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last updated 6/12/2009



 


Housing > Zoning/Planning
 


Zoning and Planning

How is Moorhead, Minnesota planning for controlled growth and development? Find out more about Moorhead's direction for the future by reading the City's four major planning documents, including it's Comprehensive Plan, Growth Area Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance. These documents establish the direction for and regulations for the use of land and physical development.

Moorhead - Dilworth Orderly Annexation Boundary Agreements
The Cities of Moorhead and Dilworth have negotiated orderly annexation boundaries within Glyndon, Moorhead and Oakport Townships for the future growth of both cities. The annexation agreements will help both cities plan properly for the anticipated growth of both cities and assist in the orderly planning of the expansion of municipal services to the area. No property within the areas covered by the agreements is sought to be annexed at this time.

Joint Resolution – Glyndon Township
Joint Resolution – Moorhead Township
Joint Resolution – Oakport Township
Annexation Boundary Map

Comprehensive Plan
If you want to see our community's vision for growth over the next 20 to 25 years, look over the City of Moorhead Comprehensive Plan, which provides a framework for growth and development. Our Comprehensive Plan outlines the policies, standards and principles that serve as the basis for updating the City's zoning, subdivision and other developmental controls. Last updated in 2004, the plan also establishes long-term community goals.

To view the 2004 City of Moorhead Comprehensive Plan download this document.

A copy of the plan is also on file at the City of Moorhead's Planning and Zoning Division on 4th Floor of City Hall, 500 Center Avenue.

Growth Area Plan
The southern and eastern growth areas of the City are guided by a Growth Area Plan which specifies where future streets, parks, stores, apartments and homes will be located. A copy of this plan can be downloaded here.

Alternative Urban Areawide Review
The Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) is an environmental review for future development projects within the Growth Area Plan. It inventories environmental and cultural resources, identifies potential cumulative impacts of one or more development scenarios and focuses on effective mitigation strategies. Click here (13.4 MB) to download the AUAR for South and East Moorhead.

Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance
Officially adopted by the City Council on January 3, 2005, Moorhead's Zoning Ordinance establishes land use and building requirements for private property within the city limits to meet the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. All property falls under one of the 17 zoning districts established by the Zoning Ordinance. That ordinance regulates:

  • Location and size of buildings and other structures

  • Size of yards and open spaces

  • Use of buildings and land for promoting and protecting public health, safety and general welfare.

Our City Subdivision Ordinance encourages well-planned, efficient and attractive subdivisions (developments) through adequate, impartial design and construction standards. Any subdivided property must be approved by the Moorhead City Council, either through official platting-which requires a public hearing before the Planning Commission and final approval by the City Council-or through minor subdivision, which is heard by the City Council without a public hearing.

Zoning Map - Download here.

City Code - Refer to Title 10 Zoning and Title 11 Subdivisions.

Disclaimer:

These titles are provided for informational purposes only. In the case of any discrepancy between this version and the official hard copy on file with the City Clerk, the official hard copy will prevail. This version of the code may not reflect all of, or the most current, amendments/ordinances that have been passed.

Application Forms
Administrative Subdivision Approval
Comp Plan or GAP Amendment
Conditional Use Permit Deadlines-Oakport Joint Powers Board 2008
Deadlines-Planning Commission 2008
Final Plat Approval
Preliminary Plat Approval
Variance
Zoning Amendment

If you are interested in development, construction or use of a property within Moorhead, contact the City's Planning and Zoning Division at (218) 299-5370 for more information on zoning. Or, visit the City of Moorhead building codes office on 4th floor of City Hall, 500 Center Avenue

To find out more about the subdivision process, access the Guide to the Development Process, which includes detailed information. You can also call the City of Moorhead's Planning and Zoning Division at (218) 299-5370.