City Detail

Background Information

City of Saint Paul Park
County: Washington
Population: 5279
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 21
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Kevin Walsh
City Staff
kwalsh@stpaulpark.org
651-459-9785
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
http://www.stpaulpark.govoffice.com/
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.

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 10
1 star actions: 7
2 star actions: 2
3 star actions: 1

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City adopted its most recent comprehensive plan in April of 2010. The plan is attached. Figures associated with the plan may be found at the following web address: http://www.stpaulpark.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={C676A999-6EDA-4CD7-B241-B8BBB2F47538}&DE={D8FD26BA-5CB9-4A3F-9254-4673D5C4E9A3}
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Comprehensive Plan outlines goals, policies and action steps regarding natural resources, cultural resources, land use, transportation, parks and recreation that all lead to improved sustainability in St. Paul Park.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kevin Walsh (City staff) | kwalsh@stpaulpark.org | 651-459-9785
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:
Within the Zoning Code, reference to the City's Comprehensive Plan may be found in Sec. 74-3 as shown below. The entire Zoning Code may be found through the City's website.

Sec. 74-3. - 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 purposes set forth in this chapter.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kevin Walsh (City staff) | kwalsh@stpaulpark.org | 651-459-9785

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

3 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 has a Mixed Use zoning district, which allows for a variety of different uses, including commercial, residential, and institutional within the same building. See section 74, Division 7 of the city's zoning ordinance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.municode.com/library/mn/st._paul_park/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH74ZO_ARTVIIIZODI_DIV7MIEZOMAAR
For more information contact:
Kevin Walsh (City staff) | kwalsh@stpaulpark.org | 651-459-9785

Transportation Transportation

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

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:
The City's website has a page that informs residents of altnerative transportation modes available to them. The page covers express bus service, park and ride lots, Transit Link (formerly Dial-A-Ride), Metro Mobility and bus route schedules
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kevin Walsh (City staff) | kwalsh@stpaulpark.org | 651-459-9785

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

1 star - Action 7:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
All regular meetings of the City Council and Planning Commission are broadcast live on cable television on Government Access Channel 16. These meetings are also repeated at regularly scheduled times and can be viewed over the internet. The City also posts agendas and meeting minutes on its website
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
By televising meetings, it allows residents to be able to view meetings from home without having to drive to city hall. Posting agendas and minutes online allows residents to be able to view these documents on electronic devices, reducing the number of paper copies needed.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kevin Walsh (City staff) | kwalsh@stpaulpark.org | 651-459-9785

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

1 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:
The subdivision chapter of the City's ordinance requires dedication of land for open space or parks as described below in Section 62-131:

Sec. 62-131. - Conveyance of land for public use.

Pursuant to M.S.A. § 462.358, subd. 2b, the city council shall require all owners or developers as a prerequisite to approval of a plat, subdivision or development of any land to convey to the city or dedicate to the public use, for park or playground purposes, a reasonable portion of the area being platted, subdivided or developed as specified in this article, such portions to be approved and acceptable to the city, or in lieu thereof the owners or developers shall at the option of the city pay to the city, for use in the acquisition of public parks and playgrounds, development of existing public park and playground sites, and debt retirement in connection with land previously required for public parks and playgrounds, an equivalent amount in cash based upon the undeveloped land value of that portion of such land that would have otherwise been required to be dedicated. The form of contribution (cash or land, or any combination thereof) shall be decided by the city council based upon need and conformance with approved city plans.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kevin Walsh (City staff) | kwalsh@stpaulpark.org | 651-459-9785
1 star - Action 8:

Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of St. Paul Park promotes its Adopt-A-Park Program on the City's website. The program is a public service initiative that encourages volunteers, with the assistance of the Parks and Recreation Commission, to adopt a park for regular maintenance and cleanups, including picking up litter and planting flowers.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Volunteers identify safety hazards and freely communicate other issues associated with their desiganted park. The program is suitable for community groups, churches, scout and 4-H groups, students, individual citizens, etc.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.stpaulpark.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={3FD12615-B688-4A41-BBD7-1A79BAE6D243}
For more information contact:
Kevin Walsh (City staff) | kwalsh@stpaulpark.org | 651-459-9785

Local Air Quality {BP no.23}

2 star - Action 2:

Reduce residential burning of wood and yard waste and eliminate ‘backyard’ trash burning.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City Code 26-32 Sub 11 prohibits the use of outdoor woodburning furnaces, defined as a fuel burning device designed to burn primarily wood by hand firing and that is not located inside a structure ordinarily occupied by humans.

City Code 26-32 sub. 12 prohibits outdoor biomass burners, defined as a burning device designed to burn fine particular cellulose materials such as sawdust, dried wood chips, charcoal, coal, corn and thermapolastics and that is not located inside a structure ordinarily occupied by humans.

City Code 26-34 sub. 19 states throwing, placing, depositing, or burning leaves, trash, or lawn clippings, weeds, grass or other material in streets, alley, or gutters is punishable as a misdemeanor.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kevin Walsh (City staff) | kwalsh@stpaulpark.org | 651-459-9785

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}

1 star - Action 4:

Public Education for Action: Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign, building on existing community relationships, networks & events involving:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of St. Paul Park promotes its Rain Garden Pilot Program on its website. In partnership with the South Washington Water Shed District, funds were allocated and labor assistance provided that allowed numerous rain gardens to be installed on the properties of willing participants. The program provided an opportunity to educate residents on the benefits of rain gardens and resulted in decreased storm water runnoff on these properties.

The City's Storm Drain Stenciling program helps inform citizens of St. Paul Park that the storm drains they see on their streets are not connected to a treatment facility and that they drain to the river. Storm drain stenciling projects offer an excellent opportunity to educate the public about the link between the storm drain system and drinking water quality. Organizations that wish to assist the City in labeling strom drains may can contact the Public Works Department.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kevin Walsh (City staff) | kwalsh@stpaulpark.org | 651-459-9785

Local Food {BP no.27}

1 star - Action 2:

Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Chapter 10 of the St. Paul Park City Code allows for the limited keeping of chickens and bees for non-commercial purposes in single-family residential areas through the issuance of a license.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.municode.com/library/mn/st._paul_park/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH10AN
For more information contact:
Kevin Walsh (City staff) | kwalsh@stpaulpark.org | 651-459-9785