Built Form Regulations

Learn more about built form regulations.

Background

Minneapolis 2040, the City’s new comprehensive plan, includes policies and regulations related to the scale of new development throughout Minneapolis. The plan’s 14 Built Form Districts will guide the development of new regulations, governing issues such as:

building height
floor area ratio (FAR)
lot size and setbacks from property lines
limits on how much of a property may be covered by buildings and impervious surfaces

Goals of the amendment

New built form regulations will ensure that key elements of Minneapolis 2040 will be implemented late summer/early fall of 2020. These regulations are intended to provide a greater degree of predictability related to the scale of new buildings allowed in different parts of the city, including:

neighborhood interiors
corridors, production/employment areas
downtown
areas served by high-frequency transit

Built form policies and regulations are a critical part of the City’s plan to accommodate additional residents and jobs while combating climate change.

These changes will include both code text and map updates, with new Built Form Overlay Districts covering all properties in the city. Please note that not every property in the city will be redeveloped between now and 2040. These regulations will provide guidance if a change is proposed by a property owner.

Through a future rezoning study, the City will implement land use regulations to complement built form regulations. While built form regulations govern the scale of new buildings, land use regulations will govern allowed uses, such as:

mixed use
residential
commercial
production
parks and open spaces

Adopted Built Form Regulations

The adopted built form regulations went into effect on January 1, 2021. They include both code text and map updates, with new Built Form Overlay Districts covering all properties in the city. Please note that not every property in the city will be redeveloped between now and 2040. These regulations will provide guidance if a change is proposed by a property owner.

More information about the built form regulations, including quick reference guides for each district and premiums, can be found on the Minneapolis 2040 website.

Currently, the adopted built form regulations are not available in Municode, the City’s online code of ordinances. The adopted regulations can be viewed in the Official Council Act.

Meetings

Planning commission committee of the whole

July 23, 2020 – Built Form Regulations: Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and Height
August 6, 2020 – Setbacks, Lot Sizes, Lot Coverage, Impervious Surface, Site Plan Review, and Mississippi River Critical Area Regulations
August 20, 2020 – Built Form Regulations: Increases and Bonuses to FAR and Height, Required Amenities
September 10, 2020 – Built Form Regulations: Draft Recommendations
November 9, 2020 – Planning Commission Staff Report

Public meetings

Three public online virtual meetings were scheduled during the 45-day public review period in September and October, where you could learn about proposed regulations and ask questions of City staff.

5 p.m. - 6 p.m., September 23
5 p.m. - 6 p.m., September 29
3 p.m. - 4 p.m., October. 21 (focused on downtown)

Adoption process

November 9, 2020 - The public comment period closed and a public hearing was held before the City Planning Commission. The commission voted to forward the zoning changes with amendments to the City Council.
December 18, 2020 - The City Council will vote on approving the draft built form regulations.