Planning & Zoning
MOST RECENT QUARTERLY DEVELOPMENT STATUS REPORT
SPECIAL LAND USE APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION
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Adopted Zoning Code & Map Zoning Code Zoning Map - Detailed
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Crystal has several residential, commercial and industrial zoning districts, which are intended to ensure that adjacent land uses are as compatible with each other as possible. The Zoning Code contains the land use regulations for each zoning district. The ordinance also includes the Zoning Map - General, which shows the zoning district designation of each property in the City. The Future Land Use Map in the Crystal Comprehensive Plan is the basis for the zoning district designations.
The Planning Commission, a 9-member advisory board appointed by the City Council, is responsible for reviewing and recommending changes to the City's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map. For "Agendas & Minutes", click here. The Planning Commission also holds public hearings on the following Special Land Use applications:
Site Plan Review: This is required for any new building other than a single family or duplex residential structure. The Site Plan Review process provides the Planning Commission and City Council with an opportunity to review the proposed building, site layout, landscaping, and parking and loading areas. (chapter 420 in Crystal City Code)
Conditional Use Permit: In some zoning districts, certain uses require this type of permit due to the potential for incompatibility with adjacent land uses. For example, a gas station or drive-thru restaurant would be required to get a Conditional Use Permit due to the potential negative impacts of traffic, noise and late night operations.
Variance: In cases where there is an undue hardship caused by the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, a property owner may apply for a Variance from that part of the regulations. Variances cannot be granted to allow a use not otherwise permitted in a particular zoning district. Typically, variances are requested from setback, parking or lot area requirements. However, state law includes a very strict definition of "undue hardship":
"Undue hardship" as used in connection with the granting of a variance means the property in question cannot be put to a reasonable use if used under conditions allowed by the official controls, the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner, and the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Economic considerations alone shall not constitute an undue hardship if reasonable use for the property exists under the terms of the ordinance." [M.S. 462.357 Subd. 6(2)]
Subdivision: To plat property for development, divide an existing lot into two lots or move a lot line located between two lots, Hennepin County requires that such a request must be approved by the City before it is accepted by the County. Requests to combine two or more existing parcels into a single parcel can usually be accomplished administratively, without review by the Planning Commission or City Council..
For consideration of Special Land Use applications in 2009, the application form, deadlines, Planning Commission public hearing dates and City Council meeting dates, click on the documents below: