City of Savage Zoning and Code Update
The City of Savage is making a comprehensive update to the entire City Zoning and Subdivision Code to ensure it is easier to use and supports high-quality development in our community. The City’s last all-inclusive rewrite of its Zoning and Subdivision Codes occurred in 1989. While there have been various revisions and amendments since then, a complete overhaul is necessary to:
- Make it easier to use and administer.
- Address outdated standards to reflect contemporary development market practices.
- Ensure it's consistent with state regulations.
This update will also provide an opportunity to implement the recommendations from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, including:
- Managing development to preserve community character
- Promoting quality urban design
- Maintaining access and amenities for parks and trails
- Enhancing transportation corridors.
This is a collaborative community project that will require input from stakeholders to ensure that the zoning and subdivision codes meet the needs and desires of the City of Savage for decades to come.
Over the last year, city staff have been working with its consultant to update the drafts. Selected draft articles are now available for public viewing. If you wish to provide comments or feedback, please feel free to contact staff.
For reference, the current zoning code can be found here: https://lfsrv2.cityofsavage.com/weblinkexternal/browse.aspx?startid=143328&dbid=0
The City of Savage is making a comprehensive update to the entire City Zoning and Subdivision Code to ensure it is easier to use and supports high-quality development in our community. The City’s last all-inclusive rewrite of its Zoning and Subdivision Codes occurred in 1989. While there have been various revisions and amendments since then, a complete overhaul is necessary to:
- Make it easier to use and administer.
- Address outdated standards to reflect contemporary development market practices.
- Ensure it's consistent with state regulations.
This update will also provide an opportunity to implement the recommendations from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, including:
- Managing development to preserve community character
- Promoting quality urban design
- Maintaining access and amenities for parks and trails
- Enhancing transportation corridors.
This is a collaborative community project that will require input from stakeholders to ensure that the zoning and subdivision codes meet the needs and desires of the City of Savage for decades to come.
Over the last year, city staff have been working with its consultant to update the drafts. Selected draft articles are now available for public viewing. If you wish to provide comments or feedback, please feel free to contact staff.
For reference, the current zoning code can be found here: https://lfsrv2.cityofsavage.com/weblinkexternal/browse.aspx?startid=143328&dbid=0
-
All Drafts Available
Share All Drafts Available on Facebook Share All Drafts Available on Twitter Share All Drafts Available on Linkedin Email All Drafts Available linkAll drafts of the zoning code and subdivision code have been uploaded for public review. These drafts are not the final drafts, as there are minor edits to be made in various sections; however, major changes are not anticipated at this time. Stay tuned for the for the scheduling of the public hearing date, which is anticipated to be in Quarter 1 of 2026. As always, please send any comments or questions to the Staff Members listed under the "Who's Listening" section.
All drafts of the zoning code and subdivision code have been uploaded for public review. These drafts are not the final drafts, as there are minor edits to be made in various sections; however, major changes are not anticipated at this time. Stay tuned for the for the scheduling of the public hearing date, which is anticipated to be in Quarter 1 of 2026. As always, please send any comments or questions to the Staff Members listed under the "Who's Listening" section.
-
Proposed Zoning Ordinance Updates
Share Proposed Zoning Ordinance Updates on Facebook Share Proposed Zoning Ordinance Updates on Twitter Share Proposed Zoning Ordinance Updates on Linkedin Email Proposed Zoning Ordinance Updates linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.The City is updating its zoning and subdivision codes for the first time in over 30 years to better reflect community needs and modernize outdated standards. Since late 2023, we’ve been working with consultant HKGi to revise these regulations, with input collected throughout 2024 and 2025 from City staff, City Council, the Community Equity Commission, Economic Development Commission, Planning Commission, and community members via the Let’s Talk Savage online platform. We’re excited to share that the Planning Commission is now reviewing a draft of the updated zoning code.
Share your Feedback
We've set up six short, two- or three-question surveys to allow community members to review the proposed changes and share their feedback.
The City is updating its zoning and subdivision codes for the first time in over 30 years to better reflect community needs and modernize outdated standards. Since late 2023, we’ve been working with consultant HKGi to revise these regulations, with input collected throughout 2024 and 2025 from City staff, City Council, the Community Equity Commission, Economic Development Commission, Planning Commission, and community members via the Let’s Talk Savage online platform. We’re excited to share that the Planning Commission is now reviewing a draft of the updated zoning code.
Share your Feedback
We've set up six short, two- or three-question surveys to allow community members to review the proposed changes and share their feedback.
4 comments
-
Accessory Dwelling Units
Share Accessory Dwelling Units on Facebook Share Accessory Dwelling Units on Twitter Share Accessory Dwelling Units on Linkedin Email Accessory Dwelling Units linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.INPUT OPPORTUNITY #2: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Survey
What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are self-contained living units that typically include a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom(s) on the same property as the main residence. There are many types of ADUs, and they are often referred to as secondary suites, granny flats, guest houses, etc. An ADU must be attached to a permanent foundation. Mobile homes, RVs, campers, and trailers are not considered ADUs.Why is the City looking at ADUs?
