- Home
- Services
- Community Development
- Zoning Permits
Zoning Permits and Land Use Applications
Permits are required for a number of projects including, fences, lot splits and the keeping of domesticated chickens. Most permits require consultation with City staff prior to submittal.
Permit applications that need to be reviewed by the Planning Commission have a deadline of the 2nd and 4th Mondays (by 12:00 pm - noon), monthly. These permit applications require a pre-application meeting with City staff.
Not sure what permits are required for your project? Give us a call at 651-209-9731 and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
The City of Forest Lake requires certain uses, as specified in City Code, to be allowed with the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance. A Certificate of Compliance may be issued for uses including an accessory apartment, wood boiler systems, shoreland tree removal, and temporary dwellings, among others. Please reach out to the Community Development Department at 651-209-9731 to inquire if a desired use of your property requires a City Permit or CoC.
Conditional Use Permits
Zoning district land use standards include a list of allowed conditional uses. The application for an Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is usually initiated by the submittal of materials and an informal staff review. The informal review is followed by the formal Planning Commission review and decision on the application.
- Conditional Use Permit - Informational Handout / Process and Procedures
- Conditional Use Permit for Non-Residential Use Property - Application Form
- Conditional Use Permit for Residential Use Property - Application Form
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Domesticated Chickens
The keeping of domesticated chickens, allowed on single-family residentially-zoned properties less than 5 acres in size, requires an approved Certificate of Compliance. Residents who plan to keep chickens must submit a Certificate of Compliance application, the $50 application fee, and a site plan showing the location of the chicken coop on the property. The application review process involves a property inspection of the proposed coop and pen location.
- Keeping of Domesticated Chickens - Informational Handout
- Keeping of Domesticated Chickens - Application Form
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Fence Permits
Property owners planning to install a new fence will need to first obtain a permit and Certificate of Compliance from the City. Existing fences that are substantially altered (relocated, change in height or change in materials, etc.) may also require a permit.
Application and Instructions
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Grading Permit
Land alteration and grading means the reclaiming of land by depositing or moving material so as to alter the grade (of land). The purpose of these standards is to regulate the alteration or grading of land within the City of Forest Lake.
Application and Instructions
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Home Occupation
The City of Forest Lake Zoning Code allows for small-scale businesses to be carried out in residential dwellings under certain circumstances. Defined as Home Occupations, those businesses include, but are not limited to, desk and mail order businesses, craft and hobby operations, and personal services such as music lessons. If the business includes a sign, it must comply with applicable sign standards.
Application and Instructions
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Interim Use Permit
Zoning district land use standards may include a list of allowed interim uses. The application for an Interim Use Permit (IUP) is processed and reviewed in a two-stage Planning Commission and City Council formal review process usually initiated by an informal staff review.
Application and Instructions
- Interim Use Permit - Informational Handout / Process and Procedures
- Interim Use Permit - Application Form
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Kennels
Specific standards apply to properties with commercial and private kennels.
Application and Instructions
- Kennel - Certificate of Compliance - Informational Handout
- Kennel - Certificate of Compliance - Application Form
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Lot Line Adjustments
The lot line adjustment/consolidation process combines multiple lots into one parcel or adjusts a common lot line affecting existing parcels. Parcels resulting from these procedures must be consistent with all Zoning Ordinance requirements and other applicable regulations. Lot consolidation is required prior to application for and issuance of a building permit. In areas where property lines are not well defined, or where lots are irregular in shape and/or are included in more than one plat, the City may require that lot consolidation occur through the major subdivision platting requirements as outlined in the Zoning Ordinance.
Application and Instructions
- Lot Line Adjustment/Combination - Informational Handout
- Lot Line Adjustment/Combination - Application Form
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Major Subdivisions
A Major Subdivision is a process in which more than three new lots are created and new streets and public infrastructure are constructed to serve the new lots. The application for a Major Subdivision is processed and reviewed by staff, the Planning Commission and City Council in three separate steps.
Application and Instructions
- Major Subdivision - Informational Handout / Process and Procedures
- Major Subdivision - Application Form
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Minor Subdivisions
A Minor Subdivision is a process in which one new lot is created. The application for a Minor Subdivision is processed and reviewed by staff, the Planning Commission and City Council in three separate steps.
- Minor Subdivision - Informational Handout / Process and Procedures
- Minor Subdivision - Application Form
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
The primary purpose of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) is to permit a more creative and flexible regulatory process in guiding land development as compared to the standard development regulations of this chapter. The PUD process provides a joint planning/design effort by the City and the Applicant. The intent is to provide a greater degree of creativity and flexibility and promote the health, safety, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare.
Application and Instructions
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Signs
Signs provide direction, information, and advertising for businesses and residents. Signs must adhere to Zoning Ordinance standards and most signs require a permit from the City.
Freestanding pylon and monument signs require a Building Permit with signed engineering drawings. Please refer to the Building Permit section of the website to submit application for a freestanding sign.
Application and Instructions
- Sign Permit - Informational Handout
- Sign Permit - Application Form
- Sign Installer License - Application Form
- Temporary Sign Permit - Application Form w/ Handout
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Site Plan Review
A Site Plan approval is a process which allows the City to achieve safe, functional, and attractive development. Staff review is followed by the formal Planning Commission review and consideration.
Application and Instructions
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Temporary Seasonal Sales
Temporary Seasonal Sales shall require a Certificate of Compliance and applicable City of Forest Lake licenses or permits. Approval of the Fire Chief or designee is also required.
Application and Instructions
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning
Variances
A variance allows for deviations or variances from the provisions of the Zoning Code in instances where the strict enforcement of those provisions would cause practical difficulties due to circumstances unique to individual property. Practical difficulties means that a property owner has proposed a reasonable use of his/her property that is not consistent with the Zoning Code. The review process includes formal Planning Commission review and final decision.
Application and Instructions
Submit completed application to Forest Lake Zoning