Community Planning & Zoning

Planning Commission

Authorized by Minnesota State Statute Sec. 462.354, the Planning Commission consists of a seven-member citizen board appointed by the City Council that reviews planning-specific requests before providing a formal recommendation to the Council. Commissioners must be city residents, appointed by Council, and commit to serving a three-year term. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Please see our calendar for meeting dates and submission deadlines for Land Use Applications Planning Commission Calendar (PDF) . If a meeting date falls on a legal holiday, the meeting will be rescheduled to the second Tuesday.

Land Use

The City of Buffalo provides for the regulation of land use activities to create and maintain a high quality of life in our community. The Planning Commission reviews all land use applications, formulates a recommendation, and has the recommendation presented to the City Council at their regular meeting - typically on the third Monday of the month - where the Council will make the final decision on any request. 
 
A Land Use Application is required for all actions that come before the Planning Commission, including requests for Conditional Use Permits, Zoning Amendments, Variances, and other general development items. Development fees are calculated according to the Master Fee Schedule (PDF).

Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

A Conditional Use Permit is a document the City issues to allow a conditional use when the applicant meets general and specific ordinance standards. The purpose of this document is to provide the City with a reasonable degree of discretion in determining the suitability of certain designated uses upon the general welfare, public health, and safety of the residents. Generally, the Planning Commission is the entity tasked with considering all Conditional Use Permits in the context of the adjoining land or buildings, the effect upon traffic into and/or from the premises or on any adjoining roads, and other factors. 

Zoning Amendment

A Zoning Amendment is sought by a landowner when they seek to change the zoning classification on a parcel. Because a parcel’s zoning must be consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, a Comprehensive Plan Amendment may be required in conjunction with the requested Zoning Amendment.

Variance

A variance is often sought by a landowner when they seek permission to vary from ordinance standards for a specific purpose. A variance may be approved only in instances where strict enforcement of the ordinance would cause ”practical difficulties” because of circumstances unique to the specific property under consideration. In addition, the City grants such variances only when it is demonstrated that such actions will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the ordinance.

A Special Home Occupation (PDF) allows for a resident to operate a home-based business inside their residence that would otherwise not meet the requirements of a permitted home occupation as defined in Sec. 50-427 of the Code.

Development in Buffalo

How does Development happen in Buffalo? (PDF)