Enter/update government-owned building information and monthly usage data into the MN B3 Benchmarking database, and utilize building/energy audits to identify potential improvements.
- Action 1:City Detail
Background Information
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.
Assessment File
Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed
Completed actions are denoted by stars.
Total completed actions: 51Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.
- Action 2:• Installed occupancy sensors in all rooms at the Rambling River Center allowing the lights to turn off automatically if there are no occupants in the room
• Working with Great River Energy staff on programming the HVAC unit’s air handler to optimally power down when no occupants are in building and power back on at a more optimal time before the building is occupied
• Automatic setback thermostats in the Rambling River Center have been changed to allow for higher temperatures to occur in the building during non-use times (nights and weekends) in the cooling season and lower temperatures to occur in the building during non-use times (nights and weekends) in the heating season
• City Hall and the Rambling River Center have both been placed on the Xcel Energy System Saver program during the cooling season, allowing the buildings cooling system to be cycled on and off every 15 minutes during peak demand times
The following items have been completed related to reducing energy costs outdoors:
• Replaced metal halide light fixtures and bulbs with LED fixtures and bulbs at the RR Park tennis courts
• Replaced metal halide light fixtures and bulbs in PD parking lot with new LED fixtures and bulbs
David McKnight (City staff) | dmcknight@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6801
Invest in larger energy efficiency projects through performance contracting or other funding or through smaller retro-commissioning/retrofit projects in city-owned/school buildings.
- Action 3:In 2023, the City also replaced the water heater at the Ice Arena with a HTP Phoenix water heater with 96% thermal efficiency. The City received a $500 rebate from Minnesota Energy Resources as well.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}
Create or participate in a marketing/outreach/incentive program to promote/achieve residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency.
- Action 1:The city also has a Water Efficiency Rebate program that started in 2022. To encourage water conservation, the program is funded, in part, by a grant from the Metropolitan Council to establish a program to reduce municipal water use in both residential and commercial properties within the city. The program offers rebates to water customers who replace old, inefficient toilets, washing machines and irrigation systems with WaterSense® and Energy Star® certified appliances and equipment to help conserve water and reduce utility bills.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
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.
- Action 5:The city has a tiered rate system for both water and sewer utilities. Commercial properties are charged more than residential properties.
The city does extensive communication with residents regarding water conservation and our odd/even watering policy. Efforts include communication in the city newsletter, social media posts, letters, and website advertisements.
The city also has a Water Efficiency Rebate program that started in 2022. To encourage water conservation, the program is funded, in part, by a grant from the Metropolitan Council to establish a program to reduce municipal water use in both residential and commercial properties within the city. The program offers rebates to water customers who replace old, inefficient toilets, washing machines and irrigation systems with WaterSense® and Energy Star® certified appliances and equipment to help conserve water and reduce utility bills.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}
Purchase LEDs for all future street lighting and traffic signals.
- Action 2:Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Relamp/improve exterior building lighting for city-owned buildings/facilities with energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant lighting.
- Action 6:Fire Station #1 - Parking lot lighting is 100% replaced with LED's.
Fire Station #2- Exterior of building and parking lot is 100% replaced with LED's.
Police Station- Exterior of building and parking lot is 100% replaced with LED's.
Senior Center- Exterior of building 100% replaced with LED's.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Replace the city's existing traffic signal indications with LEDs.
- Action 8:Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}
Adopt an historic preservation ordinance/regulations and encourage adaptive reuse.
- Action 1:1. The quality of significance in history, architecture, archeology, and culture is present in buildings, sites, structures, objects and districts that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and:
(a) That are associated with specific events or a pattern of events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or
(b) That are associated with the lives of persons or groups significant in our past; or
(c) That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master builder, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity those components may lack individual distinction; or
(d) That have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
2. The singular physical appearance, historic character or aesthetic value of an established or familiar feature of a neighborhood or community within the City.