ADUs have been around for centuries, but they have regained public appeal as an adaptable and potentially affordable housing option. Our current zoning code does not allow for the construction of ADUs. This topic is being explored as part of the update to the zoning and subdivision code. One option would be to permit ADUs on residential properties that meet certain criteria with performance standards.What's your opinion on ADUs?
The City wants to hear your input and opinions on these types of dwelling units. Do you support adding ADUs to our community? If so, would you consider building one? What are some of your concerns? Please take a moment to complete the six-question survey, which will help clarify how the city should proceed.The survey will be available through August 28, 2024.
INPUT OPPORTUNITY #2: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Survey
What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are self-contained living units that typically include a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom(s) on the same property as the main residence. There are many types of ADUs, and they are often referred to as secondary suites, granny flats, guest houses, etc. An ADU must be attached to a permanent foundation. Mobile homes, RVs, campers, and trailers are not considered ADUs.Why is the City looking at ADUs?
ADUs have been around for centuries, but they have regained public appeal as an adaptable and potentially affordable housing option. Our current zoning code does not allow for the construction of ADUs. This topic is being explored as part of the update to the zoning and subdivision code. One option would be to permit ADUs on residential properties that meet certain criteria with performance standards.What's your opinion on ADUs?
The City wants to hear your input and opinions on these types of dwelling units. Do you support adding ADUs to our community? If so, would you consider building one? What are some of your concerns? Please take a moment to complete the six-question survey, which will help clarify how the city should proceed.The survey will be available through August 28, 2024.
Follow Project
Who's Listening
-
Phone 952-882-2652 Email rdean@savagemn.gov -
Phone 9528822692 Email jwehner@savagemn.gov
Draft Code Documents and Reports
-
Zoning Code
-
Zoning Article 000 - Introductory Provisions (219 KB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 200 - Base Zoning Districts (826 KB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 200 - Principal Use Table (671 KB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 200 - Accessory Use Table (626 KB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 200 - Residential Lot Standards Tables (605 KB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 200 - Residential Site Standards Tables (611 KB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 200 - Nonresidential Lot Standards Tables (608 KB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 200 - Nonresidential Site Standards Tables (619 KB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 300 - General Zoning Provisions (701 KB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 400 - Special Zoning Districts (1.43 MB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 500 - Use-Specific Standards (345 KB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 600 - Environmental Standards (1.66 MB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 700 - Development Standards (3.14 MB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 800 - Procedures and Enforcement (786 KB) (pdf)
-
Zoning Article 900 - Sign Standards (406 KB) (pdf)
-
-
Subdivision Code
-
Staff Memos
-
Staff Memo to Planning Commission - Oct 23 2025 (325 KB) (pdf)
-
Staff Memo to Council - Nov 10 2025 (308 KB) (pdf)
-
Staff Memo to Planning Commission - Nov 20 2025 (324 KB) (pdf)
-
Staff Memo to Council - December 8 2025 (314 KB) (pdf)
-
Staff Memo to Economic Development Commission - December 17. 2025 (309 KB) (pdf)
-
Staff Memo to Planning Commission - December 18 2025 (299 KB) (pdf)
-
Project Timeline
-
Phase 1
City of Savage Zoning and Code Update has finished this stageProject Kick-off
July to October 2023
- Confirmation of project process, schedule and tasks.
- Tour of City to understand community character.
- Development of a community engagement plan to solicit public input at key points throughout the process.
-
Phase 2
City of Savage Zoning and Code Update has finished this stageCode Diagnosis
August to December 2023
- Understand issues with existing code.
- Evaluate best practices and trends.
- Identify approaches to streamline processes and procedures.
- Joint meeting with the City Council, Planning Commission, and Economic Development Commission to seek input on needed updates.
-
Phase 3
City of Savage Zoning and Code Update has finished this stageCode Outline and Approach
December 2023 to March 2024
- Begin to draft an outline and layout of the code.
- Joint meeting with the City Council and Planning Commission.
-
Phase 4
City of Savage Zoning and Code Update has finished this stageCode Drafting
November 2024 to October 2025
The code will be reformatted and reordered, based on the following:
- Article 100, Definitions
- Article 200, Base Zoning Districts
- Article 300, General Zoning Provisions
- Article 400, Special Zoning Districts
- Article 500, Use Specific Standards
- Article 600, Environmental Overlay
- Article 700, Development Standards
- Article 800, Procedures and Enforcement
- Article 900, Sign Standards
-
Phase 5
City of Savage Zoning and Code Update is currently at this stageFinal Code Updates for adoption and implementation
November 2025 to January 2026
- Planning Commission to begin review of draft articles at the October 23, 2025 meeting
Key Dates
-
November 14 2024
-
October 23 2025
-
November 10 2025
-
November 20 2025
-
December 08 2025
4 comments