Conserve/protect drinking/groundwater resources by creating a water-wise landscaping ordinance/guidance, WaterSense purchasing program, or guidance on rainwater harvesting and home water softener use.
City Detail
Background Information
City of Champlin
County: Hennepin
City of Champlin
County: Hennepin
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 1 (
)
City Assessment Files and City Performance Metrics
City councils pass a resolution to join the GreenStep program and are recognized at Step 1. Step 2 and Step 3 recognition levels reflect completed city actions, reported and rated below with stars (1 star = good, 2 stars = better, 3 stars = best). The Assessment File below summarizes completed city actions in a short Word file. Step 4 recognition is awarded to cities who report a minimum number of core metrics for the previous calendar year. These metrics aim to show the aggregate, quantitative results of taking multiple GreenStep actions. Step 5 cities show improvement in the Step 4 metrics. See yearly data for Steps 4&5. Additional city data can be found by reviewing information on B3 Benchmarking and Regional Indicators Initiative.
Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed
Completed actions are denoted by stars.
Total completed actions: 17 
Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}
- Action 5:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2007
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin has ordinance restricting lawn watering from May 1st to Labor Day. Additionally, the City sponsors a grant where rain barrels are an eligible purchase. The City put out educational social media posts on water conservation and all information is also available on City website.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Land Use
Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}
- Action 1:
Adopt a comprehensive plan or (for Category B & C cities) adopt a future land use plan that was adopted by the county or a regional entity.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin has an adopted Comprehensive Plan approved by the Metropolitan Council
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Schulte (City Staff) | schulte@ci.champlin.mn.us | 763-923-7102
Scott Schulte (City Staff) | schulte@ci.champlin.mn.us | 763-923-7102
Mixed Uses {BP no.8}
- Action 2:
Locate or lease a property for use as a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1991
Implementation details:
The Champlin Community Center (12450 Gettysburg Ave) is located within one block of a bus stop for route 766. The building is positioned within 2 blocks of a large commerce center. Within walking distance are an assisted living complex and independent living complex with a marked crossing with a stop light to facilitate safe travel across the street. Additionally, there are two large multi-family housing building located to the south within two blocks of the community center.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
- Action 3:
Modify a planned unit development (PUD) ordinance to emphasize or require mixed-use development or affordable housing, to limit residential PUDs to areas adjacent to commercial development, and/or to add sustainability features.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1977
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin has PUD districts that allow mixed uses. Most PUDs zoned districts are along HWY 169 corridor and adjacent to commercial districts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Lexi Smith (City Staff) | lsmith@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632537104
Lexi Smith (City Staff) | lsmith@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632537104
Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development {BP no.9}
- Action 4:
Adopt development policies for large-format developments, zoning for auto-oriented commercial districts at the sub-urban edge and/or in tightly defined and smaller urban development corridors/nodes that have some bike/walk/transit access.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1977
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin has adopted commercial zoning districts one of which is highway commercial district. It is described in section 126-243 of the city code. The highway commercial district is intended for uses, which are limited to sales and service operations directly related to highway uses, tourist, and travelers. This district is limited to the HWY 169 corridor. This zoning district is directly adjacent to other commercial districts as well as PUD districts that allow mixed use.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Lexi Smith (City Staff) | lsmith@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632537104
Lexi Smith (City Staff) | lsmith@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632537104
Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}
- Action 3:
For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2004
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin has ordinance for woodland protection and standards of replacement during development. Additionally woodland and forest management policy is emphasized within the 2040 comprehensive plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
- Action 6:
Conserve natural, cultural, historic resources by adopting or amending city codes and ordinances to support sustainable sites, including roadsides, and environmentally protective land use development.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2004
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin has ordinance that creates Conservation Districts that provide special protections to all areas within the Mississippi River Corridor as established in the city's comprehensive plan; Woodlands and significant trees (trees greater than six inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) as measured five feet above grade); Areas comprising slopes of 12 percent or greater; Natural drainage routes as determined by the city engineer; and Sites of archaeological or historical significance as determined by criteria set out in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or the state historic preservation office.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Lexi Smith (City Staff) | lsmith@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632537104
Lexi Smith (City Staff) | lsmith@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632537104
- Action 7:
Support and protect wildlife through habitat rehabilitation, preservation and recognition programs.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2011
Implementation details:
City of Champlin led the Elm Creek Restoration and Dam Replacement project beginning with the reconstruction of the Elm Creek Dam, then shifting to the restoration of the Mill Pond and finishing with the restoration of Elm Creek.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Heather Nelson (City Staff) | hnelson@ci.champlin.mn.us | 763-923-7120
Heather Nelson (City Staff) | hnelson@ci.champlin.mn.us | 763-923-7120
Transportation
Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}
- Action 1:
Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin adopted a Complete Streets Policy that recognizes multiple transportation users, modes, and purposes and will ensure City leaders and staff, as well as residents and business owners, consider the range of user needs and recognize the importance of planning and designing transportation systems for all users, modes, and purposes. Transportation improvements may include facilities, treatments, and amenities that are recognized as contributing to Complete Streets, which may include the following: Bike lanes (or wide paved shoulders), Shared use paths, Sidewalks Accessible pedestrian signals, Comfortable and accessible bus/transit stops, Curb extensions/bump outs, High visibility crosswalk markings, Landscaped boulevards/green space, Trees, Green stormwater infrastructure, Median islands, Mini traffic circles, Narrower travel lanes, Lane reconfiguration, Reduced corner curb radii, Refuge islands, Roundabouts, Traffic calming elements, such as striping, landscaping, signage, lighting, etc., Pedestrian-scaled lighting, Public art, Street benches, Wayfinding signage, and Bike parking.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Heather Nelson (City Staff) | hnelson@ci.champlin.mn.us | 763-923-7120
Heather Nelson (City Staff) | hnelson@ci.champlin.mn.us | 763-923-7120
Mobility Options {BP no.12}
- Action 5:
Implement workplace multi-modal transportation best management practices - including telework/flexwork - in city government, businesses or at a local health care provider.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin allows for telework for select departments, number of days varies based on position.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Environmental Management
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
- Action 5:
Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2004
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin has adopted a woodland and significant tree protection ordinance. The regulations contained in this ordinance apply to all properties involving a site plan application or preliminary plat/lot division application resulting in the creation of one or more new development parcels and to property during construction after subdivision or when not connected with subdivision. The regulation requires a tree preservation plan if a certain threshold of removals is met. Additionally, the ordinance creates the ability for trees to be deemed heritage trees granting it additional protections.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
- Action 6:
Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin hires a seasonal MN Tree inspector who focuses on residential ash tree notification and enforcement of chapter 62, article II shade tree diseases and pests. There are full time staff members that are certified MN Tree inspectors as well. Public works staff have developed an emerald ash borer management plan for residents and on city property have located ash trees for treatment or replacement.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Stormwater Management {BP no.17}
- Action 5:
Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2006
Implementation details:
The Environmental Improvement and Education Grant supports landscaping practices that improve water quality, promote water conservation, expand pollinator habitat, or engages in environmental education. The City has established a grant program to encourage the installation of landscapes that benefit water quality and pollinator habitat.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}
- Action 2:
Address concerns over consumer products and packaging through encouragement/implementation of one or more of:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2026
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin hosts an annual recycling drop off event that accepts electronics, batteries, tires, appliances, bikes, metal, and paper. The City also organizes a curbside large appliance pick up event. The City has presence at the farmers markets where we hand out information on organics recycling and recycling. On the city website are comprehensive resources on organics recycling, recycling, hazardous materials, appliances, electronics, yard waste, as well as back yard composting. New for 2026 the City partnered with Hennepin County to make a waste disposal guide that is sent to all single-family properties which includes information on free product centers, thoughtful consumption, preventing food waste, fix it clinics, and reuse of building materials.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Hennepin County
For more information contact:
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
- Action 5:
Arrange for a residential and/or business/institutional source-separated organics collection/management program.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2025
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin began to offer curbside pick up of both organics recycling to all single family properties in July 2025. Just over 12% of those properties participate. Additionally, residents have access to the Maple Grove Yard Waste Site free of charge to residents.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Resilient Economic and Community Development
Renewable Energy {BP no.26}
- Action 5:
Install a public sector/municipally-owned renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), wind, biomass, solar hot water/air, or micro-hydro.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2014
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin has four solar arrays located on City Hall (39.6kW), Ice Forum (39.78kW), Public Works (39.6kW), and Water Treatment (26.4kW) which total 145.38kW of production.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Steven Touney (City Staff) | stouney@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632534299
Local Food {BP no.27}
- Action 2:
Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
The City of Champlin ordinance allows for the keeping of chickens within single family residential districts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Lexi Smith (City Staff) | lsmith@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632537104
Lexi Smith (City Staff) | lsmith@ci.champlin.mn.us | 7632537104