HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Ordinance 2022-10(1)
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-10
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE PLYMOUTH CITY CODE,
ENTITLED THE PLYMOUTH ZONING ORDINANCE (2022004)
THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH ORDAINS:
Section 1. Amendment. Section 21005.02 of the Plymouth City Code (RULES AND
DEFINITIONS—DEFINITIONS) is amended by adding, deleting, or changing the following definitions as
follows:
Building Height, Principal Building: The vertical distance from the average of the
highest and lowest point of “grade plane” for that portion of the lot covered by the building to the
highest point of the roof for flat roofs, to the roof deck line of mansard roofs, and to the mean
height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip, and gambrel roofs. (Amended by Ord. No. 2014-
12, 02/25/14)
Fence Related:
(a) “Fence” shall mean a partition, wall, hedge, row(s) of continuous plantings, or gate
erected as a dividing marker, visual or physical barrier, or enclosure.
(1) “Man made fence” shall mean a partition or wall constructed of wood,
metal, masonry, brick, stone, concrete, and the like.
(2) “Natural hedge or planting” shall mean a divider or barrier comprised of
vegetation materials.
(b) “Fence height” shall mean the distance from the adjacent finished adjoining grade
to the highest projection of a fence structure including support posts.
Grade (Adjacent Adjoining Ground Elevation): The lowest point of elevation of the
finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk within the area between the building and the
property line, or when the property line is more than five (5) feet from the building, between the
building and a line five (5) feet from the building The finished ground elevation adjoining a
structure or building at exterior walls.
(2)
Grade Plane: A reference plane representing the average of the finished ground level
adjoining a structure or building at exterior walls. Where the finished ground level slopes away
from exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by the lowest points between the
structure or building and the lot line, or where the lot line is more than 6 feet from the structure or
building, the reference plane shall be established by the lowest points between the structure or
building and a point 6 feet away from the structure or building.
Impervious Surface: An artificial or natural surface that is highly resistant to infiltration
by water. It includes surfaces such as compacted sand or clay as well as most conventionally
surfaced streets, driveways, roofs, buildings, sidewalks, stoops, patios, tennis courts, parking lots,
swimming pools, and other similar structures. Impervious surface shall include any portion of an
eave overhang that projects more than thirty (30) inches out from the wall. Impervious surface
shall also include cantilevered areas located less than six (6) feet above the adjacent adjoining
grade, and any portion of cantilevered areas together with any related eave overhang that projects
more than thirty (30) inches out from the wall. Impervious surface shall exclude the area covered
by free-standing retaining walls, and the area covered by man-made surfaces (e.g., certain paver
systems, green roofs) that are constructed to allow absorption of a two and one-half (2.5) inch rain
event into the soils directly below within twenty-four (24) hours. In order for For pavers to qualify
as pervious, the paver system shall be designed, installed and maintained pursuant to city
specifications, subject to city approval and inspection. (Amended by Ord. No. 2004-02, 01/13/04)
(Amended by Ord. No. 2009-07, 05/12/09) (Amended by Ord. No. 2019-16, 09/10/19)
Play and Recreational Facilities: Accessory structures and/or uses that are customary
and incidental to the principal use of the site, including but not limited to swing sets, play
structures, sand boxes, fire pits, skate board ramps, batting cages, tennis courts, sport courts,
swimming pools and their related aprons, and the like, intended for the enjoyment and convenience
of the residents of the principal use and their guests. (Amended by Ord. No. 2002-02, 01/22/02)
(Amended by Ord. No. 2011-05, 02/22/11)
School, Trade: See “Trade School.”
Tutoring/Learning Centers: Tutoring centers are facilities that provide remedial or
additional teaching, designed to help people who need extra help with their studies. Learning
centers are facilities designed to provide supplemental education to enhance or enrich the learning
of concepts, skills, themes, or topics.
Zoning Administrator: The person designated by the City Manager to be the Zoning
Administrator for the City of Plymouth, or the Zoning Administrator’s designee.
Section 2. Amendment. Section 21010.01, Subd. 16 of the Plymouth City Code
(ADMINISTRATION ‐ AMENDMENTS (TEXT AND MAP)—PROCEDURES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 16. Whenever an application for an amendment has been considered and denied
by the City Council, a similar application for an amendment affecting substantially the same
property shall not be considered again by the Planning Commission or City Council for at least six
(6) months from the date of its denial, unless the six-month waiting period is waived by a majority
Formatted: Font: Bold, Underline
(3)
vote of the full city council; and a subsequent application affecting substantially the same property
shall likewise not be considered again by the Planning Commission or City Council for an
additional six (6) months from the date of the second denial unless a decision to reconsider such
matter is made by not less than a majority of the full City Council.
Section 3. Amendment. Section 21045.04, Subd. 1 of the Plymouth City Code (SITE PLAN
REVIEW—MINOR PROJECTS) is amended as follows:
Subd. 1. Qualification. Site plans may be classified as minor projects and may be
administratively approved by the Zoning Administrator in lieu of Planning Commission review
and City Council approval only for sites which meet the following criteria, except as otherwise
expressly provided by this Chapter:
(a) Sites shall be in non-residential zoning districts, including those within planned unit
developments, and shall not be within 200 feet of any residentially used or zoned property
other than vacant property in the Future Restricted Development District which the Land
Use Guide Plan classifies as non-residential. (Amended by Ord. No. 2006-04, 02/07/06)
(b) All sites must be in the urban zoning district which corresponds with the
Comprehensive Land Use Guide Plan classification for the property.
(cb) All sites must be legal parcels of record at the time of application.
(dc) All applications for site plan approval must be complete and in full accordance with
the requirements of this Chapter. All applicable fees shall be paid.
(ed) All development proposals and site plan layouts must meet or exceed the standards
of all applicable codes, ordinances, and policies and must be free of any major variances
from those standards.
(fe) Only applications for uses explicitly classified as permitted uses within the
respective zoning districts of this Chapter are eligible for administrative approval.
Section 4. Amendment. Section 21045.07, Subd. 2 (n) of the Plymouth City Code (SITE
PLAN REVIEW—INFORMATION REQUIREMENT) is amended as follows:
(n) Surface water ponding and treatment areas, Permanent stormwater management
system designs, including calculations, that meet the City’s Water Quality Design
Standards and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s General Permit to Discharge
Stormwater Associated with Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems No.
MNR040000.
(4)
Section 5. Amendment. Section 21045.08, Subd. 1 (c) of the Plymouth City Code (SITE
PLAN REVIEW—PLAN MODIFICATIONS) is amended as follows:
(c) Any major variances from Ordinance and policy requirements shall be subject to
the established review and hearing public meeting procedures for plan and a major variance
approval.
Section 6. Amendment. Section 21105.06, Subd. 7 (b) (1) of the Plymouth City Code
(GENERAL BUILDING AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS—EXTERIOR LIGHTING) is amended as follows:
(1) Lighting systems not complying with the technical requirements of this
Section but consistent with its intent may be installed for the following applications
upon issuance of a conditional use permit. Each request for a conditional use permit
shall be evaluated based upon the standards and criteria set forth in Section
21015.02, Subd. 4 5 of this Chapter.
(i) Outdoor athletic fields and recreation areas.
(ii) Construction lighting.
(iii) National and State flag lighting with spotlights greater than 3,400
lumens in LZ2 and LZ3 and greater than 2,000 lumens in LZ0 and LZ1.
(iv) Floodlighting of buildings over two (2) stories high.
(v) Public monuments, public buildings, and religious institutions.
(vi) Ornamental lighting in LZ0 and LZ1.
Section 7. Amendment. Section 21130.01, Subd. 4 (j) of the Plymouth City Code
(FENCING/SCREENING/LANDSCAPING—FENCE/WALL REGULATIONS) is amended as follows:
(j) No fences or walls shall be placed within a wetland or required wetland buffer, nor
shall they cross over a required rain garden/filtration basin/infiltration basin, or extend
below the ordinary high water level of a lake, stream, or water quality/detention pond.
