(A) District classifications. For the purpose of this chapter, the city is divided into the following zoning districts.
R-1 | Urban Residential District |
R-2 | Rural Residential District |
R-3 | Multiple Residential District |
B | General Business District |
CI | Commercial-Industrial District |
I | Industrial District |
(B) Zoning map. The City of Harris zoning map, dated May, 2006, is adopted as the official zoning map. A copy of the official map shall be kept at the Harris City Hall and may be inspected during normal business hours.
(C) R-1 Urban Residential District (municipal sewer and water required).
(1) Permitted uses.
(a) Single-family detached dwellings.
(b) Day care/group homes required in M.S. § 462.357, Subd. 7, as it may be amended from time to time.
(c) Public parks and public recreation facilities.
(d) City buildings, facilities and services.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Residential attached or detached private garage.
(b) Decks, patios, swimming pools, fences, garden sheds.
(c) Home occupations.
(d) Accessory apartments.
(3) Conditional uses.
(a) Government offices, libraries, and service centers.
(b) Schools and churches.
(c) Medical clinics and commercial day care facilities.
(d) Golf courses.
(4) Interim uses. Accessory building used for a home occupation.
(5) Lot dimensional standards.
Minimum Lot Area | 15,000 square feet |
Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet |
Minimum Lot Depth | 150 feet |
(6) Yard area/setback requirements.
Front Yard/Street Access | 30 feet principal and accessory |
Side Yard | ten feet principal and accessory |
Rear Yard | 30 feet principal; ten feet accessory |
Lot Coverage | 25% |
(D) R-2 Rural Residential District (private sewer and water required).
(1) Permitted uses.
(a) Single-family detached dwellings.
(b) Day care/group homes required in M.S. § 462.357, Subd. 7, as it may be amended from time to time.
(c) Public parks and public recreation facilities.
(d) City buildings, facilities and services.
(e) Rural agriculture.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Residential attached or detached private garage.
(b) Decks, patios, swimming pools, fences, garden sheds.
(c) Home occupations.
(d) Seasonal road-side stands for the sale of produce raised on premises.
(e) Accessory apartments.
(3) Conditional uses.
(a) Government offices, libraries, and service centers.
(b) Schools and churches.
(c) Medical clinics and commercial day care facilities.
(d) Golf courses.
(e) Plant nurseries and greenhouses.
(f) Cemeteries.
(g) Animal kennels.
(h) Storage facilities.
(4) Interim uses.
(a) Commercial wireless telecommunications services, including towers and antennae, when tower height exceeds 35 feet, subject to the requirements of § 154.24.
(b) Accessory building used for a home occupation.
(c) Accessory structure prior to completion of primary structure.
(d) Mineral extraction. The removal of minerals from the ground and off the site, subject to the requirements of Ch. 155 of this code.
(5) Lot dimensional standards.
Minimum Lot Area | five acres |
Minimum Lot Width | 300 feet |
Minimum Lot Depth | 450 feet |
(6) Yard area/setback requirements.
Front Yard/State Highway* | 125 feet from centerline - principal and accessory |
Front Yard/County Highway* | 120 feet from centerline - principal and accessory |
Front Yard/Township Road* | 83 feet from centerline - principal and accessory |
Front Yard (no road frontage) | 50 feet from property line |
Side Yard | 30 feet - principal and accessory |
Rear Yard | 30 feet - principal and accessory |
Lot Coverage | 25% |
* Minimum setbacks shall equal the greater of 50 feet from registered road right-of-way or easement or the distance from road centerline | |
(E) R-3 Multiple Residential District (municipal sewer and water required).
(1) Permitted uses.
(a) Single-family attached dwellings.
(b) Multiple-family dwellings.
(c) Assisted care residential facilities.
(d) Day care/group homes required in M.S. § 462.357, Subd. 8, as it may be amended from time to time.
(e) Public parks and public recreation facilities.
(f) City buildings, facilities and services.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Residential attached or detached private garages.
(b) Decks, patios, swimming pools, fences, garden sheds.
(c) Home occupations.
(d) Association-owned residential recreation facilities and similar common area or private facilities and amenities.
(e) Accessory apartments.
(3) Conditional uses.
(a) Government offices, libraries, and service centers.
(b) Schools and churches.
(c) Hospitals, medical clinics, and commercial day care facilities.
(d) Private recreational facilities.
(4) Interim uses. None assigned at this time.
(5) Lot dimensional standards.
Minimum Lot Area | Duplex - 7500 square feet/unit |
Attached single-family - 6000 square feet/unit | |
Multiple-family - 2720 square feet/unit | |
Minimum Lot Width | Duplex - 75 feet/unit |
Other attached - 50 feet/unit | |
Multiple-family - 200 feet |
(6) Yard area/setback requirements (principal and accessory structures).
