Life would be simpler if you could purchase a piece of land and build on it however you like, but there are rules in place that make this impossible. While it may seem simpler if you had free reign of how to manage your property, you probably wouldn’t like it if your neighbor decided to turn their property into a nightclub or a McDonald’s. Property use is dictated by local zoning ordinances, so before you decide to purchase a property or start a business, you’ll want to see how the property is zoned.
But what happens if you are eyeing up a great property, but it’s not zoned for how you want to use it? Or maybe you own some farmland that you want to parcel off and sell as residential property. Can you simply get the property rezoned? In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the process of getting a property rezoned in Minnesota.
Rezoning Commercial Property In Minnesota
As you’ll see when we get further into this blog, it’s likely in your best interest to pursue a property that is already zoned in a way that is consistent with your vision for the property. Getting a property rezoned isn’t easy, and it typically takes a while, so you may be waiting months or years to have your rezoning application heard, and even then, there’s no guarantee that you’re going to get approved.
Although the process will be different based on the state, county and city in which you are seeking a rezoning decision, in many instances, rezoning involves:
Moreover, the process isn’t simply about paying an application fee and waiting for local committees to eventually give you the stamp of approval. Properties are zoned with community needs and public benefit in mind, so there’s a good chance that careful thought was already put into the choice to zone a property in a specific manner. You’re going to need to make a compelling case that not only explains why you are pursuing rezoning, but also why the change is beneficial or at least neutral to the community.
Any committee deciding on whether or not to rezone a property will also evaluate how any intended commercial use would impact the environment, neighboring lands as well as the long-term vision for the area and the community as a whole. When you consider that major rezoning decisions will be made by very small committees, it can be easy to understand why projects can stall or be denied. If your vision isn’t shared by a select few, your rezoning request may be denied.
If you’re hoping to have a property rezoned or you’re scouring for properties that currently meet your zoning needs, consider connecting with a title services team like Commercial Partners. We can help find a property that fits your exact needs, or we can work with you to file the correct paperwork and build a compelling case as to why an area should be rezoned. We can give you the best chance at bringing your commercial vision or your rezoning request to life.
For more information on how we can assist with rezoning or commercial acquisition needs, connect with the team at Commercial Partners today at (612) 337-2470.