The ordinance is explained below:
Discussion of the Heritage Preservation Commission's Duties and Powers, the designation of Heritage Landmarks; Design review of old and new buildings requesting permits; and the demolition of buildings over 50 years old.
Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Plan for reuse of large-format retail buildings, or work with a local school, church or commercial building to either add-on space or repurpose space into new uses.
- Action 3:Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Adopt development/design standards and programs that facilitate infill, redevelopment, and adaptable buildings.
- Action 5:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Land Use
Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}
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.
- Action 1:Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan including but not limited to having the zoning ordinance explicitly reference the comprehensive plan as the foundational document for decision making.
- Action 2:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Include requirements in comprehensive and/or other plans for intergovernmental coordination addressing regional land use and watershed / wellhead impacts, infrastructure, transportation, economic development and city/regional services.
- Action 3:Transportation - Dakota County and the City of Farmington work in close coordination concerning roadways in the City. The County is involved in reviewing plats along County Roads to ensure access spacing and traffic flows.
Land Use - The City of Farmington has entered into orderly annexation agreement (Castle Rock and Empire Townships)for property adjacent to the City. Any property owner interested in applying for annexation with this area is allowed to do so without conflict with Castle Rock or Empire Townships.
Watershed impacts - The City works with the Vermillion River Watershed and the DNR to ensure that water runoff and contaminants are regulated.
Sewer and water - The City has worked with the City of Lakeville for sewer extension near Flagstaff Avenue. Sewer and water have been run to the Dakota County Fairgrounds through the City's systems.
Fire - ALF Ambulance has had years of commitment between Apple Valley, Lakeville, and Farmington to service those areas.
Health - The City of Farmington is working with Dakota County and the Health Department to discuss issues concerning the Active Living Campaign.
Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Include ecological provisions in the comprehensive plan that explicitly aim to minimize open space fragmentation and/or establish a growth area with expansion criteria.
- Action 4:The 2040 plan includes a future land use plan that takes into consideration MUSA staging and sustainable development patterns. The land use plan reflects the large amount of land designated for parks and open space, including the Dakota County Greenway, that will help preserve and connect natural areas as the city develops. The 2040 plan also references a Natural Resources Inventory that was done in 2011 and policies that have come from that including the Woodland and Tree Preservation Ordinance.
Protection of environmentally sensitive areas during future development is a key priority for the city.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Adopt climate mitigation and/or energy independence goals and objectives in the comprehensive plan or in a separate policy document, and include transportation recommendations such as becoming an EV-ready city.
- Action 5:Policy 4.1 of the sustainability chapter is to follow the state energy goal guidelines of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 20% of the city’s 2015 baseline levels by the year 2050 and to establish interim goals every 5-10 years.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}
Eliminate barriers and actively encourage higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map:
- Action 1:R-2 - Low/Medium Density: Up to 7 units per acre
R-3 - Medium Density: Up to 14 units per acre
R-4 - High Density: Up to 39 units per acre
R-5 - Downtown Residential: Up to 39 units per acre
B-2 - Downtown Business: Mixed use district, no density requirements for residential units
Mixed Use Commercial/Residential District and Spruce Street Mixed Use District: Mixed use districts, no density requirements for residential units
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Achieve higher density housing through at least two of the following strategies:
- Action 2:2d) Accessory dwelling units are allowed in the downtown single-family residential district on lots at 6,000 sf or more.
Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Achieve higher intensity commercial/industrial land uses through at least one of the following strategies:
- Action 3:Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Mixed Uses {BP no.8}
Locate or lease a property for use as a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes:
- Action 2:2b)The City Hall may be accessed by residents in the originally platted downtown to walk or bike to the facility.
Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Have a downtown zoning district that emphasizes small and destination business, entrepreneurial spaces, and allows or requires residential and residential-compatible commercial development.
