Six years on, St. Paul prepares to adopt Critical Area Zoning Revisions

Increases in height limits in the gorge from 40 to 48 feet would make a key difference in the look and feel of the Mississippi River corridor.

Composite photo: Bob Spaulding/FMR

After a long wait, the St. Paul City Council is moving ahead in the coming months with a vote on revisions to the Citys Critical Area Zoning standards. Critical Area Zoning is the key public tool used to protect the key natural, cultural, and scenic values of the river corridor.

Much of St. Pauls proposed ordinance is looked at as being a model for the entire Mississippi River corridor through the Twin Cities. Still, there are three key areas where St. Pauls the ordinance seems to still be unfinished (see our St. Paul Critical Area Zoning booklet for more specific information).

First, the ordinance would actually increase the height limit for buildings from 40 to 48 feet in the Mississippi River gorge along the Citys western boundary. Heights of 48 feet would allow buildings to routinely break through the tree canopy, something the Citys Comprehensive Plan explicitly opposes. By contrast, Minneapolis ordinance calls for a 35 foot height limit in the same area.

Second, the ordinance would allow buildings of up to 90 feet with a conditional use permit on the Citys West Side Flats. Again, specific policies in the Citys Comprehensive Plan would recommend that key views to the blufftops across the river valley should be preserved. Buildings above about 60 feet create conflicts with this policy in key locations. A 60 foot height limit was the original recommendation, but was modified by the Planning Commission.

Third and finally, in a few places, the new zoning ordinance changes districts in a way that diminishes protection for key resources. We – along with the DNR – believe that if districts change, they need to remain at least as protective as the current zoning.

Work on the zoning ordinance started back in 2004, when the City appointed a Task Force to forge a new set of standards based off of the Citys extensive work planning and visioning for its river corridor. The Task Force made its recommendations to the Planning Commission in 2006. The Planning Commission held a hearing on the ordinance in 2007, and recommended an ordinance for approval in 2008.

Two years ago, we referred to the zoning changes as being long awaited. Were not sure just what the proper adjective is now, except to say its good to see progress.

Keep reading Mississippi Messages for further information on how you can add your voice of support for a Saint Paul Critical Area ordinance that aequately protects the Mississippi.