Enter/update building information into the MN B3 Benchmarking database, and routinely enter monthly usage data for all city-owned buildings/infrastructure that consume energy/water.
- 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: 46
Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}
Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
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:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
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:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
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:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
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: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:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
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:- Strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through actions ranging from anti-sprawl land-use policies to urban forest restoration projects to public information campaigns;
- Urge their state governments, and the federal government, to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol -- 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and
- Urge the U.S. Congress to pass the bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation, which would establish a national emission trading system
AND
The City of Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Task Force have worked with Xcel Energy's partners in energy program to develop a Energy Action Plan found here: https://www.ci.rosemount.mn.us/692/Energy-Action-Plan
Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}
Limit barriers to higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map:
- Action 1:Rosemount's DT - Downtown is a mixed use district allowing residential, commercial and civic uses. It currently allows residential densities of up to 40 units/acre and will soon include a Minnesota Valley Transit Authority Park and Ride facility offering express bus service to downtown Minneapolis.
Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Achieve higher density housing through at least two of the following strategies:
- Action 2:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Achieve higher intensity commercial/industrial land uses through at least one of the following strategies:
- Action 3:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Provide incentives for infill projects, or for life-cycle housing at or near job or retail centers, or for achieving an average net residential density of seven units per acre.
- Action 4:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Mixed Uses {BP no.8}
Organize or participate in a community planning/placemaking/design process for the city/a mixed use district.
- Action 1:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Locate or lease a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes:
- Action 2:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Modify a planned unit development ordinance to emphasize mixed use development, to limit residential PUDs to areas adjacent to commercial development, and/or to add sustainability features.
- Action 3:A. Purpose: The purpose of the planned unit development (PUD) district is to provide a district that will encourage the following:
1. Flexibility in land development and redevelopment in order to utilize new techniques of building design, construction and land development.
2. Provision of life cycle housing to all income and age groups.
3. Energy conservation through the use of more efficient building designs and sitings and the clustering of buildings and land uses.
4. Preservation of desirable site characteristics and open space and protection of sensitive environmental features, including, but not limited to, steep slopes, trees and poor spoils.
5. More efficient and effective use of land, open space and public facilities through mixing of land uses and assembly and development of land into larger parcels.
6. High quality of design and design compatible with surrounding land uses, including both existing and planned.
7. Sensitive development in transitional areas located between different land uses and along significant transportation or scenic corridors within the city.
8. Development that is consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Have a downtown zoning district that allows residential and compatible commercial development.
- Action 5:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Create incentives for vertical mixed-use development in appropriate locations (downtown, commercial districts near colleges or universities, historic commercial districts).
- Action 7:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
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:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
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.
- Action 5:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Transportation
Mobility Options {BP no.12}
Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means:
- Action 1:The League of American Bicyclist designated Rosemount as Honorable Mention for its Bicycle Friendly Communities program.
The City has received over $44,000 in State Health Improvement Program (SHIP) grants for pubic bicycle facilities and wayfinding signs.
In 2011, the City offered $10,500 for a business bike rack grant program. The City participates in Walk to School month in October and National Bike Month in May. Partner with Dakota County and the City of Apple Valley to offer a community bike ride.
Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School program.
- Action 2:This group and their work were funded through a grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Minnesota and included Dakota County, School District 196, the communities of Apple Valley,
Eagan and Rosemount as well as a mix of interested private sector stakeholders. The main focus of this group was to assess the active living conditions in the partnering communities and suggest policy changes to encourage increased physical activity in daily routines. Those suggestion served as the basis for the Active Living Section of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Environmental Management
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
Certify as a Tree City USA.
- Action 1:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance.
- Action 5:Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
- Action 6:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Stormwater Management {BP no.17}
Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following stormwater infiltration/management strategies:
- Action 3:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices:
- Action 5:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Reduce de-icing and dust suppressant salt use to prevent permanent surfacewater and groundwater pollution.
- Action 6:The City has begun tracking the amount of salt used on city streets. 51 tons per event this years vs. 77 tons per event last year.
Additionally, the City has been working with a Green Corps member to educate residents regarding salt use. https://www.ci.rosemount.mn.us/718/Conserve-and-Preserve-blog---archive-1
Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Parks and Trails {BP no.18}
Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.
- Action 1:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.
- Action 2:Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects.
- Action 8:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Surface Water {BP no.19}
Conduct or support multi-party community conversations, assessments, plans and actions around improving local water quality and quantity.
- Action 2:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Adopt and report on measurable, publicly announced surface water improvement targets for water bodies, including the percent of lake, river, wetland and ditch shoreline with at least a 50-foot vegetation buffer.
- Action 3:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas; reduce flooding and costs through The National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System.
- Action 4:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Septic Systems {BP no.21}
Report to landowners suspected noncompliant or failing septic systems as part of an educational, informational and financial assistance and outreach program designed to trigger voluntary landowner action to improve septic systems.
- Action 1:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Adopt a subsurface sewage treatment system ordinance based on the Association of Minnesota Counties' model ordinance.
- Action 4:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Work with homeowners and businesses in environmentally sensitive areas and areas where standard septic systems are not the least-cost option to promote innovative waste water systems, including central sewer extensions.
- Action 6:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}
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:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Resilient Economic and Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}
Use a city commission, or committee to lead, coordinate, and report to and engage community members on implementation of sustainability best practices.
- Action 1:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign involving:
- Action 4:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Conduct or support a community education, visioning and planning initiative using a sustainability framework such as:
- Action 5:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Engage community youth and college students by creating opportunities to participate in city government.
- Action 6:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Green Business Development {BP no.25}
Create or participate in a marketing/outreach program to connect businesses with assistance providers, including utilities, who provide personalized energy, waste or sustainability audits and assistance.
- Action 2:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.
- Action 7:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Renewable Energy {BP no.26}
Promote resident/business purchases and/or generation of clean energy by:
- Action 2:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Promote financing and incentive programs such as PACE for clean energy:
- Action 3:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Local Food {BP no.27}
Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily residential developments.
- Action 2:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090
Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:
- Action 3:Anthony Nemcek (City staff) | anthony.nemcek@ci.rosemount.mn.us | 651-322-2090