11.22 - Moderate Density Residential Zoning District (R-2) § 11.22
Section 11.22: Moderate Density Residential
Zoning District (R-2)
Subdivision 1. Purpose
The purpose of the R-2 Zoning District is to provide for single and two-family
dwellings at a moderate density (up to eight (8) units per acre) along with directly
related and complementary uses.
Subdivision 2. District Established
Properties shall be established within the Moderate Density (R-2) Residential 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 11.22, Subdivision 2
by an ordinance which makes cross-reference to this Section 11.22 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 Moderate Density (R-2) Residential 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-2 Residential Districts:
A. Single Family dwellings, consistent with the City's Mixed-Income Housing
Policy
B. Two-Family dwellings, consistent with the City's Mixed-Income Housing Policy
C. Townhouses, consistent with the City's Mixed-Income Housing Policy
D. Foster Family Homes
E. Home occupations
F. Essential Services - Class I
G. No more than one (1) kitchen area and one kitchenette shall be permitted in
each dwelling unit
Source: Ordinance No. 631, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 03-15-18
Subdivision 4. Accessory Uses
The following accessory uses and no other shall be permitted in the R-2 Zoning
District:
A. Accessory structures, including private garages as defined in this Chapter.
Golden Valley City Code Page 1 of 11
§ 11.22
Subdivision 5. Conditional Uses
The following conditional uses may be allowed after review by the Planning
Commission and approval by the Council following the standards and procedures
set forth in this Chapter:
A. Residential facilities serving from seven (7) to twenty-five (25) persons
B. Group foster family homes
Source: Ordinance No. 371, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 07-13-07
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.
A. Single Family Dwellings. A lot of a minimum area of six thousand (6,000)
square feet and a minimum width of fifty (50) feet at the front setback line
shall be required for one (1) Single Family Dwelling.
B. Two-Family Dwellings. A lot of a minimum area of ten thousand (10,000)
square feet and a minimum width of one-hundred (100) feet at the front
setback line shall be required for a Two-Family Dwelling.
Source: Ordinance No. 602, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 06-07-16
Subdivision 7. Corner Visibility
All structures in the R-2 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-2 Zoning District shall be located in dedicated public
easements.
Source: Ordinance No. 371, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 07-13-07
Subdivision 9. Building Lot Coverage
Structures, including accessory structures, shall not occupy more than thirty
percent (30%) of the lot area.
Subdivision 10. Impervious Surface
Total impervious surface on any lot shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the lot
or parcel area.
Subdivision 11. Principal Structures
Principal structures in the R-2 Zoning District shall be governed by the following
requirements:
Golden Valley City Code Page 2 of 11
§ 11.22
A. Setback Requirements. The following structure setbacks shall be required for
principal structures in the R-2 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 stair landings up to
twenty-five (25) square feet in size and for handicapped ramps.
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.
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. 371, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 07-13-07
2. Rear Setback. The required rear setback shall be twenty-five (25) feet.
Source: Ordinance No. 547, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 03-26-15
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:
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];
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2:1 slope \
Average height of highest
pitched roof 28'maximum
Flat roof 25'maximum
1S'height 15'height
15'side setback 15'side setback
Lot width 100'or greater
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
Golden Valley City Code Page 3 of 11
§ 11.22
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 Gr ^
, 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];
I
4:1 slope N
Average height of highest
pitched roof 28'maximum
Flat roof 25'maximum
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. 602, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 06-07-16
Golden Valley City Code Page 4 of 11
§ 11.22
4. Corner Lot Setbacks. To determine the side yard setback, use the shorter
Front Lot Line.
Source: Ordinance No. 547, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 03-26-15
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.
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B. Height Limitations. No principal structure shall be erected in the R-2 Zoning
District with a building height exceeding twenty-eight (28) feet for pitched
roof houses and twenty-five (25) feet for flat roof houses.
Golden Valley City Code Page 5 of 11
§ 11.22
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.
E. Decks attached to principal structure. Decks over eight (8) inches from
ground level shall meet the same setbacks as the principal structure.
F. Fences. For the purpose of setbacks, fences are not considered structures.
Source: Ordinance No. 602, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 06-07-16
Subdivision 12. Accessory Structures
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-2 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 and side 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. Detached 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 11
§ 11.22
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-2 Zoning
District to exceed a height of one (1) story. One (1) story may not exceed
ten (10) feet from the floor to the top plate. Attic space in accessory
structures shall be used only for storage and/or utility space.
C. Garage Provisions.
1. Minimum Garage Stalls. No building permit shall be issued for the
construction of a new principal structure in the R-2 Zoning District not
including at least a one (1) stall garage per dwelling unit.
2. Maximum Garage Width. The width of the front wall of a garage, whether
attached or detached, shall not exceed sixty-five percent (65%) of the
width of the dwelling's front façade. For purposes of this subsection, a
dwelling's front facade means that portion of the dwelling's building facing
a front lot line that includes any front wall of a garage and provides
vehicular access to the garage.
a. Measurement of Front Façade. In the case of a Single Family Dwelling,
the width of the front façade shall be the direct, linear, horizontal
distance between the dwelling's exterior side walls at the front facade's
widest point. In the case of a Two-Family Dwelling or Townhome, the
width of the front facade shall be the direct, linear, horizontal distance
between the dwelling unit's side boundary walls at the front facade's
widest point.
b. Measurement of Front Garage Wall. For purposes of this subsection, the
front wall of a garage shall be the wall of the garage facing the front lot
line, including any door providing vehicular access to the garage. The
width of the front wall shall be the direct, linear, horizontal distance
between the exterior or outermost location of the garage's two side
walls at their intersection with the garage's front wall.
D. Cornices and Eaves. Cornices and eaves may not project more than thirty
(30) inches into a required setback.
E. Accessory structures including detached and attached garages, detached
sheds, greenhouses and gazebos shall be limited in size to a total of six
hundred fifty (650) square feet per dwelling unit. Swimming pools are not
included in this requirement. Any accessory structure over two hundred
(200) square feet in area requires a building permit.
F. Size of Accessory Structure. No accessory structure shall be larger in size
than the principal structure.
Golden Valley City Code Page 7 of 11
§ 11.22
G. Swimming pools. Swimming pools shall meet the same setback and location
requirements as 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 structures shall
meet the same setback requirements as accessory structures.
Source: Ordinance No. 602, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 06-07-16
I. Central Air Conditioning Units. Central air conditioning units shall not be
allowed in the front yard of any single or two-family dwelling.
Source: Ordinance No. 371, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 07-13-07
3. Roof. Gambrel or Mansard roofs are not permitted on any accessory building
with a footprint of more than two hundred (200) square feet.
Source: Ordinance No. 602, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 06-07-16
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. 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.
Subdivision 14. Home Occupation Requirements
A. Home occupations in the R-2 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.
Golden Valley City Code Page 8 of 11
§ 11.22
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.
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
Golden Valley City Code Page 9 of 11
§ 11.22
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
Subdivision 15. Outdoor Storage
Outdoor storage of items on properties within the R-2 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;
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
15(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 his/her
designee.
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.
Golden Valley City Code Page 10 of 11
§ 11.22
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.
Subdivision 16. Temporary Outdoor Storage
Temporary Outdoor Storage in the R-2 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.
Subdivision 17. Paved Area Requirements
Paved areas in the Moderate Density Residential (R-2) 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.
C. Coverage. No more than forty percent (40%) of the front yard may be
covered with concrete, bituminous pavement, or pavers.
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. 602, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 06-07-16
Subdivision 18. 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 11 of 11