Section 8. Amendment. Section 21130.01, Subd. 5 of the Plymouth City Code
(FENCING/SCREENING/LANDSCAPING—FENCE/WALL REGULATIONS) is amended as follows:
Subd. 5. Specific Fence Standards. Except as otherwise provided herein, fences may
be allowed subject to the following specific standards:
(a) Fences constructed of materials with an opacity of up to 100 percent and not
exceeding 6.5 feet in height (includes ground clearance measured from the adjoining grade
(5)
at the bottom and to the top of support posts/post caps at the top), provided that the actual
fence panels/boards do not exceed 6 feet, may be located at or behind the minimum front
setback lines, as required for the principal structure on the lot. The exception is, on corner
lots where the rear wall of the principal building (wall opposite the wall where the property
is addressed) faces the rear wall of an abutting principal building, such fences may be
located within the required front yard area that lies between the side wall of the principal
building and the abutting side street, from the rear wall of the principal building to the rear
lot line. Said fence may also be located within a required front yard area that qualifies as
an equivalent rear or side yard as defined by this Chapter. (Amended by Ord. No. 2000-
06, 02/29/00) (Amended by Ord. No. 2001-06, 02/13/01) (Amended by Ord. No. 2002-02,
01/22/02) (Amended by Ord. No. 2019-01, 02/12/19)
(6)
(b) Except as provided in (a) above, fences constructed of materials with an opacity of
50 percent or more and not exceeding 3.5 feet in height (includes ground clearance
measured from the adjoining grade at the bottom and to the top of support posts/post caps
at the top), provided that the actual fence panels/boards do not exceed 3 feet, may be located
within a required front yard area. Fences constructed of materials with an opacity of under
50 percent (e.g., wrought iron, chain link, split rail) and not exceeding 4.5 feet in height
(includes ground clearance at the bottom and support posts/post caps at the top), provided
that the actual fence panels/boards do not exceed 4 feet, may be located within a required
front yard area. (Amended by Ord. No. 2002-02, 01/22/02) (Amended by Ord. No. 2004-
02, 01/13/04) (Amended by Ord. No 2019-01, 02/12/19)
(c) Fences not exceeding 6.5 feet in height (includes ground clearance measured from
the adjoining grade at the bottom and to the top of support posts/post caps at the top),
provided that the actual fence panels/boards do not exceed 6 feet, may be permitted in front
yard areas of homeowner-association owned and maintained amenity lots in order to
enclose and secure a swimming pool area, provided that:
(1) Such fencing shall be set back a minimum of three feet from front lot lines.
(2) Such front yard fencing shall be constructed of decorative materials with an
opacity of under 50 percent (e.g., wrought iron).
(d) Fences not exceeding 6.5 feet in height (includes ground clearance measured from
the adjoining grade at the bottom and to the top of support posts/post caps at the top),
provided that the actual fence panels/boards do not exceed 6 feet, for uses other than one
and two family dwellings, may be permitted in front of the front building line as established
by the primary structure on the lot, when required for screening of adjacent property. In
such cases, the required front setback for the fence shall be the same as for the use which
it is intended to buffer.
(e) No fence or wall shall be located within a traffic sight visibility triangle for a
driveway or street intersection unless it complies with the sight clearance regulations set
forth in Section 21105.05 of this Chapter.
(f) There is no height restriction on plantings, except that any plantings located within
or near a traffic sight visibility triangle shall comply with the sight clearance regulations
set forth in Section 21105.05 of this Chapter.
(g) Should the rear lot line of a lot in a residential district be common with the side lot
line of an abutting lot, that portion of the rear lot line equal to the required front yard
setback of the abutting lot shall be fenced in accordance with the provisions of Section
21130.01, Subd. 5.b.
(h) Fences not exceeding 10 feet in height may be permitted without a conditional use
permit in order to enclose tennis or other recreational courts, provided that:
(7)
(1) All other requirements of this Chapter are met.
(2) Such fences shall be constructed of materials with an opacity of under 50
percent (e.g., wrought iron, chain link).
(3) Such fences may be located within: i) a rear or side yard provided they are
set back at least six 6 feet from any lot line; or ii) a front yard which qualifies as an
equivalent rear or side yard (as defined by this Chapter) provided they are set back
from such front lot line a distance equal to, or greater than, the minimum front
setback specified for the principal building on the lot, and are set back at least six
6 feet from other lot lines.
(4) Such fences over seven 7 feet in height shall require a building permit.
(Amended by Ord. No. 2002-02, 01/22/02) (Amended by Ord. 2010-01, 02/23/10)
(i) Fences not exceeding 10 feet in height may be permitted without a conditional use
permit in order to: 1) provide required screening of outside storage yards or loading areas
in the industrial districts; or 2) provide screening of electrical substation enclosures in the
P-I district, provided that:
(1) All other requirements of this Chapter are met.
(2) Such fences over seven 7 feet in height shall require a building permit.
(j) Fences which include a security gate at a point where access is provided to the
property and principal building may be approved if necessary and appropriate as part of
the site plan review.
(k) Temporary fencing not exceeding six 6 feet in height may be installed to secure the
perimeter of a construction site, upon issuance of an administrative permit pursuant to
Section 21025 of this Chapter, provided any such fencing is removed upon completion of
the construction project. (Amended by Ord. No. 2004-02, 01/13/04)
Section 9. Amendment. Section 21130.02 of the Plymouth City Code
(FENCING/SCREENING/LANDSCAPING—GENERAL LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE) is amended as
follows:
21130.02. GENERAL LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE: All exposed ground
areas within the lot that are not devoted to off-street parking, drives, sidewalks, patios, or other
such improvements shall have or shall be covered with topsoil with an average depth of at least
four inches and landscaped with grass, shrubs, trees, or other ornamental landscape materials
within 90 days following on the date of building occupancy or within one year after the building
permit is issued, whichever occurs first. All exposed ground areas within the street boulevard
abutting the lot that are not devoted to driveways, sidewalks, or trails shall have or shall be covered
with topsoil with an average depth of at least four inches and landscaped with grass within 90 days
(8)
following on the date of building occupancy or within one year after the building permit is issued,
whichever occurs first. The Zoning Administrator may alter the schedules in the case of
demonstrated hardship due to sources beyond the control of the permittee or property owner
(including weather conditions, reasonably unforeseen material, equipment or labor shortages;
continuing presence of large construction equipment actively involved in the project) upon request
of the permitee or property owner. In the event the time period defined above lapses falls between
October November 1 and April May 30, the permittee or property owner shall have until the
following June upcoming July 1 to complete the landscaping. All landscaped areas shall be kept
neat, clean and uncluttered, and where landscaping is required as part of City approvals, any plant
material which is diseased or dies shall be replaced with like kind of the original size. No
landscaped area shall be used for the parking of vehicles or for the storage or display of materials,
supplies or merchandise, unless otherwise authorized by this Chapter. Fences and/or plantings
placed upon utility easements are subject to removal by the City or utility company if required for
maintenance or improvement of the utility. In such case, costs for removal and replacement shall
be the responsibility of the property owner. Trees on utility easements containing overhead wires
shall not exceed 15 feet in height, and such trees shall be the property owner’s responsibility to
maintain. (Amended by Ord. No. 2004-02, 01/13/04) (Amended by Ord. No. 2008-24, 10/14/08)
(Amended by Ord. No. 2013-11, 04/23/13) (Amended by Ord. No. 2014-12, 02/25/14)
Section 10. Amendment. Section 21135.07, Subd. 5 (e) of the Plymouth City Code (OFF‐
STREET PARKING AND LOADING—PARKING AREA DESIGN) is amended as follows:
(e) Dimensional Requirements. Unless otherwise specified in this Chapter, stall, aisle
and driveway design for required off-street parking shall comply with the following
standards:
(9)
(Amended by Ord. No. 2001-06, 02/13/01)
(10)
Dimension Diagram 45 60 75 90
Stall width parallel to aisle* A 12.7 10.4 9.3 9.0
Stall length of line B 25.0 22.0 20.0 18.5
Stall depth C 17.5 19.0 19.5 18.5
Aisle width between stall lines D 12.0 16.0 23.0 26.0
Stall depth, interlock E 15.3 17.5 18.8 18.5
Module, edge of pavement to interlock F 44.8 52.5 61.3 63.0
Module, interlocking G 42.6 51.0 61.0 63.0
Module, interlock to curb face H 42.8 50.2 58.8 60.5
Bumper overhang (typical) I 2.0 2.3 2.5 2.5
Offset J 6.3 2.7 0.5 0.0
Front yard setback of parking to lot line K** R Districts - Residential Uses (excludes 1
& 2 Family Uses)
20
R Districts - Non Residential Uses 20
Commercial and P/I Districts 20
Industrial Districts 25
Adult Correctional Facilities 200
Side and rear yard setback of parking to lot
line
K** R Districts - 1 & 2 Family Uses 3**
R Districts - Other Residential Uses 10
R Districts - Non Residential Uses 20
Commercial and P/I Districts 20***
Industrial Districts 20***
Adult Correctional Facilities 400
Cross aisle, one-way L 14.0 14.0 14.0 14.0
Cross aisle, two-way -- 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0
Front lot line to drive M R Districts - All Residential Uses 10
R Districts - Non Residential Uses 20
Commercial and P/I Districts 10
Industrial Districts 25
Side and rear lot line to drive N R Districts - 1 & 2 Family Uses 3****
R Districts - Other Residential Uses 10
R Districts - Non Residential Uses 30
Non-Residential Districts 15***
Parallel parking, stall width -- 9.0
Parallel parking. stall length -- 23.0
Parking or drive aisle setback to principal
structure
O All Districts
10*****
Minimum inside turning radius for fire lanes -- All Districts – As required to comply with minimum
turning radii for fire apparatus equipment
* Required handicap stalls and ramps shall be per State Code.
