Rochester, MN
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4001 West River Parkway NW, Suite 100
Rochester, MN 55901
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Rochester 311
Phone: 507-328-2311
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Departments » Community Development » Planning & Zoning
Applications for Planning & Zoning
Approved Fees
- 2024 Development Application Fees
- Zoning/Wetland (will redirect you to the Olmsted County website)
- GIS & E911 Addressing Fees (will redirect you to the Olmsted County website)
This process is applicable to petitions for annexation land submitted or signed by a majority of the landowners within such area. Procedure for Annexation of Land by Ordinance follow receipt of a petition. This process requires City Council Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Annexation of Land Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM):
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Review the NIM Application Guide and NIM Policy
- Prepare a presentation using the NIM PPT template - Annexation
- Print the Community Guide - NIM and Community Guide - Annexation for meeting attendees
- Submit the NIM Application Guide (linked above)
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.040 of the UDC.
Decisions made in the administration of the UDC may be appealed to a higher administrative body. An applicant aggrieved by a decision may file an appeal within 10 business days of a decision. The basis for such an appeal may be any alleged error of an official or public body in making a decision, including failure to make a decision within the prescribed time limit. A decision means any decision, order, requirement, or interpretation which the official or body has the power or duty to make under the UDC.
All applications for appeals shall contain:
- An identification of the decision sought to be reviewed, including the date of the decision;
- Identification of the status of the person seeking review in relation to the applicant (i.e. applicant, adjacent landowner, owner of record receiving notice, or basis for being aggrieved)
- The basis for he appeal including, as applicable, the state or federal law, or specific provisions of the UDC or the Rochester Code of Ordinances was violated or not applied.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Land Development Application:
For more details, review section 60.500.030F.2 of the UDC.
The Comprehensive Plan or Land Use Plan for the City is the way in which an adopted Comprehensive Plan or Land Use Plan for the City can be amended, in compliance with applicable Minnesota state law. This process requires City Council Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Comprehensive Plan Adoption or Amendment Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.040A of the UDC.
The Conditional Use Permit procedure provides a mechanism for the City to evaluate proposed land uses that are generally characterized by infrequency of use, high degree of traffic generation, and/or requirement of a large land area. This procedure is intended to ensure compatibility of such uses with surrounding areas and that adequate mitigation is provided for anticipated impacts. This process requires approval by City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, or City Teammate depending on the Application.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (separated by type of approval, listed in order of recommended use):
City Council Approval:
- Learn about the CUP Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM):
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Review the NIM Application Guide and NIM Policy
- Prepare a presentation using the NIM PPT template - CUP
- Print the Community Guide - NIM and Community Guide - CUP for meeting attendees
- Submit the NIM Application Guide (linked above)
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Land Development Application:
Planning & Zoning Commission Approval:
- Learn about the CUP Process:
- Review the Application Guide - Commission Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
City Teammate Approval:
- Learn about the CUP Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Teammate Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.050A of the UDC.
The purpose of the Distinctive Development procedure is to allow landowners to propose certain types of development that cannot be accomplished through other zoning districts and procedures in this UDC provided that those developments provide to the City benefits equal to or greater than what the City would achieve if the Distinctive Development procedure were not used. This process requires City Council Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Distinctive Development Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.040L of the UDC.
Environmental reviews provide usable information for project proposers, government decision-makers, and members of the public about a proposed project’s primary environmental effects. The Environmental Quality Board (EQB) oversees the state of Minnesota’s environmental review program and has the authority to draft rules for the State Environmental Review Program. The requirements for environmental reviews are based on the nature, size, and location of the proposed project, and are described in Minnesota Rules 4410.
Learn about Environmental Review types:
- Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
The Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) is a brief document designed to lay out the basic facts of a project necessary to determine if an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required for the proposed project.
State of Minnesota Environment Quality Board - EAW Process Website
- Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) provides detailed information about the extent of potentially significant environmental impacts of a proposed project, presents alternatives to the proposed project, and identifies methods for reducing adverse environmental effects.
State of Minnesota Environmental Quality Board – EIS Process Website
- Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR)
The Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) process is a hybrid of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) review processes. The AUAR acts as a planning tool to understand how different development scenarios will affect the environment of their community before the development occurs.
State of Minnesota Environment Quality Board - AUAR Process Website
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Environmental Assessment Worksheet Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type by visiting the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board website.
The Final Plat process is intended to ensure that all aspects of a Major Land Subdivision Permit approved or approved with conditions pursuant to this UDC is accurately documented and recorded in the public land records through the preparation of a subdivision plat meeting the requirements of Minnesota law. This process requires City Council Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Final Plat Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.040H of the UDC.
