Land Use Applications Reviewed by the Variance Board

Variances

Each zoning classification indicates specific development standards such as setback and height restrictions. There are occasions, however, when the strict application of such standards may be inappropriate because of unique circumstances to the property. The Variance procedure is authorized by MN Stat. 462.357, subd. 6 and is designed to permit adjustment to the zoning regulations where there are practical difficulties applying to a parcel of land or building that prevent the property from being used to the extent intended by the zoning. Unique circumstances may include factors such as the size, shape, topography, vegetation, wetlands, or other such characteristics of the land. Variances should not be granted to residential density standards or type of use.

Process: Upon receipt of a Variance Application, Planning staff review the application, gather feedback from City staff through the Development Review Committee, schedule a Public Hearing before the Variance Board, and prepare a report for the Variance Board. The Variance Board, which is made up of Roseville residents appointed by the City Council, gathers public input during the Public Hearing and reviews the Staff report then makes its decision to approve or deny the request.

Decision: Final decisions about Variances are made by the Variance Board. Roseville property owners may appeal Variance Board decisions by delivering a written appeal to the City Manager’s Office in City Hall, 2660 Civic Center Drive, no later than Noon ten days after the Variance Board decision is made. Variances are not considered by the City Council unless an appeal is made. 
  

Land Use Applications Reviewed by the Planning Commission and Decided by the City Council

The Planning Division processes several Land Use applications that are reviewed by the Planning Commission and decided by the City Council.

Process: Upon receipt of one of the following Land Use applications, Planning Staff will review the application, gather feedback from City staff through the Development Review Committee, schedule a Public Hearing before the Planning Commission, and prepare a report for the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission, which is made up of Roseville residents appointed by the City Council, gathers public input during the Public Hearing and reviews the Staff report then makes a recommendation to the City Council to approve or deny the request.

Decision: The City Council makes the final decision to approve or deny the land use request. 

• Conditional Use*
• Comprehensive Plan Amendment
• Comprehensive Plan Map Change*
• Interim Use Permit
• Planned Unit Development*
• Subdivision (Preliminary/Final Plat+)*
• Zoning Map Change (Rezoning)*
• Zoning Text Amendment 
  
*Developer Open House: Before an application can be made for one of these requests, a Developer Open House Meeting is required. Because certain proposals or applications for development may constitute significant departures from the present or historical use and/or zoning of a property, prior to submitting an application, an applicant must hold an open house meeting with property owners in the vicinity of the potential development location in order to provide a convenient forum for engaging community members in the development process, to describe the proposal in detail, and to answer questions and solicit feedback. An Open house shall be held not less than 15 days and not more than 45 days prior to the submission of an application for approval of a proposal requiring a developer open house meeting and shall be held on a weekday evening beginning between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and ending by 10:00 p.m.

+Additional Review for Final Plat: One land-use application – Platting – requires two decision actions by the City Council – one to approve a Preliminary Plat and one to approve a Final Plat. The process for the Preliminary Plat is the same as other Land-Use applications, however, during this approval process, the Council is asked to render a decision on a concept or preliminary design. During this process the Council may place certain conditions on the Preliminary Plat application. The process for the Final Plat asks the Council to make a decision on the final design and/or layout based on the requirements identified in the preliminary/concept approval. The application for the Final Plat does not go to the Planning Commission and there is no public hearing.