11.21 - Single Family Zoning District § 11.21
Section 11.21:
Single Family Zoning District (R-1)
Subdivision 1. Purpose
The purpose of the R-1 Zoning District is to provide for single-family, detached
dwelling units at a low density along with directly related and complementary uses.
Subdivision 2. District Established
Properties shall be established within the R-1 Zoning District in the manner
provided for in Section 11.90, Subdivision 3 of this Chapter, and when thus
established shall be incorporated in this Section 11.21, Subdivision 2 by an
ordinance which makes cross-reference to this section 11.21 and which shall
become a part hereof and of Section 11.10, Subdivision 2 thereof, as fully as if set
forth herein. In addition the R-1 Zoning Districts thus established and/or any
subsequent changes to the same which shall be made and established in a similar
manner, shall be reflected in the official zoning map of the City as provided in
Section 11.11 of this Chapter.
Subdivision 3. Permitted Uses
The following uses and no other shall be permitted in the R-1 Zoning Districts:
A. Single-family dwellings, consistent with the City's Mixed-Income Housing
Policy.
Source: Ordinance No. 631, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-15-18
B. When the property owner resides on the premises, rental of single sleeping
rooms to not more than two (2) people for lodging purposes only.
C. Residential facilities serving six (6) or fewer persons.
D. Manufactured homes, as defined in this Chapter.
E. Foster family homes.
F. Essential Services - Class I
Subdivision 4. Accessory Uses
The following accessory uses and no other shall be permitted in the R-1 Zoning
Districts:
A. Accessory structures, including private garages, as defined in this Chapter.
1. Accessory structures less than one hundred twenty (120) square feet in
area require a Zoning Permit issued by the City Manager or his/her
designee. The fee for the Zoning Permit is established by the City Council.
Golden Valley City Code Page 1 of 12
§ 11.21
The purpose of the Zoning Permit is to insure that accessory structures
are located in a conforming location on the lot. (See Subdivision 11.)
B. Home occupations, as regulated by this Section.
C. Home day care facilities licensed by the State of Minnesota serving twelve
(12) or fewer persons.
Subdivision 5. Conditional Uses
A. Residential facilities serving from seven (7) to twenty-five (25) persons.
B. Group foster family homes.
Source: Ordinance No. 292, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-12-04
Subdivision 6. Buildable Lots
No dwelling or accessory structure shall be erected for use or occupancy as a
residential dwelling on any tract of unplatted land which does not conform with the
requirements of this Section, except on those lots located within an approved plat.
In the R-1 zoning district a platted lot of a minimum area of ten thousand (10,000)
square feet and a minimum width of eighty (80) feet at the front setback line shall
be required for one (1) single family dwelling.
Source: Ordinance No. 523, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 7-24-14
Subdivision 7. Corner Visibility
All structures in the R-1 Zoning District shall meet the requirements of the corner
visibility requirements in Chapter 7 of the City Code.
Subdivision 8. Easements
No structures in the R-1 Zoning District shall be located in dedicated public
easements.
Subdivision 9. Building Lot Coverage
No lot or parcel in the R-1 Zoning District shall have a lot coverage of more than
thirty percent (30%) for a lot or parcel over ten thousand (10,000) square feet in
area, thirty-five percent (35%) for a lot or parcel between five thousand (5,000)
square feet and nine thousand nine hundred ninety nine (9,999) square feet in area
and forty percent (40%) for a lot or parcel less than five thousand (5,000) square
feet in area. This requirement excludes swimming pools.
Source: Ordinance No. 292, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-12-04
*Subdivision 10. Impervious Surface
Total impervious surface on any lot or parcel shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of
the lot or parcel area.
Source: Ordinance No. 382, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-28-08
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§ 11.21
*Subdivision 11. Principal Structures
Subject to the modifications in Subdivision 12, below, principal structures in the R-1
Zoning District shall be governed by the following requirements:
A. Setback Requirements. The following structure setbacks shall be required for
principal structures in the R-1 zoning district. Garages or other accessory
structures which are attached to the house or main structure shall also be
governed by these setback requirements, except for stairs and stair landings
up to twenty-five (25) square feet in size and for accessible ramps.