** Except that parking shall not occur within any established drainage or utility easement – refer to Section
21135.08, Subd. 5.
*** Joint or combined parking facilities on separate lots as authorized and when constructed adjacent to a
common lot line separating two or more parking lot areas are not required to observe the parking/drive aisle setback
from such common lot line.
**** Except that the setback for lots with frontage on cul-de-sac turnarounds may be less than three feet for that
portion of the lot located within 15 feet of such cul-de-sac turnaround.
***** Except that entry vestibules containing less than 120 square feet may encroach up to seven feet into this
setback, provided there are no exit doors on the vestibule wall that directly faces toward the parking area, and except
that drive aisles do not need to be set back from walls containing bank teller or drive-thru drop-off/pickup windows.
(11)
(Amended by Ord. No. 2001-06, 02/13/01) (Amended by Ord. No. 2006-04, 02/07/06)
(Amended by Ord. No 2008-09, 03/25/08) (Amended by Ord. No. 2011-05, 02/22/11) (Amended
by Ord. No. 2016-11, 04/26/16) (Amended by Ord. No. 2019-01, 02/12/19)
Section 11. Amendment. Section 21135.11 of the Plymouth City Code (OFF‐STREET
PARKING AND LOADING—NUMBER OF OFF‐STREET PARKING SPACES REQUIRED) is amended as follows:
(12)
USE NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED
Subd. 1. Residential:
Single Family Dwellings Two spaces.2
Two Family Dwellings Two spaces 2 per dwelling unit.
Townhouses, and Manor Homes Two and one-half 2.5 fee free spaces per dwelling
unit, of which two 2 must be enclosed, plus one 1
guest parking space for every four 4 units.
Apartment Dwellings Two 1.8 fee free spaces per dwelling unit, of which
one 1 must be enclosed.
Housing for Elderly One and one-half 1.5 spaces per dwelling unit.
Subd. 2. Institutional/Educational/Cultural:
Auditoriums, Theaters, Religious
Institutions, Sports Arenas
One space for each three 1 per 3 permanent seats
based on the design capacity of the main assembly
hall. Facilities as may be provided in conjunction
with such buildings or uses shall be subject to
additional requirements which are imposed by this
Chapter.
Community Centers, Libraries, Museums One space for each 1 per 300 square feet of floor
area.
Nursing Homes/Memory Care Homes One space for each three 1 per 3 beds, plus one
space for each 1 per employee on the major shift.
Private or Private Non-Profit Baseball
Fields
One space for each eight 1 per 8 seats of design
capacity.
Schools, Elementary and Junior High
(Public or Private)
Three spaces for each 3 per classroom. This
requirement may be reduced at the Zoning
Administrator’s discretion to reflect facility use
and/or parking policy. Adequate space shall be
allowed for the dropping off and/or picking up of
students as determined by the Zoning
Administrator.
Schools, Senior High (Public or Private) One space for each two 1 per 2 students based on
the design capacity. This requirement may be
reduced at the Zoning Administrator’s discretion to
reflect facility use and/or parking policy. Adequate
space shall be allowed for the dropping off and/or
picking up of students as determined by the Zoning
Administrator.
Subd. 3. Non-Residential:
Animal Hospitals or Kennels Five spaces 5, plus one space for each 1 per 500
square feet of floor area over 1,000 square feet.
Automobile Washes: Shall be dDetermined by the type of automobile
wash as listed below:
Automatic Drive
Through Service
Five spaces 5 total or one 1 per employee on
maximum shift, whichever is greater.
(13)
Self-Service Car Wash One space 1 per bay.
Motor Fuel Station
Automobile Washes
One space 1 in addition to that required for the
station.
Beauty Shops Two spaces for each2 per beauty chair/station.
Bowling Alleys Five spaces for each 5 per bowling lane or alley,
plus additional spaces as may be required herein for
related uses contained within the principal
structure.
Day Care Facilities One space for each 1 per employee, plus one space
for each six 1 per 6 individuals of licensed capacity.
Drive-In or Drive-Through Restaurants One space for each two and one-half 1 per 2.5 seats,
plus one space for each 1 per 15 square feet of
public service and counter area.
Furniture Sales One space for each 1 per 400 square feet of floor
area for the first 25,000 square feet, plus one space
for 1 per each 600 square feet thereafter.
Laboratories One space for each 1 per 350 square feet of floor
area.
Manufacturing One space for each 1 per employee on the major
shift or one space for each 1 per 350 square feet,
whichever is less, plus one space for each 1 per
company motor vehicle on the premises.
Medical, Chiropractic, or Dental Offices
or Clinics
One space for every 1 per 200 feet of floor area.
Motels, Hotels, Lodging or Boarding
Houses
One space 1 per sleeping unit, plus one space 1 per
day shift employee, plus one space for each 1 per
40 square feet devoted to meeting or banquet
rooms.
Motor Fuel Stations Four spaces 4, plus two spaces for each 2 per
service stall. Those facilities designed for sale of
other items than strictly automobile products, parts
or service shall be required to provide additional
parking in compliance with other applicable
sections of this Chapter.
Office Buildings (Administrative/
Commercial) and Banks
One space for each 1 per 250 square feet of floor
area for the first 100,000 square feet, plus one space
for each 1 per 350 square feet of floor area
thereafter.
Restaurants, Private Clubs, Food
Dispensing Establishments (Except
Drive-In or Drive-Through Restaurants)
One space for each 1 per 40 square feet of floor
area of dining and bar area, and plus one space for
each 1 per 80 square feet of kitchen area.
(14)
Retail Commercial Uses, Except as
Prescribed Herein
One space for each 1 per 200 square feet of floor
area for the first 100,000 square feet, plus one space
for each 1 per 350 square feet of floor area
thereafter. The number of parking spaces provided
shall not exceed the minimum requirement by more
than 10 percent, unless authorized under Section
21135.12.
Retail Sales and Service Business with 50
Percent or More of Gross Floor Area
Devoted to Storage, Warehouses, and/or
Industry
Eight spaces 8 total, or one space for each 1 per 200
square feet devoted to public sales or /service plus
one space for each 1 per 500 square feet of storage
area, whichever is greater.
Shopping Centers One space for each 1 per 200 square feet of leasable
floor area for the first 100,000 square feet, plus one
space for each 1 per 350 square feet of leasable
floor area thereafter. The number of parking spaces
provided shall not exceed the minimum
requirement by more than 10 percent, unless
authorized under Section 21135.12.
Sports and Fitness Clubs One space for each 1 per 300 square feet of floor
area.
Warehousing One space for each two 1 per 2 employees of on the
largest shift or one space for each 1 per 2,000 square
feet of floor area, whichever is greater.
Wholesale Showrooms One space for each 1 per 500 square feet of floor
area.
Subd. 4. Non-Specified Uses:
For uses not specifically listed above, off-street parking requirements shall be computed by the
Zoning Administrator on the same basis as required for the most similar listed uses. In such
cases, the Zoning Administrator shall also consult off-street parking reference materials
including, but not limited to, manuals prepared by the American Planning Association, and
Institute of Transportation Engineers.
Section 12. Amendment. Section 21155.06, Subd. 1 (b) (2) e. of the Plymouth City Code
(SIGN REGULATIONS—DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS) is amended as follows:
e. The off-site directional sign shall not exceed 4 square feet in surface
area, and shall not project higher than 5 feet above grade, unless otherwise
approved by the Zoning Administrator to accommodate the address for an
affected location, as may be required.
(15)
Section 13. Amendment. Section 21155.06, Subd. 1 (d) of the Plymouth City Code (SIGN
REGULATIONS—DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS) is amended as follows:
(d) Dynamic dDisplay bBillboards. No new dynamic display billboard shall be erected
within the City unless a permit has been issued for erection such installation of the billboard
on or after March 9, 2021. Dynamic display billboards erected on or after March 9,
20212021, may be permitted, subject to the following standards:
(1) The property has where the dynamic display billboard is proposed shall
have frontage abutting either Interstate 494 or State Highway 169.
(2) The property has shall have an existing static billboard.
(3) The proposed dynamic display billboard shall not exceed dimensions of 14’
feet high x by 50’ feet wide.
(4) The maximum height of the proposed dynamic display billboard shall not
exceed a height of 70’ feet from grade.
(5) Only one billboard structure is permitted per property, whether static or
dynamic display. One structure may have up to two (2) faces.
(6) Dynamic display billboards shall be constructed with the use of light-
blocking technology. As measured from a point on the sign face furthest from the
right-of-way, the area on the ground more than 22.5 degrees from the roadway must
be Light Protected by light-blocking technology. “Light Protected” is defined as
having a reduction of brightness/luminance (and visibility) of over 90%, or
equivalently, a remaining brightness of less than 10% as compared to the nominal
forward brightness of the sign.
