Richfield City Council — Agenda
Monday, May 25, 2026
Sidewalks and Tree Planting Policies
Votes (1)
Sidewalks and Tree Planting Policies
The work session focused on continuing the discussion regarding Council Member Hayford Oleary’s proposed updates to the Sidewalk Policy and tree planting guidelines. Key considerations included pedestrian accessibility, neighborhood character, sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and physical constraints like public right-of-way and snow storage. Staff sought guidance on how to frame public engagement, specifically whether to draft an updated policy first or collect resident input beforehand. Questions for consideration addressed long-term residential street priorities (connectivity, tree canopy, parking), sidewalk standardization, placement (one vs. both sides), integration with existing boulevard trees, curb line movements for retrofits, snow removal responsibilities, and prioritization near schools/parks/transit.
Notable Quotes (4)
The sidewalk and tree planting policies are complementary and will impact future residential street design, urban tree canopy goals, and winter maintenance operations.
These policies will impact neighborhoods in Richfield for the next 50 to 100 years. This requires a long-term vision and recognition that these policies affect each other.
Because these policy decisions have long-term effects, public engagement will be an important component of the discussion. The City’s upcoming Comprehensive Plan update presents an opportunity to gather community input on what priorities the community values, to ensure that future policies have community support.
What should residential streets prioritize over the next 100 years: pedestrian connectivity, urban tree canopy, vehicle parking and thru space, or a balance of these goals?
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
Richfield's current sidewalk policy, adopted in August 2016, which is under review for updates. It outlines sidewalk placement based on street classifications.
A city planning document containing multiple recommendations for updates to the 2016 Sidewalk Policy.
An upcoming city planning process identified as an opportunity to gather community input on sidewalk and tree planting policy priorities.
Attachment related to tree planting aspects of the policy discussion.