Zoning
Every area of the City is governed by zoning codes
that determine what can be done with the land and structures on it.
In District 1, portions of the Battle Creek and Highwood Hills
neighborhoods are
governed by multiple layers of zoning codes that
further restrict what can be done on properties.
Parts of the district fall in the Tree Preservation Overlay district,
where property owners and developers need to make sure that trees are minimally
disturbed and/or replaced. This overlay district derives from
the Highwood Plan that places several restrictions on the kinds of
development that are permissible in Highwood Hills.
Finally, much of Highwood Hills and Battle Creek is part of
the Mississippi River Critical Area. In practical terms, the areas affected
by the zoning
in the Critical Area are along the river bluffs,
and at Pigs Eye Lake and Red Rock river terminal areas.
The special zoning restrictions in the Critical Area impose strict regulations on how close to the top and bottom of slopes new
construction can occur, and how trees and wildlife habitat must be protected. These regulations will require property owners within
the Critical Area to take extra steps to protect the natural resources along the river that other property owners in the City are not required to take.
These extra steps are part of the cost we pay to live in this very special corner of St. Paul.
If you have questions about what is permissible on your property, you should consult with City officials.
Once you have a preliminary plan established for your work,
you can consult with the District Council
about whether the plan meets the development goals of the neighborhood.
In other areas of the district small area plans add other restrictions
to what can be done on properties. Of particular concern are the Sun Ray – Suburban Small Area Plan and the White Bear Avenue Plans. For more information
about these plans, contact our office.
You can access the plans that apply to District 1 at this location on the city website. our plans
Here is a link to the aspects of our community plan that the City adopted as a part of its Comprehensive Plan. adopted Community Plan
The city also has an option for all residents to receive information about zoning and licensing issues happening in their neighborhoods. If you are interested in receiving early alerts to
this kind of information, you can sign up at this link - Early Notification System
