Zoning and Planning

How is Moorhead, Minnesota planning for controlled growth and development? Find out more about Moorhead's goals for the next two decades, as outlined in our comprehensive zoning plan.

Our Comprehensive Plan is one of three planning documents-also including the City of Moorhead Zoning Ordinance and the City of Moorhead Subdivision Ordinance-that establish regulations for the use of land and physical development.

Comprehensive Plan

If you want to see our community's vision for growth over the next 20 to 25 years, look over the City of Moorhead Comprehensive Plan, which provides a framework for growth and development. Our Comprehensive Plan outlines the policies, standards and principles that serve as the basis for updating the City's zoning, subdivision and other developmental controls. Last updated in 2004, the plan also establishes long-term community goals.

To view graphic representation of the City of Moorhead Comprehensive Plan download this map (877K PDF).

A copy of the plan is also on file at the City of Moorhead's Planning and Zoning Division at 500 Center Avenue, 4th floor and the Moorhead Public Library, 118 5th Street South.

Zoning

Moorhead's Zoning Ordinance establishes land use and building requirements for private property within the city limits to meet the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. All property falls under one of the 17 zoning districts established by the Zoning Ordinance. That ordinance regulates:

• Location and size of buildings and other structures
  
  
• Size of yards and open spaces
  
  
• Use of buildings and land for promoting and protecting public health, safety and general welfare.
  

The Zoning Ordinance and map are available online in the City Code section of this site, specifically Title 10 and Title 11.

If you are interested in development, construction or use of a property within Moorhead, contact the City's Planning and Zoning Division at (218) 299-5370 for more information on zoning. Or, visit the City of Moorhead building codes office on 4th floor of City Hall, 500 Center Avenue

Subdivision

Our City Subdivision Ordinance encourages well-planned, efficient and attractive subdivisions (developments) through adequate, impartial design and construction standards. Any subdivided property must be approved by the Moorhead City Council, either through official platting-which requires a public hearing before the Planning Commission and final approval by the City Council-or through minor subdivision, which is heard by the City Council without a public hearing.

To find out more about the subdivision process, access the Guide to the Development Process, which includes detailed information. You can also call the City of Moorhead's Planning and Zoning Division at (218) 299-5370.