Zoning and Planning

Important Notice: The City of Fridley is developing a new zoning permit requirement for certain improvement projects. This change is designed to ensure that all construction and installations meet local zoning codes and regulations.

What residential projects require a permit?

Beginning this spring, residents will need to obtain a zoning permit for the following types of projects:

• Fences: Any permanent fence or retaining wall.
• Sheds: Accessory structures, including storage sheds, which are permanently installed.
• Other outdoor structures: Pergolas, decks, patios, etc., that do not otherwise require building permits.

Zoning permits are required by the recodified Title 6, Zoning and Subdivision.

How to obtain a permit

1. Submit an application: Access the online zoning permit application from CitizenServe, the City's online permit portal [coming soon!].
2. Provide necessary documents: This may include site plans, construction drawings, and other relevant documents. In most cases, construction drawings do not need to be created by an architect or professional engineer, as long as they have complete and accurate dimensions. For projects near the property line, you may need to provide a property survey or expose the property pins for the inspector, to ensure the project is in the proper location.
3. Pay the required fees: Fees are generally not charged for zoning permits, unless multiple on-site inspections are required.
4. Review and approval: City staff will review your application to ensure compliance with zoning codes. Once approved, you will receive a permit electronically.

Why is this change necessary?

This new requirement helps to:

• Maintain property values: Ensures that all structures are built to code and enhance the neighborhood's aesthetic appeal.
• Protect public safety: Verifies that structures are safe and stable.
• Limit code enforcement violations: Helps the City proactively manage improvements instead of issuing code enforcement violations. 

Fridley is updating its zoning regulations as part of an ongoing recodification of City ordinances.

Meeting Materials

The following Meeting Materials were presented to the Planning Commission.

• February 21, 2024 (Zoning Code Recodification Kickoff)
• April 17, 2024 (Zoning Code Recodification - Parking)
• June 21, 2024 (Zoning Code Recodification - Landscaping)
• September 18, 2024 (Zoning Code Recodification - Accessory Structures, Fences, Zoning Permits; Proposed Zoning District Changes)
• November 20, 2024 (Zoning Code Recodification Wrap Up)

Public hearings on the proposed changes will occur at regularly-scheduled Planning Commission and City Council meetings. The dates of these meetings are still being finalized. If your property's zoning would change under the proposed updates, you will receive a mailed notice to your property address at least 10 days in advance of the meetings.

This interactive map allows you to see how areas of Fridley are zoned, search by address, and print a map of a property showing its zoning. You can also find taxpayer information for a specific property and its legal description.

Download a color-coded zoning map(PDF, 26MB) showing the various zoning districts throughout the city.

The Zoning Code is Chapter 205 of the Fridley City Code.

Information on signs allowed in each zoning district is in Chapter 214 of the Fridley City Code.

Information on Fences in residential, commercial, and industrial zoning districts is in Chapter 213 of the Fridley City Code.

Zoning Verification Letters are a formal document prepared by city staff. Zoning Letters are generally requested by property owners, mortgage lenders, appraisers, and legal advisors. They are sometimes required by purchasers or lenders when a property is sold or refinanced. These letters verify the zoning district of a property. Depending on the information required, a Zoning Letter can provide information on:

• Zoning Classification and, if applicable, information Overlay Districts
• Permitted uses / Legal land uses
• Development and Land Use Approval History
• FEMA Flood Plain information
• Known current zoning violations

Zoning letters are typically provided within 3 business days, but properties requiring substantial research may take longer to complete. If the completion time is expected to exceed one week, staff will notify you.

You can request a Zoning Verification Letter online. The fee is $50 per address.

Questions

Not sure whether you need a zoning letter? General zoning information, including the interactive self-serve zoning map and links to the zoning code, are available in the tabs above. You may also contact the Planning Division at 763-572-3592 with general questions.