09-09 Bill No 2025-10City of Richfield September 9, 2025
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
BILL NO. 2025-10
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Motion by: Burk
Seconded by: Hayford Oleary
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE RICHFIELD
ZONING CODE (APPENDIX B OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE)
TO MODIFY THE “HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (MR-3)”
ZONING DISTRICT, SECTION 527
THE CITY OF RICHFIELD DOES ORDAIN:
Section 1 Subsection 527.01 “Purposes” is amended at to read as follows:
527.01. – Purposes.
The purposes of the MR-3 District regulations are to reserve appropriately
located areas for family living in a variety of types of dwellings at a reasonable
range of population densities; preserve as many as possible of the desirable
characteristics of the single-family district, while permitting higher population
densities; provide space for semi-public facilities needed to complement urban
residential areas and space for institutions that require a residential environment;
minimize traffic congestion and avoid the overloading of utilities by preventing the
construction of buildings of excessive size in relation to the surrounding
infrastructure; and to provide multifamily residential areas that are safe and
attractive.
The purpose of the MR-3 District is to provide for multifamily development that is
diverse and attractive, and to facilitate context-sensitive infill and redevelopment,
by allowing a variety of buildings with multiple units. Characteristics of such
buildings include primary entrances and windows facing onto the street, with
secondary windows facing to the side and adjoining properties, human scaled
architectural elements, and green space that allows for tree canopy, water
filtration, and relaxation. Examples of such building types include multiplexes,
townhomes, courtyard apartments, rowhomes, mid-rise apartments and multi-
building developments. The district is not intended to allow slot homes.
(Amended Bill No. 2025-10).
Section 2 Subsection 527.03 “Permitted Uses” is amended at to read as follows:
527.03. - Permitted uses.
Subdivision 1. The uses listed in this subsection are permitted uses in the MR-3
District.
Subd. 2. Multifamily dwellings and multi-building developments with 20 32 or
fewer units, with administrative site plan approval; and between 33 and 100 units
with full site plan approval. (Amended Bill No 2025-10).
Subd. 3. State-licensed day care facility serving 14 or fewer children. Care
facilities located within the MR-3 District shall be subject to the same zoning
regulations as multifamily dwellings in the MR-3 District except that one
City of Richfield September 9, 2025
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
BILL NO. 2025-10
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nonresident employee shall be permitted in accordance with State requirements.
(Amended, Bill No. 2016-03)
Subd. 4. State-licensed residential care facilities serving up to six (6) persons or
a housing with services establishment registered under M.S. 144D serving up to
six (6) persons. Care facilities located in the MR-3 District shall be subject to the
same zoning regulations as multifamily dwellings in the MR-3 District.
Section 3 Subsection 527.05 “Accessory building and use regulations” is amended to read
as follows:
Subdivision 1. The uses permitted in this subsection are allowable accessory
uses in the MR-3 District.
Subd.2: In addition to the general accessory building provisions of
Subsection 509.09, the following rules apply to accessory buildings in the MR-3
District:
a) The maximum height for accessory buildings shall be 15 feet;
b) For non-garage accessory structures, height is measured from the ground
level to the highest point of the roof. For garages, that measurement is taken
on the side of the building with the vehicle door; and
c) Accessory buildings, including garages:
i. shall not be located in the front or street side yard;
ii. must be set back 15 feet from the street side property line when in the
rear yard;
iii. must be set back a minimum of 10 five (5) feet from any rear or
interior side lot line, except that if a vehicle access door faces a rear
or interior side lot line, such rear or interior side setback requirement
shall be not less than 20 feet; and
iv. shall adhere to the same access requirements as for parking lots
required by Subd.3.b, below.
Subd. 3. Open parking or garages as approved through Site Plan Review
a) Location of parking.
i. Parking is not permitted in the front and street side yards.
ii. Parking is permitted in interior side yards only if the width of the
parking and access drive together does not exceed the width of the
principal building or 60 feet, whichever is less.
iii. Parking is permitted in rear yards and underground locations.
City of Richfield September 9, 2025
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
BILL NO. 2025-10
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iv. Individual stalls are permitted head-in off an alley.
b) Access to parking.
i. If the parcel is adjacent to an alley, access shall be off the alley.
ii. If the parcel is not adjacent to an alley, but is a corner lot or a through
lot, then driveway access shall be off the side street with the lower
functional class as defined by the comprehensive plan. If both
roadways are the same functional class, access may be off of either,
subject to approval of the jurisdictional agency.
iii. If the parcel is not adjacent to an alley nor a corner lot, driveway
access may be from the street.
iv. A driveway existing as of September 9, 2025, that does not meet the
above lot access standards can continue in the same location until the
property is redeveloped. Such driveway may be expanded if it is in
conformance with the City Code.
v. Shared access is highly encouraged but requires a written recorded
agreement with the neighboring property owner.
c) Parking lot setbacks and screening.
i. Parking lots must be set back 15 feet from the street side property line
and eight (8) feet from all other rights-of-way.
ii. Parking lots must be set back five (5) feet from the side and rear
property lines.
iii. The perimeter planting requirements of 544.03, Subd. 7 shall apply to
parking stalls located in interior side yards.
iv. All parking lots adjacent to Low-Density Residential, (R) and Single-
Family Residential (R-1), Districts must be screened along the side
and rear property lines with a four (4) foot-tall privacy fence, solid
evergreen hedge, architecturally compatible opaque wall, or a
combination of these, unless an alley is present, or the adjacent
property owner provides a written waiver. (Amended Bill No. 2025-10).
Section 4 Subsection 527.07 “Conditional Uses” is amended at to read as follows:
527.07. - Conditional uses.
Subdivision 1. The uses listed in this subsection are conditional uses in the MR-3
District, and are subject to the conditional use permit provisions outlined in
Section 547.09 of this Code.
City of Richfield September 9, 2025
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State of Minnesota
BILL NO. 2025-10
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Subd. 2. Multifamily dwellings and multi-building developments with more than 20
100 units. (Amended Bill No 2025-10).
Subd. 3 thru 12: unchanged.
Section 5 Subsection 527.11 Dimensional and parking regulations” is revised at the
following subdivisions to read as follows; all other subdivisions to remain
unchanged, except for being renumbered accordingly:
527.11. - Dimensional and parking regulations for multiple-family structures.
(Amended Bill No 2025-10).
Subdivision 1. The standards set out in this subsection apply in the MR-3 District.
Minimum lot
size
60,000 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.
Minimum lot
width
150 feet 50 feet
Minimum
floor area
a) Efficiency: 400 square feet per unit.
b) One bedroom: 550 square feet per unit.
c) Two bedroom: 750 square feet per unit.
d) More than two bedrooms: add 150 square feet per
bedroom to that required for a two bedroom dwelling unit.
Maximum
building
height
a) 50 feet 5 stories, or 60 feet, whichever is less.
b) Proximity to Transit Stations: Buildings within one (1)
block of either side of a High Frequency Transit Line* or
within the Expanded Lyndale & 66th Area may extend
up to six (6) stories or 72 feet, whichever is less.
c) When more than four (4) stories: Floors above the third
floor shall be stepped back a minimum of 15 feet when
adjacent to public streets and public land.
d) Transition Zones: Where a high-density residential zone
abuts the south side of a Low Density Residential
District (R or R-1), the height of buildings within 50 feet
of the boundary shall not exceed three (3) stories or 36
feet, whichever is less, in order to maintain a gradual
transition.
Maximum lot
coverage
(principal
structures)
30% 55%
Outdoor
Minimum
useable
open space
requirements
1, 2
a) Two or fewer bedrooms: 325 square feet minimum per
dwelling unit.
b) Three or more bedrooms: 425 square feet minimum per
dwelling unit.
c) Balconies and porches with at least 70 square feet and
seven feet in width which are directly accessible by individual
City of Richfield September 9, 2025
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
BILL NO. 2025-10
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dwelling units may be counted as contributing 175 square feet
to the outdoor open space requirements listed above.
15% of gross parcel area
Minimum
setbacks
a) Front: 30 feet. 15 feet
b) Side:
i) Interior: the height of building or 20 feet, whichever is
greater. 8 feet
ii) Street Side: 15 feet.
ii) iii) Adjacent to a park: 15 feet.
c) Rear: the height of building or 25 feet, whichever is greater
20 feet
Maximum
impervious
surface
coverage
75%
* One (1) block refers to the distance to the next north -south street, or to the
point where the next street would intersect if it were extended through (as
depicted on the “Residential Parking Reduction Areas” map on file with the
Community Development Department).
1 Unit-specific open spaces, such as balconies and porches, may not count for
more than 50% of the overall usable open space requirement.
2 Impervious surface coverages, such as rooftop amenities and patios, may not
count for more than 25% of the usable open space requirement. Shared rooftop
amenities that are a green roof may be exempt from this limit, subject to review
and approval by the City Engineer and Sustainability Coordinator.
(Amended Bill No. 2025-10).