Source: Ordinance No. 560, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 6-26-15
1. Front Setback. The required minimum front setback shall be thirty-five
(35) feet from any front property line along a street right-of-way line.
Decks and open front porches, with no screens, may be built to within
thirty (30) feet of a front property line along a street right-of-way line.
Source: Ordinance No. 429, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-19-10
2. Rear Setback. The required rear setback shall be twenty-five (25) feet.
Source: Ordinance No. 547, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-26-15
3. Side Setback. Side yard setbacks are determined by the lot width at the
minimum required front setback line. The distance between a structure
and the side lot lines shall be governed by the following requirements:
Source: Ordinance No. 551, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 4-16-15
a. In the case of lots having a width of one hundred (100) feet or
greater, the side setbacks for any portion of a structure fifteen (15)
feet or less in height shall be fifteen (15) feet. The side setbacks for
any portion of a structure greater than fifteen (15) feet in height shall
be measured to an inwardly sloping plane at a ratio of 2:1 beginning at a
point fifteen (15) feet directly above the side setback line [see Figure
below];
2:1 slope
Average height of highest
pitched roof 28'maximum
_....._ _ Flat roof 25'maximum
15'height 15'height
15'side setback 15'side setback
Lot width 100'or greater
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§ 11.21
b. In the case of lots having a width greater than sixty-five (65) feet and
less than one hundred (100) feet, the side setbacks for any portion of
a structure fifteen (15) feet or less in height shall be twelve and one-
half (12.5) feet. The side setbacks for any portion of a structure
greater than fifteen (15) feet in height shall be measured to an
inwardly sloping plane at a ratio of 2:1 beginning at a point fifteen
(15) feet directly above the side setback line [see Figure below];
\
a
a .
2:1 slope
Average height of highest
"_.. .... ... .. .. ...... "'..pitched roof 28'maximum
Flat roof 25'maximum
15'height 15'height
12.5'side setback 12.5'side setback
Lot width greater than 65'&less than 100'
c. In the case of lots having a width of sixty-five (65) feet or less, the
side setbacks for any portion of a structure fifteen (15) feet or less in
height along the north or west side shall be ten percent (10%) of the
lot width and along the south or east side shall be twenty percent
(20%) of the lot width (up to twelve and one-half (12.5) feet). The
side setback for any portion of a structure greater than fifteen (15)
feet in height measured to an inwardly sloping plane at a ratio of 4:1
beginning at a point fifteen (15) feet directly above the side setback
line [see Figure below];
A 6
I M
6 B
9 ,
9 !
9 b
4:1 slope r
Average height of highest
/ pitched roof 28'maximum
�p Flat roof 25'maximum
t
15'height ' 15'height
South or East North or West
Side setback 20%of lot width Side setback 10%of lot width
Lot width 65'or less
Source: Ordinance No. 560, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 6-26-15
Golden Valley City Code Page 4 of 12
§ 11.21
4. Corner Lot Setbacks. To determine the side yard setback, use the shorter
front lot line.
Source: Ordinance No. 347, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-26-15
5. Building Envelope. Taken together, the front, rear, and side setbacks and
the height limitation shall constitute the building envelope [see Figures
below]. No portion of a structure may extend outside the building
envelope, except for:
a. cornices and eaves, no more than thirty (30) inches:
b. bay windows or chimney chases, no more than twenty-four (24)
inches;
c. chimneys, vents, or antennas;
d. stairs and stair landings up to twenty-five (25) square feet in size;
e. accessible ramps.
Rear Lot Line
Rear Yard
Side
Lot Line RearYard
Side 15'Height
Lot Line Building
Envelope wf Nil 1111 �
i data
,41$ii
Side k Side a�
Yard Yard Front Yard
T
Front Yard
1
Front Lot Line
Source: Ordinance No. 560, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 6-26-15
B. Height Limitations. No principal structure shall be erected in the R-1 Zoning
District with a building height exceeding twenty-eight (28) feet for pitched
roof houses and twenty-five (25) feet for flat roof houses.
