City Detail

Background Information

City of Maple Grove
County: Hennepin
Population: 63982
GreenStep City category: A
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 228
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Peter Vickerman
City Staff
PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov
763-494-6046
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
http://maplegrovemn.gov/
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 2 ( )

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
2022 - click to view assessment

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 23
1 star actions: 9
2 star actions: 12
3 star actions: 2

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

2 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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove has all city owned buildings in the B3 Benchmarking program. Staff continually updates the information and we have multiple sites with more than 24 consecutive months of data.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046
3 star - Action 2:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove implemented a city-wide energy efficiency upgrade program that has seen great savings of energy. Simple items were new energy efficient lights, motion sensors, and light sensors. Other items were new HVAC units, new heaters in shop buildings, and variable frequency drives on our HVAC system at the Community Center. Of specific note are the variable frequency drives as they showed immediate and large savings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
$530,600: Energy efficiency improvements
$45,000: 3rd party consultant
$132,644: Estimated savings
$71,482: Estimated rebates from utilities
4.33 years: Simple payback

1,687,450: Estimated kWh reduction
178.41: Estimated kW demand reduction (reduction in the peak demands)
2,787.20 Estimated dTh natural gas reduction

8726: Total lamps replaced
39: Photo sensors installed
37: Variable frequency drives installed
12: Radiant (infrared) heat tubes installed
4: High efficiency furnaces installed
8: High efficiency air conditioning units installed.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Energy Management Solutions; Xcel Energy; Wright-Hennepin Electric
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046
2 star - Action 7:

Install for one or more city-owned/school buildings one of the following efficiency measures:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove's Government Center uses a closed loop Geothermal system that utilizes the human made groundwater ponds that were dug in the gravel mining area. The success of this system (i.e. energy savings and quick payback) led Great River Energy and Hennepin County Library to construct similar systems at their facilities.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046

Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}

2 star - Action 4:

Describe energy/water efficiency outcomes and other green building practices at businesses and not-for-profit organizations located within/nearby the city.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
There are currently seven buildings in Maple Grove that are LEED Certified: Starbucks Maple Grove-Dunkirk Square, Kohl’s Maple Grove, Xcel Energy-Fleet Services Building (silver), Boston Scientific WL3 Expansion (silver), Boston Scientific Weaver Lake Campus, Fairview Bass Lake Clinic, and Great River Energy (platinum). There is also one building in Maple Grove that is in the process of becoming LEED certified: Arbor Lakes Senior Living Community. In addition, the Maple Grove Library was designed in accordance with the Buildings, Benchmarks, and Beyond (B3): State of Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines and is a LEED Gold Compliant building.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://msrdesign.com/project/hennepin-county-library-maple-grove/
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046
2 star - Action 6:

Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who add energy/sustainability improvements, meet the SB 2030 energy standard, or renovate using a green building or energy framework.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove has set aside approximately $60,000 in grant money for new construction homes that acheive a HERS rating of 40 or below. Maximum grant is $20,000 for a home with a HERS of 0 and goes down proportionally from there.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
1 home has participated in the challenge and we continually are working to bring more builders into the process.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://maplegrovenetzero.wordpress.com/
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046

Land Use Land Use

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

2 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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove has had a Comprehensive Plan for a number of decades. It has been more recently updated in 2008.

The attached file shows information about sustainability goals.

Web link has link to comprehensive land use plan document.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://maplegrovemn.gov/departments/community-development/planning-and-zoning-maps
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046
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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Here is the language from our Zoning Code:
(c) Relation to comprehensive municipal plan. It is the policy of the city that the enforcement, amendment, and administration of this chapter be accomplished with due consideration of the recommendations contained in the comprehensive municipal plan as developed and amended from time to time by the planning commission and city council. The council recognizes the comprehensive municipal plan as the policy for responsibility to regulate land use and development in accordance with the policies and purpose set forth in this chapter.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

1 star - 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:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Government Center is located in the town center of Maple Grove with both residential, retail, and office uses near by. The entire town center area has ample pedestrian ways along all roads as well as bike/ped trails that traverse through the park areas adjacent to the groundwater ponds.

Attached map shows aerial of area, Government Center is located at NW corner of Main Street and Arbor Lakes Parkway.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://goo.gl/maps/7n6pu
2 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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove implemented the Gravel Mining Area Special Area Plan as a subplan in our overall Comprehensive Plan. As part of this, a Town Center area was identified and developed along Main Street in the early 2000's as a Planned Unit Development called Arbor Lakes.

This Planned Unit Development created a mixture of retail, office, residential and civic uses. Retail and office have been vertically mixed while the other uses have been horizontally mixed due to market forces.

While currently we have no vertical mixing of residential and other uses, the Gravel Mining Area Plan and PUD process does allow and encourage such mixing.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046

Transportation Transportation

Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}

1 star - Action 1:

Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City of Maple Grove’s 2008 Comprehensive Plan recognizes the importance of planning and investment for Multi-modal transportation. The following implementation strategies have been identified in the Comprehensive Plan for this goal:

a. Promote the evaluation of light rail and other modes of transit.

b. Continue to build transportation, transit, pedestrian and bicycle connections between work places, residences, retail, services and entertainment facilities, especially creating safe paths to schools.

c. Continue to create and take advantage of opportunities to address transportation issues such as park and rides, local transit service and express bus service.

d. Plan land use patterns to support transit development. Continue to support the integration of land uses enabling shared parking and transit oriented developments. Plan for the concentration of jobs and housing around transit hubs and daily conveniences as evidenced by the ongoing growth in the Gravel Mining Area.

