The City of Northfield carries out the policies of the comprehensive plan by classifying and regulating the uses of land and structures within the city. This Land Development Code is adopted to protect and promote the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the city. More specifically, the purpose of these regulations is to:

1.1.1

Maintain and enhance the community's distinct small town character.

1.1.2

Preserve and protect the area's natural, historic, and cultural resources while providing for improved methods of integrating these resources in the community.

1.1.3

Encourage growth in infill locations as the desired location of development with expansion on the edge of the city a secondary priority.

1.1.4

Create residential community areas with strong neighborhood qualities including pedestrian-friendly streets, community gathering spaces, and basic commercial needs within walking distance.

1.1.5

Encourage the development of neighborhoods that incorporate a variety of housing types to serve the needs of a diverse population.

1.1.6

Allow for places with a mixture of uses that are distinctive and contribute to the city's overall vitality.

1.1.7

Provide standards and guidelines for continuing strategic growth and sustainable development.

1.1.8

Provide for the expansion and diversification of the economic base to assure a strong economy.

1.1.9

Promote an ethic of sustainability in all activities to ensure that proposed development and redevelopment will, at a minimum, conserve energy and natural resources.

1.1.10

Improve and promote connectivity to better serve residents and to improve the function of the overall street network.

1.1.11

Ensure that proposed development is of human scale, primarily pedestrian-oriented to the extent appropriate, and designed to create exceptional streetscapes and pedestrian spaces.

1.1.12

Minimize vehicle traffic by providing for a mixture of land uses, pedestrian-oriented development, compact community form, safe and effective multi-modal traffic circulation (e.g., pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular), and adequate on- and off-street parking facilities.

1.1.13

Protect the rural character of certain areas of the community as identified in the comprehensive plan.

1.1.14

Encourage vibrancy in the downtown core and fringe areas.

1.1.15

Ensure compatibility between different types of development and land uses.

1.1.16

Create a comprehensive and stable pattern of land uses upon which to plan transportation, water supply, sewerage, energy, and other public facilities and utilities.

This Land Development Code shall be known and may be cited as the "Land Development Code of the City of Northfield, Minnesota", the "Land Development Code", or just this "LDC."

The authority to adopt this LDC within the City of Northfield, is derived from the authority provided under the Charter of the City of Northfield and from the powers granted and limitations imposed by the Minn. Stat. § 462.357, § 462.358, and other applicable sections. Whenever the charter or other laws, including the state statutes, referenced in this LDC have been amended or superseded, this LDC shall be considered amended in reference to the new or revised charter or other laws.

This LDC shall apply to all land and land development within the incorporated area of the City of Northfield, Minnesota.

This LDC and the referenced Official Zoning Map hereby replace Chapter 34, Land Development Regulations, of the Northfield Municipal Code.

1.6.1

In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this LDC shall be the minimum requirements, unless otherwise noted, and shall be deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted to the city under its charter and ordinances or under state statutes.

1.6.2

Where this LDC imposes a greater restriction on the use of buildings or premises, or on the heights of buildings, or requires larger yards, courtyards, or other open spaces than are imposed or required by such existing provisions, the provisions of this LDC shall prevail and control to the extent permitted by law.

This LDC is not intended to revoke or repeal any easement, covenant, or other private agreement. However, where the regulations of this LDC are more restrictive or impose higher standards or requirements than such easement, covenant, or other private agreement, then the requirements of this LDC shall govern. Nothing in this LDC shall modify or repeal any private covenant or deed restriction, but such covenant or restriction shall not excuse any failure to comply with this LDC. In no case shall the city be obligated to enforce the provisions of any easements, covenants, or agreements between private parties where the city is not a party to the easement, covenant, or agreement.

The Comprehensive Plan for the City of Northfield or "comprehensive plan" as referenced in this LDC, and adopted on November 17, 2008, is the guiding policy document for this LDC, as amended. It establishes the goals, objectives and strategies that serve as a basis for this LDC. All regulations or amendments adopted pursuant to this LDC shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan as adopted and revised or updated in accordance with the requirements of this LDC and Section 4.6 of the Charter of the City of Northfield. In cases of inconsistency with other regulations or amendments, this LDC shall prevail.

Except as specified herein, no land shall be subdivided, no building, structure, premises, or part thereof shall be used, occupied, located, moved, erected, constructed, reconstructed, converted, extended, enlarged, or altered except in conformity and full compliance with the regulations herein specified for the district in which it is located.

1.10.1

Effective Date. This LDC was enacted by Ordinance No. 922, adopted by the Northfield City Council on August 2, 2011, and shall become effective on September 6, 2011.

1.10.2

Violations Continue. Any violation under previous land development regulations and ordinances that applied to the city prior to the adoption of this LDC shall continue to be a violation under this LDC and is subject to penalties and enforcement under Section 4.8, Enforcement and Penalties, unless the use, development, construction, or other activity complies with the provisions of this LDC.

1.10.3

Nonconformities Continue.

(A)

Any legal nonconformity under any previous land development regulations that applied to the city prior to the adoption of this LDC shall continue to be a legal nonconformity under this LDC, as long as the situation that resulted in the nonconforming status under the previous codes continues to exist.

(B)

If a legal nonconformity under any previous regulations that applied to the city prior to the adoption of this LDC becomes conforming because of the adoption of these regulations, then the situation will be considered conforming and shall no longer be subject to the nonconforming use regulations.

1.10.4

Approved Projects.

(A)

Any building, structure, or development for which a building permit was issued prior to the effective date of this LDC may, at the applicant's option, be completed in conformance with the issued permit and any other applicable permits and conditions, even if such building, structure, or development does not fully comply with provisions of this LDC. Such building, structure, or development shall be considered a legal nonconforming use upon the issuance of an occupancy permit by the city.

(B)

If the building or structure is not completed within the time allowed under the original building permit or any extension granted thereof, then the building, structure, or development may be constructed, completed, or occupied only in compliance with this LDC.

(C)

Any application for a project where an approved building permit has expired shall be required to submit a new application that meets the standards of this LDC.

1.10.5

Approved Subdivisions. Any subdivision which received city approvals prior to the effective date of this LDC, but which has not yet received final approvals by the city, shall be reviewed by the city planner, the planning commission and city council, as applicable. This review will consider the subdivision with respect to its for conformance to this LDC by considering whether the existing grading, installed water or sewer infrastructure, or predetermined street connections at the site and any nonconforming aspects of the subdivision therein can reasonably be brought into compliance with this LDC.

Each chapter, section, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase or other divisible part of this LDC is hereby declared to be severable. If any such chapter, section, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or other divisible part of this LDC is declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid (by any court of competent jurisdiction in a valid judgment or decree), such unconstitutionality or invalidity shall not affect any of the remaining chapters, sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or other divisible parts of this LDC.

1.12.1

Where a conflict may occur between the text of this LDC and any graphic, illustration, or figure, the text shall control.

1.12.2

In some instances, cross-references between articles, sections, and subsections are provided that include the article, section, or subsection number along with the name of the reference following the numerical reference. Where a conflict may occur between the given cross-reference number and name, the name shall control.

1.12.3

Cross-references to tables and figures include the main section number as the first part of the number for purposes of identifying the location of the table.

Pursuant to authority granted by Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.3593, subdivision 9, the City of Northfield opts-out of the requirements of Minn. Stat. § 462.3593, which defines and regulates Temporary Family Health Care Dwellings.

(Ord. No. 982, 8-16-2016)