Skip to main content
City of Northfield MN
File #: 25-438    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Information/Discussion Item Status: Passed
File created: 7/31/2025 In control: Heritage Preservation Commission
On agenda: 8/6/2025 Final action: 8/6/2025
Title: Discussion of the Draft HPC 2025 - 2027 Work Plan.
Attachments: 1. 1 - HPC Action Plan 2025 DRAFT, 2. 3 - Hyperlink to City of Northfield Plans, 3. 3 - Strategic Plan One Page, 4. 4 - Code Update Worksheet, 5. 5 - Worksheet Sample, 6. 6 - HPC COA Application Form
Date Ver.Action ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsVideo
No records to display.
HPC Meeting Date: August 6, 2025

To: Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission

From: Mathias Hughey, Associate City Planner

Title
Discussion of the Draft HPC 2025 - 2027 Work Plan.

Body
Action Requested:
The HPC will discuss the draft 2025 - 2027 work plan and provide feedback to staff.

Summary Report:
At the June 4, 2025, HPC meeting, members discussed the draft work plan to identify areas of interest and focus. Based on that discussion, staff have drafted an updated work plan. Topics commissioners wanted to focus on included:
1. Zoning Code Updates
a. Solar Panels
b. Balconies
c. Mural policy
d. Demolition Review Policy
2. COA Application Form Review
a. Required documents
b. Checklist
c. Format
d. Sample Application
3. Review, revisit, revive older publications & efforts
4. Historic documentation of Riverwalk

Staff have created a worksheet template (attached) to use as a guide in reviewing zoning code updates. Subcommittees may use this worksheet to organize their work and provide a recommendation to the full commission. Staff have provided an example of how to fill out the worksheet (attached). It may be that adopting an addendum to the Downtown Design Guidelines may be a more effective or appropriate way to incorporate the desired guidance for downtown historic properties. As the Zoning Code update evolves, staff will work with the consultant and the HPC to incorporate these changes in the most appropriate location.

Subcommittees should establish deadlines for themselves in coordination with staff so that desired outcomes are identified in a timely manner.

The HPC is tasked with the preservation and protection of and education about areas, places, buildings, structures, and other objects having special historical interest or value. The primary work of the HPC has been to review proposed projects affecting the exterior of buildings in the Historic Downtown Commercial District, and issue or deny Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) as nece...

Click here for full text