Zoning Division

The city is divided up into zoning districts that determine what land use activities and building types are allowed, or not allowed, in every part of the city. The Zoning Division regulates these zoning districts within the community.

Zoning Districts

Each area of the city is zoned for certain types of land use activities, building types, and site development rules. If you want to build a home or open a business, for example, you need to make sure these zoning laws are followed.

Find a Zoning District

Use the About My Place to find a property’s zoning district. First, enter the address of the property in the top right corner of the webpage that you want to know about. At the bottom of the page, an information tab labelled “Quick Data” will show up. The first tab will list the zoning district.

Learn About Allowable Uses for Each Zoning District 

Each district has different allowable uses.  Learn more about each district.

       R1-R3 Residential Districts  D1-D4 Downtown Districts
       R4-R6 Residential Districts  I1-I3 Industrial Districts
       B1-B3 Business Districts  MU-MUE-MXE Districts
       C1-C2 Commercial Districts  U1-U3 University Districts
Zoning Regulations 

Use the City Code to find the zoning regulations for a zoning district. The Zoning Ordinance is Title 6.

Permit Fee Schedule

Use the Permit Fee Schedule to view the fees associated with planning, zoning, building and development services.

Zoning Applications

If you want to know if a construction project is acceptable or propose changes to zoning rules in a zoning district, you must fill out an application depending on the type of change you want to make. The City will review your application and approve or deny it.

  I want to . . .   Then complete this  application        Other important things to know

 
  Determine if a construction project  
  is acceptable on a certain property.

                                                                                  
   Zoning Analysis - Online
   Printable PDF

 
 Legally make a small change to my
 property that minimally goes
 against a zoning ordinance.

 

    Minor Variation - PDF
  • Must apply for a Zoning Analysis first. 
  • Minor variations are specifically defined in the zoning code.
  • Generally for single and two-family home uses.
  • For requesting a minor exception
    to a zoning regulation.
  • Most common projects are additions and detached garages.
  • Allow up to 30 days for staff review.
     
 Legally make a change to a   property that greatly exceeds a   zoning ordinance requirement.		  
    Major Variation - PDF
  • Must apply for a Zoning Analysis first. 
  • Disclosure Statement for Zoning Relief is required.
  • Commonly used for commercial properties and single and two-family homes where the requested zoning rule change exceeds the threshold for a minor variation.
  • Requires a review by the staff Design and Project Review Committee (DAPR), a public hearing through the Land Use Commission (LUC), and final approval
    by the LUC or City Council.
  • Allow up to 90 days to be fully processed but can take longer depending on recommendations.
 
 Legally make a change to a fence   that goes against the zoning   requirement.		    
    Fence Variation - PDF
  •  Example of exceptions
    • Noise or safety
    • Create barrier to a commercial property
    • add to the front yard
    • add to the side street
    • provide more privacy for the
    • rear part of a corner lot
  • Allow up to 30 days for staff review.

 Apply for a special use of a property
 that is specified as a possible land   use option for a zoning district.		  
    Special Use - Online
    Printable PDF
  • Must apply for a Zoning Analysis first. 
  • Requires a review by the staff Design and Project Review Committee (DAPR), a public hearing through the Land Use Commission, and final approval by the City Council.
  • Allow 60 to 90 days for the process.
 
 Appeal a decision that has been   made about my zoning request.

     Zoning Appeal - Online

     Printable PDF
  • Generally used to appeal a determination made by the Zoning Administrator concerning a minor or fence variation application, or zoning code interpretation.
  • Heard by the Land Use Commission (LUC).
  • Allow 30 to 60 days for the process.
 
 To request the reclassification of   the zoning district for a property.		  
    Zoning Map Amendment 
    - Online
  •  Reviewed by the Land Use Commission and final approval given by City Council.
  • Allow 60 to 90 days for the process.
 
 To request the change in the text
 of an ordinance.		  
     Zoning Ordinance Text 
     Amendment 
     - Online
  •  Used to clarify certain provisions, correct contradictory clauses or to change the regulations to reflect evolving needs and concerns.
  • Allow 60 to 90 days for the process.
 Establish a Restaurant use    Statement of Restaurant Use - Online
  • Most fast food, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, carry-out and delivery establishments qualify as Type 2 Restaurants.
  • Type 2 Restaurants require Special Use approval by the Land Use Commission and City Council.
  • Allow up to 60-90 days for Type 2 Restaurant approval.

Zoning Permits (click links below)

Planned Development Application

  • Generally required for larger new building or site development.
  • A Zoning Analysis and a presentation to staff must be completed first before you submit the application.
  • Reviewed by the Land Use Commission who makes a recommendation to the City Council.
  • Allow at least six months for the entire process but generally it takes longer depending on the project.
Home Occupation Permit Application 
  • Used to establish home occupations that are compatible with residential areas.
  • Once established, it is valid for five years.
  • Allow up to two weeks for staff review.