(7) The minimum distance between dynamic display billboards shall be 5,280
feet as measured on either side of the roadway, and the minimum distance between
a dynamic display billboard and an whether existing static or dynamic display, is
billboard shall be 1,320 feet as measured on the same side of the roadway.
(8) Any new dynamic display billboard structure shall replace a minimum of
two 2 existing static billboard structures, including:
(1)a. Any The static billboards on the property where the dynamic display
billboard is proposed.; and
(2)b. Another One other static billboard structure. The other static
billboard structure must be located in the City of Plymouth, and must be
owned or leased by the applicant, and must satisfy the criteria in parts (2)
through (4) of Section 21155.06, Subd. 1 (d) (8).
(9) The minimum distance between dynamic display billboards on either side
of the highway is 5,280 feet. The minimum distance may be reduced to 5,280 feet
(16)
on either side of the highway if the permit applicant meets the following
requirements:
(1) The applicant agrees in writing to permanently remove, within 90
days after issuance of the permit unless otherwise approved, one static
billboard structure in addition to the two structures required to be removed
for erection of a dynamic display billboard. The static billboard structure
must be located in the City of Plymouth, must be owned or leased by the
applicant, and must satisfy the criteria of parts (2) through (4) of this
subsection;
(2) The city has not previously issued a dynamic display permit based
on the removal of the particular structures relied upon in this permit
application;
(3) Each removed sign surface area equals at least 288 square feet.
Credit shall only be issued if the entire billboard sign structure is removed
including all structural parts, footings and foundation. If the billboard sign
structure has two faces, both must be removed including all structural parts,
footings and foundation for credit to be issued;
(4) A removed static billboard structure is located on a site with frontage
to Highway 55, State Highway 169, or Interstate Highway 494;
(5) If the removed structure is one for which a state permit is required
by state law, the applicant must surrender its permit to the state upon
removal of the sign. The sign that is the subject of the dynamic display
billboard permit cannot begin to operate until proof is provided to the city
that the state permit has been surrendered.
(6) If the applicant complies with the permit requirements noted above,
the city will issue a dynamic display permit for the designated billboard.
The designated sign must meet all other requirements of this ordinance.
(109) All Bbillboards must comply with Minnesota Department of Transportation
standards and permitting requirements, and.
(1110) Applicants for a Dynamic display billboard permit shall enter into an
agreement with the cCity to provide the cCity with 6,000 8-second spots per month
per Dynamic display sign face in the city for community and public service
messages. These City messages shall be put into the applicant’s billboard owner’s
regular sign copy rotation and shall be displayed between the hours of 6:00 a.m.
and 9:00 p.m.
Section 14. Amendment. Section 21170.01, Subd. 4 of the Plymouth City Code (ANIMALS—
KEEPING ANIMALS) is amended as follows:
Subd. 4. Except as provided in the FRD district and except as allowed under Section
21170.02 of this Chapter, farm animals (including miniatures) are prohibited in the City.
Furthermore In the FRD district, any pen, pasture, paddock, feedlot or building designed to
confine a farm animal shall be located not less than one hundred (100) feet away from any
residential dwelling that is not owned or leased by the person owning the farm animal.
(17)
Section 15. Amendment. Section 21175 of the Plymouth City Code (ANTENNAS) is amended
as follows:
SECTION 21175 - ANTENNAS
21175.01. PURPOSE AND INTENT: The purpose of this Chapter is to establish predictable
and balanced regulations for the siting and screening of wireless communications towers and
communications equipment in order to accommodate the growth of wireless communication
systems within the City of Plymouth while protecting the public against any adverse impacts on
the City’s aesthetic resources and the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community.
The provisions of the Chapter are intended to maximize the use of existing and approved towers,
structures, and buildings to accommodate new wireless telecommunication antennas in order to
minimize while minimizing the number of towers needed to serve the community.
21175.02. GENERAL STANDARDS: The following standards shall apply to all cellular
telephone, public utility, microwave, radio and television broadcast transmitting, radio and
television receiving, satellite dish, short-wave radio transmitting and receiving antennas, and other
personal wireless service antennas. Wireless telecommunication facilities located in public rights-
of-way are exempt from this section, except otherwise specifically provided by this Chapter.
Subd. 1. All abandoned, obsolete and or unused towers, antennas, foundations,
supports, and related facilites shall be removed within twelve (12) months of cessation of operation
at the site, unless an exemption is granted by the Zoning Administrator. Upon removal, the site
shall be restored to its original state or to and improved state. Towers, antennas, and related
facilities not removed within 12 months of cessation of operation may be removed by the City. In
such case, the costs of removal and site restoration shall be assessed against the property.
Subd. 2. All antennas shall be in compliance comply with all City building and
electrical code requirements and as applicable shall require related permits.
Subd. 3. Structural design, mounting and installation of the antenna shall be in
compliance comply with manufacturer’s specifications and as may be necessary, as determined by
the Zoning Administrator, shall be verified and approved by a professional engineer.
Subd. 4. When applicable, written authorization for antenna erection shall be
provided by the property owner.
Subd. 5. No advertising message shall be affixed to the antenna structure or tower.
Subd. 6. The height of the antenna shall be the minimum necessary to function
satisfactorily, as verified by an electrical engineer or other appropriate professional.
(18)
Subd. 7. Antennas shall not be artificially illuminated unless required by law or by a
governmental agency to protect the public’s health and safety.
Subd. 8. When applicable, proposals to erect new antennas shall be accompanied by
any required federal, state, or local agency licenses.
Subd. 9. If a new tower is to be constructed, it shall be designed structurally,
electrically, and in all respects, to accommodate both the applicant’s antennas and comparable
antennas for at least one additional user, including but not limited to other cellular communication
companies, local police, fire and ambulance companies. Towers must be designed to allow for
future rearrangement of antennas upon the tower and to accept antennas mounted at varying
heights. A pole or tower that is integrated into an existing or proposed structure, such as a light
pole, power line support device, or similar structure is exempt from this provision.
Subd. 10. Towers under two hundred (200) feet in height shall be painted a non-
contrasting color consistent with the surrounding area such as: blue, gray, brown, or silver, or
have a galvanized finish to reduce visual impact.
Subd. 11. Except as may be applicable in cases where a conditional use permit is
required, antennas and support structures for federally licensed amateur radio stations and used in
the amateur radio service are exempt from Subd. Subdivisions 3, 6, and 9 above and Section
21175.03, and must comply with Subd. 12 below.
Subd. 12. Amateur radio towers must be installed in accordance with the instructions
furnished by the manufacturer of that tower model. Because of the experimental nature of amateur
radio service, antennas mounted on such a tower may be modified or changed at any time so long
as the published allowable load on the tower is not exceeded and the structure of the tower remains
in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Subd. 13. All towers shall be reasonably protected to prevent unauthorized climbing.
(Amended by Ord. No. 2000-08, 02/29/00)
21175.03 TOWER DESIGN: All proposed or modified towers and antennas (including
antenna cables) shall be designed to blend into the surrounding environment to the extent possible,
as determined by the City, through the use of building materials, colors, texture, screening,
landscaping, and other camouflaging architectural treatment, unless the color is otherwise dictated
by the Federal Aviation Administration or other federal or state authorities.
Subd. 1. Towers.
(a) Wireless communication towers shall be of a monopole design unless the City
Council determines that an alternative design requested by the applicant would better blend
(19)
into the surrounding environment. This provision does not apply to amateur radio towers
or commercial and public radio or television towers.
(b) If a new tower is to be constructed, it shall be designed structurally, electronically,
and in all other respects, to accommodate both the applicant’s antennas and comparable
antennas for: at least one additional user if the tower would be 75- to 100-feet high; or at
least two additional users if the tower would be over 100-feet high. The additional users
may include, but are not limited to, other cellular communication companies, police, fire,
and ambulance services. Towers shall be designed to allow for future rearrangement of
antennas and to accept antennas mounted at various heights. A pole or tower that is
integrated into an existing or proposed structure, such as a light standard, power pole, or
similar structure is exempt from this provision.
(c) New towers shall be located on City-owned property unless the Zoning
Administrator finds that there is no acceptable City-owned property in the necessary area,
or the City declines the use of City property.
(d) Extension over public right-of-way is prohibited. Except for necessary electric or
telephone service connection lines approved by the City, and except for public utility
towers that support wireless antennas that conform to this code pursuant to a lease or master
agreement with the City, no part of any tower, antenna, brace, cable, wire, or related
facilities shall extend across or over any right-of-way, public street, highway, sidewalk, or
property line.
(e) All towers shall be designed to comply with accepted electrical engineering
methods and practices and with the National Electrical Code.
(f) All towers shall be constructed to comply with requirements of the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration.
(g) All towers shall be constructed of corrosive-resistant metal material.
(h) Communication tower owners shall maintain a general liability insurance policy
that provides coverage from any damage to property or injuries to person caused by
collapse or failure of the tower. Said insurance policy shall provide coverage on an
occurrence basis in an amount not less than $1,000,000.
Subd. 2. Antennas. The applicant shall demonstrate by via a coverage or capacity
analysis prepared by a professional engineer that the proposed antennas are necessary to meet the
frequency reuse and spacing needs of the personal wireless service system and to provide adequate
wireless coverage and capacity to areas which cannot be adequately served by locating the
antennas in a less restrictive zoning district.
Subd. 3. Related Facilities (accessory equipment, utility buildings, etc.).
(20)
(a) All related facilities shall be architecturally designed to blend in with the
surrounding environment and shall meet the minimum setback requirements for accessory
structures of the underlying zoning district.
(b) Ground-mounted equipment shall be screened except where a design of non-
vegetative screening would better reflect and complement the architectural character of the
surrounding neighborhood.
(c) Transmitting, receiving, and switching equipment shall be housed within an
existing structure whenever possible. If a new equipment building is necessary for
transmitting, receiving, or switching equipment, it shall be located in the rear or side yard
of the principal use and shall be screened from view by landscaping where appropriate.
21175.04. CO-LOCATION REQUIREMENT: A proposal for a new personal wireless
service tower shall not be approved unless the Zoning Administrator City Council finds that the
antennas telecommunications equipment planned for the proposed tower cannot be accommodated
on an existing or approved tower, building, or structure within a one mile search radius (one-half
mile search radius for towers under one hundred 100 feet in height) of the proposed tower due to
one or more of the following reasons:
Subd. 1. The planned equipment would exceed the structural capacity of the existing
or approved tower, building, or structure as documented by a qualified and licensed professional
engineer, and the existing or approved tower cannot be reinforced, modified, or replaced to
accommodate planned or equivalent equipment at a reasonable cost.
Subd. 2. The planned equipment would cause interference materially impacting the
usability of other existing or planned equipment at the tower or building as documented by a
qualified engineer and interference cannot be prevented at a reasonable cost.
Subd. 3. Existing or approved towers, buildings, or structures within the search
radius cannot accommodate the planned equipment at a height necessary to function reasonably as
documented by a qualified and licensed professional engineer.
Subd. 4. Other unforeseen reasons that make it unfeasible to locate the antennas upon
an existing or approved tower or structure.
Subd. 5. Existing or approved towers, buildings, or other structures do not exist in
the service area, or do not meet the needs of the user. Documentation shall be provided at the time
of application clearly demonstrating why existing structures do not meet the needs of the users.
Subd. 6. The applicant shall demonstrate that a good faith effort to co-locate on
existing towers or structures was made, but an agreement could not be reached.
(21)
21175.05. SETBACKS: All towers and accessory equipment shall comply with each of the
minimum setback requirements:
Subd. 1. Towers and accessory equipment shall meet the setbacks of the underlying
zoning district with the exception of industrial zoning districts, where the tower may encroach into
the rear setback area, provided that the rear property line abuts another industrial zoning district
and the tower does not encroach upon any easements.
Subd. 2. The setback for a tower or accessory equipment may be reduced or its
location in relation to a public street varied, at the discretion of the City, to allow the integration
of the structure into an existing or proposed structure, such as a light standard, power line support
device, or similar structure.
(Amended by Ord. No. 2000-08, 02/29/00)
21175.06. TOWERS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS. Towers in residential zoning
districts are subject to the following restrictions:
(a) Towers supporting amateur radio antennas that conform to all applicable provisions
of this Code shall be allowed in rear yards only of residentially zoned properties.
(b) Towers supporting personal wireless service antennas that conform to all applicable
provisions of this Code shall be allowed in only the following residentially zoned locations
with a conditional use permit:
1. Religious institution sites;
2. Park sites, when compatible with the nature of the park;
3. Apartment sites; and
4. Government, school, utility, or institutional sites.
(c) Public utility towers supporting wireless antennas that conform to all provisions of
this Code allowed pursuant to a lease or master agreement with the City shall be permitted
in public rights-of-way and in drainage and utility easements adjacent to public rights-of-
way.
(d) Not more than one tower shall exist at any one time on a residential parcel, unless
additional towers or antennas are incorporated into existing structures such as steeples,
light poles, power poles, or similar structures. This provision shall not apply to public
utility towers supporting wireless antennas that conform to all provisions of this Code
located in public rights-of-way or within drainage and utility easements adjacent to public
rights-of-way that are allowed pursuant to a lease or master agreement with the City.
(22)
21175.0607. ACCESSORY AND SECONDARY USE ANTENNAS: The following
standards shall apply to all accessory and secondary use antennas including radio and television
receiving antennas, satellite dishes, TVROs two (2) meters or less in diameter, short-wave radio
dispatching antennas, or those necessary for the operation of electronic equipment including radio
receivers, ham radio transmitters and television receivers.
Subd. 1. Accessory or secondary use antennas shall not be erected in any required
yard (except a rear yard) or within public or private utility and drainage easements, and shall be
set back a minimum of three (3) feet from all lot lines.
Subd. 2. Guy wires or guy wire anchors, either above or below ground, shall not be
erected within public or private utility and drainage easements, and shall be set back a minimum
of one (1) foot from all lot lines.
Subd. 3. Accessory or secondary use antennas and necessary support structures or
towers may extend a maximum of fifteen (15) feet above the normal height restriction for the
affected zoning district, except support structures and antennas used in amateur radio service may
extend a maximum of two (2) times the normal height restriction for the affected zoning district.
Subd. 4. The installation of more than one (1) tower per property shall require the
approval of a conditional use permit.
21175.0708. PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE ANTENNAS:
Subd. 1. Residential District and Public/Institutional District Standards.
(a) Antennas Located Upon An Existing Structure Or Existing Tower: Personal
wireless service antennas located upon an existing structure or existing tower shall require
the processing of an administrative permit and shall comply with the following standards:
(1) The applicant shall demonstrate by providing a coverage or capacity
analysis prepared by a professional engineer that location of the antennas as
proposed is necessary to meet the frequency reuse and spacing needs of the personal
wireless service system and to provide adequate wireless coverage and capacity to
areas which cannot be adequately served by locating the antennas in a less
restrictive zoning district.
(2) Transmitting, receiving and switching equipment shall be housed within an
existing structure whenever possible. If a new equipment building is necessary for
transmitting, receiving and switching equipment, it shall be situated in the rear or
side yard of the principal use and shall be screened from view by landscaping where
appropriate.
(23)
(3) An administrative permit is issued in compliance with the provisions of
Section 21025 of this Chapter.
(4) The maximum height for antennas to be placed upon an existing structure
(includes buildings and light standards) shall be regulated by Section 21115.02,
Subd. 1 of this Chapter.
(5) Antennas mounted upon an existing high voltage transmission tower shall
not extend more than 20 feet above such high voltage transmission tower.
(6) There is no maximum height limitation for antennas to be co-located upon
an existing wireless communication tower, provided the height of such existing
tower is not increased.
(Amended by Ord. No. 2011-05, 02/22/11)
(b) Antennas Not Located Upon An Existing Structure Or Existing Tower: Personal
wireless service antennas not located upon an existing structure or existing tower (includes
replacement of an existing light standard for purposes of supporting the antennas) shall
require the processing of a conditional use permit and shall comply with the following
standards:
(1) The applicant shall demonstrate by providing a coverage or capacity
analysis prepared by a professional engineer that location of the antennas as
proposed is necessary to meet the frequency reuse and spacing needs of the wireless
system and to provide adequate coverage and capacity to areas which cannot be
adequately served by locating the antennas in a less restrictive district.
(2) If no existing structure which meets the height requirements for the antennas
is available for mounting purposes, the antennas may be mounted on a new
monopole tower provided that:
a. The antennas and monopole does not exceed seventy-five (75) feet
in height.
b. The setback of the antennas and monopole from the nearest
residential structure is not less than the height of the antennas and
monopole. Exceptions to such setback may be granted if a structural
engineer licensed in the State of Minnesota specifies in writing that any
collapse of the pole will occur within a lesser distance under all foreseeable
circumstances.
(3) Transmitting, receiving and switching equipment shall be housed within an
existing structure whenever possible. If a new equipment building is necessary for
(24)
transmitting, receiving and switching equipment, it shall be situated in the rear or
side yard of the principal use and shall be screened from view by landscaping where
appropriate.
(4) At the discretion of the City, a security fence not greater than eight (8) feet
in height with a maximum opacity of fifty (50) percent shall be provided around
the support structure.
(5) The conditional use permit provisions of Section 21015 of this Chapter are
considered and determined to be satisfied.