- Action 5:The downtown core is also part of the Downtown Commerical Overlay District that emphasizes designs standards that promote connectivity between residential and commercial spaces.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development {BP no.9}
Establish design goals for at least one highway/auto-oriented corridor/cluster.
- Action 1:The Highway 3 Overlay District in the zoning code establishes design standards for commercial and residential uses. The design standards are intended create a cohesive and sustainable built environment, establish architectural requirements, unify building facades, place a strong emphasis on improving the aesthetics, compatible integration between residential and commercial uses, and encourage replacement/remodel of existing architecturally incompatible buildings.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}
Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory or Assessment (NRI or NRA); incorporate protection of priority natural systems or resources such as groundwater through the subdivision or development process.
- Action 1:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review.
- Action 3:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Transportation
Mobility Options {BP no.12}
Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means:
- Action 1:The plan looked at existing conditions in the bicycle/pedestrian network, identified high stress areas, and gathered community feedback. From this, the plan ultimately outlines system goals that will create a bicycle/pedestrian network that is safe, connected, and equitable. A network plan was created that builds off the existing trail and sidewalk network and focuses on various segments that need connectivity/safety improvements.
System recommendations and implementation strategies will help guide the City for the next 10 years when it comes to increasing the safety and use of the bicycle/pedestrian network.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.
- Action 2:The city participated in the SRTS program for Boeckman Middle School in coordination with the Farmington School District, Dakota County, and MnDOT. The final plan includes infrastructure recommendations to help improve overall pedestrian safety and access and create a more equitable transportation system. This study was completed in July of 2023
The city is currently participating in another SRTS program for Great Oaks Academy. The plan will be developed throughout the 2023=2024 school year.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Implement workplace multi-modal transportation best management practices - including telework/flexwork - in city government, businesses or at a local health care provider.
- Action 5:Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Efficient City Fleets {BP no.13}
Phase-in operational changes, equipment changes including electric vehicles, and no-idling practices for city or local transit fleets.
- Action 3:3c) The City also has a maintenance schedule to insure that the City fleet optimizes vehicle life and fuel efficiency.
Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Phase in bike, e-bike, foot or horseback modes for police, inspectors and other city staff.
- Action 4:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Demand-Side Travel Planning {BP no.14}
Reduce or eliminate parking minimums; add parking maximums; develop district parking; install meters and charge for parking at curb and city-owned lots/ramps.
- Action 1:Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Environmental Management
Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}
Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least:
- Action 1:1b) The City also purchases paper that contains a least 30% post-consumer recycled content.
Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Lower the environmental footprint of meetings and events in the city.
- Action 7:David McKnight (City staff) | dmcknight@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6801
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
Certify as a Tree City USA.
- Action 1:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance.
- Action 5:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Parks and Trails {BP no.18}
Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.
- Action 1:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.
- Action 2:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.
- Action 3:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Surface Water {BP no.19}
Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas.
- Action 4:The City has a State designated trout stream - Vermillion River.
Septic Systems {BP no.21}
Adopt a subsurface sewage treatment system ordinance based on the Association of Minnesota Counties' model ordinance.
- Action 4:Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Create a program to finance septic system upgrades.
- Action 5:-Low Income Grant: Residents who meet income eligibilty requirements can apply for a low-income grant where hoemowners could be reimbursed up to 50% of the cost to replace or repair failing septic systems.
-Septic System Tax Assessment Program: Dakota County has a loan program to ease financial burden to homeowners who are upgrading a failing septic system. The loan is an assessment on the property taxes.
-Low Interest Loans: The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District has low interest loans available for upgrading failing septic systems.
-City Wastewater Connections: Funding is available for those with failing septic systems who meet income limits to make connections to city sewer standards.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}
Improve city operations and procurement to prevent and reuse, recycle and compost waste from all public facilities (including libraries, parks, schools, municipal health care facilities), and minimize use of toxics and generation of hazardous waste.
- Action 1:-Ensure all trash collection containers or collection chutes are co-located within ten feet (10') from a recycling container or recycling chute to encourage recycling behavior.