The Floodplain Development Permit process is intended to ensure that all development in the FPO – Floodplain Overlay complies with all applicable provisions in Section 60.200.040E and with all other provisions of the UDC and City regulations designed to reduce the risk of damage due to flooding. This process requires City Teammate approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Floodplain Development Permit Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Teammate Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.060H of the UDC.
The purpose of the General Development Plan requirement is to ensure that a landowner investigates the broad effects development will have not only on the site itself, but on adjacent properties and the on and off-site public infrastructure system. This process requires City Teammate Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the GDP Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Teammate Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM):
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Review the NIM Application Guide and NIM Policy
- Prepare a presentation using the NIM PPT template - GDP
- Print the Community Guide - NIM and Community Guide - GDP for meeting attendees
- Submit the NIM Application Guide (linked above)
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.060B of the UDC.
This process is applicable to all applications to amend the City’s Growth Management Map, and may be required to be completed before an application for an Official Zoning Map Amendment or another application under this UDC may be recommended for approval or approval with conditions. This process requires City Council Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Growth Management Map Amendment Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.040 of the UDC.
A home occupation application is required for a business, profession or other economic activity conducted full or part-time in the principal residence of the person conducting the business. This process requires City Teammate Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Home Occupation Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Teammate Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.300.020.F12 of the UDC.
The Interim Use Permit process is intended to allow property in Mixed Use and Non-Residential zoning districts to be used for purposes that may not be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan under conditions that ensure its long-term use will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. This process requires City Council Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Interim Use Permit Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM):
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Review the NIM Application/Guide and NIM Policy
- Prepare a presentation using the NIM PPT template - Interim Use Permit
- Print the Community Guide - NIM and Community Guide - Interim Use Permit for meeting attendees
- Submit the NIM Application Guide (linked above)
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.040N of the UDC.
The Lot Line Readjustment process is intended to allow minor adjustments between the boundaries of already platted lots or unplatted parcels that create no more than one additional developable lots and do not require the dedication of additional right-of-way. This process requires City Teammate Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Lot Line Readjustment Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Teammate Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.060J of the UDC.
The Major Land Subdivision Permit process is intended to ensure that the creation of new developable lots within the City comply with all applicable requirements of state law, this UDC, and all applicable City and other government regulations related to transportation, utilities, protection of sensitive lands, and the provision of public services, and are consistent with the adopted Rochester Comprehensive Plan. This process requires City Council Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Major Land Subdivision Permit Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM):
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Review the NIM Application/Guide and NIM Policy
- Prepare a presentation using the PPT template - Major Land Subdivision Permit
- Print the Community Guide - NIM and Community Guide - Major Land Subdivision Permit for meeting attendees
- Submit the NIM Application Guide (linked above)
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.040G of the UDC.
The Major Modification procedure is intended to allow for adjustments or deviations from dimensional, numeric, and certain other standards of this UDC that are greater than, or different in kind than, the extent of variation allowed by a Minor Modification as described in Section 60.500.070A of the UDC. Major Modifications are intended to provide greater flexibility to adjust UDC standards (other than permitted or conditional uses), without requiring the level of practical difficulties required for a Variance under Minnesota law. This process requires Planning & Zoning Commission Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Major Modification Process:
- Review the Application Guide - Commission Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.070B of the UDC.
The Minor Land Subdivision Permit process is intended to ensure that the creation of small numbers of new developable lots within the City comply with all applicable requirements of state law, this UDC, and all applicable City and other government regulations related to transportation, utilities, protection of sensitive lands, and the provision of public services, and are consistent with the adopted Rochester Comprehensive Plan. This process requires City Teammate Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Minor Land Subdivision Permit Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Teammate Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.060G of the UDC.
The Minor Modification procedure is intended to allow relatively small modifications of dimensional, numeric, and certain other standards of this UDC where the need for the adjustment is due to unusual site conditions and the approved modification will not have a material negative impact on surrounding properties. This process requires City Teammate Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Minor Modification Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Teammate Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.070A of the UDC.
The Official Map Adoption process is intended to clarify how the map designating the locations, names, and details of public streets in the City may be adopted, in conformance with Minnesota state law. This process requires City Council Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Official Street Map Adoption Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.040I of the UDC.
A request for continuance is a request to delay the consideration of a planning application to a future date. It allows the applicant more time to gather additional information, address concerns raised by community members or local authorities, or make revisions to the proposed development plan before a final decision is made. The request for a continuance can be made by the applicant or their representative, or by a member of the planning commission or local government body responsible for reviewing the application. Once a continuance request is granted, the planning application review process is typically paused and rescheduled to a later date.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
The Rezoning (Official Zoning Map Amendment) procedure is intended to provide a mechanism for the City to consider an application for the rezoning of real property within the jurisdictional area of the City and to ensure that the statutory requirements established in Minnesota law for the zoning of real property are met. This application requires City Council Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Rezoning (Official Zoning Map Amendment) Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM):
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Review the NIM Application/Guide and NIM Policy
- Prepare a presentation using the NIM PPT template - Rezoning (Official Zoning Map Adoption)
- Print the Community Guide - NIM and Community Guide - Rezoning (Official Zoning Map Amendment) for meeting attendees
- Submit the NIM Application/Guide (linked above)
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.040E of the UDC.
The Shoreland Protection Permit process is intended to allow for new projects on undeveloped land, redevelopment of previously built sites, or conversions of existing buildings and land in the SDO – Shoreland District Overlay in a way that complies with all applicable provisions in Section 60.200.040F of the UDC, and protects and enhances the natural scenic qualities and environmental benefits of the Shoreland District Overlay both during and after development. This process requires Planning & Zoning Commission Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Shoreland Protection Permit Process:
- Review the Application Guide - Commission Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.040I of the UDC.
The Site Development Plan review process is intended to promote the safe, functional, and aesthetic development of property and to ensure that new structures, utilities, streets, parking, circulation systems, yards, and open spaces are developed in conformance with the standards of this UDC. The Site Development Plan review shall consider the siting of structures and related site improvements so as to promote harmonious relationships with adjacent development, promote use of non-motorized transportation and transit, enhance the pedestrian environment, and minimize bicycle, pedestrian, and motorized vehicle conflicts. This process requires City Teammate Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Site Development Plan (SDP) Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Teammate Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM):
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Review the NIM Application/Guide and NIM Policy
- Prepare a presentation using the NIM PPT template - SDP
- Print the Community Guide - NIM and Community Guide - SDP for meeting attendees
- Submit the NIM Application/Guide (linked above)
- Prepare for the meeting:
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.060C of the UDC.
The Temporary Permit process is intended to allow the short-term use of property (not to exceed a maximum of 12 calendar months) for purposes permitted in Table 300.01-1 Allowed Uses Table of the UDC under conditions that minimize potential negative impacts on surrounding properties. This process requires City Teammate Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Temporary Permit Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Teammate Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.060F of the UDC.
The UDC text amendment process describes the review and approval procedures for amending the text of this UDC to respond to changed conditions or changes in public policy, or to advance the general welfare of the City. These amendments do not include rezoning. This process requires City Council Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the UDC Text Amendment Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.040D of the UDC.
Rochester Code of Ordinances 7-4-5 states that a building that becomes vacant must be registered by the owner no later than 30 days after it becomes vacant. A vacant building fee shall be paid annually, with the amount determined by the size of the building and the length of vacancy (Ordinance 7-4-5(h)). Fees may be waived if the owner follows through with a written restoration agreement, or in the case of fire damage if the owner submits a request for an exemption.
This process applies to all applications to vacate a public street or easement or right-of-way (ROW). It does not apply to requests to vacate private easements within or outside of a public street or public right-of-way that do not affect the designation or City or public ownership of the surface of the street or right-of-way or its use for public travel, circulation, or mobility. This process requires City Council Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Vacation Process:
- Review the Application Guide - City Council Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
- Land Development Application:
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.040J of the UDC.
The Variance procedure is intended to allow property owners with unusual lot or site conditions to request the opportunity to vary standards and criteria in this UDC that cannot be modified through the Minor Modification or Major Modification procedures, in order to avoid practical difficulties that would otherwise be created by the strict adherence to the provisions of the UDC, as required in Chapter 462.357 (sub. 6) of the Laws of Minnesota. This process requires Zoning Board of Appeals Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Learn about the Variance Process:
- Review the Application Guide - Commission Approval and Procedures Table
- Review How to Use the UDC
- Pre-Development Meeting:
- Submit a Pre-Development Meeting Request
Learn more about this application type in section 60.500.070C of the UDC.
Zoning Certificates are issued by the Community Development Director to authorize a development to proceed based on information included on the application evidencing compliance with UDC requirements. This process requires City Teammate Approval.
Use the following documents to guide the application process (listed in order of recommended use):
- Land Development Application: