Zoning and Subdivision Code Update

The City of Arden Hills is updating its Zoning and Subdivision Codes to ensure regulations reflect modern development standards and are consistent with the goals, policies and maps in the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Specific code inconsistencies and issues identified by the City Council, Planning Commission and City staff are being examined as part of this project.

What is the Zoning Code?

The Zoning Code is a set of rules that establishes criteria for how all properties and buildings within the City can be designed, built, used or changed. Its purpose is to ensure development meet the needs and desires of community members. The Zoning Code divides the city into districts and then identifies what elements (structures, etc.) can occur in each. The districts are displayed on a Zoning Map; the current City of Arden Hills map may be viewed here. Some elements have standards that apply across multiple districts, such as parking, landscaping, outdoor lighting and signage. The City’s current zoning regulations may be viewed here, in Chapter 13 of the Code of Ordinances.

What is the Subdivision Code?

The Subdivision Code works in tandem with the Zoning Code and helps the City regulate how land is divided and prepared for development. Subdivision regulations also help the City preserve and protect vital natural resources. The City’s current subdivision regulations are available here, in Chapter 11 of the Code of Ordinances.

Why update the Zoning and Subdivision Code?

The City is updating its Zoning and Subdivision Codes in part because the 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies updating the codes as a key implementation strategy to advance the City’s land use goals. In this revision of the codes, the City of Arden Hills is planning to remove inconsistencies, to improve formatting for ease of use and implementation, to review and modernize standards, and generally to better align the code with the City’s priorities and land use goals. The last all-inclusive rewrite of these codes was in 1993. Since then, the codes have been amended several times, but a holistic overhaul is needed in order to ensure they are easy to navigate and administer, and to confirm they are effectives in protecting the health, safety and welfare of the community.

What is the 2040 Comprehensive Plan?

The 2040 Comprehensive Plan, adopted in November of 2019, is a document the City uses as a tool to guide the long-term growth, redevelopment and overall improvements within Arden Hills. The plan was developed with population estimates through 2040 in mind. One of the most recognized parts of the Comprehensive Plan is the Land Use Chapter, which gets regulated through subdivision and zoning. During the Zoning and Subdivision update process, the Comprehensive Plan will be used to ensure updates align with the long-term planning goals of the City. The City of Arden Hills 2040 Comprehensive Plan is available here.

What is the project schedule?

The update project has been occurring in four phases over, with anticipated adoption before the end of 2025. The City is working with a consultant team, HKGi, to assist with the project and process. HKGi began by reviewing the existing code for issues and opportunities that should be addressed in the process. That was followed by meetings with the City Council and Planning Commission to discuss possible code modifications. HKGi is currently beginning to draft updated sections of the codes. Review the materials prepared for public meetings in the Timeline section below.

How can the public get involved?

At any point of the process please feel free to send questions or comments to HKGi though City staff. Right now, HKGi is interested in your thoughts on a number of topics – take this brief survey to help provide feedback to the project team:
www.surveymonkey.com/r/YRDH6NC This survey will be open through the end of October.

TIMELINE and MATERIALS

June 24, 2024 – City Council work session to kick-off the project

Memo
Presentation

August 7, 2024 – Planning Commission kick-off

Memo
Presentation

October 28, 2024 – City Council and Planning Commission Joint Meeting

Memo
Presentation

February 5, 2025 – Planning Commission Work Session #1

Memo
Presentation

April 9, 2025 – Planning Commission Work Session #2

Memo
Presentation

July 9, 2025 – Planning Commission Work Session #3

Memo

August 11 – City Council Work Session

Memo

Review the current standards here: Arden Hills Design Standards

Zoning and Subdivision Code Update