Planning and Zoning

The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for administering the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, as well as all permitting, licensing and addressing in the City of Cannon Falls. The Planning Commission is appointed by the City Council and makes recommendations on zoning items. 

Variances and Conditional Use Permits

Variances are modifications or variations of the provisions of the City Code, where by reason of special and unusual circumstances relating to a specific lot, strict application of the Zoning Ordinance would cause a practical difficulty. Conditional Use Permits provide the City with a reasonable degree of discretion in determining the suitability of certain designated uses upon the general welfare, health and safety of the citizens of the City. Both procedures require a public hearing in front of the Planning Commission and City Council approval.

Rezoning

The process of assigning land or property to a different category of restrictions on use and development.  This procedure will require a public hearing.

Subdivisions 

Planning and Zoning also administers the Subdivisions chapter of the City Ordinance. If land is to be platted, re-platted, combined or split into separate parcels, or will require a lot boundary line adjustment, an application must be made and approved by the Planning Commission and City Council.

Administrative Permits 

The purpose of Administrative Permits is to establish regulations and procedures and consideration of activities allowed by Administrative Permit with the goal of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the city. 

Annexation

Annexation is a change of jurisdiction from one municipality to another.

Zoning Verification

Verification of category of restrictions on use and development for a property.

Permits required in the City

• Building Permits
• Sign Permits
• Fence Permits
• Excavation/Installation of Residential Connection Permits
• Commercial Utility/Underground Obstruction Permits
• Solicitor Permits
• Chicken Permits
• Fireworks Permits

Licensing required in the City

• On-Sale Licenses
• Off-Sale Licenses
• Brewer/Taproom Licenses
• Refuse/Roll-Off Licenses
• Massage Licenses
• Tobacco Licenses
• Excavator Licenses
• Mobile Food Truck Licenses