Building Setbacks & Zoning in Saint Paul, MN

If you live in Saint Paul or are thinking about moving there, building setbacks & zoning are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Saint Paul has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of building setbacks & zoning, and some of them might surprise you.

Structure Height Limits

Saint Paul caps residential building height by zoning district under Table 66.231: 35 feet in the RL large-lot and H1 districts, 39 feet in H2 (36 feet for flat or shed roofs), 40 feet in RM1, and 50 feet in RM2, with no maximum in RM3.

Key details: RL / H1 max height: 35 feet. H2 max height: 39 feet (36 ft flat/shed roof). RM1 max height: 40 feet (45-75 ft w/ CUP). RM2 max height: 50 feet. RM3 max height: No maximum.

Building or occupying a structure above the Table 66.231 maximum without an approved variance or conditional use permit is a zoning code violation. Under Sec. 61.901 any person violating the zoning code, including an owner or lessee who knowingly allows the violation, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and Sec. 61.904 makes each day the violation continues a separate offense. The zoning administrator can also refer noncompliant structures to the board of zoning appeals or planning commission to revoke prior approvals.

Lot Coverage Limits

Saint Paul caps how much of a residential lot buildings can cover: 40% in the RL large-lot district, 45% in H1, and 50% in H2, per the Zoning Code's dimensional standards table. A density bonus can add 5% more coverage if affordable units are included.

Key details: RL large lot max coverage: 40% of lot. H1 residential max coverage: 45% of lot. H2 residential max coverage: 50% of lot. Density bonus coverage add-on: +5% with affordable units. Administering agency: DSI zoning staff.

Building without a permit that exceeds the district's lot-coverage cap is enforced by DSI zoning inspectors as a Legislative Code violation. Under Sec. 1.05, any violation of the Legislative Code is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both; violations carrying only a stated fine are petty misdemeanors capped at $300.

Setback Rules

Saint Paul's Zoning Code sets minimum front, side and rear yard setbacks by residential district, 30 feet front in RL down to 10 feet front in the RM multi-family districts, with special averaging rules where neighboring homes already sit closer to the street.

Key details: RL front setback: 30 feet. H1/H2 front setback: 10 feet. RM1-RM3 front setback: 10 feet. RM1-RM3 side/rear setback: 9 feet. H1/H2 side setback: 5 feet.

DSI zoning staff enforce setback encroachments through the building permit and inspection process; an unpermitted structure built into a required yard is a Legislative Code violation subject to Sec. 1.05: a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 in fines, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with petty-misdemeanor violations capped at $300.

The Bottom Line

Saint Paul's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Saint Paul is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Saint Paul's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.