Source: Ordinance No. 382, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-28-08
Golden Valley City Code Page 5 of 12
§ 11.21
C. Structure Width Requirements. No principal structure shall be less than
twenty-two (22) feet in width as measured from the exterior of the exterior
walls.
D. Side Wall Articulation. For any new construction, whether a new house,
addition, or replacement through a tear-down, any resulting side wall longer
than thirty-two (32) feet in length must be articulated, with a shift of at least
two (2) feet in depth, for at least eight (8) feet in length, for every thirty-two
(32) feet of wall.
Source: Ordinance No. 560, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 6-26-15
E. Decks. Decks over eight (8) inches from ground level shall meet the same
setbacks as the principal structure in the side and rear yards.
Source: Ordinance No. 429, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-19-10
F. Fences. For the purpose of setbacks, fences are not considered structures.
*Subdivision 12. Accessory Structures
Subject to the modifications in Subdivision 12, below, accessory structures, shall be
governed by the following requirements:
A. Location and Setback Requirements. The following location regulations and
setbacks shall be required for accessory structures in the R-1 zoning district:
1. Location. A Detached accessory structure shall be located completely to
the rear of the principal structure, unless it is built with frost footings. In
that case, an accessory structure may be built no closer to the front
setback as the principal structure. If an addition is built on to an existing
principal structure that would create a situation where an existing garage
or accessory structure would not be completely to the rear of the addition
to the principal structure, the addition to the principal structure may be
built and the existing garage or accessory structure may remain and be
considered conforming as long as there is at least ten (10) feet of
separation between the existing principal structure with the addition and
the existing garage or accessory structure. Additions may be made to the
existing garage or accessory structure as long as the ten (10) feet of
separation can be met.
2. Front Setback. Accessory structures shall be located no less than thirty-
five (35) feet from the front property line along a street right-of-way line.
3. Side and Rear Setbacks. Accessory structures shall be located no less
than five (5) feet from a side or rear yard property line.
4. Separation between structures. Accessory structures shall be located no
less than ten (10) feet from any principal structure and from any other
accessory structure.
Golden Valley City Code Page 6 of 12
§ 11.21
5. Alleys. Accessory structures shall be located no less than five (5) feet
from an alley.
B. Height Limitations. No accessory structure shall be erected in the R-1 Zoning
District to exceed a height of one (1) story, which is ten (10) feet from the
floor to the top horizontal member of a frame building to which the rafters
are fastened, known as the top plate.
C. Provision for garage. No building permit shall be issued for a single family
dwelling not having a two (2) stall garage unless the registered survey
submitted at the time of the application for the building permit reflects the
necessary area and setback requirements for a future two (2) stall
(minimum) garage.
D. Cornices and Eaves. Cornices and eaves may not project more than thirty
(30) inches into a required setback.
Source: Ordinance No. 292, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-12-04
E. Each property is limited to a total of one thousand (1,000) square feet of the
following accessory structures: detached and attached garages, detached
sheds, greenhouses, and gazebos. Swimming pools are not included in this
requirement. No one (1) detached accessory structure may be larger than
eight hundred (800) square feet in area and any accessory structure over
two hundred (200) square feet in area requires a building permit.
Source: Ordinance No. 552, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 4-16-15
F. Size of Accessory Structures. No accessory structure shall be larger in size
than the principal structure. (See Subdivision 4.A(1)).
G. Swimming pools. Swimming pools shall meet the same setback and location
requirements for accessory structures. Setbacks shall be measured from the
property line to the pool's edge. Decks surrounding above ground pools shall
meet setback requirements.
H. Decks. Free standing decks or decks attached to accessory buildings shall
meet the same setback requirements for accessory buildings. (See
Subdivision 16.)
