Safety & Inspections FAQ
Permits and Setbacks
PERMITS:
It is difficult to list each and every thing which may require a Permit. Permits are needed for fences and the Building Code applies generally to every structure. Sheds and fences can be approved under an Administrative Permit.
It may be necessary to require the property owner to submit a detailed description of what he/she wants to do in order for the City to determine what sort of CUP, IUP, Permit or Variance may be needed. If a Variance may be needed, please review the Applicants For Variances Notice for additional information.
Demolition permit applicants use our general building permit form along with the required “Demolition Agreement” in connection with the Demolition Permit
SETBACKS:
With regard to setbacks, most are covered by Section 152.5 of the Zoning Ordinance. Setbacks are required from various things, including lakes, wetlands, water basins, septic systems, wells, and property lines.
Driveways | 10 feet from property line |
Water oriented structures boathouse | 10 feet from ordinary high water mark |
Structures | 40 feet from front Lot line 40 feet from rear Lot line 30 feet from side Lot line |
(There is an exception under which the front and lake setbacks may be set in line with existing structures situated on the adjoining Lots on each side.)
- Corner Lot front yard setbacks usually apply to both the front and the side facing the streets.
- The structure setback from any Federal, State or County Road is 40 feet.
- Setbacks from the Ordinary High-Water Mark of water bodies vary:
- White Bear Lake 75 feet
- Long Lake 100 feet
- Pine Tree Lake 150 feet
GARAGES / ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
GARAGES / ACCESSORY BUILDINGS:
Detached garages are subject to all setback requirements.
Garages are governed by a separate Section in the Ordinance. In the R-1 District the maximum total allowable garage space is 1200 square feet, including all attached and detached garage space. In the F/E and R-2 Districts, the maximum is 1500 square feet.
The definition of “accessory Building” in the Ordinance should not be deemed to include detached garages,
The garage space within a “tuck-under” garage is not included in the computation of total garage space (152.6 D.(6).
No residential Lot may have more than two (2) garages.
No garage space may be built or used for living quarters.
Lots having an area of two acres, but less than 3 acres and have an attached garage, are allowed to have an additional detached garage up to 1500 square feet. However, the total garage space cannot exceed 3000 square feet and no garage itself can exceed 1500 square feet.
Lots having 3 acres or more and have an attached garage are allowed to have an additional detached garage up to 1800 square feet. Total garage space cannot exceed 3300 square feet or the footprint of the main dwelling.
ACCESSORY BUILDINGS:
Any residential Lot is allowed to have “no more than one accessory building for purposes of household storage and/or workshop.” Accessory Structures are subject to setbacks.
- Under the current Ordinance no accessory building may contain plumbing facilities.
- The maximum size of an accessory building is 200 square feet in area and 10 feet in height.
- Additional or larger accessory buildings may be allowed under a Use Permit.
ELECTRICAL PERMITS & INSPECTIONS
The State of Minnesota issues and inspects the electrical for the City of Dellwood.
Permits can be obtained online using the state’s DOLI.MN website, or in person at the MN, Dept. of Labor and Industry, 443 Lafayette Rd. N., St. Paul, MN, 55155-4342.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
All types of recreational vehicles parked on property more than (30) days per calendar year must be concealed from all roads and adjacent residences by screening.
Please cite Code Section 152.9 #5 in the Dellwood Code Book
Letter From the Mayor – Spring 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope all is well with you and your families. As we transition from winter into spring, I want to update you regarding some current City-related issues and review some of Dellwood’s Ordinances.
Ordinance 2022-02 (Land Use Moratorium) Adopted by City Council
The City Council of Dellwood adopted Ordinance 2022-02 (Land Use Moratorium) at its regular meeting on September 13th, 2022.
Notice of consideration of subdivision moratorium ordinance
Notice of Ordinance Consideration
Notice is hereby given that the Dellwood City Council will be considering Ordinance 2022-02 (Subdivision Moratorium) at the September 2022 City Council Meeting on 9/13/2022. A link to the current version of the ordinance has been placed below.
2022 City Fee Schedule
The 2022 City Fee Schedule is now available online. The updated fee schedule is effective January 12, 2022.