, Off-Street Parking, Loading and Mobility, is provided serving an off-street parking space. 1 | The development qualifies for and, following construction, provides proof of receipt of a City of Minneapolis Stormwater Quality Credit. 1 | The structure includes an open, covered front porch of at least one hundred (100) square feet in area and at least six (6) feet deep that is not enclosed with windows, screens, or walls. The porch may include guardrails not more than three (3) feet in height and not more than fifty (50) percent opaque. The finish of the porch shall match the finish of the dwelling or the trim on the dwelling. For the purpose of this section, raw or unfinished lumber shall not be permitted on an open front porch. (b) Accessibility. Structures that provide certain accessible features shall be awarded nine (9) points. Such structures shall obtain the remainder of the required minimum point total from the remaining categories. For the purpose of this section, a dwelling unit shall include, at a minimum, a ground-level accessible entrance, interior doorways not less than three (3) feet in width, and a ground-level restroom. (c) Trees. At least one (1) tree for each three thousand (3,000) square feet of lot area not occupied by buildings, or fraction thereof, shall be provided on-site. Required trees shall comply with the following standards: (1) At least one (1) tree shall be a canopy tree. (2) Trees shall be a minimum of two (2) inches caliper in size, except cluster or multiple trunk specimens, which shall be a minimum of three-quarter (¾) inches caliper in size, measured four (4) feet above grade. (3) Trees shall be indigenous or proven adaptable to the climate, but shall not be invasive on native species. (4) Trees shall be tolerant of specific site conditions, including but not limited to heat, cold, drought, and salt. (d) Enclosed storage. New single-, two-, and three-family dwellings shall provide an enclosed storage area not less than two hundred (200) square feet in area. If attached, the enclosed storage area shall open directly to the outside of the habitable portion of the principal structure and shall be accessible without use of stairs or elevator. If detached, the enclosed storage area shall be located entirely to the rear of the principal residential structure. The required storage area may be occupied by vehicle parking. (e) Alternative compliance. (1) In general. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the zoning administrator may grant alternatives to the standards of this section by allowing a new structure to obtain fewer than the minimum number of points from Table 550-2, Single-, Two-, and Three-Family Dwellings, upon finding each of the following: a. The structure is consistent with the predominant scale of existing residential structures in the same zoning district in the immediate area. In comparing the scale of the proposed structure to existing structures, the zoning administrator shall consider floor area, building height, facade width, and consistency with an established pattern of front, side, and rear yards in the vicinity. b. The structure achieves at least one (1) of the following: 1. The design incorporates traditional features and proportions found in the immediate area, which may include but shall not be limited to an examination of features such as windows, doors, roof lines, trim, gables, dormers, porches, or entry canopies; or 2. The design demonstrates exceptional creativity and incorporates high-quality, durable exterior materials. c. On sloped sites, the design responds to the topography of the site by following existing patterns in the vicinity and minimizing the apparent mass of the structure when viewed from lower elevations. d. The proposal is consistent with the applicable urban design policies of the comprehensive plan. (2) Notification. In conducting the review of requests for alternative compliance from this section, the zoning administrator shall mail notice of the request to property owners within one hundred (100) feet of the property and shall allow a public comment period of not less than ten (10) calendar days between the date of notification and the final decision. The zoning administrator's decision may be appealed in accordance with the standards of Chapter 525, Administration and Procedures.

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_ARTVSIPLRESTFetched: 11/2/2026