Planning, Zoning, and Land Use

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Municipal Boundary Adjustment The boundaries of Minnesota’s cities and towns are legally adjusted by the Office of Administrative Hearings in cases involving the creation, annexation, detachment, or consolidation of municipalities.

PZ1000-Planning-and-Zoning-General-Overview.pdf (Document Number: PZ 1000)
Land use controls, also called zoning controls or a zoning ordinance, are a means of regulating development(i.e., how residents can use their property) to protect residents’ health, safety, and welfare. (17 pages) (Revised May 2024)

Appendix A – Shoreland Management Ordinance Best-Practices

Appendix B – DNR Model Shoreland Ordinance with Commentary

Appendix C – DNR Model Shoreland Ordinance without Commentary

Appendix D - DNR Town Floodplain Guidance

PZ2000-Zoning-Decisions-.pdf (Document Number: PZ 2000)
Explains the various legal limitations imposed on a town’s zoning authority by the legislature and the courts. (19 pages) (Revised: May 2024)

PZ3000-Practical-Guide-to-the-60-day-rule.pdf (Document Number: PZ 3000)
A review of the requirements under Minn. Stat. § 15.99 to handle zoning requests within 60 days. (10 pages) (Revised: January 2004)