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1. May I operate a business out of my home?

A home occupation is allowed if it is secondary to the principal residential use, does not affect the residential character of the principal use, and meets certain requirements:

1. The occupation must take place in the principal structure, not within a garage or accessory building. This includes all storage of material related to the home occupation. A professional person may use their residence for consultation, emergency treatment or performance of religious rites, but not for the general practice of the profession when such general practice will involve the need for more than three (3) parking spaces for the occupant and visitors.


2. Only persons residing in that residence may be engaged in the occupation; no employees from outside the home shall be permitted.


3. The home occupation may not be visible from the street.


4. No signs of any kind are permitted.


5. Over-the-counter retail sales are not allowed. The entrance to the home occupation is gained from within the residential space of the home and not through a separate entrance.

Home occupations include such things as professional offices, minor repair services, photo and art studios, dress making, nurseries or child day care centers limited to 14 children, teaching limited to six students at any one time, and hair salons.

A home occupation shall not be interpreted to include tourist homes, restaurants, or similar uses.

2. Does my business require a license from the City?

The city does not issue general business licenses, but does license certain business activities such as alcoholic beverage sales, coin-operated amusement devices, pawn brokers, precious metal dealers, vending carts, etc. Please contact City Hall for information on licensing a specific activity at (952) 953-2500.

The State of Minnesota, not the City, is responsible for new business licenses and registrations. The Secretary of State Office files and records original and amendment documents for all business, nonprofit, foreign, banking, insurance, and professional corporations, cooperatives, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships and limited liability companies formed or doing business in this state.

3. What are property setbacks?

A setback is the required distance a structure must be from a property line. Please note that setbacks vary by structure type and zoning district. Please call the Planning Department at (952) 953-2575, prior to building any structure, e.g. shed, fence, compost bins, addition, etc., to discuss the appropriate setbacks. Setback Chart

4. How do I find my property lines?

Property lines may be located by: 1) finding your "corner lot pins" and measuring the distance between them by following your lot dimensions, or 2) contacting a land surveyor.

5. Where may I construct a fence on my property?

A fence is any partition, hedge, structure, wall, or gate erected as a dividing marker, barrier, or enclosure and located along the boundary or within the required yard. Fences must be located on an individual’s property unless the owner of the adjoining property agrees, in writing, that such fence may be erected on the property line. Fences located in the front yard may be no taller than 3 ½ feet. Fences taller than 7 feet (with a maximum height of 8 feet) above grade require a building permit. Fences 7 feet or less do not require a building permit.

6. Where may I construct a shed and/or a detached garage?

All accessory buildings or structures 144 square feet in area or less, except those related to a farming operation shall be located in the side or rear yard and no closer than five feet to any property line or 20 feet to a side lot line, if adjacent to any public street right-of-way.

The accessory building shall not encroach into a drainage and utility easement or any other public land or right-of-way. Please review the certificate of survey for the subject residence prior to constructing any accessory building. Accessory buildings smaller than 200 square feet do not require a building permit.

7. How does the Planning Department issue public notices about zoning and development issues?

For public notices required by local ordinance and state statutes, a legal advertisement is placed in the Sun Thisweek newspaper and a sign is posted on the subject property, and at City Hall. Notification letters are mailed to all property owners within 350 feet of a proposed rezone, special use, or planned development.

8. What does this particular term mean?

There are many technical terms found in City ordinances, State statutes, and Federal regulations. In order to help residents better understand what is happening on issues, a glossary of common govenment terms is provided.