Good Thunder, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 151 (2026) § 151.11
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Operative Text
(A) State-licensed residential facility. State-licensed residential facilities are allowed in all residential districts pursuant to state statutes, as amended from time to time. The regulation of residential occupancies in this section shall not apply to a state-licensed residential facility. (B) Residential occupancies. Residential occupancies of single- and two-family dwellings in the R-1 Zoning Districts shall be limited to family-functional and family-traditional, as defined by this chapter. Family-functional and family-traditional may have one additional person residing with them for non-rental purposes or for the purpose of providing a housekeeping or personal service for the resident(s) therein. (C) Non-conforming uses. Residential rental properties not in compliance with this chapter as of the effective date of the ordinance may continue in the non-conforming use; provided that, if the property ceases to continue in the non-conforming use for a period of 12 consecutive months, the right of continuing non-conformity will end. (D) R-1 Zoning Districts. It is the desire of the city to maintain the single-family, owner-occupied character of the R-1 zoned districts. As such, the City Council has determined that, in order to protect the character of these neighborhoods, it must restrict the number of rental properties that will be allowed in the same area. Therefore, no two R-1 rental properties may be located within 250 feet of each other. The 250 feet shall be measured from the property line of any currently licensed rental property. (2001 Code, § 13.120) (Ord. 13, passed 6-2-2014)
Good Thunder Ch. 151 § 151.11 establishes rules for residential land use in the city's R-1 zoning districts. State-licensed residential facilities are exempt from the occupancy rules and are permitted throughout all residential zones under state law. Single- and two-family dwellings in R-1 districts are limited to family-functional or family-traditional occupancies, with allowance for one additional non-paying resident. Rental properties that were already operating out of compliance when the ordinance took effect may continue as non-conforming uses, but only so long as they are not inactive for 12 or more consecutive months, and no two rental properties in R-1 districts may be situated within 250 feet of each other.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential rental properties in Good Thunder should be aware that § 151.11 imposes a 250-foot minimum separation requirement between any two licensed rental properties in R-1 zoning districts, measured from property line to property line. Compliant operators of single- or two-family dwellings in R-1 districts generally ensure that occupancy falls within the family-functional or family-traditional definitions established by the chapter, with no more than one additional non-paying resident. Those relying on a non-conforming use status under § 151.11(C) typically take care not to allow the rental use to lapse for 12 or more consecutive months, as doing so would permanently extinguish that protected status.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Good Thunder Ch. 151 § 151.11, tenants living in R-1 zoned single- or two-family dwellings should understand that the city limits those properties to specific occupancy types and restricts how many rental properties can operate in close proximity to one another. If a tenant believes their housing situation may be affected by these zoning rules—for example, if a landlord's rental license is at issue—they may wish to contact the city directly to understand the property's licensing and zoning status. Tenants can also reach out to a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office for general information about how § 151.11 may relate to their housing circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.