Ramsey County, MN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- County height rule
- None for city land
- St. Paul R1 base
- 28 ft at side setback
- St. Paul maximum
- 35 feet
- Statute
- Minn. Stat. §462.357
- Varies by
- Zoning district and city
Summary
Ramsey County sets no building-height limit for city land; your city does under Minn. Stat. §462.357. St. Paul limits R1 homes to 28 feet at the side setback, up to 35 feet.
The following maximum building heights shall apply at side setback lines: 28 feet in R1 ... one foot shall be added to the maximum building height per each one foot the portion of the building is set back from the nearest side setback line, to a maximum height of thirty-five feet.
Full Breakdown
Building height on incorporated Ramsey County land is a municipal matter under Minn. Stat. §462.357, which lets a city regulate the height of buildings by ordinance. Ramsey County enforces no countywide height cap. St. Paul's residential standards cap building height at the side setback line, 28 feet in the R1 district, and add one foot of allowed height for each foot the building is set farther back from the nearest side setback line, to a maximum of 35 feet. Other districts and suburbs use different figures, so confirm your zoning district's exact height limit with your city.
Violations & Fines
A structure exceeding the district height limit can be denied a permit or require a variance before construction proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in St. Paul's R1 district?
Does Ramsey County limit building height?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ramsey County
Compare Ramsey County to another location·View the Minnesota building setbacks & zoning overview
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