(c) Temporary Mobile Towers: Existing personal wireless service antennas located in
the Public/Institutional District may be located upon a temporary mobile tower on a
temporary basis (e.g., in conjunction with repainting of a water tower) and shall comply
with the following standards:
1. Temporary mobile towers are exempt from co-location and permanent tower
structure design standards contained in this Chapter.
2. Temporary mobile towers that would be located on a site longer than 120 days
shall require the processing of an Administrative Permit.
3. Guyed towers are prohibited.
4. Mobile units shall have a minimum tower design wind load of 80 miles-per-
hour, or shall be set back from all structures a distance equal to the height of
the tower.
5. All towers shall be protected against unauthorized climbing.
6.5. The height of the tower shall not exceed 90 feet.
(Amended by Ord. No. 2019-01, 02/12/19)
Subd. 2. Commercial or Business District Standards:
(a) Antennas Located Upon An Existing Structure Or Existing Tower: Personal
wireless service antennas located upon an existing structure or co-located on an existing
tower shall require the processing of an administrative permit.
(1) Transmitting, receiving and switching equipment shall be housed within an
existing structure whenever possible. If a new equipment building is necessary for
transmitting, receiving and switching equipment, it shall be situated in the rear or
side yard of the principal use and shall be screened from view by landscaping where
appropriate.
(25)
(2) An administrative permit is issued in compliance with the provisions of
Section 21025 of this Chapter and the following standards.
a. Antennas mounted on public structures shall not extend more than
fifteen (15) feet above the height of the structure to which they are attached.
b. Building-mounted antennas shall not extend more than ten (10) feet
above the roof, and shall be set back at least five (5) feet from the roof edge.
c. Wall or facade mounted antennas may not extend more than five (5)
feet above the cornice line and must be constructed of a material or color
which matches the exterior of the building.
d. Antennas mounted upon an existing high voltage transmission tower
shall not extend more than 20 feet above such high voltage transmission
tower.
e. There is no maximum height limitation for antennas to be co-located
upon an existing wireless communication tower, provided the height of such
existing tower is not increased.
(Amended by Ord. No. 2011-05, 02/22/11)
(b) Antennas Not Located Upon An Existing Structure Or Existing Tower: Personal
wireless service antennas not located upon an existing structure (includes replacement of
an existing light standard for purposes of supporting the antennas) shall require the
processing of a conditional use permit and shall comply with the following standards:
(1) The applicant shall demonstrate by providing a coverage or capacity
analysis prepared by a professional engineer that location of the antennas as
proposed is necessary to meet the frequency reuse and spacing needs of the wireless
system and to provide adequate coverage and capacity to areas which cannot be
adequately served by locating the antennas in a less restrictive zoning district.
(2) If no existing structure which meets the height requirements for the antennas
is available for mounting purposes, the antennas may be mounted on a new
monopole tower provided that:
a. The antennas and monopole does not exceed seventy-five (75) feet
in height.
b. The setback of the antennas and monopole from the nearest
residential structure is not less than the height of the antennas and
monopole. Exceptions to such setback may be granted if a structural
engineer licensed in the State of Minnesota specifies in writing that any
(26)
collapse of the pole will occur within a lesser distance under all foreseeable
circumstances.
(3) Transmitting, receiving and switching equipment shall be housed within an
existing structure whenever possible. If a new equipment building is necessary for
transmitting, receiving and switching equipment, it shall be situated in the rear or
side yard of the principal use and shall be screened from view by landscaping where
appropriate.
(4) At the discretion of the City, a security fence not greater than eight (8) feet
in height with a maximum opacity of fifty (50) percent shall be provided around
the support structure.
(5) The conditional use permit provisions of Section 21015 of this Chapter are
considered and determined to be satisfied.
(c) Temporary Mobile Towers: Personal wireless service antennas located upon a
temporary mobile tower used on an interim basis until a permanent site is constructed shall
require the processing of an administrative permit and shall comply with the following
standards:
1. Temporary mobile towers are exempt from co-location and permanent tower
structure design standards contained in Section 21175.02. Subd. 9 and Subd.
10, Section 21175.03, and Section 21175.10.
2. The termination date of the permit shall not exceed one hundred and twenty
(120) days. Temporary mobile towers shall require an administrative permit.
The permit application shall provide the time frame requested, and a tower
located on a site longer than one hundred and twenty (120) days shall require
the processing of an interim use permit subject to the standards contained in
Sections 21020 and 21175 approval from the Zoning Administrator.
3. Guyed towers are prohibited.
4. Mobile units shall have a minimum tower design wind load of eighty (80)
miles-per-hour, or shall be set back from all structures a distance equal to the
height of the tower.
5. All towers shall be protected against unauthorized climbing.
6.5. The height of the tower shall not exceed ninety (90) feet.
Subd. 3. Industrial District Standards.
(a) Antennas Located Upon An Existing Structure Or Existing Tower: Personal
wireless service antennas located upon an existing structure or co-located on an existing
(27)
tower shall require the processing of an administrative permit and shall comply with the
following standards:
1. An administrative permit is issued in compliance with the provisions of Section
21025 of this Chapter.
2. Building-mounted antennas shall not extend more than ten (10) feet above the
roof, and shall be set back at least five (5) feet from the roof edge.
3. Wall or facade mounted antennas may not extend more than five (5) feet above
the cornice line and must be constructed of a material or color which matches
the exterior of the building.
4. Antennas mounted upon an existing high voltage transmission tower shall not
extend more than 20 feet above such high voltage transmission tower.
5. There is no maximum height limitation for antennas to be co-located upon an
existing wireless communication tower, provided the height of such existing
tower is not increased.
(Amended by Ord. No. 2011-05, 02/22/11)
(b) Antennas Not Located Upon An Existing Structure Or Existing Tower: Personal
wireless service antennas not located upon an existing structure or tower shall require the
processing of an administrative permit and shall comply with the following standards:
(1) If there is no existing structure which meets the height requirements for
mounting the antennas, the antennas may be mounted upon a monopole tower not
exceeding one hundred (100) feet in height. The tower shall be located on a parcel
having a dimension equal to the height of the tower measured between the base of
the tower located nearest the property line and said property line, unless a structural
engineer licensed in the State of Minnesota specifies in writing that the collapse of
the tower will occur within a lesser distance under all foreseeable circumstances.
(2) An administrative permit is issued in compliance with the provisions of this
Section and Section 21025 of this Chapter.
(c) Temporary Mobile Towers: Personal wireless service antennas located upon a
temporary mobile tower used on an interim basis until a permanent site is constructed shall
require the processing of an administrative permit and shall comply with the following
standards:
1. Temporary mobile towers are exempt from co-location and permanent tower
structure design standards contained in Section 21175.02. Subd. 9 and Subd.
10, Section 21175.03, and Section 21175.10.
(28)
2. The termination date of the permit shall not exceed one hundred and twenty
(120) days. Temporary mobile towers located on a site longer than one
hundred and twenty (120) days shall require the processing of an interim use
permit subject to the standards contained in Sections 21020 and 21175.
3. Guyed towers are prohibited.
4. Mobile units shall have a minimum tower design wind load of eighty (80)
miles-per-hour, or shall be set back from all structures a distance equal to the
height of the tower.
5. All towers shall be protected against unauthorized climbing.
6.5. The height of the tower shall not exceed ninety (90) feet.
(Amended by Ord. No. 2000-08, 02/29/00)
(Amended by Ord. No. 2009-07, 05/12/09)
21175.0809. SATELLITE DISHES:
Subd. 1. Residential District and Public/Institutional District Standards. Single
satellite dish TVROs greater than one (1) meter in diameter may be allowed as a conditional use
within the residential zoning districts of the City and shall comply with the following standards:
(a) All accessory and secondary use provisions of Sections 21175.02 and 21175.06 of
this Chapter are satisfactorily met.
(b) The lot on which the satellite dish antenna is located shall be of sufficient size to
assure that an obstruction-free receive window can be maintained within the limits of the
property ownership.
(c) Except where the antenna is screened by a structure exceeding the antenna height,
landscape buffering and screening shall be maintained on all sides of the satellite dish
antenna in a manner in which growth of the landscape elements will not interfere with the
receive window.
(d) The satellite dish antenna is not greater than three (3) meters in diameter.
(e) The conditional use permit provisions of Section 21015 of this Chapter are
considered and determined to be satisfied.
Subd. 2. Business District Standards. Satellite dish antennas within business
districts of the City shall be limited to those listed as permitted accessory and secondary uses in
(29)
the applicable zoning district subject to the provisions of Sections 21175.02 and 21175.06 of this
Chapter.
Subd. 3. Industrial District Standards. Commercial, private and public satellite dish
transmitting or receiving antennas in excess of two (2) meters may be allowed as a conditional use
within industrial districts of the City and shall comply with the following standards:
(a) All accessory and secondary use provisions of Sections 21175.02 and 21175.06 of
this Chapter are satisfactorily met.
