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Sherburne County adopts new zoning, map and subdivision ordinances after monthslong update
Summary
The Sherburne County Board voted July 14 to replace its 1994 zoning and subdivision rules, adopting ordinance 292 (zoning), ordinance 298 (zoning map) and ordinance 297 (subdivision). The board accepted a DNR conditional review and approved a correction to billboard language; the changes implement the county’s 2040 comprehensive plan updates.
Sherburne County commissioners voted July 14 to rescind the county's 1994 zoning ordinance and adopt a comprehensive update as ordinance 292, alongside a revised official zoning map (ordinance 298) and a new subdivision ordinance (ordinance 297).
Planning staff told the board the update began after completion of the county's 2040 comprehensive plan and aimed to modernize format and align state-mandated provisions. The planning advisory commission gave unanimous recommendations following public hearings; the Department of Natural Resources provided conditional approval on several items.
Commissioners discussed multiple technical changes during the meeting, including a correction to proposed billboard language. The board accepted that amendment before adopting the new zoning ordinance. Staff noted the update was not intended as a wholesale rewrite of all land-use policy but to address recurring issues and standardize sections that had become inconsistent with state rules.
The board also approved a revised official zoning map to reflect new Hamlet and Shoreland Residential districts. Staff said the map revisions reduce certain nonconforming setbacks for older shoreline lots and align map designations to the updated ordinance.
Separately, commissioners approved a replacement subdivision ordinance (ordinance 297) that staff said would simplify administrative subdivisions in the Scenic River district and better align county practice with state guidance.
The board moved the ordinances and map on voice votes after deliberation and a short period of public comment during the meeting. The new rules will apply countywide once formally effective under county practice.
What happens next: staff will publish the adopted ordinances and the new official map and provide implementation guidance to townships and applicants. The board and planning staff said they expect additional, smaller amendments in the future as the county monitors the implementation.
