Coon Rapids Planning Department

The Planning Division oversees all land development in the City. Its Staff prepares and implements the Comprehensive Plan which guides land use, zoning, transportation, and community facility improvements. Staff also prepares reports and makes recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council for decisions regarding land development within the City. Staff is available to answer questions on past, current, and future development, zoning, building code changes, home occupations, and business signage. The Planning Division’s specific responsibilities include:

  • Advising developers, property owners, and residents on land use and zoning matters.
  • Conducting special studies and producing long-range land use plans.
  • Providing professional support to the Planning Commission on new developments, subdivisions, zoning changes, and other planning matters.
  • Providing support to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals on variance requests.
  • Maintaining and updating the City's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Map, and Zoning Ordinance.
  • Administering Community Development Block Grant funds.
  • Issuing sign permits.

Plans and Publications

Comprehensive Plan (pdf)  The City’s Comprehensive Plan includes goals, policies, and maps related to land use, transportation, parks and open space, housing, and water resources.

Coon Rapids Boulevard/East River Road Corridor Study (pdf) The purpose of this study is to identify concepts for improving mobility, increasing safety, and enhancing the appearance and economic vitality along the Coon Rapids Boulevard/East River Road corridor.

Coon Rapids Boulevard Framework Plan (.pdf)  Adopted in 2000, this plan establishes goals and policies for future development along Coon Rapids Boulevard.

Coon Rapids Boulevard Framework Plan Update-2008 (.pdf)  This document updates the implementation schedule for policies and capital improvements established by the Coon Rapids Boulevard Framework Plan.

Economic Development Strategy (.pdf) This document establishes policies for job creation and tax base enhancement in the City.

Riverdale Transit-Oriented Development Study (.pdf).  This study establishes a framework for future development surrounding the Riverdale Station on the Northstar Commuter Rail Line.

Housing Strategy (.pdf)  This document makes recommendations for preserving and improving the City’s housing stock.

2030 Vision (.pdf)  This document identifies issues and projects that will influence the City’s future through 2030.

Remodeling Planbooks.  The Planbooks offer ideas and concepts for retrofitting older homes to meet contemporary needs. There are two Remodeling Planbooks - Cape Cods and Ramblers, and Split Visions.

Community Development Annual Report (.pdf)  This report outlines development activity in the City over the last year.

Economic Development Annual Report (.pdf)  This report reviews the City’s key economic indicators, including employment, wages, construction, and retail sales.

Port Riverwalk Development Guidelines (.pdf) In 2008, the City collaborated with the Corridor Development Initiative to hold a series of community workshops to identify development objectives for the Port Riverwalk redevelopment site and inform the community of the City's goals for redevelopment.

Staff Directory

Coon Rapids is the sixth-largest suburb in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitain region. It is a vibrant city northwest of Minneapolis with more than 63,000 residents and a strong and growing economy. Coon Rapids is truly a community within a larger community.