Front Yard/Street Access | 30 feet |
Side Yard - Duplex | ten feet |
Side Yard - Attached | 15 feet |
Side Yard - Multiple | 30 feet |
Rear Yard | 30 feet |
Lot Coverage - Duplex | 30% |
Lot Coverage - Attached | 40% |
Lot Coverage - Multiple | 75% |
(7) Building separation. In developments with common areas and lot lines configured along common walls between attached units, or in developments with more than one principal structure on a lot, the minimum separation between buildings shall be 30 feet or the height of the building, whichever is greater.
(F) B General Business District.
(1) Permitted uses.
(a) Retail sales conducted completely within principal structure.
(b) Gasoline stations and convenience goods sales.
(c) Restaurants and coffee shops, including drive-through facilities.
(d) General and professional offices.
(e) Medical clinics and facilities.
(f) Financial institutions.
(g) Existing single-family detached homes as of December 11, 2017.
(h) On-sale establishments.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Required off-street parking.
(b) Authorized signage.
(c) Authorized outdoor display of merchandise.
(3) Conditional uses.
(a) Drive-through restaurants.
(b) Motion picture theaters.
(c) Motels.
(d) Repair and service businesses.
(e) New automobile sales.
(f) Used automobile sales.
(g) Outdoor storage as accessory use.
(h) Recreation vehicle sales and service.
(i) Boats and recreational equipment sales and service.
(j) Utility trailer sales and service.
(4) Interim uses.
(a) Outdoor storage.
(b) Mineral extraction. The removal of minerals from the ground and off the site, subject to the requirements of Ch. 155 of this code.
(5) Lot dimensional standards.
Minimum Lot Area | Rural (private utilities) - two acres |
Urban (public utilities) - 20,000 square feet | |
Minimum Lot Width | Rural - 220 feet |
Urban - 100 feet |
(6) Yard area/setback requirements (principal and accessory structures).
Rural | |
Front Yard/State Highway* | 125 feet from centerline |
Front Yard/County Highway* | 120 feet from centerline |
Front Yard/Township Road* | 83 feet from centerline |
Front Yard (no road frontage) | 50 feet from property line |
Side Yard | 20 feet |
Rear Yard | 30 feet |
Lot coverage | 50% |
* Minimum setbacks shall equal the greater of 50 feet from registered road right-of-way or easement or the distance from road centerline | |
Urban | |
Front Yard/Street Access | 30 feet |
Side Yard | ten feet |
Rear Yard | 20 feet |
Lot coverage | 75% |
(G) CI Commercial-Industrial District.
(1) Permitted uses.
(a) Retail sales conducted completely within principal structure.
(b) Gasoline stations and convenience goods sales.
(c) Restaurants and coffee shops, including drive-through facilities.
(d) General and professional offices.
(e) Medical clinics and facilities.
(f) Financial institutions.
(g) New and used automobile sales, body shops, and sandblasting.
(h) Recreational and non-recreational vehicle sales and service, including boats and recreational equipment.
(i) Welding and machine shops not to exceed 8,000 square feet.
(j) Cabinet shops and sales not to exceed 8,000 square feet.
(k) Utility trailer sales and service.
(l) Vehicle and equipment sales, service, rental, and repair.
(m) Well and irrigation installation, sales, and service.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Required off-street parking.
(b) Authorized signage.
(c) Authorized outdoor display of merchandise.
(3) Conditional uses. Domesticated animal kennels/grooming and boarding (not to include breeding).
(4) Interim uses. None assigned at this time.
(5) Lot dimensional standards.
Minimum lot area | Rural (private utilities) - 2 acres |
Urban (public utilities) - 20,000 square feet | |
Minimum lot width | Rural - 220 feet |
Urban - 100 feet |
(6) Yard area/setback requirements (principal and accessory structures).
Rural | |
Front yard/state highway* | 125 feet from centerline |
Front yard/county highway* | 120 feet from centerline |
Front yard/township road* | 83 feet from centerline |
Front yard/no road frontage | 50 feet from property line |
Side yard | 20 feet |
Rear yard | 30 feet |
Lot coverage | 50% |
Urban | |
Front yard/street access | 30 feet |
Side yard | 10 feet |
Rear yard | 20 feet |
Lot coverage | 75% |
* Minimum setbacks shall equal the greater of 50 feet from the registered road right-of-way or easement or the distance from road centerline | |
(H) I Industrial District.
(1) Permitted uses.
(a) New and used automobile sales.
(b) Recreation vehicle sales and service.
(c) Boats and recreational equipment sales and service.
(d) Contractor yards and offices.
(e) Lumberyards.
