St. Louis County, MN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

3 impose a more restrictive limit on a particular riparian lot, whichever number is smaller applies. The ordinance defines "Height of Building" precisely: it is the vertical distance between the highest adjoining ground level touching the building, or 10 feet above the lowest adjoining ground level (whichever of those two reference points is lower), measured up to the highest point on the roof. That definition matters because a walkout lower level facing a slope does not let a builder measure from the low side alone.

2 tables; height is layered on top of those district-by-district numbers, not a substitute for them. Because the height cap sits inside Article III's dimensional standards, any deviation, such as a homeowner wanting a taller cupola, silo-style garage or observation tower, requires a variance approved by the St. Louis County Board of Adjustment rather than an administrative sign-off from planning staff. The Zoning Administrator (the Director) reviews land use permit applications for compliance with the 35-foot figure before construction begins, and construction must substantially start within 24 months of permit issuance or the permit lapses.