City of Columbia Heights

City of Columbia Heights

590 - 40th Avenue NE

Columbia Heights MN 55421-3878

763-706-3600 FAX 763.706.3601

Inspections 763.706.3678 8am - 4:45pm
www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us

ZONING ORDINANCES

DISTANCE FROM FRONT STREET PROPERTY LINE

a) Detached: Must be in rear 1/2 of lot
b) Attached: Must be in line with front of house

DISTANCE FROM REAR PROPERTY LINE

a) Parallel to rear property line: 3′ with alley - 3-5′ without alley
b) Perpendicular and OHD faces alley: 20′ with alley - 3-5′ without alley
15′ for lots 6500 sf or less
c) Perpendicular and OHD faces house: 3′ with alley - 3-5′ without alley
d) Attached to house: No restriction with or without alley
e) Percentage of rear yard allowed for garage: Lots at or under 6500 sq feet - 35%
Lots over 6500 sq feet - 30%

DISTANCE FROM SIDE PROPERTY LINE

a) Detached and behind the house: 3′
b) Detached along side of house: 5′ setback from any principal structure
c) Attached to house: 7′

DISTANCE FROM SIDE STREET PROPERTY LINE

a) Detached and parallel to street: 6′
b) Detached and perpendicular to street: 20′ from SPL
c) Attached and parallel to street: 6′
d) Attached and perpendicular to street: 12′ from line or 15′ from walk

MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM OWNER’S DWELLING

a) Without frost footing: Must be in rear 1/2 of lot
b) Without fire proofing: 10′

MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM NEIGHBOR’S DWELLING

a) Without frost footings: 10′
b) Without fire proofing: 10′

MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM UTILITY EASEMENT LINE

a) When existing garage is detached: See Inspector
b) When existing garage is attached: See Inspector

IS MORE THAN ONE GARAGE ALLOWED ON THE SAME LOT AS THE DWELLING

a) When existing garage is detached: Limit of 2 accessory buldings; not to exceed 1000 sf
b) When existing garage is attached: 1 Detached garage

MAXIMUM SIZE GARAGE ALLOWED BY CITY

a) Detached: 40′ lot - 2 car 60′ lot - 3 car
b) Attached: 40′ lot - 2 car 60′ lot - 3 car

CAN A GARAGE BE BUILT ON A VACANT LOT

a) If lot is adjoining: Yes
b) If lot is not adjoining: Yes

MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS

a) UBC requires removal of all decomposable material prior to placing slab.
b) Wall height shall not exceed nine (9) feet in height.
c) Maximum height may not exceed the height of the principal structure,
or eighteen (18) feet at peak.
d) Minimum garage size is 20′ x 20′

APPLICATION FORMS & ADDENDUM

Permit Application: Complete and sign permit application
a) When survey is on file:
b) When survey is not on file:
Survey or Scale Drawing: Submit 2 copies of a plot/site plan, drawn to scale and showing
property lines, easements, curbs, alleys, building locations
Lot Size & Identification: Show dimensions of lot
Elevation of Building: Show headers/doors/windows/roof pitch/truss information
Exposed corner irons: Location of rear property corner irons is necessary
They must be visible and verifiable by BI
Other: Monolithic footings accepted
Other: Design/color shall be similar to principal structure.

PERMITS REQUIRED

Demolition Permit:
Driveway Permit:
Building Permit: Required
Miscellaneous Permits:

INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

Demolition Inspection:
Footing/Slab Inspection: Prior to pouring concrete, but after all reinforcing/mesh
is in place.
Framing Inspection: Prior to siding or insulation.
Sheathing Inspection:
Electrical Inspection: After rough-in
Final Building Inspection: After all work is done including painting.

3/7/06 - Downloaded updates.

Columbia Heights