By Rich Larson
Community members in Northfield are being asked to weigh in on how the city should grow and develop in the years ahead.
The City of Northfield has launched an online survey inviting residents, business owners, builders, and property owners to share their preferences for future zoning rules. The survey asks about a wide range of topics, including housing types, commercial and mixed‑use buildings, parking, building scale and design, construction materials, and buffers between neighborhoods.
City officials say the input will help guide an update to Northfield’s zoning code so it better reflects the goals of the Comprehensive Plan 2045, which outlines a long‑term vision for the community.
The updated zoning code is intended to support sustainable growth, expand housing choices, improve connections between neighborhoods and services, and promote equitable access to a high quality of life.
In a statement issued by the City of Northfield, City Planner Mikayla Schmidt said zoning plays a major role in shaping daily life in the community.
“The zoning code literally shapes our community and how people interact with each other, and we want to hear from everyone,” Schmidt said.
City staff will use feedback from the survey, along with input gathered at a community open house and meetings earlier this spring, to draft proposed updates. The public will have another opportunity to comment when a draft zoning code is released early next year.
The survey closes at 11:59pm, this Wednesday, April 22. It’s available online at northfieldmn.gov.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net.
