FAQs • East Bethel, MN • CivicEngage

What are property setbacks?: The minimum horizontal distance from any lot line, road easement, ordinary high water level, or other referenced feature that a structure or improvement may be placed, as measured from the lot line to the closest point of the structure or improvement. You will need to know your zoning to know which setbacks you have.

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Community Development

1. May I operate a business out of my home?: Home Occupations are allowed in Residentially zoned areas of the City of East Bethel through an Interim Use Permit Process. In order to operate a Home Occupation you must obtain an Interim Use Permit and meet all of the requirements of the City of East Bethel's Zoning Ordinance - Section 10-19.

2. What is an Interim Use Permit and how do I obtain one?: An Interim Use Permit allows for a temporary use on a property until a particular date, the occurrence of a particular event, a violation of the permit, or until zoning regulations no longer permit it. An Interim Use Permit requires that the applicant fill out a permit at City Hall in the Community Development Department and go through a public hearing process.
Interim Use Permits are used to permit farm animals, kennels, home occupations, and more.

3. What are property setbacks?: The minimum horizontal distance from any lot line, road easement, ordinary high water level, or other referenced feature that a structure or improvement may be placed, as measured from the lot line to the closest point of the structure or improvement. You will need to know your zoning to know which setbacks you have.

4. How do I find my property lines?: There are several ways to locate property lines. You can get a general idea of your property line boundaries by viewing aerial photos on our Interactive GIS Map. If you are going to be remodeling, building, adding on, or constructing other structures on your property then you must be able to physically locate your survey markers or hire a professional surveyor to provide you with a Certificate of Survey. The City of East Bethel maintains property files and you can check with the Community Development Department to see if there are any surveys of your property.

5. How do I determine where the wetlands are located on my property?: If you are going to be building, grading, or filling in areas on your property then you will need to obtain certain types of permits for permission to work in wetland areas.
Our Interactive GIS Map will allow you to view the wetlands on your property. Select wetlands, shoreland overlay district, and FEMA floodplain under the Planning option in layers. If you are going to be remodeling, building, adding on, or constructing other structures on your property then you must be able to physically locate your survey markers or hire a professional surveyor to provide you with a Certificate of Survey.

6. Do I need a permit if I change my water heater?: Yes, you need to obtain a mechanical permit from the Building Department. The cost is $55.

7. Can I build a pole building on my property?: Yes. Pole buildings are allowed but must be built according to size and acreage regulations, just like all accessory structures being built. You must obtain a Building Permit and comply with all appropriate property setbacks. Accessory Building Information