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Town Talk: Zoning ordinances and building codes

Editor’s Note: The City of New Ulm presents a weekly column highlighting activities in different departments in the city government. Once a month the city will answer questions from readers. Questions on New Ulm city issues can be sent to comments@ci.new-ulm.mn.us.

It’s never too late to start thinking about how zoning ordinances and building codes will affect the purchase and future renovations of an existing property.

While zoning ordinances and building codes are closely related, they serve different functions. Zoning ordinances divide the city into zoning districts that regulate how a given section of land can be used and what type of businesses can utilize the land. Zoning regulates such item as use, height of the building, open space needed, size of the lot needed to build, number of buildings on a lot, and floor area of the building. Building codes regulate the details of the structure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people occupying the building.

Before starting construction or remodeling project, you should first check on the zoning to see if it is properly zoned for the type of use you propose for the building. If you plan on any renovations or construction, you must obtain a building permit.

Zoning codes regulate the type of structures that can be built and how the structure interacts with the land it will be built upon. New York City was among the first American cities to adopt zoning regulations in the early 20th Century. In fact, most of the developed countries around the world now use some form of zoning in land and urban planning. New Ulm’s current zoning ordinances came into effect in 1968. They are currently being reviewed for a comprehensive update.

Within each zoning district, there are guidelines governing how a building will function in its potential location as well as its actual location within the zone. Since there are a variety of different structures and purposes that can be built within each zone, these zoning regulations typically control the density allowed in the zoning district. For example, New Ulm has three residential districts: R-A, R-1,R-2 and R-3. The R-1 district is for single family homes only. The R-2 district allows a mix of single and 2-family living units. R-3 allows for high density residences such as apartments.

There are also districts for industry and commercial. Therefore, when considering building or moving into an existing building, check into the zoning district to see if the use for the building is proper for that district.

With an emphasis on the safety and wellbeing of the people occupying the building, most building codes came into place because of some disaster. The Great Chicago Fire has been the source of many fire and building codes.

Before starting a project, you should check with your local municipality to see if a building permit is needed. Some project may need only a permit while others require additional inspections. Other projects may need plans from an architect and engineer with plan reviews by city staff before a building permit can be issued. Some projects require a final inspection before a building can be used.

Some owners and builders may look at zoning and building codes as a hindrance. However, if you know what to expect before you begin a building or remodeling project, you will have the information you need and the process can move along smoothly.

New Ulm’s zoning regulations can be found on the City web site. Building codes can be viewed on-line at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry website. You can contact your local Zoning or Building Safety Department to get needed information.

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