Intent.
Saint Paul Legislative Code § 62.101
in effectSec. 62.101. - Intent.
There exist within the districts established by this code and subsequent amendments lots, structures, and uses of land and structures that were lawful before this code was passed or amended that would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this code or future amendments. It is the intent of this code to permit legal nonconforming lots, structures or uses to continue until they are removed and not replaced in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 462.357, subdivision 1e.
The code recognizes that in some circumstances allowing nonconforming uses to be changed to similar or less intense nonconforming uses, or allowing nonconforming uses to be reestablished in vacant buildings may benefit the city and surrounding neighborhood. Some buildings have a long useful life and allowing their continued occupancy for nonconforming uses can be more desirable than requiring them to be vacant if they cannot be converted to conforming uses. Consequently, the code allows conversion of nonconforming uses to similar nonconforming uses and allows the planning commission to reestablish nonconforming uses in vacant buildings if regulated so as to be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
The code provides, under limited circumstances, for expansions or relocations of nonconforming uses when compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
(Ord 12-71, § 2, 12-12-12)
Source: City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, City Charter, Legislative Code and Administrative Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mn/st._paul/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIILECO_TITVIIIZOCO_CH62ZOCOONLOUSST_S62.101INFetched: 11/1/2026