Willmar Zoning Meetings

Land use inside the city limits is governed by the City of Willmar Zoning Ordinance (originally adopted in 1994 and updated through November 27, 2023). It establishes permitted uses, building setbacks, parking regulations, sign standards, exterior storage requirements, and accessory structures based on a property's zoning district. Willmar is the county seat of Kandiyohi County, but zoning within the city is administered by the City through its Planning and Development Department. The current Official Zoning Map (2023) and a public GIS map are available on the City's Planning and Zoning page.

Willmar's adopted zoning ordinances reference residential districts (including R-2, R-4, and R-5), General Business districts (such as GB-2 and GB-3), a Shopping Center (SC) district, Industrial districts (including I-1 and I-3), and an Agriculture (AG) district. The specific district that applies to a given parcel is shown on the City's Official Zoning Map (2023). Willmar also has overlay regulations, including a Shoreland Ordinance and a Wireless Communication Towers and Antennas Ordinance.

The City handles a range of land use applications, including variances, conditional uses, subdivisions, site plans, interim uses, vacations, and regulatory (ordinance) amendments. Most of these applications require a public hearing and City Council approval. A pre-application meeting with City planning staff is required before submitting. Applicants should contact the City Planner to begin the process.

Willmar has a Planning Commission and a Zoning Appeals Board that handle planning and zoning matters. Members of these boards are volunteers appointed by the City Council through an application process, typically serving three-year terms that begin on January 1. City boards and commissions generally meet about once a month; agendas, minutes, and meeting videos are posted on the City's website, and upcoming meetings appear on the City Calendar.

The City offers a Zoning Verification Application, which provides an official letter confirming the zoning and land use details for a specific parcel. As listed on the City's Planning and Zoning page, this service carries a $50 fee. For zoning questions or to request verification, contact City Planner Chris Frank at 320-214-5195 or cfrank@willmarmn.gov, City of Willmar, 333 6th Street SW, PO Box 755, Willmar, MN 56201.

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