Performance standards for public facilities.
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 535.1670
in effect535.1670. - Performance standards for public facilities.
(a) General design standards. All public facilities must be designed and constructed to:
(1) Minimize visibility of the facility from the river to the extent consistent with the purpose of the facility;
(2) Comply with the structure placement and height standards in section 535.1650, except as provided in section 535.1720;
(3) Be consistent with the vegetation management standards in section 535.1690 and the land alteration and storm water management standards in section 535.1700, including use of practices identified in Best Practices for Meeting DNR General Public Waters Work Permit GP 2004-0001, where applicable;
(4) Avoid primary conservation areas, unless no alternative exists. If no alternative exists, then disturbance to primary conservation areas must be avoided to the greatest extent practicable, and design and construction must minimize impacts;
(5) Minimize disturbance of spawning and nesting times by scheduling construction at times when local fish, birds, and wildlife are not spawning or nesting; and
(6) During bird migration times, schedule construction, or implement mitigation measures, to minimize disturbance in primary conservation areas.
(b) Right-of-way maintenance standards. Right-of-way maintenance must comply with the following standards:
(1) Vegetation currently in a natural state must be maintained to the extent feasible;
(2) Where vegetation in a natural state has been removed, native plants should be considered for replanting and maintained on the right-of-way; and
(3) Chemical control of vegetation must be avoided when practicable, but when chemical control is necessary, chemicals used must be in accordance with the regulations and other requirements of all state and federal agencies with authority over the chemical's use.
(c) Crossings of public water or public land. Crossings of public waters or land controlled by the commissioner are subject to approval by the commissioner according to Minn. Statutes, Sections 84.415 and 103G.245.
(d) Public utilities. Public utilities must comply with the following standards:
(1) High-voltage transmission lines, wind energy conversion systems greater than five (5) megawatts, and pipelines are regulated according to Minn. Statutes, Chapters 216E, 216F, and 216G respectively; and
(2) If overhead placement is necessary, utility facility crossings must minimize visibility of the facility from the river and follow other existing rights-of-way as much as practicable.
(3) The appearance of structures must be as compatible as practicable with the surrounding area in a natural state with regard to height and width, materials used, and color.
(4) Wireless communication facilities, according to section 535.1640(a)(3).
(e) Public transportation facilities. Public transportation facilities shall comply with structure placement and height standards in section 535.1650. Where such facilities intersect or abut two (2) or more MRCCA sub-districts, the least restrictive standards apply. Public transportation facilities must be designed and constructed to give priority to:
(1) Providing scenic overlooks for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians;
(2) Providing safe pedestrian crossings and facilities along the river corridor;
(3) Providing access to the riverfront in public ownership; and
(4) Allowing for use of the land between the river and the transportation facility.
(f) Public recreational facilities. Public recreational facilities must comply with the following standards:
(1) Buildings and parking associated with public recreational facilities must comply with the structure placement and height standards in section 535.1650, except as provided in section 535.1720.
(2) Roads and driveways associated with public recreational facilities must not be placed in the bluff or shore impact zones unless no other placement alternative exists. If no alternative exists, then design and construction must minimize impacts to shoreline vegetation, erodible soils and slopes, and other sensitive resources.
(3) Trails, access paths, and viewing areas associated with public recreational facilities and providing access to or views of the Mississippi River are allowed within the bluff and shore impact zones if design, construction, and maintenance methods are consistent with the best management practice guidelines in Trail Planning, Design, and Development Guidelines.
a. Hard-surface trails are not allowed on the face of bluffs with a slope exceeding thirty (30) percent. Natural surface trails are allowed, provided they do not exceed eight (8) feet in width.
b. Trails, paths, and viewing areas must be designed and constructed to minimize:
1. Visibility from the river;
2. Visual impacts on public river corridor views; and
3. Disturbance to and fragmentation of primary conservation areas.
(4) Public water access facilities must comply with the following requirements:
a. Watercraft access ramps must comply with Minnesota Rules Chapters 6115.0210 and 6280.0250; and
b. Facilities must be designed and constructed consistent with the standards in Design Handbook for Recreational Boating and Fishing Facilities.
(5) Public signs and kiosks for interpretive or directional purposes are allowed in the bluff or shore impact zones, provided they are placed and constructed to minimize disturbance to these areas and avoid visual impacts on public river corridor views. Sign size, height, and type shall be as regulated in the base zoning district.
(6) Public stairways, lifts, and landings must be designed as provided in section 535.1660(c)(3).
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_CH535OVDI_ARTXIIIMRMIRICOCRAROVDI_535.1670PESTPUFAFetched: 11/2/2026