Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Update

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 that identified numerous issues with the existing code and recommendations for improvement. The City is updating the zoning and subdivision ordinances to address many of these issues.

A key finding of the Zoning/Subdivision Ordinance Audit report is that the existing zoning ordinance is not well aligned with the Comprehensive Plan and small area plans and poses barriers to implementing those plans. The update will better align the code with those plans in order to better implement the community's vision.

In addition, it is intended that the update will...

• 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.)

To stay informed and learn about opportunities to provide input on this project, please sign up for email project updates on this page. You may also ask questions below or contact Community Development Coordinator, Addison Lewis, at ALewis@Edinamn.gov or 952-833-9522.