(b) The lot on which the satellite dish antenna is located shall be of sufficient size to
assure that an obstruction free transmit-receive window or windows can be maintained
within the limits of the property ownership.
(c) Except where the antenna is screened by a structure exceeding the antenna height,
landscape buffering and screening shall be maintained on all sides of the satellite dish
antenna in a manner in which growth of the landscape elements will not interfere with the
transmit-receive window.
(d) The conditional use permit provisions of Section 21015 of this Chapter are
considered and determined to be satisfied.
21175.0910. COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC RADIO AND TELEVISION
TRANSMITTING ANTENNAS, AND PUBLIC UTILITY MICROWAVE ANTENNAS:
Commercial and public radio and television transmitting and public utility microwave antennas
shall comply with the following standards:
Subd. 1. Such antenna shall be considered an allowed conditional use within an
Industrial District and the Public/Institutional District as provided by each district of the City and
shall be subject to the regulations and requirements of Section 21015 of this Chapter.
Subd. 2. The antennas, transmitting towers, or array of towers shall be located on a
continuous parcel having a dimension equal to the height of the antenna, transmitting tower, or
array of towers measured between the base of the antenna or tower located nearest a property line
and said property line, unless a qualified structural engineer specifies in writing that the collapse
of any antenna or tower will occur within a lesser distance under all foreseeable circumstances.
Subd. 3. Unless the antenna is mounted on an existing structure, at the discretion of
the City, a fence not greater than eight (8) feet in height with a maximum opacity of fifty (50)
percent shall be provided around the support structure and other equipment.
21175.1011. ADDITIONAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the
information required elsewhere in this Chapter, development applications for towers, excluding
(30)
amateur radio towers, and for antennas and related equipment shall include the following
supplemental information:
Subd. 1. A letter of intent committing the tower owner and his or her successors to
allow the shared use of the tower if an additional user agrees in writing to meet reasonable terms
and conditions for shared use.
Subd. 2. A copy of the relevant portions of a signed lease which requires the
applicant to remove the tower and associate facilities when they are abandoned, unused or become
hazardous shall be submitted to the City.
Subd. 3. A statement indicating whether battery backup power will be provided, and
if so, the applicable Material Safety Data Sheets shall be provided.
(Amended by Ord. No. 2008-09, 03/25/08)
Section 16. Amendment. Section 21350.11, Subd. 3 of the Plymouth City Code (FRD,
FUTURE RESTRICTED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT—USES BY ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT) is amended as
follows:
Subd. 3. Essential service structures (as defined by Section 21005 of this Chapter)
that do not exceed five 5 feet in height or 20 square feet in area, necessary for the health, safety
and general welfare of the City, excluding public works type facilities and uses, provided that:
(a) Equipment is completely enclosed in a permanent structure with no outside storage.
(b) Landscaping is provided to screen any such structure.
Section 17. Amendment. Section 21355.05, Subd. 4 of the Plymouth City Code (RSF‐1,
SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING DISTRICT 1—ACCESSORY USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 4. Backup generators for residential uses, provide they comply with the
placement and minimum setback requirements for accessory structures regulations in Section
21115.04, Subd. 1 (e) of this Chapter.
(31)
Section 18. Amendment. Section 21355.07, Subd. 5 of the Plymouth City Code (RSF‐1,
SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING DISTRICT 1—CONDITIONAL USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 5. Educational facilities including, and limited to, public and private
accredited elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools. (Amended by Ord. No. 2008-
09, 03/25/08) (Amended by Ord. No. 2020-11, 10/13/20)
Section 19. Amendment. Section 21360.05, Subd. 4 of the Plymouth City Code (RSF‐2,
SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING DISTRICT 2—ACCESSORY USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 4. Backup generators for residential uses, provide they comply with the
placement and minimum setback requirements for accessory structures regulations in Section
21115.04, Subd. 1 (e) of this Chapter.
Section 20. Amendment. Section 21360.07, Subd. 3 of the Plymouth City Code (RSF‐2,
SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING DISTRICT 2—CONDITIONAL USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 3. Educational facilities including, and limited to, public and private
accredited elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools. (Amended by Ord. No. 2008-
09, 03/25/08) (Amended by Ord. No. 2020-11, 10/13/20)
Section 21. Amendment. Section 21365.05, Subd. 4 of the Plymouth City Code (RSF‐3,
SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING DISTRICT 3—ACCESSORY USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 4. Backup generators for residential uses, provide they comply with the
placement and minimum setback requirements for accessory structures regulations in Section
21115.04, Subd. 1 (e) of this Chapter.
Section 22. Amendment. Section 21365.07, Subd. 3 of the Plymouth City Code (RSF‐3,
SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING DISTRICT 3—CONDITIONAL USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 3. Educational facilities including, and limited to, public and private
accredited elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools. (Amended by Ord. No. 2020-
11, 10/13/20)
Section 23. Amendment. Section 21370.05, Subd. 4 of the Plymouth City Code (RSF‐4,
SINGLE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT—ACCESSORY USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 4. Backup generators for residential uses, provide they comply with the
placement and minimum setback requirements for accessory structures regulations in Section
21115.04, Subd. 1 (e) of this Chapter.
(32)
Section 24. Amendment. Section 21370.07, Subd. 3 of the Plymouth City Code (RSF‐4,
SINGLE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT—CONDITIONAL USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 3. Educational facilities including, and limited to, public and private
accredited elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools. (Amended by Ord. No. 2020-
11, 10/13/20)
Section 25. Amendment. Section 21375.05, Subd. 4 of the Plymouth City Code (RMF‐1,
MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT 1—ACCESSORY USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 4. Backup generators for residential uses, provide they comply with the
placement and minimum setback requirements for accessory structures regulations in Section
21115.04, Subd. 1 (e) of this Chapter.
Section 26. Amendment. Section 21375.07, Subd. 3 of the Plymouth City Code (RMF‐1,
MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT 1—CONDITIONAL USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 3. Educational facilities including, and limited to, public and private
accredited elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools. (Amended by Ord. No .2020-
11, 10/13/20)
Section 27. Amendment. Section 21380.05, Subd. 4 of the Plymouth City Code (RMF‐2,
MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT 2—ACCESSORY USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 4. Backup generators for residential uses, provide they comply with the
placement and minimum setback requirements for accessory structures regulations in Section
21115.04, Subd. 1 (e) of this Chapter.
Section 28. Amendment. Section 21380.07, Subd. 3 of the Plymouth City Code (RMF‐2,
MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT 2—CONDITIONAL USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 3. Educational facilities including, and limited to, public and private
accredited elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools. (Amended by Ord. No. 2020-
11, 10/13/20)
Section 29. Amendment. Section 21385.07, Subd. 3 of the Plymouth City Code (RMF‐3,
MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT 3—CONDITIONAL USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 3. Educational facilities including, and limited to, public and private
accredited elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools. (Amended by Ord. No. 2020-
11, 10/13/20)
(33)
Section 30. Amendment. Section 21390.07, Subd. 4 of the Plymouth City Code (RMF‐4,
MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT 4—CONDITIONAL USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 4. Educational facilities including, and limited to, public and private
accredited elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools. (Amended by Ord. No. 2020-
11, 10/13/20)
Section 31. Amendment. Section 21395.03, Subd. 1 of the Plymouth City Code (RMF‐5,
MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT 5—PERMITTED USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 1. Apartment buildings (no limit on the number of dwelling units within a
building).
Section 32. Amendment. Section 21450.03, Subd. 17 of the Plymouth City Code (O, OFFICE
DISTRICT—PERMITTED USES) is deleted as follows, and subsequent subdivisions shall be re‐numbered
accordingly:
Subd. 17. Retail or service operations that are not otherwise addressed in this Chapter,
provided they are limited to 1,000 square feet of gross floor area per tenant, and provided they do
not exceed a cumulative total of 15 percent of the gross floor area of the building. (Amended by
Ord. No. 2016-11, 04/26/16)
Section 33. Amendment. Section 21450.07, Subd. 6 of the Plymouth City Code (O, OFFICE
DISTRICT—CONDITIONAL USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 6. Educational facilities including, and limited to, public and private
accredited nursery, elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools. (Amended by Ord.
No. 99-15, 05/18/99) (Amended by Ord. No. 2008-09, 03/25/08)
Section 34. Amendment. Section 21455.03, Subd. 13 of the Plymouth City Code (C‐1,
CONVENIENCE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT—PERMITTED USES) is deleted as follows, and subsequent
subdivisions shall be re‐numbered accordingly:
Subd. 13. Retail or service operations that are not otherwise addressed in this Chapter,
provided they are limited to 1,000 square feet of gross floor area per tenant.
