In 2023, the Metropolitan Council completed their review of Shorewood's 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan establishes general land use and infrastructure plans for the city within the larger metro area. The comprehensive plan provides long term guidance for development and investment in Shorewood, but it is only part of the process. The next step in the process is implementing the objectives in the comprehensive plan using a variety of different tools. The most important tools are the City’s zoning and subdivision ordinances, including the zoning map, and state law requires these tools to be consistent with the comprehensive plan. These ordinances provide specific details about how parcels can be used and developed. The zoning maps identify specific areas where the ordinances apply.
Currently the City is reviewing and updating its land use ordinances and zoning map (PDF) to align with the Comprehensive Plan. Some zoning districts are planned to be amended, certain properties will be proposed for rezoning, and some regulations, such as grading standards and protections for steep slopes, need to be updated. In December 2024, the City amended the only high density zoning district and applied it to three parcels along County Road 19 guided for high density development in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Additional ordinance modifications and rezoning are planned in 2025 for medium- and lower- density areas. The Planning Commission will review all proposed ordinances and zoning changes at their meetings and take public comment on the proposals before preparing a recommendation to the City Council.
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Residents can participate by reviewing proposals, attending public meetings and submitting input for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council.