City Detail

Background Information

City of Lake Elmo
County: Washington
Population: 11335
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 21
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Sophia Jensen
City Staff
651-747-3911
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 5 ( )

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
Metrics Files

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 32
1 star actions: 17
2 star actions: 9
3 star actions: 3

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

1 star - Action 1:

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo has logged into our new B3 Account and have started updating the site with current city facilities. The Community Development department will be responsible for logging the data as it comes in.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
1 star - Action 2:

Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo recently renovated and expanded our old City Hall into our new City Center building. This facility was designed to maximize natural light, indoor lighting is set on an automatic dimmer to account for natural lighting.

All of the indoor lighting is also on motion sensors where they automatically turn off once no movement or occupancy is detected.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}

3 star - Action 5:

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo, in partnership with the Metropolitan Council, is offering a rebate program for purchases of eligible water efficient products. The goal of the water efficiency grant program is to improve municipal water use. This funding has enabled Lake Elmo to provide a rebate to current water customers who replace existing devices with specified water efficient products. Qualifying purchases are eligible for a rebate on your water bill.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Met Council
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}

2 star - Action 1:

Adopt an historic preservation ordinance/regulations and encourage adaptive reuse.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo recently adopted a new Planned Unity Development (PUD) Ordinance (attached) that allows for a 10% density bonus for projects that include Historic Preservation. In addition, a 5% density bonus is provided for projects that include Adaptive Reuse.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
1 star - Action 5:

Adopt development/design standards and programs that facilitate infill, redevelopment, and adaptable buildings.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2013
Implementation details:
Allows the district to not only include retail, service, office, civic and public uses but residential uses as well. Renovation and infill of traditional storefront-type buildings is encouraged, and parking standards may be waived to recognize the availability of on-street and shared parking facilities
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Land Use Land Use

Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}

1 star - 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:
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo adopted its 2030 Comprehensive Plan on August 17, 2010.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
1 star - Action 2:

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo has been working on reorganizing the structure of the City's Zoning Code. In the General Provisions of the Zoning Code, the purpose (Section 154.002)of the Code is to implement the City of Lake Elmo's Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
1 star - Action 3:

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Implemented intergovernmental coordination addressing various regional land use practices. The City has also adopted a wellhead protection program.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}

2 star - Action 1:

Eliminate barriers and actively encourage higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2012
Implementation details:
The City Council passed Ordinance 2012-63 on 9-18-12, approving the MDR and HDR residential zoning districts. The MDR district allows single family development up to 7 units/acre, and the HDR district allows multi-family development up to 15 units/acre. Additional information about these districts can be found in the City's Comprehensive Plan Update.

In 2019 the city approved a 300-unit apartment building on 17.33 acres called the Springs at Lake Elmo (17 units/acre). This development sits adjacent to commercial and mixed-use commercial development. The site is also along Hudson Blvd and in close proximity to I-94 which is a main thoroughfare.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

1 star - Action 1:

Organize or participate in a community planning/placemaking/design process for the city/a mixed-use district, including specific community engagement practices that engage cultural and income diverse community members.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2013
Implementation details:
The City's Comprehensive Plan guides the Old Village Center for mixed-use zoning (VMX) to encourage a variety of uses that will provide opportunities for commerce, retail, entertainment, community spaces and housing, all working in synergy to drive activity, energy, and people to downtown Lake Elmo. In 2013, the VMX zoning district was created with the intent to facilitate development that is consistent with a compact, walkable environment that builds upon the historical land use patterns of the Village. It has also been designed to allow a wide range of uses and activities and encourages the mixing of different use types. The ordinance includes standards for specific development types with provisions that address the unique character of the Village.
In general, the standards allow a much higher degree of flexibility for building and activity in the Village than was previously permitted.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Number of parcels rezoned to VMX: 3 since 2013
Number of new uses allowed in Village District as a result of new zoning.
Number of mixed use housing units erected.
Density increase.
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
1 star - 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: 2022
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo has passed an ordinance that amends our Mixed-Use Commercial (MU-C) district language to require between 50-80% residential within a MU-C development. The intent of this amendment is to ensure the mixed-use component is met.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
1 star - Action 5:

Have a downtown zoning district that emphasizes small and destination business, entrepreneurial spaces, and allows or requires residential and residential-compatible commercial development.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
The City has rezoned the downtown district to allow commercial and residential units within the same parcel.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}

2 star - Action 5:

Preserve environmentally sensitive, community-valued land by placing a conservation easement on city lands, and by encouraging/funding private landowners to place land in conservation easements.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo has partnered with the MN Land Trust on establishing many large conservation easements in Lake Elmo. The MN Land Trust has recognized Lake Elmo as a leader in this area. In addition, Lake Elmo is nationally recognized for its Open Space Preservation developments. Please reference Section 150.175 of the Lake Elmo City code for more information about OP developments.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
In collaboration with the MN Land Trust, over 20 Open Space Preservation developments have been established in Lake Elmo.
Descriptive File: view file
MN Land Trust
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Transportation Transportation

Efficient City Fleets {BP no.13}

1 star - Action 2:

Right-size/down-size the city fleet with the most fuel-efficient vehicles that are of an optimal size and capacity for their intended functions.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo's Building Department has updated their city fleet with two 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sports due to their compact size and fuel efficiently. Prior to this, the fleet had a 2017 Chevy Equinox and a 2015 Jeep Compass which had met or exceeded their usable life. These vehicles were less efficient and larger than what was necessary to complete inspections.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

1 star - Action 1:

Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
Within the new redesigned and expanded City Center building careful consideration and efforts went into purchasing refrigerators, microwaves, printers, scanners, and other items that were energy efficient and energy star certified.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
3 star - Action 2:

Purchase energy used by city government - via the municipal utility, green tags, community solar garden, 3rd party - with a higher renewable percentage than required by Minnesota law.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
City Council approved a subscription agreement with US solar to buy into a community solar garden to supply all City energy for PV panels.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
City operations electricity 100% renewable
Descriptive File: view file
US Solar
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
1 star - Action 7:

Lower the environmental footprint of meetings and events in the city.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In June of 2017, the Council adopted a paperless city council packet policy to reduce the environmental footprint of these meetings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

1 star - Action 1:

Certify as a Tree City USA.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Lake Elmo is celebrating its 10th year as a Tree City USA.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

3 star - Action 2:

Complete the GreenStep Municipal Stormwater Management Assessment.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
On June 29th, 2011, Lake Elmo became the most recent community to win the Blue Star Award. Lake Elmo earns special recognition as the only community in Minnesota to score in the top 5 in each of the three Blue Star Assessment categories. These results place Lake Elmo as the third highest scoring community in Minnesota.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

2 star - Action 3:

Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo currently has 46.61 acres of municipal parkland per 1000 residents. In addition, Lake Elmo has 2853 acres of protected green infrastructure, comprising 20.1% of the city.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Along with Lake Elmo Regional Park, the municipal parks and open-space developments demonstrate Lake Elmo's commitment to green infrastructure.
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Surface Water {BP no.19}

1 star - Action 4:

Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo adopted a shoreland ordinance consistent with the MN DNR standards in 1993.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Shoreland Ordinance has been very successful in managing development adjacent to the recreation and natural environment lake in Lake Elmo.
Descriptive File: view file
MN DNR
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}

1 star - Action 1:

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.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The Parks Commission's 2023 workplan includes numerous items related to sustainability (forest management, invasive species plan, etc.) and community engagement (Resident surveys, resident updates on the website) that the commission and Staff is striving to achieve this year.

The Parks commission has been continuing efforts to engage residents to understand what they would like to see in our parks.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
Not rated - Action 2:

Communicating Progress on Goals: Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans (social, environmental, economic) and report to community members data that show progress toward meeting these goals.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo publishes quarterly dashboards on key metrics within our departments, the dashboards are shared at City Council meetings. The intent of the dashboards is to track our metrics and identify potential problems so we can evolve to become a more efficient and productive City.