e. Make more efficient use of the regional transportation system by encouraging flexible work hours, telecommuting and ridesharing.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.maplegrovemn.gov/files/5113/2278/3382/Comprehensive_Land_Use_Plan_Book_10-5-2009.pdf
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046
1 star - Action 5:

Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The new Central Park of Maple Grove is scheduled to open the summer of 2015. The park will offer a network of trails which will connect the park to the greater community and walks that provide excellent walking and biking opportunities as well as easy access from the surrounding residential neighborhoods. The Central Park is located just east of the Town Green and Library and north of the Arbor Lake Shopping area. The first phase of this park will include trails, a multi season park building, open lawn and some year round recreation opportunities.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.maplegrovemn.gov/parks-and-recreation/central-park-maple-grove/
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046
1 star - Action 6:

Implement traffic calming policy/measures, including lane conversions (road diets), roundabouts, low-speed streets, shared space and depaving, in at least one street redevelopment project.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City of Maple Grove has implemented a variety of traffic calming approaches along Main Street such as on-street parking, bump outs, decorative crossing features, intersection markings, wide sidewalks, refuge islands and streetscaping.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

1 star - Action 1:

Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City website offers a complete list of all Parks and Trails along with detailed maps and location amenities under the Parks and Recreation webpage. In addition to the Parks and Trails map, a map of Transit Routes and Schedule is available on the City website under the Transit webpage. All these maps are also available at the Maple Grove City Hall.



http://www.maplegrovemn.gov/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-trails/



The City has 5 Park and Ride locations with amenities such as signage, benches, bike racks, bike lockers and heated shelters varying at each location.



http://www.maplegrovemn.gov/services/transit/parks-and-ride-locations/



Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.maplegrovemn.gov/files/8514/1747/0895/MGT_Pocket_Schedule_12-15-14.pdf
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046
2 star - Action 3:

Prominently promote mobility options: public transit; paratransit/Dial-A-Ride; cab services; rental cars; bike lanes; trails; airports.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City of Maple Grove operates the Maple Grove Transit system offering Commuter Express and Dial-A-Ride services. The City contracts with transit companies to provide these transit services. The City website offers a complete list of all transit options, schedules, maps, park and ride locations and amenities. The main two transit options listed on the website are the Commuter Express and Dial-A-Ride services. Information and link to additional transit resources such as Transit Link, Metro Mobility, Metro Transit and Jefferson Line are also available under the Transit webpage on the City website.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.maplegrovemn.gov/services/transit/commuter-express-services/
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

1 star - Action 1:

Certify as a Tree City USA.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city of Maple Grove has been certified as a Tree City USA since 1986.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046
2 star - Action 5:

Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove established a Tree Preservation Ordinance in 1994. The City utilized Steigerwaldt Land Services, Inc. to catalog all existing forest stands and rate them based on the quality of the trees within. From this analysis, specific, legally described areas were designated as a Tree Preservation Overlay district.

The city purchased outright some of the highest quality forest land (approximately 65 acres of forest land) and restricts the amount of tree removal that can occur on private land covered by the district.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

2 star - Action 2:

Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Sec. 30-18. - Provision of land for public use stipulates a requirement to dedicate land for park purposes or cash in lieu of land if no park is designated in the area of the development.

The city has adopted a Comprehensive Park Plan that shows locations of existing and proposed parks and trails. Specific locations were scouted for future parks.

All subdivisions require sidewalks on both sides of the street on local residential streets and collector and arterial roadways require trails, so a dense network of ped/bike routes is and has been created in the city.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046
1 star - Action 3:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove currently has approximately 65,000 residents and 1488 acres of parks and city owned open space. This gives a ratio of 27 acres of municipal park land per 1000 residents. This does not include any of the extensive acreage of Three River's Park District land.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046

Surface Water {BP no.19}

2 star - Action 2:

Conduct or support multi-party community conversations, assessments, plans and actions around improving local water quality and quantity.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove has a Lake Quality Commission that meets on a monthly basis. The commission was established in 1986 and includes a City Council member as a liaison.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Continued work to improve water quality in the city's lakes.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.maplegrovemn.gov/about/boards-and-commissions/lake-quality-commission
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046
2 star - Action 4:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove has had a shoreland overlay district for many years. It is our understanding that our setback requirement of 75 feet exceeds the minimum DNR standards.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

1 star - Action 1:

Adopt wind energy and/or biomass ordinances that allow, enable, or encourage appropriate renewable energy installations.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove passed an ordinance allowing geothermal, wind and solar installations thoughout the city subject to restrictions in 2011. Previously wind energy systems were prohibited in the city.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
We are aware of one 40k photovoltaic system that has been implemented in industrial area of the city since the passage of this ordinance however we note that photovoltaics were not previously prohibited like wind energy systems.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046
3 star - Action 3:

Promote financing and incentive programs, such as PACE, for clean energy:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove passed an resolution in December of 2012 that established the city as a PACE district. We are now working with other government agencies (other cities, Hennepin County, St. Paul Port Authority, and the State of Minnesota) on the best way to move forward with a regional or state level PACE program.

We will also be working with our business community to let them know about programs such as the SPPA Trillion BTU Energy Efficiency Program.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
City of Edina, St. Paul Port Authority, State of Minnesota
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046

Local Food {BP no.27}

2 star - Action 3:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Maple Grove has hosted a farmer's market at the Community Center since 2004. The market is run by the city with staff time devoted to it being part of standard wages. Vendors are charged per space and for electricity.

In addition, a local church, Lord of Life Lutheran, has a very large (over 1 acre) community garden that supplies fresh local food to residents as well.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.maplegrovemn.gov/around-the-city/farmers-market
For more information contact:
Peter Vickerman (City staff) | PVickerman@maplegrovemn.gov | 763-494-6046