I. Central Air Conditioning Units. Central air conditioning units shall not be
allowed in the front yard of a single family home.
Source: Ordinance No. 292, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-12-04
3. Roof. Gambrel and Mansard roofs are not permitted on any accessory
building with a footprint of more than two hundred (200) square feet.
Source: Ordinance No. 552, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 4-16-15
Golden Valley City Code Page 7 of 12
§ 11.21
K. Photovoltaic Modules. Free-standing Photovoltaic modules, including solar
panels and other photovoltaic energy receivers, which are in excess of three
(3) square feet shall meet the same setback, location and height
requirements as accessory structures.
Source: Ordinance No. 443, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 8-13-10
*Subdivision 13. Pre-1982 Structures
For all existing structures constructed in the R-1 zoning district prior to January 1,
1982, the following structure setbacks shall be in effect.
A. Front Yard. The structure setback for principal structures shall be no closer
than twenty-five (25) feet to the front yard property line.
B. Side Yard. The structure setback for principal structures shall be no closer
than three (3) feet to the side yard property line.
C. Rear Yard. The structure setback for principal structures shall be no closer
than ten (10) feet to the rear yard property line.
D. Accessory Structure. The structure setback for accessory structures shall be
no closer than three (3) feet to the side or rear yard property lines. At the
discretion of the City Manager or his/her designee, a property owner may be
required to move an accessory structure if it is located in a public easement
area.
Source: Ordinance No. 292, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-12-04
*Subdivision 14. Pre-April 15, 2015 Structures, Building Permits and
Applications
For all structures constructed and building permits issued or applied therefor in the
R-1 Zoning District prior to April 15, 2015, if the height and side setbacks were
considered by the City to be compliant with the Zoning Code at the time a building
permit was issued or applied therefor, the height and location are considered
conforming to current Zoning Code. However, in all cases, new construction and
additions to such properties must comply with current requirements of the Zoning
Code.
Source: Ordinance No. 551, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 4-16-15
*Subdivision 15. Temporary Outdoor Storage
Temporary Outdoor Storage in the R-1 zoning district shall be governed by the
following requirements:
A. Duration. Temporary outdoor storage units shall not be stored on a property
for more than seven (7) days.
B. Location. Temporary outdoor storage units shall be stored on a hard surface
and be located completely on private property.
Golden Valley City Code Page 8 of 12
§ 11.21
*Subdivision 16. Decks and Platforms
Decks and platforms not more than thirty (30) inches but greater than eight (8)
inches above adjacent grade and not attached to a structure with frost footings and
which is not part of an accessible route shall require a zoning permit issued by the
City Manager or his/her designee. The fee for the zoning permit is established by
the City Council. The purpose of the zoning permit is to insure that decks greater
than eight (8) inches but less than thirty (30) inches in height are located in a
conforming location on the lot. (See Subdivision 11.H).
*Subdivision 17. Home Occupation Requirements
A. Home occupations in the R-1 Zoning District shall be governed by the
following requirements:
1. The use of the dwelling for the occupation or profession shall be incidental
and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes.
2. The exterior appearance of the structure shall not be altered for the
operation of the home occupation.
3. There shall be no outside storage or display of anything related to the
home occupation.
4. An accessory structure, including a garage, shall not be used for a home
occupation.
5. A permitted occupation, shall not result in noise, fumes, traffic, lights,
odor, excessive sewage or water use or garbage service, electrical, radio
or TV interference in a manner detrimental to the health, safety,
enjoyment and general welfare of the surrounding residential
neighborhood.
6. No physical products shall be displayed or sold on the premises except
such that are incidental to the permitted home occupation.
7. No signs or symbols shall be displayed other than those permitted for
residential purposes.
8. Clients, deliveries and other business activity where persons come to the
home shall be limited to between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm.
9. No more than twenty percent (20%) of the gross floor area of the
dwelling shall be used for the home occupation.
10. Parking related to the home occupation shall be provided only on the
driveway of the property where the home occupation operates.