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
2 star - Action 6:

Engaging the Next Generation: Engage wide representation of community youth and college students by creating opportunities to participate in city government (including commissions).

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
We currently have high school/college students on our Parks Commission who review our sustainability practices and make recommendations from a 'next generation' viewpoint. They also aid in finding new modes of communication which we can circulate parks and amenity surveys/questionnaires to help us reach the younger generations in Lake Elmo.

The city offers internship opportunities for students to engage with local government. The planning intern works on entering Greenstep actions and assessing action steps that are attainable with a few minor tweaks/changes to our current processes.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

1 star - Action 3:

Promote sustainable tourism in your city, and green tourism resources to tourism and hospitality businesses in/around the city.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
Within one of Lake Elmo's largest public parks there is a private interpretive nature center that operates and hosts numerous sustainability and environmental educational events. The Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center is an attraction for our residents and neighboring communities. The activities and events they host promote sustainable use of our natural resources and provide a green tourism offering for the city. The city aids in advertising and promoting the nature center and its events through our weekly FRESH newsletters.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
Not rated - Action 4:

Strengthen value-added businesses utilizing local "waste" material.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo does a large amount of tree trimming and dead tree removal on an annual basis and after severe storms. The Public Works Department recycles these woodchips for placement around trees, landscaping, and as erosion control.

The city also purchases certified playground woodchips for inside our public playgrounds.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
1 star - Action 7:

Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo supports a new local business group called 'Connect Lake Elmo' (Est. 2022) to aid their efforts in advertising and hosting events to connect residents to local businesses and promote buying local.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

Not rated - Action 4:

Support a community solar garden or help community members participate in a community solar project by:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo recently approved its first ever Community Solar Garden.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
2 star - Action 7:

Become a solar-ready community, including adopting ordinance/zoning language and an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy systems.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo is a solar-ready community, we have created zoning language regarding solar farms within some of our rural districts and we permit solar systems for those who prefer small scale green energy.

The smaller scale solar systems are completed through a building permit which is an expedited process of 1-2 weeks. Solar Farms are reviewed by City Council typically within 60 days of receiving a complete application.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Local Food {BP no.27}

2 star - Action 1:

Protect working landscapes - agriculture and forestry - by adopting an ordinance or incentivizing one or more of the following:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo has maintained a dedicated Agricultural Zoning District since incorporation of the East Oakdale Township 1969. Lake Elmo is proud of its agricultural history, and considers its rural character as an integral part of its vibrancy.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
2 star - Action 3:

Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo is home to a resident lead Farmers market were local businesses and residents come together at the Lake Elmo Elementary School to purchase local and organic items. They are in their 10th year of operation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Lake Elmo Farmers Market
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900

Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}

2 star - Action 1:

Prepare to maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate-change-related events, while also taking a preventive approach to reduce risk for community members.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
We are a full and active participant in the Washington County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Residents are able to sign-up for CodeRED alerts. These alerts deliver geo-targeted, time-sensitive information via email, SMS, voice, mobile app push notifications, IPAWS and more depending on the severity of the situation. Alerts are provided in the recipients native language to ensure understanding Cimarron Park maintains 2 storm shelters on their property. These shelters are inspected annually by the Fire Marshal and checked one a day by park staff during the storm season. City has the ability to provide all communications in various languages through the city website, social media channels and direct mailings. The city owns and operates 9 Outdoor Warning Sirens throughout the city. The City of Lake Elmo and Washington County have identified several hazard safe shelters in and around the city. The Lake Elmo Library is a heating and cooling shelter location. The City of Lake Elmo has back-up power facilities at the City Center and Public Works buildings along with water and sewer infrastructure facilities.



Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Lake Elmo Fire Department, Washington County, City of Lake Elmo
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900