Zoning

The Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 44 of City Code, establishes regulations and minimum requirements controlling the location, construction, alteration, and use of structures and land within the City.

The ordinance creates use districts, which regulate what activities are permitted in different parts of the City. For example, the City Council may determine that a heavy industrial zone is not appropriate in a certain location because of its proximity to sensitive environmental features or residential districts. Zoning also creates minimum and maximum standards for yard area (setbacks), architectural materials, height, and parking.

The purpose of the ordinance is the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Zoning Map

Please visit our Interactive Zoning Map which shows the different districts and their boundaries. Maplewood has 18 different zoning districts. 

The zoning district associated with a property can be found on the map; the standards for each district are located in the Zoning Ordinance. The zoning district of a property may be modified by the City Council; often, zoning districts change when redevelopment occurs.

Modifications

When considering modifications to the Official Zoning Map, the City Council considers the request of the applicant, the recommendations of City Staff and the Planning Commission, and the guidance found in the Comprehensive Plan.

To apply for an amendment to the Official Zoning Map, please use the Rezoning Application (PDF).

Zoning Letters 

A Zoning Letter informs a potential buyer on what can and cannot be done with a particular property based on the current zoning and property past history. Depending on the information required, a Zoning Letter can provide information on legal land uses, zoning, zoning district performance standards, development history, and compliance. 

City staff will research all information as accurately as possible based on or relating to the information on file with the City but the City assumes no liability for errors or omissions. All information is obtained from public records which may be inspected during regular business hours.

Zoning letters can be requested by submitting an application online via the Citizen Access portal. Please use the reference guide below to assist you in registering for an account and submitting an application.

  1. Registering for an Account
  2. Submitting an Application

The fee for a Zoning Letter is $100. Payment can be made with a credit card upon submittal of the request (a 2.5% convenience fee applies) or you can mail or bring in a check payment to: 

City of Maplewood (Attn: Planning Division)
1830 County Road B E
Maplewood, MN 55109

Please understand requests will not be reviewed until payment is received. If you have additional questions, you can contact us at 651-249-2302.

Zoning Verification Forms

Forms related to various State licenses can be submitted for review to be signed off on by the City verifying the zoning of a particular property. These types of requests do not require online submission and generally do not require a fee. If you have a State zoning verification form that requires City review and sign-off, please mail or bring in the form to the address above. Forms can also be emailed to Elizabeth Hammond, Planner.