(34)
Section 35. Amendment. Section 21460.03, Subd. 34 of the Plymouth City Code (C‐2,
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT—PERMITTED USES) is deleted as follows, and subsequent
subdivisions shall be re‐numbered accordingly:
Subd. 34. Retail or service operations that are not otherwise addressed in this Chapter
provided they are limited to 3,000 square feet of gross floor area per tenant.
Section 36. Amendment. Section 21465.03 of the Plymouth City Code (C‐3, HIGHWAY
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT—PERMITTED USES) is amended as follows:
21465.03. PERMITTED USES: The following are permitted uses in the C-3 District:
Subd. 1. Amusement centers.
Subd. 2. Auto accessory stores (not including service).
Subd. 3. Automobile Detailing Shops.
Subd. 34. Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions (excluding currency
exchanges) with or without drive up tellers. (Drive up teller service is regulated by Section
21120.04, Subd. 3 of this Chapter.)
Subd. 45. Beauty salons and day spas.
Subd. 56. Bicycle sales and repair.
Subd. 67. Breweries with a taproom.
Subd. 78. Brewpub restaurants (no drive-in or drive-through service).
Subd. 89. Bus/transit stations or terminals without vehicle storage.
Subd. 910. Candy, ice cream, popcorn, nuts, frozen desserts, and soft drink sales.
Subd. 1011. Commercial recreation, indoor (e.g., bowling alleys, roller rinks).
Subd. 1112. Convenience grocery markets (without motor fuel facilities or delicatessen
food service).
Subd. 1213. Copy/printing services (excludes printing presses and publishing facilities).
Subd. 1314. Delicatessens/coffee houses without drive-through service.
Subd. 1415. Dining restaurants (no drive-in or drive-through service).
Subd. 1516. Dry cleaning pick up and laundry pick up stations including incidental
repair but not including processing.
Subd. 1617. Essential services not including structures, except those requiring
administrative permits or conditional use permits pursuant to Section 21160 of this
Chapter.
Subd. 1718. Furniture stores containing less than 5,000 square feet of gross floor area.
Subd. 1819. Governmental and public utility (essential service) buildings and structures,
including public works type facilities, excluding outdoor storage.
Subd. 1920. Hotels.
Subd. 2021. Liquor, off sale, pursuant to the required liquor license.
Subd. 2122. Locksmiths.
Subd. 2223. Offices, administrative/commercial.
Subd. 2324. Offices/clinics for medical, dental, or chiropractic services.
Subd. 2425. Pet sales, supplies and grooming.
(35)
Subd. 2526. Prepared food restaurants: delivery and/or take out only, with no interior
seating.
Subd. 2627. Private clubs (may serve food and beverages).
Subd. 2728. Reception halls/event centers, with or without catering services.
Subd. 2829. Religious institutions such as churches, chapels, temples, synagogues,
mosques limited to worship and directly related social events.
Subd. 29. Retail or service operations that are not otherwise addressed in this Chapter
provided they are limited to 3,000 square feet of gross floor area per tenant.
Subd. 30. Sexually oriented businesses – accessory or principal (as regulated by
Section 21195 of this Chapter).
Subd. 31. Shoe repair.
Subd. 32. Sporting goods and recreational equipment sales, not including motorized
vehicles or boats.
Subd. 33. Sports and fitness clubs.
Subd. 34. Tailoring services.
Subd. 35. Tanning salons.
Subd. 36. Therapeutic massage.
Subd. 37. Tutoring/learning centers
Subd. 38. Veterinary clinics and related indoor kennel.
Section 37. Amendment. Section 21470.03, Subd. 19 of the Plymouth City Code (C‐4,
COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT—PERMITTED USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 19. Carpet, rugs, and tile and flooring retail sales.
Section 38. Amendment. Section 21470.03, Subd. 57 of the Plymouth City Code (C‐4,
COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT—PERMITTED USES) is deleted as follows, and subsequent
subdivisions shall be re‐numbered accordingly:
Subd. 57. Retail or service operations that are not otherwise addressed in this Chapter,
provided they are limited to 3,000 square feet of gross floor area per tenant.
Section 39. Amendment. Section 21475.05, Subd. 2. (oo) of the Plymouth City Code (CC,
CITY CENTER DISTRICT—PERMITTED USES) is deleted as follows, and subsequent items shall be re‐
lettered accordingly:
(oo) Retail or service operations that are not otherwise addressed in this Chapter,
provided they are limited to 3,000 square feet of gross floor area per tenant.
(36)
Section 40. Amendment. Section 21650.03, Subd. 2 of the Plymouth City Code (P‐I,
PUBLIC/INSTITUTIONAL DISTRICT—PERMITTED USES) is amended as follows:
Subd. 2. Educational facilities including, and limited to, public and private
accredited elementary, middle, junior high, and senior high schools.
Section 41. Amendment. Section 21655.75 of the Plymouth City Code (PUD, PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT—PARKERA PLYMOUTH PUD) is added as follows:
21655.75. PARKERA PLYMOUTH PUD:
Subd. 1. Legal Description. This PUD is legally described as Lots 1-3, Block 1,
and Outlot A, Parkera Plymouth Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Subd. 2. Incorporated herein by reference are the plans received by the City on April
30, 2021, with additional information on May 14, 2021, May 18, 2021, May 28, 2021, June 1,
2021, June 7, 2021, June 22, 2021, June 29, 2021, July 6, 2021, July 8, 2021, and July 12, 2021,
except as may be amended by City Council Resolution 2021-228, on file in the office of the
Zoning Administrator under file 2021032.
Subd. 3. Allowable Uses. The uses permitted in this PUD shall include the
following:
One market rate four-story apartment building with 210-units and a 429-stall
parking garage.
One 70,000 square foot medical office building.
One previously existing church.
Subd. 4. Development Standards. Development standards shall be as indicated on
the PUD general plan approved by City Council Resolution 2021-228, on file in the office of the
Zoning Administrator under file 2021032.
Section 42. Amendment. Section 21655.76 of the Plymouth City Code (PUD, PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT—BASSETT CREEK APARTMENTS PUD) is added as follows:
21655.76. BASSETT CREEK APARTMENTS PUD:
Subd. 1. Legal Description. This PUD is legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Groves
Office Park, according to the recorded plat thereof, Hennepin County, Minnesota. (Abstract and
Torrens property, Certificate of Title No. 1330612). The registered portion of the land is described
as follows: That part of Lot 1, Block 1, Groves Office Park, embraced within the Southwest
Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 36, Township 118, Range 22, Hennepin County,
Minnesota.
(37)
Subd. 2. Incorporated herein by reference are the plans received by the City on
October 8, 2021, November 18, 2021, February 9, 2022, February 15, 2022, February 16, 2022,
February 23, 2022, and February 24, 2022, except as may be amended by City Council
Resolution 2022-098, on file in the office of the Zoning Administrator under file 2021081.
Subd. 3. Allowable Uses. The uses permitted in this PUD shall include the
following:
One seven-story apartment building with 176-units and a 238-stall parking garage.
One 64,000 square foot office building.
Subd. 4. Development Standards. Development standards shall be as indicated on
the PUD general plan approved by City Council Resolution 2022-098, on file in the office of the
Zoning Administrator under file 2021081.
Section 43. Amendment. Section 21665.06, Subd. 3 of the Plymouth City Code
(SHORELAND MANAGEMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT—SUBDIVISION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES) is
added as follows:
Subd. 3. Lots for controlled access. Lots proposed to serve as controlled accesses to
public waters or as recreational areas for the benefit of non-riparian lots, where allowed by this
Chapter, within a subdivision, shall meet the following standards:
(a) All area and width requirements for residential lots as provided in this section.
(b) The suitability standards of this paragraph, in consideration of the proposed use of
the lot or lots.
(c) The width of the lot shall be increased, while retaining the lot depth, by the percent
of the required width for residential lots abutting public water for each water craft over six,
if docking, mooring, or over-water storage of more than six water craft is allowed. The
required percentage increase in frontage is indicated (%) following the ratio of lake size in
acres to shore length in miles: Less than 100 (25%); 100-200 (20%); 201-300 (15%); 301-
400 (10%); greater than 400 (5%).
(d) The lot must be owned jointly by all lot owners in the subdivision who are provided
riparian access rights on the lot.
(e) Covenants or equivalent legal instruments approved by the City Attorney shall be
filed with the title for the lot and for all lots with rights to use the lot; the benefiting lots,
authorized activities, limitations on the development and use of lot and special conditions
imposed to ensure compliance with applicable regulations shall be specified.
(38)
(f) Lots or outlots for controlled access that existed prior to adoption of Ordinance No.
94-10 on July 7, 1994, shall be considered legally conforming and shall be exempt from
the provisions set forth in this Subdivision 3.
Section 44. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage.
ADOPTED by the City Council on this 16th day of August, 2022.
__________________________
Jeffry Wosje, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Jodi M. Gallup, City Clerk