Home / Business and Economy / St. Paul Relaxes Zoning to Spur Mixed-Use, Pedestrian-Friendly Growth
St. Paul Relaxes Zoning to Spur Mixed-Use, Pedestrian-Friendly Growth
17 Nov
Summary
- St. Paul approves zoning changes to encourage mixed-use, transit-oriented development
- New rules allow greater height, density, and flexibility for small businesses like coffee shops
- City council initiates follow-up study to expand "T districts" along transit corridors
On November 17, 2025, the St. Paul City Council took steps to encourage more mixed-use, transit-oriented development in the city. In a 7-0 vote, the council approved a series of zoning changes to the city's "T districts," which allow for the combination of housing, retail, and office uses in a single building or neighborhood.
The new rules aim to simplify the zoning code and loosen some design standards, making it easier for developers, especially smaller, locally-financed projects, to build in these districts. Key changes include allowing greater building heights, increasing floor area ratios for affordable housing, and relaxing requirements around block lengths and building facades.
Notably, the council also voted to initiate a follow-up study to potentially rezone more of the city's commercial corridors as "T districts," particularly along transit lines. This suggests St. Paul is doubling down on its efforts to create more pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use neighborhoods.
The zoning updates were praised by affordable housing and development advocates, who had long called for the city to streamline regulations in these districts. With these changes now in place, St. Paul is poised to see a surge of new mixed-use projects, including more neighborhood-serving businesses like coffee shops, in the coming years.
