It has been 55 years since the last major update of Edina's zoning ordinance in 1970. From time to time, it is critical to review, analyze and update development regulations to ensure they are aligned with City goals and working to achieve desired outcomes. In 2024, the City completed the Zoning/Subdivision Ordinance Audit report (PDF) that identified numerous issues with the existing code and recommendations for improvement. The report was presented to the City Council and Planning Commission at a joint work session on December 17, 2024. At that meeting, staff received feedback from the Council that there was interest in addressing these issues.

The project will address most, if not all, issues identified in the Zoning/Subdivision Ordinance Audit report (PDF) including. It is intended that the update will:

• Improve alignment with the Comprehensive Plan. The zoning code provides a means of implementing the kind of development envisioned in the Comprehensive Plan and small area plans. Without proper alignment of the zoning code with the plan, achieving the development vision is difficult.
• Simplify the code. Replacing confusing jargon and complex mathematical formulas - like strict Floor Area Ratios (FAR) - with more intuitive, form-focused standards, such as clear green space coverage requirements.
• Promote sustainability and community. Incorporating new development incentives to encourage affordable housing, expansive public spaces, and environmentally sustainable building techniques.
• Enhance accessibility. Reorganize the ordinance into a user-friendly format utilizing clear architectural graphics, visual guides, and plain language so that anyone can easily navigate the development process.

• Improve the organization by utilizing a consistent hierarchy and numbering system throughout and grouping related topics so that information is easier to find.
• Simplify the code to make it more accessible and easier to understand for the typical layperson. This includes incorporating plain language and reducing reliance on complex formulas for determining requirements for things such as minimum setbacks, lot area, lot width, and lot depth.
• Incorporate graphics where appropriate to improve clarity and understanding.
• Update existing zoning districts or create new zoning districts to better align with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and small area plans. This includes review and update of district standards, such as setbacks, height, floor area ratio, building coverage and building design standards.
• Incorporate appropriate development incentives for things like affordable housing, public space, and sustainable building techniques in exchange for additional height, density, FAR, etc.
• Update and modernize the list of permitted, conditional and accessory uses and locate them in a table.
• Update and modernize definitions for improved clarity and locate them in one place. Ensure consistent terminology is used throughout the code
• Review and update development procedures as needed (site plan review, rezoning, minor subdivision, etc.)

Updates on how to give your feedback will be provided soon. Sign-up for email updates to be made aware of those opportunities.

The project is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2026.

The City has hired a consultant (ZoneCo) to assist the City with the update. The cost of the contract is for a not-to-exceed fee of $224,100. The project will also require significant hours of city staff time. When completed, it is intended that the updated code will reduce the amount of time that planning and legal staff spend on unnecessary code issues.