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Planning Commission asks City Council to review rules for residential lots 5 acres and larger
Summary
On May 5 the Faribault Planning Commission voted to ask the City Council to direct staff to examine zoning and code options for large residential lots (five acres and above) after debate over a 7‑acre accessory‑structure request highlighted code limits.
The Faribault City Planning Commission voted on May 5 to ask the City Council to direct staff to examine regulatory options for residential properties five acres and larger in R1 zoning.
The motion, made by Commissioner Sam and seconded by Commissioner Steve, passed on a voice vote during discussion of a pending application for a 4,000‑square‑foot accessory structure on a seven‑acre R1 parcel. Commissioners said the case exposed a recurring tension: code limits that treat accessory structures the same across R1 lots, regardless of lot size, which some members described as unfair or outdated when applied to very large residential parcels.
Staff, speaking generally about possible remedies, said creating a new zoning district or pursuing code amendments is feasible but requires an ordinance process with public hearings and council consideration. Staff estimated a fastest‑track timeline of a few months to put a proposal before council.
The commission asked staff to prepare options that could include a new zoning district, specific conditional use standards for large lots, or other code amendments to address setbacks, accessory size allowances and design compatibility. Staff will return with recommendations for City Council consideration and possible next steps.
The motion does not itself change code; it requests that the City Council direct staff to prepare options for council review.
