Apple Valley Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Apple Valley Zoning Overview
Apple Valley is a southern Dakota County suburb known for the Minnesota Zoo and a well-planned residential community with parks and trail connections. The city's zoning ordinance is administered by the Community Development Department and organizes the municipality into residential, commercial, and industrial districts tailored to the community's development patterns and goals.
The city's comprehensive plan provides the policy framework for zoning decisions, addressing housing, transportation, parks, and economic development. Apple Valley participates in regional planning coordination and complies with applicable Metropolitan Council requirements.
Under Minnesota's HF 3492, Apple Valley is required to allow accessory dwelling units as a city with population exceeding 10,000. The city continues to update its zoning to address housing needs while maintaining neighborhood character.
Key Zoning Districts
Apple Valley uses residential districts ranging from R-1 (Single-Family) to R-3 or R-4 (Multi-Family), commercial districts (C-1 through C-2), and industrial zones. Planned unit development (PUD) provisions allow flexible development standards for larger projects.
ADU Regulations
Under HF 3492, Apple Valley allows accessory dwelling units in residential zones. ADUs are generally limited to 800 square feet and 20 feet in height, with no additional parking required. The Community Development Department handles ADU permits within 45 to 90 days.
Development Process
Development begins with a zoning review at the Community Development Department. Conforming projects proceed to building permits. Projects requiring relief apply to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. The Planning Commission reviews conditional use permits, planned developments, and rezoning requests.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Apple Valley
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Minnesota
- Building Code: Minnesota State Building Code (based on 2018 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (HF 3492 — requires cities over 10,000 population to allow ADUs)
County — Dakota County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 30 ft
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 15 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Apple Valley
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Varies by local ordinance
- Permit Timeline
- 45-90 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Apple Valley are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Apple Valley permit fees →