(f) Welding shops.
(g) Cabinet shops and sales.
(h) Utility trailer sales and service.
(i) Full service gasoline stations and truck stops.
(j) Implement, tractor-trailer, and construction equipment sales and service.
(k) Mini storage facilities.
(l) Adult establishments subject to the requirements of Ch. 117 of this code.
(m) Repair and service businesses.
(2) Accessory uses.
(a) Required off-street parking.
(b) Authorized signage.
(c) Authorized outdoor storage and display.
(3) Conditional uses.
(a) Warehousing and distribution facilities.
(b) Auction facilities.
(c) Recycling facilities.
(4) Interim uses. None assigned at this time.
(5) Lot dimensional standards.
Minimum Lot Area | Rural (private utilities) - two acres |
Urban (public utilities) - 20,000 square feet | |
Minimum Lot Width | Rural - 220 feet |
Urban - 100 feet |
(6) Yard area/setback requirements (principal and accessory structures).
Rural | |
Front Yard/State Highway* | 125 feet from centerline |
Front Yard/County Highway* | 120 feet from centerline |
Front Yard/Township Road* | 83 feet from centerline |
Front Yard (no road frontage) | 50 feet from property line |
Side Yard | 30 feet |
Rear Yard | 30 feet |
Lot coverage | 50% |
* Minimum setbacks shall equal the greater of 50 feet from registered road right-of-way or easement or the distance from road centerline | |
Urban | |
Front Yard/Street Access | 30 feet |
Side Yard | 30 feet |
Rear Yard | 30 feet |
Lot coverage | 75% |
(7) Location of adult establishments. New establishments. Adult establishments as defined by Ch. 117 of this code shall be located only in the district zoned Industrial and shall be located at least 500 radial feet from another adult use and:
(a) At least 500 radial feet as measured in a straight line from the closest point of the principal building on the property upon which the adult establishment is located, to the property line of: residentially zoned property; a licensed day care center; a public park; the B General Business District; or a community center; and
(b) At least 1,500 radial feet as measured in a straight line from the closest point of the principal building on the property upon which the adult establishment is located, to the property line of: a public or private educational facility classified as an elementary, junior high, middle school, or senior high or place of worship.
(I) Uses not provided for.
(1) Whenever in any district a use is neither specifically permitted nor denied, the Planning Commission shall determine whether a building permit for a particular use shall be issued.
(2) It shall be issued if the use is generally of the same nature as permitted uses, and shall be denied if it is not so similar.
(J) DO Downtown Overlay District.
(1) Purpose.
(a) To encourage mixed use projects that combine residential with nonresidential uses in the same building or building site area as a means to create an active street life and enhance the vitality of businesses;
(b) To provide a meaningful blend of residential and nonresidential uses that enhances and builds upon the city’s commercial base;
(c) To encourage consolidation of small parcels into viable, block-size mixed use development in designated areas;
(d) To ensure on-site compatibility of residential and non-residential uses; and
(e) To ensure compatibility of mixed use projects with surrounding uses and development patterns.
(2) Permitted uses.
(a) All mixed use development in accordance with the provisions of this section requires site plan review pursuant to the standards of this chapter. Site plans shall be subject to Planning Commission review and approval.
(b) Property may be developed solely for uses permitted or conditionally permitted, other than outdoor storage, in accordance with the provisions of the underlying zoning district.
1. If developed in accordance with the provisions of the underlying zoning district, site plan review shall not be required for such development unless required by another provision of this chapter.
2. If developed solely for mixed use residential purposes, development shall be in accordance with the provisions of this chapter for residential development and site plan review shall be required.
(c) If property is developed with a mix of residential and nonresidential uses within the same project area in accordance with the provisions of this section:
1. Residential. Multiple-family dwellings.
2. General business.
a. Retail sales conducted completely within principal structure.
b. Restaurants and coffee shops.
c. General and professional offices.
d. Medical clinics and facilities.
e. Financial institutions.
f. On-sale establishments.
(3) Building regulations.
(a) Maximum building height. The following height standards apply to individual buildings within a project area: 40 feet, with an additional five feet for architectural projections.
(b) Yards. For mixed use projects, setbacks are calculated from the project boundaries and not from individual units or buildings within the development.
1. Front yard setback. Five feet from the public right-of-way for vertical developments.
2. Side yard setback.
a. A minimum of ten feet when the property directly abuts parcels zoned R-1.
b. A minimum of five feet when the property does not directly abut parcels zoned R-1.
3. Rear yard setback.
a. A minimum of ten feet when the property directly abuts parcels zoned R-1.
b. A minimum of five feet when the property does not directly abut parcels zoned R-1 unless the property is a corner lot, in which case the street side must be a minimum of ten feet.
