Source-Separated Organics Zoning Study

In February 2014, the Saint Paul City Council approved Zoning Code amendments pertaining to source-separated organics. The amendments created a definition for “source-separated organics” and allowed collection and transfer of source-separated organics at municipal yard waste sites. Source-separated organic waste includes non-recyclable paper and food scraps, such as banana peels, coffee grounds, and uneaten food, which could include fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, or dairy.

Alcohol Production Zoning Study

The City Council initiated the Alcohol Production Zoning Study in August 2012 by resolution. The study was intended to clarify, harmonize, and update regulatory language so as to facilitate the growth of small, local breweries and other alcohol production facilities in Saint Paul. The resolution also initiated a small amendment allowing small breweries in non-industrial districts to have taprooms (Ord 13-14). Additional amendments were passed by the City Council in December 2013 (Ord 13-57) that permit small distilleries and small wineries in most non-industrial districts, and allow for non-industrial breweries to potentially expand their size through a Conditional Use Permit process.

Urban Agriculture Zoning Study

The Urban Agriculture Zoning Study was initiated by resolution in October of 2011 by the Saint Paul Planning Commission. The goal of the study was to identify how locally grown food-related uses are dealt with in the zoning ordinance and if there is a need to revise the code to remove any undue barriers. Staff reviewed national best practices to develop draft amendments for those topics that are appropriately addressed by zoning. The study is a part of an ongoing response to a 2009 City Council resolution requesting “necessary changes to City policy (including possible zoning, licensing/permitting, HRA/easement policies” in order to “facilitate a network of resources to support the production, distribution, and consumption of healthy and locally grown food.” The Planning Commission passed a resolutionapproving the zoning study on August 9th, 2013. The zoning amendments were approved by City Council on November 13th, 2013 and will be effective December 25th, 2013. Related documents are available from Anton Jerve, 651-266-6567.

Amendments to Chapter 64 - Signs

Amendments to Chapter 64 - Signs were approved by the council on December 14, 2011. Amendments to the code are available through the City Council Web site. The full-text of the Planning Commission study is available online and questions can be directed to For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. or 651-266-6618image.

St. Anthony Park Como 2030 Small Area Plan and Zoning Study

The District 12 St. Anthony Park Community Council has recommended and submitted the draft St. Anthony Park Como 2030 Small Area Plan and Zoning Study to the city for consideration and adoption. The study area includes all parcels within 150 feet of Como Avenue between Highway 280 and the U of M transitway. The draft can be viewed here, with proposed rezoning shown on page 9 and details on pages 10-12. The Saint Paul Planning Commission approved the Plan and Zoning Study on January 7, 2011.

Smith Avenue Revitalization Plan

The Smith Avenue Revitalization Plan was approved by the Planning Commission on August 5, 2011 and by the City Council on September 28, 2011. It has been adopted as an amendment to the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan with approval from the Metropolitan Council on January 19, 2012. For further information contact For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. or 651-266-6618image.

Highland Village Rezoning Study

On May 21, 2011, a set of property rezonings took effect in Highland Village along Ford Parkway and Cleveland Avenue. View a list of rezoned properties and a map of the adopted property rezonings. The rezonings follow a 9-month study to evaluate Traditional Neighborhood district zoning as a means to allow more mixed use development and enhanced design standards in the Highland Village commercial area. The City Council approved the rezonings on April 13, 2011, following public hearings at the Planning Commission and City Council. An informational presentation and the Highland Village Zoning Study Report provide more background.

Design Standards Zoning Amendments

After holding two public hearings on May 22 and June 5, 2009, the Planning Commission reviewed the public testimony and staff responses, and recommended approval of the design standards zoning amendments on October 16, 2009. The City Council held a public hearing on December 16, 2009, and approved the zoning amendments on December 23, 2009. For more information on the design standards zoning amendments ordinance, click here.

Signs with Dynamic Display

A public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Zoning Code regarding Signs with Dynamic Display concluded on December 2, 2009. The City Council voted on December 9, 2010 to adopt a substitute ordinance.

Currency Exchange Zoning Study and Amendments

The City Council placed a moratorium on the establishment of new currency exchanges and industrial loan and thrift companies on January 13, 2010, so that a zoning studycould be conducted in order to determine the effectiveness of the current municipal code in regulating such businesses. The Planning Commission recommended the study’s findings, including amendments to the zoning code, and it was approved by the City Council in October, and the ordinance became effective on January 5, 2011.

Zoning Fee Study and Amendments

The Saint Paul Planning Commission recently completed a study of fees charged by the departments of Planning & Economic Development and Safety & Inspections for zoning reviews and applications. The study included applications reviewed by both the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission as well as administrative reviews conducted by staffs in each department. The study looked the cost to process each type of application compared to the existing fees. Fees were also compared to similar fees charged by the cities of Bloomington and Minneapolis. The results of the study were incorporated into an ordinance that was recommended by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Council on Wednesday, January 5, 2011.

Lower Afton Station Area Plan for Red Rock Corridor

In November 2011, the City Council approved the Lower Afton Station Area plan. The purpose is to plan for an improved park and ride facility to accommodate expanded bus service that may transition to commuter rail in the Red Rock Corridor. The plan addresses an area approximately 1/4 mile around the proposed future commuter rail station. Topics include multi-modal transportation access, platform location, and cultural, historical, and environmental context. Long-term concepts include a low-profile 275-stall parking facility located north of Lower Afton Road, and a pedestrian bridge over Highway 61 to the rail platform. The plan also calls for restoring and enhancing green space, as well as connecting to local and regional trails and parks.

Last Edited: September 26, 2023