-Ensure all trash, recyclables, and organics collection containers are clearly labeled or marked.
-Ensure all trash is delivered to a facility licensed or permitted to accept the waste, recyclables are delivered to a recycling facility, and organics are delivered for food recovery or to a composting facility or anaerobic digester.
-Provide solid waste abatement messaging in print or electronic form to each employee, tenant, multi-unit resident, student, volunteer, and housekeeping and custodial contractors.
The City of Farmington also provides organics collection containers in strategic areas (i.e., break rooms, kitchens, bathrooms) to prevent the addition of organic material to the landfill.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Address concerns over consumer products and packaging through encouragement/implementation of one or more of:
- Action 2:-Extensive reduce/reuse, recycling, organics, and household hazardous waste education is available to residents 24/7 via the City of Farmington’s website. In conjunction with Dakota County, the city hosts an interactive website tool that allows residents to type in the item they wish to dispose of and then disposal options are shown, with reuse/donation options showing first. The city’s website also links to an interactive reuse tool that provides the locations and specialties of businesses that support reuse throughout the county, such as repair shops and thrift stores.
- The City of Farmington’s Solid Waste & Recycling Coordinator programs several educational events throughout the year that promote proper recycling, organics education, proper household hazardous waste disposal/toxicity reduction, and reduce/reuse. For example, the Solid Waste & Recycling Coordinator educated 105 people about toxicity reduction and proper hazardous waste disposal at a school educational event via a hands-on “make a greener cleaner” activity in May of 2023.
-In partnership with United Heroes League, the City of Farmington hosts a drop-off container for gently-used sports gear in the Schmitz-Maki Arena. These items are then donated to military families in need.
-The City of Farmington, in partnership with the cities of Rosemount and Hastings, holds three swap events per year. These events keep items out of the landfill and reduce consumption through reuse.
-Spring and fall Mattress/Box Spring Drop-Off & Document Shred Events allow residents to properly dispose of confidential documents and mattresses/box springs at a discounted rate. Mattresses/box springs are donated to Bridging and reused if in good condition.
-Through a partnership with Dakota County, all City of Farmington residents have the opportunity to sign up for a free organics drop-off program. The city hosts a drop-off location near the Farmington Maintenance Facility.
-Through a partnership with Dakota County programs, schools, multifamily properties, and local businesses in the City of Farmington can receive free recycling education and infrastructure.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Publicize, promote and use the varied businesses/services collecting and marketing used, repaired and rental consumer goods, especially electronics, in the city/county.
- Action 4:Also, the City of Farmington, in partnership with Dakota County, hosts at least one Fix-It Clinic each year. These events teach participants how to repair items, thus keeping additional material out of the landfill and reducing consumption.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Improve recycling services and expand to multi-unit housing and commercial businesses.
- Action 6:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Improve/organize residential trash, recycling and organics collection by private and/or public operations and offer significant volume-based pricing on residential garbage and/or incentives for recycling.
- Action 7:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Local Air Quality {BP no.23}
Reduce residential burning of wood and yard waste and eliminate ‘backyard’ trash burning.
- Action 2:Per city ordinance, it's against the law to burn leaves, brush, and grass clippings.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Resilient Economic and Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}
Inclusive and Coordinated Decision-Making: Use a city commission or committee to lead, coordinate, report to and engage community members on the identification and equitable implementation of sustainability best practices.
- Action 1:David McKnight (City staff) | dmcknight@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6801
Renewable Energy {BP no.26}
Become a solar-ready community, including adopting ordinance/zoning language and an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy systems.
- Action 7:Both types of solar systems have few performance standards giving residents and business owners a lot of flexibility.
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Local Food {BP no.27}
Protect working landscapes - agriculture and forestry - by adopting an ordinance or incentivizing one or more of the following:
- Action 1:Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.
- Action 2:Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:
- Action 3:Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820