(4) Design principles.
(a) Site design. The following principles intend to establish an engaging street edge defined by the orientation and placement of buildings fronting major streets.
1. Building orientation. Buildings and major pedestrian entrances should be oriented toward centers of activity, such as the primary street frontage.
2. All primary ground-floor common entries or individual dwelling unit entries fronting on streets should be oriented to the street, not to the interior or to a parking lot. Entrances at building corners may be used to satisfy this requirement.
(b) Building facade. The building placement should enforce a continuous street edge establishing a strong pedestrian corridor.
(c) Architecture. The following principles intend to promote quality design appearance and visual interest.
1. Architectural styles and scale. Building design should incorporate an architectural style and scale that is compatible with nearby uses, provided such uses are similar to uses permitted by this chapter. Architectural details may draw upon locally historic buildings or other nearby features that contribute to the aesthetic ambience of the immediate area;
2. Siding materials. Siding should be of high quality materials such as brick and stone that weather well over time. Materials and colors should be compatible with the architectural style. Plain concrete block, plain concrete, plywood, sheet pressboard, vinyl, or similar siding materials are strongly discouraged;
3. Architectural features are encouraged to create visual interest. The architectural details listed below should adhere to the following guidelines:
a. The following architectural projections may encroach into the required setback by up to 18 inches: bays, dormer windows, un-roofed porches, and appendages such as water tables, sills, capitals, and bases;
b. Balconies and porches are encouraged to create distinction between units;
c. Canopies should be limited in width and supporting posts should not be placed within the public right-of-way;
d. Trim detail on rooflines, porches, windows, and doors on street-facing elevations are encouraged;
4. Window placement should reflect the desired exposure appropriate for the respective use. For commercial uses, large windows should front onto major pedestrian throughways to promote exposure and visibility.
(d) Streetscape. The following streetscape elements augment architectural styles of the area and promote pedestrian activity. These interactive elements enhance usable pedestrian space and decrease the possibility of dead space.
1. Landscaping is encouraged and should be well maintained and complement the adjacent project. Landscaping should be selected at a scale that is consistent with the building site;
2. Street landscaping should be appropriate for sidewalk environments to limit the potential of root systems to affect the adjacent sidewalks;
3. Landscaping should not interfere with pedestrian movement or impede the visibility of business and signage;
4. Furniture. Benches, seating areas, kiosks, and shade structures should be incorporated as amenities for pedestrians.
a. Furnishings should be placed where pedestrian traffic, viewsheds, or building ingress and egress will not be obstructed;
b. Furnishings should be constructed of durable, high quality materials that can withstand the elements without showing wear.
(e) Walls, fences, and gates should be used to identify separate areas and provide needed privacy and security.
1. Walls, fences, and gates should appear consistent in style and material, complementing the surrounding architectural styles;
2. Landscaping elements should be densely planted and layered to provide screening. Vines and trellises are encouraged to help soften hard edges and screen walls from view.
(f) Signage should be used to identify places, provide direction, and advertise businesses. Along with communicating information, signage should add to the character of each project and reinforce a sense of place.
1. Signs shall consist of high quality materials and color palettes that reflect the architectural themes of the surrounding area;
2. Location and placement of signs should not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular movement.
(Prior Code, § 601.15) (Am. Ord., passed - -2000; Am. Ord. 2005-02, passed 6-27-2005; Am. Ord. 2006-, passed - -; Am. Ord. 2007-5-14, passed 5-14-2007; Am. Ord. 2010-02, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 154, passed 9-27-2010; Am. Ord. 2011-03, passed 6-13-2011; Am. Ord. 2012-05, passed 4-9-2012; Am. Ord. 2014-07, passed 4-14-2014; Am. Ord. 2015-03, passed 11-9-2015; Am. Ord. 2016-03, passed 4-11-2016; Am. Ord. 2016-04, passed 4-11-2016; Am. Ord. 2016-05, passed 6-13-2016; Am. Ord. 2016-08, passed 10-17-2016; Am. Ord. 2016-09, passed 10-17-2016; Am. Ord. 2017-03, passed 9-11-2017; Am. Ord. 2017-05, passed 12-11-2017; Am. Ord. 2017-06, passed 12-11-2017; Am. Ord. 2019-01, passed 9-9-2019; Am. Ord. 2019-02, passed 12-11-2019; Am. Ord. 2020-03, passed 6-8-2020; Am. Ord. 2021-02, passed 5-10-2021; Am. Ord. 2022-03, passed 8-15-2022; Am. Ord. 2022-06, passed 11-14-2022; Am. Ord. 2023-02, passed 3-13-2023; Am. Ord. 2023-03, passed 3-13-2023) Penalty, see § 10.99