Title
Amending Chapter 65 of the Legislative Code pertaining to golf courses.
Body
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Zoning Code, found in chapters 60 through 69 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, is established to promote and to protect the public health, safety, morals, aesthetics, economic viability and general welfare of the community; and
WHEREAS, section 65.230 of the Saint Paul Zoning Code has prohibited illumination for night use at golf courses and has prohibited "pitch and putt" miniature golf at golf courses; and
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council, in their Resolution 26-962, initiated a zoning study relating to golf course development standards and conditions, and forwarded the proposed amendments to Zoning Code Chapter 65.230 to the Planning Commission for review and report as required under Minnesota Statutes § 462.357, Subd. 4 and set a public hearing at City Council for July 22, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation operates four golf courses in the City of Saint Paul and has requested these zoning text amendments to allow more operational flexibility, including limited lighting use for golf facilities and removing zoning restrictions to golf formats; and
WHEREAS, under the provisions of Zoning Code § 61.801(a) and pursuant to provisions of Minnesota Statutes § 462.357, that the Planning Commission reviewed and provided a recommendation to the Mayor and City Council in Planning Commission Resolution 26-17 including the rationale as articulated in the attached staff memoranda to Planning Commission, dated June 26, 2026, and to City Council, dated June 29, 2026.
WHEREAS, a public hearing before the City Council on July 22, 2026 having been duly conducted at which all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard, and having considered all the testimony and recommendations concerning the proposed zoning text amendments, including the Planning Commission resolution and the Comprehensive and staff memorandum and their rationale for the recommended Zoning Code amendments which the Council finds persuasive and thus hereby incorporates by reference into this ordinance for the specific purpose of articulating the Council’s reasons and rationale for enacting the recommended amendments as set forth below in Section 1, in addition to any other reasons the Council might articulate on the record in adopting these amendments the Council, having considered all the facts and recommendations concerning the proposed zoning amendments and pursuant to the authority granted by and in accordance with the procedures set forth in Minnesota Statutes Sec. 462.357 states as follows:
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL DOES ORDAIN:
SECTION 1. Chapter 65 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Existing language to be deleted is shown by strikeout. New language to be added is shown by underlining.
Sec. 65.230. Golf course.
Standards and conditions:
The site shall be so planned as to provide principal access directly onto or from a major thoroughfare [in definition], and to achieve a relationship between the major thoroughfare and any proposed service roads, entrances, driveways and parking areas that encourages pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety.
Development features, including the principal and accessory buildings and structures, shall be located and related so as to minimize the possibilities of any adverse effects upon adjacent property. All principal or accessory buildings or structures shall be situated at least two hundred (200) feet from any property line abutting residentially zoned or used lands; provided, that where topographic conditions are such that buildings would be screened from view, the planning commission may modify this requirement.
In residential districts, the course shall consist of at least nine (9) holes and shall not include "pitch and putt" miniature golf courses.
Golf courses shall not be lighted for night use that are equipped with lighting for night use shall not operate after 10:00pm.
SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days following its passage, approval, and publication.