Subd. 2. Minimum parking.
a. A minimum of 1.25 off-street parking spaces shall be provided for each
dwelling unit. The Council may reduce the parking requirement for senior
housing complexes or other similarly low-driving populations, including
but not limited to, households earning below 60 percent AMI, people who
are neuro-diverse, and/or people with disabilities. (Amended, Bill No.
2011-19; and Bill No. 2024-08, & Bill No. 2024-12)
b. A minimum of half (0.5) an off-street parking stall shall be provided per
unit for residential buildings that are 40 units or less and are located
within one block* along either side of a High Frequency Transit Line.
* One (1) block refers to the distance to the next north-south street, or to
the point where the next street would intersect if it were extended
through (as depicted on the “Residential Parking Reduction Areas” map
on file with the Community Development Department).
City of Richfield September 9, 2025
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
BILL NO. 2025-10
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(Added Bill No. 2025-10).
Section 6 Subsection 527.15 “Additional Regulations” is revised at the following
subdivisions to read as follows; all other subdivisions to remain unchanged,
except for being renumbered accordingly:
527.15. - Additional regulations.
Subdivision 1. [Generally.] Developments shall be constructed and maintained in
accordance with the standards set out in this subsection.
Subd. 2. Limit to number of efficiency units. No more than 25 percent of the
dwelling units in any one (1) building shall be efficiency dwelling units. Sidewalks
are required along all sides of a lot that abut a public street, design subject to
Subsection 500.21, Subd.6.
Subd. 3. Performance standards of Section 544. Developments shall be
constructed and maintained in accordance with the applicable performance
standards set out in Section 544 of this Code, unless they conflict with the
standards in this section, then this section shall prevail.
Subd. 4. Design or overlay districts. All property located within a design district or
corridor overlay district shall be subject to such district's additional requirements
and/or modifications. When in conflict herewith, the overlay district shall prevail.
(Amended Bill No 2025-10).
Section 7 This ordinance is effective in accordance with Section 3.09 of Richfield City
Charter.
VOTING AYE VOTING NAY
Supple, Mary Supple, Mary
Burk, Walter Burk, Walter
Christensen, Sharon Christensen, Sharon
Coleman-Woods, Rori Coleman-Woods, Rori
Hayford Oleary, Sean Hayford Oleary, Sean
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota, this 9th day of September, 2025.
____________________
Mary B. Supple, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 12338
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION
OF SEVEN ORDINANCES MODIFYING THE MUNICIPAL CODE
IN RELATION TO MULTIFAMILY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
(MR-2 AND MR-3 DISTRICT CODE UPDATES)
WHEREAS, the City has adopted the above-referenced amendments of the
Richfield City Code; and
WHEREAS, the verbatim text of all seven amendments is cumbersome, and the
expense of publication of the complete text is not justified.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Richfield
that the following summary is hereby approved for official publication:
SUMMARY PUBLICATION
BILLS NO. 2025-08, 2025-09, 2025-10, 2025-11, 2025-12, 2025-13, AND 2025-14
SEVEN ORDINANCES AMENDING THE RICHFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE
REGARDING MULTIFAMILY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
This summary is published pursuant to Section 3.12 of the Richfield City Charter.
1. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 13, “TRAFFIC, MOTOR VEHICLES,
AND OTHER VEHICLES” TO REPEAL RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS
THE REST OF THE ORDINANCES AMEND THE RICHFIELD ZONING CODE
(APPENDIX B OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE):
2. SECTION 507, “DEFINITIONS”, AND SECTION 509, “GENERAL PROVISIONS”
3. SECTION 525, “MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL (MR-2)” ZONING DISTRICT,
4. SECTION 527, “HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (MR-3)” ZONING DISTRICT,
5. SUBSECTION 541.25, “VETERANS PARK AREA (VPA) OVERLAY DISTRICT”,
6. SECTION 544, “GENERAL BUILDING AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS”,
7. SECTION 547, “ADMINISTRATION”, TO ALLOW ADMINISTRATIVE
APPROVALS
The changes modernize the development standards for multifamily housing and facilitate
in-fill development on MR-2 and MR-3 zoned properties. Changes are extensive, but
generally described include bulk and dimensional requirements such as building heights
and setbacks, changes to allow administrative review and approval for smaller projects,
and reduced parking in targeted transit and pedestrian -friendly areas.
Copies of the ordinances are available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s office during
normal business hours or upon request by calling the Department of Community
Development at (612) 861-9776.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 9th day of
September, 2025.
Mary B. Supple, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk