FAQs • Blaine, MN • CivicEngage

Can I get a variance?: Minnesota State Statutes Section §462.357, Subd. 6(2) and Zoning Ordinance Section 27.06 (a) require that practical difficulties be demonstrated in order for a variance to be granted. Practical difficulties means that a property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance; the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner. Personal and economic situations are not considered valid practical difficulties. Please refer to the Practical Difficulties Worksheet (make this a link) to determine if you qualify for a variance, since you are requesting the code variance or exception you have the burden of proving that the variance is justified.

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Planning FAQs

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1. How do I subdivide my property?: Before starting the application process, contact the Planning Department at 763-785-6180 or email the Planning Department to discuss your proposal. A planner will inform you of specific documents required for your application based on the nature of your request.

2. Can I have a bigger garage or shed on my property?: The first step is to confirm the Zoning designation of your property, refer to our FAQs. Once you have determined the Zoning Designation of your property, please access the Zoning Ordinance. You will be able to click on the Zoning Designation that applies to your property. Once you have completed this step, please read through the ordinance to determine how much garage and accessory space you are allowed to have on your property. Please keep in mind that the square footage you are allowed to have includes any existing ATTACHED and DETACHED structures on the property. If you need to apply for a conditional use permit please refer to the next questions. View the Zoning Ordinance

3. How do I apply for a conditional use permit?: Before starting the application process, contact the Planning Department at 763-785-6180 to discuss your proposal. A planner will inform you of specific documents required for your application based on the nature of your request.

4. Can I get a variance?: Minnesota State Statutes Section §462.357, Subd. 6(2) and Zoning Ordinance Section 27.06 (a) require that practical difficulties be demonstrated in order for a variance to be granted. Practical difficulties means that a property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance; the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner. Personal and economic situations are not considered valid practical difficulties. Please refer to the Practical Difficulties Worksheet (make this a link) to determine if you qualify for a variance, since you are requesting the code variance or exception you have the burden of proving that the variance is justified.

5. How do I apply for a variance?: Before starting the application process, contact the Planning Department at 763-785-6180 to discuss your proposal. A planner will inform you of specific documents required for your application based on the nature of your request.

6. How do I apply for a rezoning and/or a comprehensive land use amendment?: Before starting the application process, contact the Planning Department at 763-785-6180 to discuss your proposal. A planner will inform you of specific documents required for your application based on the nature of your request.

7. What are the setbacks for my property?: The first step is to confirm the Zoning designation of your property by following the steps in the first frequently asked question. Once you have determined the Zoning Designation of your property, please access the Zoning Ordinance. You will be able to click on the Zoning Designation that applies to your property. Once you have completed this step, please read through the ordinance to determine the setbacks for the property in question. View the Zoning Ordinance

8. What is site plan approval and how do I apply for this?

Site Plan approval is an administrative process that builders/developers/property owners need to go through in order to construct a building on their property. Site plan approval generally applies to all commercial and industrial projects, but it also applies to residential townhome development. This process is initiated after all Planning Commission and City Council meetings have been held on the issue, or for permitted uses in each Zoning District, after a meeting with City staff to discuss the project.

Before starting the application process, contact the Planning Department at 763-785-6180 to discuss your proposal. A planner will inform you of specific documents required for your application based on the nature of your request.

9. Can I have a home occupation?: The City’s Zoning Ordinance discusses home occupations in Chapter 33.10. If you have questions on home occupations please contact the Planning Department at 763-785-6180 or the Planning Department. The Administration Assistant can direct you to the appropriate Planning personnel to determine if you home occupation is allowed. Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 33.10

10. When are Planning Commission and City Council meetings held?: The Planning Commission meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7PM unless dictated by State and Federal holidays that may occur on that same day. City Council meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at 7:30PM. The City Council generally holds workshop meetings before the regularly scheduled meetings. The meetings are held in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. Meeting Calendar

11. How can I find out what new residential and commercial/industrial developments are occurring within the City?: View our Current Developments.

12. Does the City have a list of local contractors or surveyors available?: The City cannot recommend any privately owned company to do work in the City.

13. Does the City have a list of all homeowners associations in the City?: Given the large number of homeowners associations in the city, the city does not keep an official list and/or contact information for the associations within the city.