Land Use Materials

Finding the proper measure of ingredients for making sound land use decisions can be a lot to get right. The League has a range of materials to help you get started right, beginning with a series of informational memos that explore frequently asked questions about conditional use permits, nonconformities and variances. Browse the FAQ resources below, or a larger range of information meant to help you develop a recipe that works for your city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Findings of Fact

60-Day Rule

Variances

Zoning

Other Resources

Regulating Dynamic Signage

Cities have authority and responsibility to regulate dynamic signs. There is no single correct approach to regulation. Because the regulation of signs involves the First Amendment, courts hold sign regulations to a higher standard than most land use regulations. Cities still have considerable discretion to regulate, as long as they do so reasonably and without regard to sign content.

During 2006, a number of Minnesota cities were surprised by the appearance of large electronic billboards akin to giant television screens. These signs are the next generation of sign displays with the ability to feature changing images and movement—known collectively as dynamic signs. Attempts to regulate them resulted in litigation in at least one community—the city of Minnetonka. In developing a regulatory response, Minnetonka partnered with the League of Minnesota Cities to commission a study, conducted by SRF Engineering, on the impact of such dynamic signs on traffic safety.