11. A home occupation shall not generate more than eight (8) client trips per
day and serve no more than two (2) clients or customers at a time.
Golden Valley City Code Page 9 of 12
§ 11.21
12. There shall only be one (1) outside employee allowed on the premises at
which a home occupation is located.
13. All other applicable City, State and Federal licenses, codes and
regulations shall be met.
B. The following uses are prohibited home occupations:
1. Repair, service, building, rebuilding or painting of autos, trucks, boats and
other vehicles
2. Restaurants or cafes
3. Animal hospital
4. Veterinarian Clinic
5. Funeral Home, mortuary or columbarium
6. Medical/Dental clinic or similar
7. Stable or kennel
8. Repair and service of items that cannot be carried by one (1) person and
repair and service of any item involving an internal combustion engine or
motor
9. Retail sales
10. Sale or repair of firearms
Source: Ordinance No. 292, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-12-04
*Subdivision 18. Outdoor Storage
Outdoor storage of items on properties within the R-1 Zoning District is governed
by the following provisions:
A. Front Yard Storage.
1. Storage of items in the front yard may occur solely upon a driveway, and
in no other location.
2. No personal motorized recreational vehicle or boat may be stored in a
front yard, except upon a trailer.
3. Only one (1) of the following may be stored in all front yards of any lot:
a. Recreational camping vehicle;
Golden Valley City Code Page 10 of 12
§ 11.21
b. Trailer. The term "trailer", as used in this Subdivision, means a trailer
for multiple purposes including but not limited to hauling a boat,
personal motorized recreational vehicle, or fish house.
4. Storage in the front yard of items other than those listed in Subdivision
18(A)(3) above may not exceed thirty (30) days unless a Front Yard
Storage Permit is issued to the property owner. A Front Yard Storage
Permit may be issued at the discretion of the City Manager or City Staff
designated by the City Manager.
B. Setbacks.
1. Front Yard Storage. Any storage of items in the front yard shall be behind
the property line.
2. Side Yard Storage. Items stored in that portion of the side yard to the
front of the rear yard, may not be stored within three (3) feet of the
property line. Items stored in that portion of the side yard to the rear of
the primary structure or attached garage, may not be stored within five
(5) feet of the property line.
3. Rear Yard Storage. Items stored in the rear yard may not be stored within
five (5) feet of the property line.
C. Screening. Side and Rear Yard Storage. Any storage of a recreational
camping vehicle, fish house, trailer, boat, or personal motorized recreational
vehicle in the side or rear yard must be screened using either vegetative
screening or a fence in accordance with Section 11.72 of this Chapter.
Source: Ordinance No. 311, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-29-04
*Subdivision 19. Paved Area Requirements
Paved areas in the Single Family (R-1) Zoning District, include those constructed of
concrete, bituminous pavement, or pavers, and are governed by the following
provisions:
A. Driveways built or reconstructed on or after January 1, 2005, shall be paved.
B. Setbacks. Paved areas shall be setback three (3) feet from a side yard
property line, except for shared driveways used by multiple property owners
pursuant to a private easement.
Source: Ordinance No. 415, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 02-13-09
C. Coverage. No more than forty percent (40%) of the front yard may be
covered with concrete, bituminous pavement, or pavers.
Source: Ordinance No. 382, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-28-08
Golden Valley City Code Page 11 of 12
§ 11.21
D. Street Access. Each lot may have only one (1) street curb cut access, except
the following lots may have up to two (2) street curb cut accesses:
1. A lot that contains two (2) legally constructed garages.
2. A lot of a resident that requires additional driveway access that qualifies
for a reduced class rate for homestead property as defined by MN Statute
273.13 subdivision 22 Class lb.
Source: Ordinance No. 436, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 4-16-10
*Renumbering Source
Ordinance No. 382, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-28-08
Subdivision 20. Garden Structures
Garden Structures shall be located no closer than five (5) feet to any property line.
Garden Structures shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height.
Source: Ordinance No. 433, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-26-10
Golden Valley City Code Page 12 of 12