Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 599.1500 Definitions.
599.1500. - Definitions.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, or unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning, the words and phrases in the following list of definitions shall, for the purposes of this chapter, have the meanings indicated. All words and phrases not defined shall have their common meaning.
Alteration. Any construction, addition, installation of features, demolition in whole or in part, relocation or material change, including signs and awnings, affecting the exterior of a landmark, property in a historic district or property under interim protection, or the designated or nominated interior of any building or structure. Also, any site work that affects the character-defining features of a designated landscape, landscape associated with a designated property or property under interim protection or identified archaeological resource.
Archaeology. The scientific study of people and their cultures through the analysis of artifacts, sites, and other remains.
Archaeological resource. The material remains of past human activity through prehistoric and historic sites that are buried below ground or extend above ground.
Building official. The individual designated by the department of community planning and economic development to serve as the city's building official pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 326B.133.
Character-defining feature. A prominent or distinctive aspect, quality, physical feature or characteristic that contributes to the physical character and/or historic significance of a historic property. This may include the overall shape of the building, structure, or site, its materials, craftsmanship, decorative details, and/or various aspects of the site and environment that communicate a property's historic significance.
City council. The city council of the city of Minneapolis.
Contributing. A resource that was present during a landmark or historic district's period of significance and retains historic integrity to convey its significance.
Demolition. The act of moving or razing a building or structure including the removal or enclosure of sixty (60) percent or more of the building or structure.
Designated property. Any property included as part of a landmark or historic district designated by the city council.
Design guidelines. Specific design guidance that meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for rehabilitation and is adopted by the city council for landmarks and historic districts to be used in reviewing preservation permits, administrative preservation applications and commission preservation applications.
Designation study. A study and report prepared to document the historical, cultural, architectural, archaeological or engineering significance and historic integrity of a property or collection of properties.
Historic district. All properties within a defined area designated as a historic district by the city council because of the historical, cultural, architectural, archaeological or engineering significance of the district and ability of the district to convey historic integrity or designated as a historic district by state law.
Historic exception. Departure from the literal requirements of the zoning regulations governing a landmark or property in a historic district where strict adherence would cause practical difficulties due to special conditions or circumstances unique to a designated building, structure or site.
Historic integrity. The ability of a property to convey its historic significance through its physical characteristics and relationship to its historic context as evidenced by its location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association.
Historic waiver. A waiver issued jointly by the planning director and the regulatory services director for requests relative to short term rental dwelling units in individual landmarks.
Interim protection. Protection of a property or properties from demolition or alterations that may destroy or negatively affect the character-defining features of such property during the designation study process following the heritage preservation commission's decision to commence a designation study.
Landmark. Any property, or any interior of a building, designated as a landmark by the city council because of its historical, cultural, architectural, archaeological, or engineering significance and ability to convey that significance through its historic integrity.
National Register of Historic Places. The federal government's official list of buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historic significance and historic integrity. It was established in 1966 as part of the National Historic Preservation Act and is overseen by the National Park Service.
Non-contributing. A resource that was built after the landmark or historic district's period of significance or does not retain historic integrity to convey its significance.
Non-historic. Features, materials, or alterations that do not date within a period of significance of a landmark or historic district.
Period of significance. The span of time during which a property or collection of properties achieved their historic significance which qualifies them for designation.
Planning director. The director of the department of community planning and economic development or their designee.
Potential historic resource. A property or collection of properties that meet the definition of a potential historic landmark or a potential historic district. An individual property may be considered a potential historic resource as part of a potential historic district if the property embodies characteristics representative of that district's significance.
Potential historic district. A contiguous or discontiguous group of two (2) or more properties that collectively are believed to meet at least one (1) of the significance criteria for local designation as a historic district and maintain historic integrity.
Potential historic landmark. A property that is believed to meet at least one (1) of the significance criteria for local designation as a landmark and maintain historic integrity.
Preservation permit. Planning director approval for any alteration where compliance with the heritage preservation ordinance, applicable historic design guidelines, and recommendations within the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation has been met.
Property. Any land, building, structure or object, surface or subsurface area, or natural or landscape feature.
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. The most recent standards for the treatment of historic properties under rehabilitation established by the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior.
Secured building or structure. Any building or structure in which the roof, walls, foundation, basement, doors, windows, or other openings into the building or structure are closed by any conventional methods used in the design of buildings or are boarded up with weather resistant/weather proofed plywood (minimum acceptable grade: three-eighths inch (⅜") CD exterior) cut to fit the opening it is securing and screwed at intervals not to exceed twelve (12) inches, so as to prevent access to the building or structure from inclement weather, animals, trespassers, children, or other persons not authorized to be on the premises.
Significance. The importance of a landmark, historic district, property under interim protection, or potential historic resource, evidenced by the ability to meet at least one (1) of the seven (7) criteria of significance.
Structure. Anything constructed or erected with a more or less fixed location on the ground or in or over a body of water. A structure shall include, but not be limited to bridges, fences, walls, signs, canopies, decks, patios, antennae, piers, docks and any objects or things permanently attached to the structure. For the purposes of this chapter, a structure shall not include a building intended for human shelter.
Visual impact. The effect an alteration has on the visual appearance and surrounding environment of a building, structure, or landscape.
Weathertight. A building or structure is weathertight when it is sufficiently sealed to prevent the entry of wind, rain, or snow, allowing interior work to proceed without weather-related interruption.
Zoning administrator. The individual designated by the director of the department of community planning and economic development to serve as the city's zoning administrator or their authorized representative.
(Ord. No. 2025-053, § 1, 11-20-2025; eff. 1-1-2026)